Today’s Friday Flashback comes courtesy of Pam Docters. She writes:
I took a great walking tour of Winslow Park last weekend. With mild temperatures and beautiful fall foliage, Nicole Carpenter, assistant director of the Westport Museum for History & Culture, took us through the fascinating history of the original Winslow House, then the construction and eventual destruction of the Westport Sanitarium.
Many old-time Westporters remember the Winslow House on the Post Road at Compo Road North, encircled by the original iron fence that still stands.
Westport Sanitarium, at the corner of Post Road East and Compo Road North. (Photo courtesy of Bob Gault, via Facebook)
Situated on 100 acres, the Sanitarium consisted of many buildings, including an immense greenhouse. It was the first building to burn down (allegedly by a vagrant, but I’ve always heard it was our own local teen hooligans).
Nicole pointed out where it is possible to still trace the buildings’ foundations, the “valley” where the manmade pond (for boating and fishing) was located, the hill composed of building remnants after they were burned down in the early 1970s, and even the original fire hydrant, inscribed with the year 1891.
Another view of the Sanitarium. (Photo courtesy of Bob Gault, via Facebook)
Although most patients seem to have been there to recover in the bucolic surroundings (their records are long gone), a few colorful histories from the early 1900s were recorded.
A cousin of the noted Vanderbilt family was committed for interacting with his imaginary friends. He later sued the Sanitarium for kidnapping, but the court ruled against him.
Another man was sent there in 1906 for firing his gun at invading “Redcoats” from his nearby home.
A woman was committed for setting fire to the Compo Inn to dispel spirits. She was later released, as it was determined she was suffering from grief following her husband’s recent death.
Contrary to local lore, there is no indication that lobotomies were performed there! Treatments were primarily psychotherapy, shock treatment, cold water baths, and activities like gardening.
The walking paths at Winslow Park are remnants of its days when patients walked the sanitarium grounds. (Photo/Pam Docters)
Thanks, Pam! Here’s a bit more background:
The original mansion was built by Henry Richard and Mary Fitch Winslow in 1853. He was a state senator and representative.
Named Compo House, the palatial home was surrounded by guesthouses, servants’ and gardeners’ quarters, and gorgeous gardens.
Winslow House, in its heyday.
Former president Millard Fillmore was a visitor. Extravagant fireworks were shot off there every July 4th.
By the early 1900s, it had become the Westport Sanitarium.
Richard Winslow’s Compo House.
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Sure, the weather is unseasonably warm for late fall.
But winter will come. So will heating bills.
The Westport Warm-Up Fund helps income-qualified households handle those expenses. The program is essential for residents whose earnings fall narrowly above state income guidelines. Though ineligible for state or federal assistance, they still need help with utility costs.
Funds come from individuals, businesses and community organizations.
Westport Department of Human Services Elaine Daignault says, “Warm-up donations allow our department to assist our ‘invisible; neighbors in need. Despite a wealth of resources, many neighbors quietly struggle to keep the lights on and their houses warm.”
Tax-deductible donations can be made online (scroll down to top item), or by mail to Westport Warm-Up Fund, Department of Human Services, Town Hall, 110 Myrtle Ave., Westport CT 06880. Questions? In need of assistance? Call 203-341-1050.
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Westport Sunrise Rotary’s 33rd annual “Westport Uncorked” — an international wine tasting — packed The Inn at Longshore last night.
Over 100 sustainable, organic wines were served, along with plenty of hors d’oeuvres.
Proceeds aid Sunrise Rotary’s charitable work, locally and abroad. It’s one of 2 major fundraisers (the other is the Great Duck Race).
We’ll drink to that!
Wine importer David Squires’ table was one of 18, serving a wide variety of sustainable, organic wines.
The Constitution is a huge topic of national conversation, in the run-up to this year’s presidential election.
On Monday (October 28, 7 p.m.), the Westport Library hosts Akhil Reed Amar.
The Yale University law and political science professor, and noted Constitutional scholar, will discuss his book “The Words That Made Us: America’s Constitutional Conversation, 1760-1840.”
