Monthly Archives: August 2025

Roundup: Helpful Accessibility, Hillspoint Sidewalk, Harvest Fest …

Posted on August 5, 2025 | 11 comments

The town of Westport wants to improve accessibility and ADA compliance in public spaces. Public input can help.

Whether you live with a disability, support someone who does, or care about making Westport inclusive for all, residents’ feedback is essential.

There are 2 sessions, both at the Senior Center:

  • Wednesday, August 20 (6-7:30 p.m.)
  • Thursday, August 21 (9-10:30 a.m.).

Click here to register for one of the sessions.

The Senior Center is accessible to all. But if you can’t attend, click here to take a short survey.

The Mobi-Mat helps make Compo Beach accessible to many people. (Photo/Patti Brill)

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The new, wide Hillspoint Road sidewalk between Soundview Drive and Old Mill Beach was finished in time for the summer.

Except for one stretch, near Schlaet’s Point (the Compo jetty). Weeks later, it remains incomplete: an unlevel patch of dirt and gravel.

Several residents reached out to town officials.

The Department of Public Works is waiting for Eversource to set a push pole at the intersection of Hillspoint and Soundview, then adjust the guy wires so they are not a hazard to pedestrians.

They utility company must reset and reconfigure some wires in several places around the corner on Hillspoint.

Once that is done, the paving contractor will return.

In the meantime, a DPW crew was scheduled to add cold patch ramps today, to ease the transition on the sidewalk.

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Harvest Fest is one of the best parties of the year.

Tickets are now on sale. But they go fast!

The September 13 food-and-wine event (6 p.m.) is Wakeman Town Farm’s biggest fundraiser.

There’s great seasonal fare by local farmers and chefs, wine and cocktails, live music, an auction (including private chef dinners in WTF’s Tim’s Kitchen, VIP trips, a stay at Watch Hill’s Ocean House resort and a wine wall, and a paddle raise for the new Farm on the Go program.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

Harvest Fest scenes.

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Speaking of farms: This Friday is the deadline for submission to the Westport Farmers’ Market’s “Young Shoots” photo contest.

So there’s one more day for photographers ages 5-18 to shoot images: this Thursday (August 8, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Imperial Avenue parking lot).

The contest — with cash prizes, in 3 age groups — is a partnership between the Westport Farmers’ Market, the Artists Collective of Westport, and the Drew Friedman Community Arts Center. Click here for details.

What’s the competition? Here are a few of the submissions so far:

Marcus Slomich (age 5-9 category)

Lila Boyd (age 10-14)

Sydney Handler (age 15-18)

Parker Toohey (age 15-18)

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Last week, an “06880” Roundup photo showed a large American flag, stuck in a tree branch near McDonald’s.

Yesterday, a tree removal crew freed it.

(Photo/Bob Weingarten)

Coincidence? “06880” juice?

Who cares?

Long may she wave!

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International stars are frequent headliners at Jazz at the Post — the VFW’s weekly series.

But one of the favorite performers is Westport’s own Melissa Newman.

The popular talent returns this Thursday (August 7; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7; $20 music charge, $15 veterans and students).

She’s joined by other regulars: guitarist Tony Lombardozzi, bassist Phil Bowler, drummer Bobby Leonard and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.

Click here for tickets, and more information. 

Melissa Newman

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Zoe Monschein — the 2024 Greens Farms Academy valedictorian — is a physics and applied math double major at the University of California – Berkeley.

But those are not her only talents.

The other day, at the 17th annual Women’s Major Softball Championship hosted by the fabled Stratford Brakettes, Zoe — a rightfielder for the Junior Brakettes — won the batting title, with a remarkable .636 average. She was also named to the All-Tournament team.

Though Zoe does not play softball for the Cal Bears, the tournament featured a number of NCAA Division I players.

Congratulations, Zoe! (Hat tip: Fred Cantor)

Zoe Monschein

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Last weekend might have been the nicest of the summer in Westport.

