Beginning with Westport’s connection with our sister city of Lyman, our town has followed Ukraine’s war against its Russian invaders closely.
On September 11 (7 a.m., Green’s Farms Congregational Church), the Westport Sunrise Rotary hosts a rare public presentation by 3 senior Ukrainian leaders, responsible for governing communities on the front lines of the full-scale fighting.
Marshall Mayer — the Westport native who co-founded Ukraine Aid International, the non-profit that delivers direct aid, and facilitated both the Westport-Lyman sister city relationship, and the sister state partnership between Connecticut and Donetsk — will join the officials. UAI brought this delegation — which includes the Donetsk oblast governor – to the US.
“Most Americans experience this war through headlines,” Mayer says.
“This is a rare opportunity to meet the people making the important decisions, to hear firsthand what is happening on the ground. and better understand what is at stake for Ukraine and the world.”
Seating is limited. For more information, email info@westportsunriserotary.org. The meeting will also be livestreamed. Click here for the link.
================================================
Bill Taibe is back in the news.
Yesterday we announced the opening of his new restaurant, hi’Amba.
Today we report that he’ll be honored at the Norwalk Art Space’s 5th anniversary bash.
Through his support of the café in the dynamic East Avenue space, the Westport-based restaurateur and chef has helped its mission of providing free art and music education to under-served students, and exhibition opportunities for under-represented artists.
The Art Space Café is a favorite of gallery visitors, artists and students. It offers an “all-day breakfast” and lunch menu with daily specials, house-made pastries and a full coffee bar. it also highlights local culinary artisans and their products.
In addition, Taibe is launching a food program for Norwalk Art Space students call “Fueling Creativity.” In collaboration with the Westport Farmers’ Market, the café will provide after-school meals once a week for Norwalk Art Space students, many of whom face food insecurities.
Arts Bash 2026 will include music, cocktails, and gourmet bites, exhibits and a live auction. For more information and tickets, click here.
Bill Taibe and his Norwalk Art Space Café staff.
=================================================
Talk about a long prep time!
Last December, “06880” announced the arrival of SoHo Pizza. The sign boasted, “Made in New York City.”
A day earlier, we noted that Frank Pepe’s Pizza — the historic New Haven restaurant — was headed to Post Road West.
Pepe’s opened June 1. They’ve been here nearly 4 months, and are thriving.
SoHo?
Crickets.
A reader writes: “It’s taking a really long time for this crew to make a slice. In the meantime, the boarded-up building is an eyesore.
“Not to mention they tore down the iconic Texaco sign.”
Yep — they did that in May.
Not to mention, they’ve had months to fix the misspelling on their sign, and never did:
But, hey! Maybe we shouldn’t wait. They may not be opening at all.
I mean, they’re not “coming” here. Just “comming.”
=================================================
Think the assessment on your motor vehicle is too high?
The Board of Assessment Appeals meets on September 8 (6 to 7 p.m., Town Hall lobby).
They’ll hear appeals for the 2025 Grand List. You must bring the vehicle you’re appealing. (Not all the way inside, obviously).
We have no idea what Briggs Cunningham’s C-3 Cabriolet — which he designed himself, seen here at his former Beachside Avenue home — was assessed at in the 1950s. Nor what the assessment is today. We’re guessing a lot: Only 36 were ever built.
=================================================
Lizzy & the Triggermen brought their “vintage music for modern times” to the Levitt Pavilion last night. A large crowd enjoyed what NPR calls “one part Eartha Kitt, one part Ella Fitzgerald, one part Amy Winehouse.”
Tonight (7:30 p.m.; free), Billy & the Showmen take the stage. Their R&B, funk, soul and Motown repertoire includes James Brown, Percy Sledge, the Ohio Players, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Marvin Gaye, Wilson Pickett, Tower of Power, Buddy Miles, Kool & the Gang, Otis Redding, the Temptations and Sam & Dave.
Click here for more information.
All ages dance to Lizzy & the Triggermen. (Photo/Susan Garment)
==================================================
Graduates from several 1980s-era Staples High School classes held an impromptu reunion at Compo Beach last night.
The weather was spectacular — just as they remembered it from their youth.
And this time, the drinks were legal.
(Photo courtesy of Alison Milwe Grace)
==================================================
Eloise Semmelmeyer Peterson died peacefully at her Westport home on May 19. She was 95.
She graduated early from Washington University in St. Louis in 1953, with a BS in marketing. Eloise married John Semmelmeyer III in 1956. They settled in Westport in 1965, and raised 3 children here.
Following John’s death in 1974, Eloise eventually found love again with Robert “Pete” Peterson. They lived in Denver and Palm Springs, California. She donated her time to charitable causes. After Pete’s death she returned to Westport in 2007.
She enjoyed music, theater and opera, and in her younger years enjoyed tennis and skiing. She went ziplining in Alaska at age 80.
In the 1970s Eloise began recycling, and was strongly inspired by the feminist movement. She became a vegetarian in her 80s because of her concerns about factory farming. Throughout her life, she remained engaged in social and political issues. In her later years she described herself as “an armchair activist,” working for liberal and progressive causes.
She said that her “happiest decade” was her 80s, which she attributed to her newfound sense of gratitude.
In her last years Eloise shared a loving relationship with William Hart. She is survived by her children, Kristen, Erik and Jana; son-in-law Tom Ward; daughter-in-law Elizabeth Chambliss, and grandchildren Chris Ward, Micheline Ward, Emma Becker Ward (Rachel), Max Ward, Lucy Semmelmeyer, Jane Semmelmeyer, Johana Semmelmeyer and Ryan Cyprian.
Eloise was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport for more than 60 years. Following a private burial, a celebration of her life will be held there on October 3 (12 p.m.).
In lieu of flowers or donations, Eloise asked people to take themselves out to dinner, and have a wonderful time.
Eloise Semmelmeyer
=========================================
Lee Feldman calls today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo “Rose in the Rain.”
Fortunately, there’s no rain in the weekend forecast.
Today will be sunny, with a high 0f 78. Tomorrow: partly cloudy, high of 82.
Enjoy!
(Photo/Lee Feldman)
==================================================
And finally … on this date in 1885, the first heavyweight boxing title fight under Marquis of Queensberry rules was held.
(From Westport to Norwalk, Ukraine — and everywhere else — “06880” is “where Westport meets the world.” If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