He’ll also cover a wide range of topics, including the Electoral College, the pardoning power of the presidency, presidential immunity, and the role and shaping of the judiciary. After the talk, Professor Amar will answer questions about the Constitution.
Also at the Library: a display of campaign buttons and other presidential memorabilia (including a metal button from George Washington’s inauguration!).
It’s a fascinating exhibit. We vote that everyone should see it.
Professor Akhil Reed Amar, with author Stephen Bowling.
The United Methodist Church of Westport and Weston has an exciting weekend ahead.
Tomorrow (Saturday, October 26, 1 to 3 p.m.), kids up to age 12 enjoy “Trunk or Treat.”
The public is invited. Admission is free; donations of cash or 3-5 food items for local pantries are a “treat” for neighbors.
Youngsters can wear costumes, for a fun, safe, “non-scary” Halloween event. To host a trunk, email george.hanze@gmail.com.
On Sunday (October 27, 4 p.m.), Jazz Vespers brings together live music, inspiring poetry and Scripture. Musicians include: Malin Carta (saxophone), John Hoddinot (guitar), Matthew Munzner (bass) and Conor Brennan, drums. A free will offering for the music program will be received.
Trunk or Treat, at the United Methodist Church.
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Cheryl Wheeler and Kenny White headline the next Voices Café (November 2, 8 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport).
Wheeler is a gifted singer-songwriter, and a storyteller with a great sense of humor. Her songs are often emotional portraits of people.
White has a deep career as a singer-songwriter, pianist and guitarist,
Voices Café concerts support the church’s social justice programs. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Longtime Westport resident Bryan Alix died October 3. He was diagnosed with sarcoma cancer last year. He was 69.
Bryan represented many ocean shipping lines. His family says: “He always found a way to deliver the most logistically difficult cargo, ranging from food aid to turbines to houses to locomotives, to ports from Egypt to Tajikistan and everywhere in between. It was impossible to stump him on questions of geography and geopolitics. His stories of shipping on the high seas are legendary.”
Bryan earned a BA in economics from Columbia University, and an MS in international transportation management from SUNY Maritime College. He served on the Maritime Association NATO Panel of Ocean Shipping, as a US delegate.
Bryan played softball with the Westport Boys of Summer, and was a member of the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston. He was a soccer coach for Westport teams, an umpire for Westport Little League, and he continued his college passion of ice hockey by coaching at Wonderland of Ice.
His family says, “Bryan was the most reliable friend to anyone in need, and the person everyone wanted at their dinner table with stories and laughter guaranteed.”
He is survived by his wife Jane, sons Daniel (Michelle) of Redondo Beach, California, and Andrew (Allie Gluck) of Seattle; grandson Liam; sister Suzanne Lockhart (Jim), sister Maryann Finn (Dan); brother Charles Alix (Julie), and nieces and nephews.
A memorial will be held November 2 (1 p.m., Westport Woman’s Club). Donations in his name may be made to Westport Emergency Medical Service; Wonderland of Ice, Bridgeport; and Paula Takacs Foundation of Sarcoma Research.
Bryan Alix
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Today, acorns make their first appearance in our “Westport … Naturally” feature.
(Photo/Jerry Kuyper)
Jerry Kuyper spotted these nuts on his deck. He notes: “Some of these acorn caps appear to have small clocks inside of their cupules, to time their launch.”
And finally … in honor of Westport Sunrise Rotary’s great “Uncorked” event last night:
(“06880” is your hyper-local source for news you can use. It’s “where Westport meets the world.” But we can’t do it without your help. Please click here to donate. Thank you!)
If you don’t think Westporters are excited about a new supermarket, you weren’t at Big Y yesterday.
The store opened at 7 a.m., in the Post Road East space previously occupied by Barnes & Noble. (Before that, it was Waldbaum’s — a now-defunct grocery chain.)
Almost immediately the bright, broad aisles were filled with happy — almost giddy — shoppers.
At 37,000 square feet, the Westport store is a bit smaller than the average Big Y. But it’s an important location for the Springfield, Massachusetts-based company, the second-largest supermarket chain in New England. (Stop & Shop is first.)