Just about everyone headed to beaches, pools, or out on the Sound.

So did many non-humans — including today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured gull, enjoying a dip at Bluff Point.

(Photo/Pam Docters)

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And finally … on this date in 1962, Marilyn Monroe is found dead at her Los Angeles home, from a drug overdose. She was 36.

(From handicap access and sidewalks to Harvest Fest and the Farmers’ Market, “06880” is here for you: 24/7/365. If you enjoy our coverage, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Entertainment, Environment, Sports

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Staples Soccer Coaches: Next Step In The Saga

Posted on August 5, 2025 | 19 comments

In May, the Board of Education rejected an appeal by Staples High School boys soccer head coach Russell Oost-Lievense of superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice’s decision to not renew his contract.

Freshman coach Chris O’Dell was also not renewed by Scarice. His appeal hearing is set for September 12.

Westport’s loss is Fairfield’s gain.

The pair have joined the coaching staff at Fairfield Warde High School, and been embraced by the Mustang community.

Despite the ordeal, both coaches retain their love for the Staples soccer program. Both are graduates of the school, and former captains.

In heartfelt letters to players and parents, Oost-Lievense and O’Dell describe their long connection to Wrecker soccer; thank their supporters, and note that Staples and Warde will collaborate in the future — including a fundraiser for pediatric cancer research, when the teams meet on September 27.

Click here, to read the letters from the 2 coaches.

Russell Oost-Lievense, in front of the Staples High School boys soccer trophy case. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Chris O’Dell (Photo/Richard McColl)

 

 

19 Comments

Posted in Local politics, Sports, Staples HS

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Pics Of The Day #3029

Posted on August 4, 2025 | 1 comment

Among many great summer traditions: Wednesday sailboat races on Long Island Sound ,,, (Photo/Jim Hood)

… and a scene from the Ned Dimes Marina (Photo/Lou Weinberg)

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Roundup: Moving Sale, ’50s Artists, Lifeguard Olympics …

Posted on August 4, 2025 | 12 comments

Carl Swanson’s family moved to Westport in the summer of 1955. They quickly experienced 2 hurricanes — Connie and Diane — with their 26 inches of flooding.

Jo Ann Miller — who later married Carl — moved here in 1984, during Hurricane Diana. It too crippled much of the state.

Now — after decades in Westport — they are moving to Bermuda.

But not before a big moving sale. Among the items: sculptures by their late friend Kelley Spearen, Jo Ann’s engaging artwork, tools, sports equipment, kitchen appliances and much more.

The Saturday sales are August 9 and 23 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) at their home off North Avenue, near the Bedford Middle School entrance (follow the signs).

All proceeds will benefit 2 local groups: VFW Post 399, and “06880.”

Carl and Jo Ann’s generosity is apt.  He is a writer, and long-time participant in and contributor to this blog. Jo Ann is the daughter of Lt. Gen. Thomas Miller (USMC-deceased), and the goddaughter of astronaut John Glenn.

“We have been blessed to have lived in this town for so long. It is time to give our last goodbye, to benefit those who give to the community every day,” Jo Ann says.

Thank you, Carl and Jo Ann, for your thoughtfulness — and for all you have done for our town, for so many years.

Carl Addison Swanson and Jo Ann Miller have already donated one of Kelley Spearen’s sculptures to Wakeman Town Farm.

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Speaking of art: Tomorrow (Tuesday, August 5, 11 to 11:30 a.m., Senior Center), the Westport Permanent Art Collections highlights the work of 5 of Westport’s most noted and beloved artists.

Works from Howard Munce, Susan Malloy, Alfred Willmott, Estelle Margolis and Stevan Dohanos will transport attendees back to the Westport of the 1950s.

Among the works: Dohanos’ “Star Pitcher,” which “06880” featured a few days ago:

“Star Pitcher” (Stevan Dohanos)

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This weekend, Westport’s lifeguards took time out from saving people, searching for lost kids and applying Band-Aids, to compete in the annual Lifeguard Olympics, at Compo Beach.

Among the events: races, and a tug of war.

The Olympics were coordinated by senior foreman Mike Guinta, and aquatics director Danilo Sierra-Giraldo.

(Photos/Rick Giunta)

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Speaking of the beach: A reminder that 2 portable fire pits are available to rent at South Beach, through the Parks & Recreation Department.

The cost is $150. Westport residents 21 and older can mail a request form to croda@westportct.gov.

Here’s one the other night, casting a warm glow after a cookout:

(Photo/Marie Gross)

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Also yesterday: Stella Blue’s Band played to a full Levitt Pavilion house of Grateful Dead fans of all ages.

Stella Blue’s Band. (Photo courtesy of Levitt Pavilion)

The concert corresponded to “The Days Between” — the period between Jerry Garcia’s birthday (August 1) and the day of his death (August 9).

In addition, 2025 marks the legendary band’s 60th anniversary.

The Levitt is just 9 years younger. As part of its 51st season, the outdoor amphitheater presents over 50 shows, free of charge — 19 in August alone.

For a full calendar and more information, click here.

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Speaking of entertainment: Seen on social media, and “06880”-worthy because it’s the closest first-run movie theater to Westport:

AMC Royale 6 has now extended its “previews” — the “coming soon” ads that blast on and on before the movie you paid to see — to 40 to 45 minutes long.

The good news: They now inform ticket buyers of the long, loud and obnoxious run-up ahead of time.

And speaking of the Royale 6: Bizarrely, the large sign in front, on Route 1, no longer lists the movies they’re showing.

More than one reader has written “06880,” asking when and why the theater closed.

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The Soundview Summer Stroll was one week ago.

Among the kids’ activities: rock painting.

When the event ended, some of the artwork left behind was placed on the nearby seawall.

A week later, it’s still there. But someone took the time to arrange it in a “lovely” message for passersby:

(Photo/John McCarthy)

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In the “there’s always a back story” department: Check out this mailbox, on Maple Avenue South.

(Photo/Chris Grimm)

There must be something more here. If you have a clue — or just want to guess — click “Comments” below.

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How does this Compo Beach image qualify as a “Westport … Naturally” photo?

Well — that sand is part of nature, right?

(Photo/Pam Kesselman)

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And finally … in honor of the Lifeguard Olympics (story above):

(If you read “06880” regularly: You’re a winner! And if you click here to make a tax-deductible contribution supporting our work, you’re a true champion. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Beach, Entertainment

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Mark Galley’s ’62 Mets Book: Amazin’!

Posted on August 4, 2025 | 2 comments

The New York Mets are known for 2 things:

Their miraculous 1969 season, when an astonishing late-season surge culminated in a World Series championship, and …

The 7 seasons before it, when they never finished higher than 9th out of 10 teams — particularly their atrocious, miserable, sometimes comic, certainly memorable debut year of 1962.

More than 6 decades later, baseball fans still remember it.

Including Mark Galley. Even though he had not yet been born.

Galley’s sports pedigree is strong. His father Dick was a 3-sport athlete in Staples High School’s Class of 1959, setting several baseball records.

Mark was in Staples’ Class of 1983, but graduated from Loomis Chaffee. He was a Trinity College quarterback, and captained the ski team.

Galley began his professional TV and film production career in Los Angeles.Back in Westport, he was a DJ on 95.9 The Fox, then in the 1990s joined Modem Media — the world’s first interactive agency, headquartered on Saugatuck Avenue.

He led the creative department, building early websites and interctive experiences for brands like Heineken, Delta Airlines, Sony and John Hancock.

Mark Galley

After winning multiple awards, Galley started his own agency, Spitfire Interactive, on Main Street. He pioneered in-store and menu boards for Subway. Other clients included GE, NASCAR, Energizer and Kraft.

Ten years later he moved on to become chief marketing and creative officer at LifeCare. Most recently, with American Dream in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Galley promoted 450 brands, attractions and restaurants.