Before today, the closest Big Ys were in Stratford and Bethel.
Store director Joe Fetcho lives in Fairfield. He’s been with the company since 1996, and has long advocated for a Big Y here.
“I wanted my neighbors to experience this,” he says.
Fetcho is more than a Big Y manager. He’s a very enthusiastic ambassador.
“I’ve seen dozens of stores,” he adds. “But I’ve never seen this level of excitement anywhere.”
Why?
“The freshness, the variety — and especially the employees,” he says.
Shoppers were not the only ones smiling on Big Y’s first day.
One of those employees — bakery manager Lizzette Ruiz — echoed her boss’ sentiments.
“This is a real family organization. We all love interacting with customers. We listen to what they want. If you don’t see something, let us know. We’ll get it.”
Bakery manager Lizzette Ruiz.
Christian D’Amour is a 3rd generation Big Y executive. In 1936 his grandfather, great-uncle and great-aunts opened the Y Cash Market in Chicopee, Massachusetts. (The name came from its location: a “Y”-shaped intersection.)
Store director Joe Fetcho (left) and 3rd-generation Big Y owner Christian D’Amour, just inside the store’s entrance. The photo behind them shows D’Amour’s grandfather, the founder (right).
He spoke excitedly about the store’s 90 employees, and the high level of customer excitement.
Along with its supermarket selections, Westport’s Big Y features prepared foods (including fish and chips), sushi, made-to-order sandwiches, fresh pizza, soups, gluten-free already-baked cakes, and wings and salad bars. The seafood department includes a kosher section.
How do you like them apples?
As a former Barnes & Noble customer, Fetcho was familiar with the interior. It was challenging to turn it into a grocery store. But, he says, the layout is “efficient, roomy and shop-able.”
Shoppers agreed. Smiling more than supermarket customers usually do, they praised Big Y’s clean, fresh look. They liked the design and “sensible” organization.
Shoppers like Big Y’s wide aisles.
One woman was on her way to the airport. But she said, “I had to come see it.” She was glad she did.
Several echoed the verdict of one man, who praised the new Big Y by comparing it to another supermarket.
“I’m never going to Stop & Shop again,” he said.
(Big Y’s “grand opening” celebration is set for November 7.)
(If there’s a new business in town, you probably heard about it first on “06880.” If you enjoy our coverage — and all the other hyper-local news — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
A local website reported yesterday on a letter sent to the town by the Westport Woman’s Club attorney. At issue was the Imperial Avenue parking lot, which — the attorney noted — belongs to the WWC “in perpetuity,” according to 1956 and 1968 agreements.
The Imperial Avenue lot has been mentioned as a possible site for renovation, as part of a new downtown parking plan.
The website story was illustrated with a photo of the large, paved lot — the site of the Farmer’s Market every Thursday, the former Remarkable Theater drive-in, where savvy Levitt Pavilion-goers park to make quick post-show exits, and school bus drivers hang out between runs — along with the smaller dirt lot, where the Yankee Doodle Fair is held every June.
However, that lower dirt parking area is the only one that the 2 agreements cover.
The Imperial Avenue parking lot (red balloon) is owned by the town. The smaller lot to its right belongs to the Westport Woman’s Club; their building is directly to its north. (Hat tip: Gloria Gouveia)
“06880” reached out to Department of Public Works director Peter Ratkiewich for clarification.
He said, “When we speak of redesign, and reconnecting the riverfront, we are specifically referring to the upper lot and its perimeter. We are not contemplating doing anything with the lower lot other than to maintain the status quo.”
The Yankee Doodle Fair takes place on the lower Westport Woman’s Club parking lot.
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Sure, it’s the off-season. Compo Beach is less crowded than in mid-summer.
But that doesn’t mean you can do whatever you want there.
Check out this entitled driver.
Is he harming anyone?
Not really. There are enough parking spaces to go around.
But why does he (and you know it’s a guy) have to send a message to everyone else that the rules don’t apply to him.
And the photo below answers a reader who read yesterday’s Roundup item about dogs on on the boardwalk — where they’re not allowed — and commented, “I cannot imagine why dogs harmlessly walking on a boardwalk would be a priority.”
Yesterday’s Unsung Heroes feature gave a shout-out to the Department of Public Works crews who every year install the nearly 200 international flags for UN Day (today!) and jUNe Day, as well as the American flags that fly proudly on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge all summer long.
A couple of hours later, Bill Hass — president of the United Nations Association of Southwestern Connecticut — sent a long this great photo, of the guys who did the work this year.
Thanks again, for connecting our town — colorfully and symbolically — with the rest of the world. Happy UN Day!
Every year, Westport kids get a jump on Halloween, at the downtown parade.
This year’s event is on Tuesday (October 29). Children (and parents) meet at the Post Road East/Main Street intersection at 3:30 p.m.
The event — geared toward youngsters 8 and under — is sponsored by the Parks & Recreation Department, Westport Downtown Association, and Westport PAL.
The parade includes trick-or-treating along Main Street, then on to Avery Place and Myrtle Avenue. It ends at Veterans Green at 4 p.m., with entertainment, refreshments and a small gift.
Seen at a previous Halloween parade.
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If you missed Tuesday’s forum, featuring candidates for Westport’s 3 General Assembly races: No problem.
The sponsoring Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce taped the Westport Library event.
Click below to see Kami Evans and Ceci Maher (State Senate, 26th District), Jonathan Steinberg and John Bolton State Representative, 136th District 136), and Peter Bang and Dominique Johnson (State Representative, 143rd District).
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Got drugs?
This Saturday (October 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Senior Center), the Westport Police Department partners with the US Drug Enforcement Administration, for the 26th annual Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
Residents are asked to look in medicine cabinets and drawers for medications that are no longer needed, or out of date. This includes tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs.
The service is free and anonymous, with no questions asked.
Take Back Day has removed 9,285 tons of medication from circulation since its inception.
Collection sites cannot accept illicit drugs, needles or sharps; only pills or patches.
Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container, with caps tightly sealed.
Vape pens with removable batteries can be disposed of at the take-back site. Vape pens without removable batteries are not accepted.
A year-round collection bin is available in the lobby of Westport police headquarters. Prescription drugs can be disposed of any time there. Click here for more information.
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Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between October 16 and 23.
A 19-year-old Bridgeport man was charged with burglary and larceny of a motor vehicle; conspiracy to commit those crimes, illegal transfer/purchase of a pistol or revolver; carrying a pistol without a permit; illegal possession of a firearm with an illegible serial number, and illegal possession of a large capacity magazine, following the May theft of an unlocked 2024 Audi from a driveway.
The keys were left in the vehicle, but it was equipped with tracking software. It was located parked at a Bridgeport residence that day. A ghost gun and large capacity magazine were found in the suspect’s home. He was held on a $75,000 bond.
A 30-year-old Bridgeport woman was arrested for breach of peace, following a domestic violence altercation at the Westport train station parking lot. She was held on a $10,000 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 5 citations
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A big crowd filled a small room at the Westport Library last night, to discuss a hot topic: the future of downtown.
The Downtown Plan Implementation Committee hosted a public charette for “all stakeholders.”
That group — including elected and appointed officials, real estate owners, merchants and their representatives, architects, and plenty of residents — examined aerial photos, maps and plans for Parker Harding Plaza, Jesup Green, the Imperial Avenue parking and environs.
Plus 3 possible sites for a parking deck.
A large aerial photo showed the location of a possible parking deck on Elm Street.
They wrote their ideas on dozens of Post-Its and note cards.
Opinions were all over the lot. It was hard to find unanimity — even on beloved Jesup Green.
Plenty of attendees urged, “Don’t touch it!” Others recommended swapping it with the current Taylor parking lot, closer to the Saugatuck River.
The table devoted to plans for a parking deck at the the police station/Bay Street/Gillespie Center site adjacent to Jesup Green drew typically mixed responses.
“Does data show actual need?” one person wrote. “I always see open spots at midday.”
“A good spot,” a second said.