Meanwhile, all along — for more than 25 years — he worked on a Mets project.

The idea began when he read Jimmy Breslin’s book, “Can’t Anybody Here Play This Game?”

A quick look at that initial year of “ineptitude, mediocrity, and abject failure,” it also captured the importance of the team to New York, 4 years after the Giants and Brooklyn Dodgers abandoned the city for the West Coast.

At the heart of the story — and the man who gave Breslin’s book its title — was manager Casey Stengel.

The only man in history to have played or coached all 4 New York teams — those 3, plus the Yankees — Stengel was a larger-than-life character.

Just as he’d done with players, fans, sportswriters and everyone else 60 years earlier, Stengel — who was fired by the Yanks in 1960, age 70, for being “too old,” and died 15 years later, at 85– captivated Galley.

Stengel was an important part of the screenplay that Galley began writing in the early 2000s. Another key piece was the behind-the-scenes maneuvering by baseball owners to keep only 1 team (the Yankees) in New York — and then, when that failed, to manipulate the expansion Mets’ draft so completely that their squad of castoffs, misfits and never-will-bes would be the laughingstock of baseball.

The rival owners succeeded. Throughout the entire season, the Mets nevers won on a Thursday. They had 2 pitchers with the same name (Bob Miller). Their mascot, “Mr. Met,” got beaned and beat up.

They were eliminated from playoff contention on August 7 — the earliest date in baseball history. Their season ended on a triple play.

New York welcomed the Mets in 1962. The city had no idea what lay ahead.

Surely, Galley thought, this is a tale worth telling.

For over 2 decades, he reearched and wrote. He envisioned a TV show — “Amazin'” — of 18 episodes, each 45 minutes long. His script ran 930 pages. He already has 140 songs picked out, for the series.

Five years ago, Galley got an agent. They shopped it around. Producers and directors liked it.

But, they all said: We need to see a book first.

So — like a baseball player who is told to learn a new position, or try a new stance — Galley went back to work.

He cut the screenplay by more than half, to “just” 400 pages. In April, “How the Worst was Won” was published.

It’s turned some heads. Colin Cosell — Howard’s grandson, and the Mets’ PA announcer at Citi Field (with Westporter Marysol Castro) — is a fan.

Galley was interviewed by Michael Carlon, for his “Uncorking a Story” podcast.

A few producers have come sniffing around.

A lot still has to happen for Mark Galley’s book to become a TV series.

Then again, a lot had to happen for the 1962 Mets to morph — a mere 7 years later — into world champions.

Amazin’!

(To order “How the Worst was Won,” click here. To learn more about the book, click here.)

(“06880” is where Westport meets the world. And when that world includes the 1962 Mets — well, that’s how we roll. But we can’t do it without readers’ support. Please click here to help. Thank you!)

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Posted in Categories

Pic Of The Day #3028

Posted on August 3, 2025 | 1 comment

Merritt Parkway bridge, Bayberry Lane (Photo/Mary Lou Roels)

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Posted in Pic of the Day, Transportation

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Photo Challenge #553

Posted on August 3, 2025 | 8 comments

Last week’s Photo Challenge showed the base of a Main Street lamppost.

Andrew Colabella, Jacqui Bidgood, Ed Simek, Seth Schachter, Micheal Simso, Scott Brodie, Sal Liccione and Wendy Schaefer all correctly identified it: in front of the Lux Bond & Green shopping plaza, near Brandy Melville.

I’m not surprised our readers identified it quickly: It’s big, visible, and in a very prominent location. (Click here to see.)

But I expected at least one complaint about all the stickers stuck to it. Westporters seldom miss a chance to comment on visual pollution. For whatever reason, this one got a pass.

Fun fact: The lamppost sits in front of what used to be called Brooks Corner. It was named not for the Brooks Brothers store there, but for Brooks Community Newspaper’s Westport News, which used to have its offices there. The Brooks family owned the small shopping/office plaza.