Architect and longtime Westporter Joe Vallone brought his own plan for an Elm Street parking structure. A Myrtle Avenue resident suggested instead that Town Hall was a better site for parking.
For every Westporter who suggested better use of an outlying lot — Imperial Avenue, say, or Town Hall — another countered that people do not want to walk more than they’re used to.
Then a third would point out that in Europe — and New York, where many Westporters residents lived not long ago — folks walk all the time.
One of many Post-It notes on the Parker Harding Plaza plan.
A public survey will be conducted next month. Downtown Plan Implementation Committee chair Randy Herbertson will present those results, and recommendations from consultants, after the holidays.
Metered parking? Moving the Farmers’ Market closer to downtown?
Last night, all ideas were on the charette table.
(Representative Town Meeting member Andrew Colabella says, “The town was well represented by our elected and appointed officials. The involvement of residents was positive. I wish more were involved.
(“However, this is only the beginning of a long process. I look forward to the public being involved from near and far. Send comments to rtm-dl@westportct.gov,”)
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Attendees at last night’s charette. (All photos/Dan Woog)
Drivers stuck in traffic on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge can pass the time admiring nearly 200 flags of member nations, lining the downtown span.
The annual display is one of those little things that makes living here so great. It’s a reminder too that our small town is part of a much larger world.
(Photo/Jeff Simon)
But those flags didn’t fall from the sky.
They were placed there — very carefully — by Department of Public Works employees.
They do it every October for UN Day.
And every June, for jUNe Day.
The DPW workers also place scores of American flags on the bridge each summer.
(Photo/Philip Keane)
And they take down, and store, those US and international flags, 3 times a year.
We seldom think of what it takes to make this colorful display happen.
But we should. So today — and every day — all those Public Works folks are our Unsung Heroes.
This year’s Public Works crew, on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.
Of course, thanks go too to the many volunteers from the United Nations Association-USA Southwest Connecticut chapter. For nearly 70 years, they’ve made created, maintained and strengthened our town’s bonds with the UN.
None of it would have been possible without a special hero: Ruth Steinkraus Cohen. Her pioneering work, here and at the UN, paved the way for the traditions that continue, 7 decades later.
PS: A great Unsung Hero shout-out to Aye Aye Thant.
The longtime Westport resident, and daughter of U Thant — the UN’s third Secretary- General (1961-71), she too has worked tirelessly on behalf of that body, internationally and locally.
Today, on UN Day, she offers this message:
As we celebrate the 79 th anniversary of the United Nations Day on 24th October it is also a time to mull over its effectiveness. Some question whether the UN is still relevant today. I think this is because most people, when they think of the UN, usually think of the UN Security Council and its deliberations on war and peace issues facing the world. They then judge the Council’s performance based on their own hopes and desired outcomes.
This brings to my mind what my father termed a “Crisis of Confidence.” He said, “The UN today is facing a crisis of confidence, but the ultimate crisis before the UN is a “crisis of authority.”
I recalled at one of his press conferences he was asked about misunderstandings around the purpose of the UN and how to dispel them. My father replied, “Much of misunderstanding about the United Nations arises from the concept, in the minds of most people, of the United Nations as an entity outside of and different from its constituent members. The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization representing member governments.”
Aye Aye Thant spoke at a 2022 Westport Rotary Club meeting. A photo of her father, U Thant, is on the screen. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
He added, “The United Nations is not only the Secretariat or the Secretary -General or any other organs; it is primarily these Member governments…. the United Nations thus reflects the differences and divisions in the world today. If it is deemed imperfect in one sense or another, it is because it mirrors the imperfections of the world around us.”
As my father said, the United Nations is more than the Security Council. While there are global disputes and turmoil in the political field, there is also a growing spirit of internationalism in the economic and social fields. When my father travelled to poor nations, he was gratified to witness how UN agencies had helped to build a better economic order in those countries. As the world has shrunk, as the world’s affairs are no longer foreign affairs of governments but internal affairs that affect us all, the need for a world organization with the basic ideals and objectives of the United Nations, as reflected in its Charter, is needed more than ever.
On this auspicious day, may I end with my father’s wishes that “mankind’s eternal aspiration for good instead of evil, for peace instead of war, for wellbeing instead of poverty, justice instead of injustice and for friendship instead of hostility will reach a worldwide dimension.”
With prayers for a peaceful world — Happy United Nations Day!
(Unsung Hero is a weekly “06880” feature. To nominate a hero, email 06880blog@gmail.com. To support our work, please click here. Thank you!)
A reader wrote: “What is the status of capital improvements at Longshore?
“With pickleball one of the nation’s fastest growing sports, Westport is clearly behind the times. We have only 2 courts at the beach, 2 at Saugatuck Elementary School (which can only be used when school is out), and 4 courts that are not in good shape at Town Farms.”
I asked Rick Giunta, Westport Parks & Recreation Department deputy director, for an update. He says:
“We’re excited to begin the process of the Longshore Capital Improvement Plan.
“Late last week, an RFP was issued for architectural and engineering services for the design and permitting of a new parks maintenance facility within Longshore Club Park.
“Once the current maintenance facility has been relocated, it paves the way to tackle other projects within the Capital Improvement Plan, including the addition of pickleball courts.
“As this process may take several years, there have been discussions to investigate the possibility of adding 2 pickleball courts to Compo Beach in the near term. We’re looking at issuing an RFP soon for this purpose.
“Currently, in addition to the 2 pickleball courts at Compo Beach, 4 will be painted on the tennis courts at Doubleday as well as 4 currently painted on the courts at Town Farms.”
Pickleball courts at Compo Beach. (Photo/DinkinEsh Fotografix)
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The dog days of autumn continue (see yesterday’s Roundup for a leashed/ unleashed debate about Compo Beach).
A reader writes: “I’m a long-time Westport resident in my early 70s, who enjoys lovely off-season walks at Compo Beach. Although reasonably spry, my replacement body parts makes me cognizant of potential obstacles.
“The boardwalk, pavilion and playground are now overrun with dogs, particularly on weekends. While attempting to negotiate the boardwalk 2 weekends ago, within 20 minutes, I took photos of 20 dogs on the walkway, on retractable leashes (fully extended), or entirely off leash.
“I had the dubious fortune to see a dog defecate at the entrance to the playground. I told the owners that was beyond inappropriate. They picked up most of the poop and said, ‘no big deal.'”
“The congestion caused by the massive disregard for civilian traffic makes the supposed off limits areas very difficult to navigate.
“I went to Parks & Rec, and was told ‘there’s no enforcement,’ with no staff or resource to provide guidance, warnings, or tickets. I was told ‘call the selectwoman’s office,’ which is humorous.
“Why have sane and reasonable guidelines to share the beach, without some effort to control the overreach of dog owners?
“I’ll end my diatribe by saying that we love dogs, enjoy babysitting for our son’s beloved dog so, this is not a case of a disgruntled ‘get off my lawn’ crankpot. Just a resident who wishes safe access to our beloved beach.”
Dogs are not allowed on the boardwalk. (Photo/Carm Roda)
As executive director of the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce and Representative Town Meeting from District 1, Matthew Mandell has followed closely the discussions about renovating the Saugatuck River railroad bridge — and the pedestrian walkway next to it.
He says: “On Monday night, the state Department of Transportation held a Zoom call regarding a second project to extend the lifespan of the Saugatuck River train bridge, prior to the full rebuild slated for 2035.
“On a call in April, they outlined work to be done on the mechanical lifts and electrical needed to run them. They said there might be sporadic closures of the walkway to bring in and stage the machinery, but nothing major. Their goal was not to impede the walkway.
“This new call was about work on the 2 towers on either side of the span. The ladders that go up, the platforms for rest climbing and staging, and the guy wires are in terrible shape and need to be replaced.
“This work will be done in 2025. They made it very clear, after stating it and then answering my question to confirm, that the walkway over the bridge will not be impacted. A scaffold will be placed at the end of Ferry Lane East to ensure safe pedestrian passage.