Now it’s called something like “Main & Elm” or “Elm & Main” — so forgettable, I forgot it.

This week’s Photo Challenge is below. If you know where in Westport you’d see it, click “Comments” below.

(Photo/copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)

(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!) 

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Posted in Downtown, Photo Challenge

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Roundup: Narcan, Smoke Shops, Caboose …

Posted on August 3, 2025 | 13 comments

As students head off to college, they pack many things: Clothes. Electronics. Favorite items from home.

And: Narcan.

Positive Directions offers a safety kit with the medication that quickly reverses the effects of an opioid overdose, plus fentanyl test strips and more.

There’s also a 15-20 minute info session on mental health, substance risks and resources at college, including overdose signs and how to administer Narcan.

It’s August 14, any time between 1 and 6 p.m. at 90 Post Road West. For more information, click here.

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Speaking of substances: There is one less smoke shop in Westport.

Mohegan — diagonally across from Stop & Shop — has closed.

As their hastily written (and grammatically incorrect) sign notes, they are now in Norwalk:

(Photo/Dan Woog)

Still open: Savvy Smoker and Westport Cigar & Vape.

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Alert “06880” reader Jessica Branson writes:

“Who knows what will come of the legendary caboose that has lived off Newtown Turnpike for decades?

“For months, a large demolition sign has been on the door of the house (120 Newtown Turnpike, or 1 Crow Hollow Lane) that the caboose sits in the rear of.”

The demolition sign …

“Legend has it the caboose was flown in, as in literally dropped via air, by a doting father for his daughter’s birthday party. And so it has been there for years, now encroached by brush, no one living in or near, though at one point it was an office for the nearby house.

… and the caboose today. (Photos/Jessica Branson)

“Neighbors hope the caboose will stay when ‘the little red house’ is finally torn down.”

In 2016, “06880” featured the caboose — and Gigi New, the writer who used it as her office (and muse). Click here for that fascinating back story. (Spoiler alert: It includes plenty of facts. And a lot of mystery.)

The caboose in 2016 …

and writer Gigi New, who used it as an office. (Photos/Dan Woog)

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For Steve Moen, painting means returning — to physical places and emotional landscapes.

For the 1972 Staples High School artist, his “Circling Back” series began with visits back to Westport, where his childhood memories live in tidal marshes, rocks and boulders along the shore.

The exhibit is on display at the Westport Library’s Sheffer Gallery from now through October 5. On August 13 Moen returns, for a 6 p.m. reception and 7 p.m. conversation with Artists Collective of Westport co-founder Miggs Burroughs. Click here for more information.

Steve Moen, with his Westport Library exhibit.

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The 2025 FCIAC champion Staples boys basketball team is hooping it up with a community favorite: the 2nd annual Summer Slam Jam 3v3 Tournament.

On August 24, all 3rd–8th grade boys — of all skill levels — are invited to Bedford Middle School for a full day of fun.

It includes:

  • 3-v-3 tournament for players of all abilities
  • 3-point shooting contests
  • Raffle prizes
  • Meet and play with Staples varsity players.

Click here for more information, and to register.

Meet and hang out with the FCIAC champs!

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Speaking of sports: An “06880” story about Westport’s Domestic Violence Task Force request for donations of items needed by their clients caught the eye of the Staples cheerleaders. They wanted to help women in need.

The captains asked dteammates to bring an item from the list to the next practice.

But — wanting to raise more awareness, and collect more items — they reached out to the football team.

With help from the Gridiron Club and captains, they collected many more items.

The other day, they dropped off their donations at the police station. The officers — and “06880” — thank the Staples cheerleaders and football team!

A portion of the cheeerleading and football teams’ donations.

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Speaking of community service: In just 2 weeks, the Westport Rotary Club collected 153 musical instruments, and assorted sound gear.

They ranged from drums, guitars and keyboards to ukeleles, clarinets, flutes — even music stands and conductor’s batons.

The collection — worth about $14,000 — is being shipped to the Youth Orchestra of Ecuador.

Green’s Farms Church served as the collection point. Westport Rotary president Peter Helt drove all over Fairfield County to pick up donations, then hauled it all to New London, for shipping.

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Speaking still of community service: Staples High rising junior Mika Smith volunteers with the National Charity League.

Organizing book drives for Caroline House in Bridgeport, she has collected 2,000 books over the past 3 years.

This year Mike and her sister Gretchen — a rising freshman — also customized tote bags to deliver the books. They’ll be used long after the books are delivered — and will be a constant reminder of Caroline House’s great work.

Mika and Gretchen Smith, with their donated books and tote bags.

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Low Cut Connie got the Levitt Pavilion rocking last night.

They brought a creative, inclusive take on rock ‘n’ roll, channeling early Elton John, punk, Rod Stewart, Philly soul and other genres into a musical stew.

(Photo/copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)

Frontman Adam Weiner often jumped into the audience, to sing — and dole out hugs.

(Photo courtesy of Levitt Pavilion)

This week’s free shows include:

  • Tuesday, August 5: Comedy Night, 7 p.m.
  • Wednesday, August 6: Children’s Series: Danny Weinkauf & His Red Pants Band, 7 p.m.
  • Thursday, August 7: Barboletta: A Tribute to Santana, 7:30 p.m.
  • Friday, August 8: Lulada Club: New York City’s All-Women Salsa Orchestra, 7 p.m. dance lesson, 7:30 show.

Click here, then click on “Calendar” at the top to reserve free tickets.

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The Westport Book Shop’s Short Story Club meets August 28 (6 to 7:30 p.m.).

The 3 stories honor the dog days of summer:

  • “Black Dog” by Penelope Lively (1986)
  • “Dog Heaven” by Stephanie Vaughn (1989)
  • “My Lord You” by James Salter (1994).

Registration is required. Call 203-349-5141, or email RSVP@westportbooksaleventures.org.

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For over 20 years, St. Vincent’s Hospital “Swim Across the Sound” has raised funds to help cancer patients facing financial hardships. Last year’s event raised $590,000, to help pay for rent, utility bills and groceries.

The 17-mile swim begins in Port Jefferson, Long Island, and ends at Captain’s Cove in Bridgeport.

Among the boaters escorting swimmers yesterday: Westport Josh Schwartz. Here is the Clarkson University swim team — before they got wet:

When they got in the water — and back out — they finished third, in the college division.

(Photo/Laura Schwartz)

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We’ve all seen the bumper stickers and decals:

“Baby on Board” (often on NASCAR-speed vehicles)

“My Child is an Honor Student”

“My Kid Beat Up Your Honor Student.”

They’re old. But John McCarthy spotted this very new — and true — one yesterday, in Westport:

(Photo/John McCarthy)

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Giften photographer Lou Weinberg sends along today’s stunning “Westport … Naturally” image:

(Photo/Lou Weinberg)

And, as a bonus, he offers this nature lesson:

“These birds are amazing in so many ways.

“They weigh about as much as a penny, and have approximately 20 heartbeats per second. It takes a lot of energy to keep up that pace, so the hummingbird will eat up to 3 times its body weight a day. One of their favorite sources of energy is the jewelweed, a native yellow flower.

“Some of them migrate from Southern Canada as far as Costa Rica. They can cross the Gulf of Mexico — approximately 500 miles — in a non-stop single flight.

“Their aerial displays are unmatched. Up, down, backwards and forwards, hovering and with great speed, they are marvels to watch.

“As we continue to eradicate green open space, such as the planned destruction of the 4 acres of open space adjacent to Long Lots Elementary School, we continue chipping away at the ability of our beautiful natural environment to sustain itself.

“Destroying green open space like this is exactly the opposite of what we are teaching our kids in school, and is in direct contrast to helping a world that seems to be falling apart at its environmental seams.”