“Work will mostly be done at night. Lights will be trained on the work, and not disturb the neighborhood. Hat tip to RTM member Chris Tait for asking about the lighting.”
Saugatuck River railroad bridge — and the pedestrian walkway. (Photo/John Videler for Videler Photography)
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It’s a busy fall at Wakeman Town Farm.
And there’s something for everyone, from tots to retirees. Offerings include:
Learn to Compost with Alice Ely (October 28, 7:30 p.m.)
Fall Pumpkin Centerpiece Workshop (October 29, 6:30 p.m.)
Farm Sessions for Neuro-diverse Youth (November 2, 9, 16; ages 3-10, 9 to 9:45 a.m.; ages 11+, 10 to 10:45 a.m.)
Election Day Camp (November 5, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
Dahlia Workshop (November 9, 12 p.m.)
Fall Cooking, Grades K-2 (Mondays, November 18 through December 16, 4:15 to 5:30 p.m.)
Fall Flavors with Laura Weinman (November 19, 6:30 to 9 p.m.; $110 per person, BYOB)
Autumn Bits & Delights Cooking. Grades 2-6 (Wednesdays, November 20 through December 18, 4:15 to 5:30 p.m.)
Appetizers and Book Signing with Chef Alison Milwe Grace (December 3, 7 to 8:30 p.m.; $75, includes cookbook).
Click here for more information, and registration.
Attention, non-profits looking for space in a community-focused co-op.
Blau House & Gardens — the dramatic mid-century home off Bayberry lane surrounded by lush gardens and nature — is seeking 1 to 3 non-profit tenants, in the arts, culture, horticulture or environmental sectors.
Flexible office, meeting and event spaces are available, including use of the gardens.
Rent is $9,700 a month, plus shared utilities. Other options are available.
Erick Russell — who has the job — gave Westport Rotary Club members an overview of his office.
He also talked about his major goal: to lower costs and give opportunity, security and quality of life to all Connecticut residents.
To help narrow the large wealth gap, Connecticut Baby Bonds invests $3,200 in each low-income baby born in the state. It will be distributed to them when they are between 18 and 30, as capital to start building a secure financial future.
Russell also discussed the importance of investing in affordable housing.
State treasurer Erick Russell (Photo/Ellin Curley)
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Last weekend, the Head of the Charles Regatta — the Super Bowl of rowing, with 11,000 athletes and 400,000 spectators — hosted the first-ever race made up exclusively of cancer survivors.
Eleven boats from 17 clubs around the world raced.
Among them: the Saugatuck SurviveOARS, out of Saugatuck Rowing club. Theiri pink boat included coxswain Alison Reilly. The Westport resident has coxed the Head of the Charles over 30 times in her career.
The SRC Junior Rowing Program also had a strong showing Sunday at the regatta.
The Saugatuck SurviveOARS, at the Head of the Charls.
The Women’s Youth 8+ took second and fourth place in a category, competing against 90 boats from around the world.
The Junior Rowing Program brought 7 boats and 51 athletes to the regatta.
Fifteen Westport girls were among the 23 SRC medalists. Congratulations to Charlotte Seymour , Sofia Martin, Maddie Speller, Delaney Rose Lundberg, Clementine Kirt, Sophie Cochran, Rylie Cordella, Carolina Proctor, Kate Weitz, Alice Frascella, Mina Leon, Samantha Weitz, Emily Lust, Ashlyn Frey and Olivia Saw, plus Anne Studnicky and Hannah Makmale of Weston.
The Saugatuck Women’s Youth 8+A team (from left): Phoebe Bryan, Sophie Cochran, Hannah Makmale, Clementine Kirt, Madeline Casano, Rose Lundberg, Maddie Speller, Sofia Martin, Charlotte Seymour, Coach Mike O’Hara.
The ESPN chairman and Westport resident will receive the VOICES 2024 Leadership Award November 14, at the New York Athletic Club.
The annual Always Remember Gala is sponsored by Voices Center for Resilience.ESPN’s Mike Greenberg — a former Westporter — is the MC.
Voices Center for Resilience (VOICES) provides long-term support for thousands of people impacted by 9/11, and helps communities prepare for other tragedies.
Pitaro will be recognized for his leadership, devoting ESPN’s time and resources to produce the “Comeback Season” exhibit at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, and the television special hosted by Greenberg. Both show how sports united and helped heal the nation after the 2001 terrorist attacks.
Last year, Pitaro was named Innovator of the Year by StartUp Westport.
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo features Riverside Park.
(Photo/Dan Vener)
Photographer Dan Vener says, “If your glass is half full, this shows someone enjoying a hammock in the park.
“If your glass is half empty, it’s a tree strangler!”
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And finally … on this date in 1864, the Battle of Westport — the last significant Civil War engagement west of the Mississippi River — ended in a Union victory.
The event — sometimes called “The Gettysburg of the West” — was fought in what is now Kansas City, Missouri. Over 30,000 troops were involved.
It was the turning point of Confederate Major General Sterling Price’s Missouri Expedition, forcing his army to retreat. For the rest of the war, the US Army maintained solid control over most of Missouri.
(“06880” is “where Westport meets the world.” That includes Westport, Missouri. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog — with its global touch — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Tickets are selling briskly for the 2nd annual “Historic Homes of 06880” house tour. The Sunday, November 3 (1 to 4 p.m.) event includes 3 very cool centuries-old homes, and 1 stunning new build.
Tickets are $60 each, $100 for 2. Proceeds help fund “06880”‘s work — which, as always, chronicles Westport’s past, present and future.
The exterior retains its original look. Inside, the 160-year-old home is exciting and modern.
Current owners Al and Chris DiGuido have lived there for over 33 years. They’ve overseen two major renovations, while keeping the charm and spirit of the home. (It is rumored that the large cistern in the cellar was a hiding place on the Underground Railroad.)
The home is a showcase for fancy millwork. It is a great gathering place, with 4 fireplaces, large rooms downstairs, and a full bar, entertainment center, mahogany tray ceilings and rooftop balcony upstairs.
It is well known too as the base of operations for Al’s Angels, the non-profit that provides aid to children and families suffering hardship due to life-threatening illnesses or poverty.
93 Cross Highway
This saltbox — visible to all, near North Avenue — was built in 1764 by Eliphalet Sturges. From 1908 through the 1950s, it was owned by George Hand Wright. He was one of the first noted artists to move to Westport, and helped establish this as an artists colony..
The house had great bones. With its massive stone fabrication, handsome hearth and wonderful Wright-era furniture, it was lovingly restored by Ed Gerber. A former member of Westport’s Historic District Commission, he’s also a trustee of both Historic New England and Preservation Connecticut.
Gerber refinished the maple floors, painted and plastered the walls and ceilings, and remodeled 2 baths and the kitchen.
He also preserved George Hand Wright’s legacy, by assembling the largest collection of his illustrations, etchings and other works. Much of it is now on display.
Extensive garden renovations add to the property’s allure. To ensure protection of the property in perpetuity, Gerber obtained landmark protection from Westport’s Historic District Commission.
87 Maple Avenue South
Dan and Nicole Donovan — Staples High School graduates, with a strong sense of history — lovingly restored this handsome 1870 Queen Anne-style farmhouse, on the corner of Greens Farms Road. It had sat empty for several years.
Every room is worth seeing. But the centerpieces are the former wine cellar, now a stone-walled bar that might be the town’s best man cave, and the kitchen that is the heart of the home for the Donovans and their 6 kids.
296 Compo Road South
Niv and Kim Harizman’s new home near the beach shows how new construction fits in to a historic neighborhood. Builder Peter Greenberg of Able Construction will be on hand to discuss his work. Michael Greenberg & Associates did the architectural design.
“06880” often celebrates Westport’s rich history. We honor homeowners who preserve the past, while enhancing their neighborhoods — and those who bring new life to them.
“06880” tells stories. As you explore all 4 houses, you’ll learn the stories behind each one.
The homeowners will point out cool aspects of each home. You’ll get a brochure explaining the 4 houses too.
(Click here for tickets. Questions? Email 06880blog@gmail.com)
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