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And finally … tying together a couple of the first items in today’s Roundup:

(You never know what you’ll find in our Roundup. But there’s always something special here — and, hopefully, news and info you can use. We also hope you’ll click here to support us. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Library, Local business, Real estate, Sports, Staples HS

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To The Man Who Killed My Dog

Posted on August 3, 2025 | 6 comments

Nearly every day, “06880” receives emails from residents complaining about reckless, speeding drivers.

But it’s not only a 2025 issue.

Nearly 70 years ago, the Westport Town Crier & Herald — our print predecessor — addressed the problem.

Alert “06880” reader Siobhan Crise subscribes to Shaun Usher’s “Letters of Note.” Each week he emails important, interesting and/or intriguing letters he’s found.

The most recent one caught her eye. It begins:

In 1955, travel editor Richard Joseph and his wife, Morgan, left the intensity of New York behind and settled into the relative calm of Connecticut.

They adapted quickly to the slower pace of life, and before long had welcomed a Basset Hound puppy named Vicky into their home.

One Sunday evening, as Richard took her out for a walk, a speeding car veered off course and struck the 6-month-old dog, killing her almost instantly. The driver didn’t stop.

The following morning, heartbroken and angry, Richard sat down and wrote a letter addressed “to the man who killed my dog” and sent it to the local paper, Westport Town Crier & Herald. To his surprise, it was soon printed on the front page; before long, it had been reprinted across the country. In 1957, it even inspired a book.

The driver was never found.

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To The Man Who Killed My Dog:

I hope you were going some place important when you drove so fast down Cross Highway across Bayberry Lane, Tuesday night.

I hope that when you got there the time you saved by speeding meant something to you or somebody else.

Bayberry Lane at Cross Highway today. The long-dangerous intersection now has several warning signs. 

Maybe we’d feel better if we could imagine that you were a doctor rushing somewhere to deliver a baby or ease somebody’s pain. The life of our dog to shorten someone’s suffering — that mightn’t have been so bad.

But even though all we saw of you was your car’s black shadow and its jumping tail lights as you roared down the road, we know too much about you to believe it.

You saw the dog, you stepped on your brakes, you felt a thump, you heard a yelp and then my wife’s scream. Your reflexes are good, we know, because you jumped on the gas again and got out of there fast.

Whoever you are, mister, and whatever you do for a living, we know you are a killer.

And in your hands, driving the way you drove Tuesday night, your car is a murder weapon.

You didn’t bother to look, so I’ll tell you what the thump and the yelp were. They were Vicky, a 6-month-old Basset puppy; white, with brown and black markings. An aristocrat, with 12 champions among her forebears; but she clowned and she chased, and she loved people and kids and other dogs as much as any mongrel on earth.

A basset puppy.

I’m sorry you didn’t stick around to see the job you did, though a dog dying by the side of the road isn’t a very pretty sight. In less than 2 seconds you and that car of yours transformed a living being that had been beautiful, warm, white, clean, soft and loving into something dirty, ugly, broken and bloody. A poor, shocked and mad thing that tried to sink its teeth into the hand it had nuzzled and licked all its life.

I hope to God that when you hit my dog you had for a moment the sick, dead feeling in the throat and down to the stomach that we have known ever since. And that you feel it whenever you think about speeding down a winding country road again.

Because the next time some 8-year-old boy might be wobbling along on his first bicycle. Or a very little one might wander out past the gate and into the road in the moment it takes his father to bend down to pull a weed out of the driveway, the way my puppy got away from me.

Or maybe you’ll be real lucky again, and only kill another dog, and break the heart of another family.

Richard Joseph
Westport, Conn.

(This letter can be found in the book, “Letters of Note: Dogs.” Signed,  personalised, gift-wrapped copies can be purchased here.)

6 Comments

Posted in Looking back, Media, Westport life

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Pic Of The Day #3027

Posted on August 2, 2025 | 1 comment

Railroad bridge, Saugatuck River (Photo/Jay Petrow)

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Posted in Pic of the Day, Saugatuck, Transportation

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