But this seems an appropriate time to give thanks for all we have in Westport.
For what seems like all of October, we’ve enjoyed an autumn out of a movie director’s dream.
Spectacular foliage, brilliant sunshine, warm temperatures — what’s not to love?
The beauty is so at odds with what many of us feel. A foreboding election, a polarized nation, perils across the globe, weather disasters everywhere but here, a planet on the brink of doom — all are never far from our minds.
Those worries are real.
But let’s all take a deep breath.
Let’s look around our town, and be grateful for all the wonderful ways in which we live life in Westport.
One of those wonders is Winslow Park. Just think: 32 acres — trees, grass, meadows, woods, walking paths, all just a few steps from downtown.
Mark Mathias is a Winslow regular. Yesterday, he photographed the world of Winslow.
There are many reasons to worry these days.
Yet — as these photos show — there are many reasons our hearts can soar, too.
Early voting began yesterday, for the first time in a Connecticut presidential election.
A number of Westporters headed to Town Hall, to take part in history (and make their voices heard).
(Photo/Deborah Greenberg)
Early voting runs through Sunday, November 3, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Town Hall auditorium. On October 29 and 31, the hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Voting on Election Day (Tuesday, November 5), is from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., at regular polling places. Click here to view a district map. (Hat tip: Ifesheyi Gayle)
But several residents emailed “06880,” noting that on 2 beautiful days, which should have brought out the best in everyone, there were “conflicts” involving dogs.
Or, more specifically, dog owners.
Apparently some off-leash dogs did not stay in the proper area (near the cannons). Apparently too, this was not the first time.
Linda Mezzullo has a solution. She writes: “Would it make more sense to designate the off-leash area as the stretch of beach beyond the playground and pavilion?
“It could start at the walkway from the Soundview parking lot across the street, and run along Soundview Drive to the jetty. That section tends to be less crowded. Dogs could still be walked along the entire beach, but the off-leash area would be limited to that stretch.”
Knowing Westporters, and their love for both the beach and their dogs, this suggestion might get readers yipping and/or growling. Click “Comments” below to share your thoughts. But please: Keep it civil!
Should the beach behind the seawall on Soundview Drive be the new “off-leash” area? (Photo/Cathy Malkin)
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Most leaves are still (beautifully) on trees.
But they won’t be for long.
Curbside leaf collection begins November 4. The Department of Public Works says that all leaves must be placed in biodegradable paper bags safely near the curb of a town street by December 2.
Residents living on private streets must place their leaves behind the curb of an intersecting town roadway. Leaves placed in plastic bags will not be picked up, as plastic contaminates the composting process.
There is no need to call and schedule a pick-up. Crews will complete pick-ups as schedules allow. For further information, call 203-341-1120.
This is the way to bag your leaves. (Photo/Scott Smith)
As planning continues for a new Long Lots Elementary School, the Building Committee has scheduled 2 special meetings.
Tonight (Tuesday, October 22, 7 p.m., Long Lots auditorium), they’ll meet with neighbors to “answer questions and listen to comments, suggestions and concerns that the neighborhood may have regarding the new Long Lots School Project.’
This Thursday (October 24, 2:30 p.m., Town Hall Room 201/201A), they’ll meet with members of the Westport Community Gardens to hear input regarding “the relocated, rebuilt community garden.”
Immediately following the session, at 4:15 p.m., 1st Selectwomen Jen Tooker has invited Community Gardens members to a walk-through of the Baron’s South property on Compo Road South, a proposed site for the new gardens.
Baron’s South is a possibility for a new Westport Community Gardens. (Photo/Morley Boyd)
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Would you like “7 ways to support your student’s studying and executive functions without losing your mind?”
That’s the provocative title of a free Westport Together webinar, set for this Thursday (October 24, 7 p.m.).
Topics include:
What are the study skills all students need to be successful in school?
How can your child eliminate distractions when they study?
How your child can avoid feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and anxious?
Click here to register. Questions? Call 203-307-5455.
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A celebration of the life of Lis Comm — the longtime Staples High School English teacher and town-wide director of language arts, who died in August — will be held November 14 (3 p.m., Westport Woman’s Club).
Her husband and fellow Staples educator, Frank Corbo, invites Lis’ many former colleagues, students and parents to the ceremony.
Last month, “06880” chronicled the story of Rob Eichler. The 1971 Staples High School graduate is battling ALS (and using a communication devise that traces its origins to his father, an engineer).
After the story ran, over 40 readers donated more than $4,000 to ALS research, in Rob’s name.
Earlier this month, there was an ALS walk in New Hampshire, where Rob now lives. Click here for a video. It offers a look into the cause “06880” readers supported.
And into the grace, humor and courage with which Rob Eichler continues to live his very fulfilling life.
Jewish and African American musicians merge their roots and melodies in “The Afro-Semitic Experience.”
On November 10 (2 p.m., Westport Library), they offer a concert that “puts the ‘unity’ in ‘community.'” The event is co-sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County and Jazz Society of Fairfield Count.
The Afro-Semitic Experience is “a whoopin’, hollerin’, testifyin’ celebration of multicultural soul music. Imagine Charles Mingus sitting in with a Klezmer band, playing gospel music set to the polyrhythmic pace of congas and bongos.”
Their “powerful and poetic musical experience … celebrates diversity, promotes social justice, and inspires hope and joy. Their music embodies the radical notion that people of different faiths, races, and beliefs can come together through music to celebrate and build community.”
Speaking of music: Drums take center stage this Thursday, at the weekly Jazz at the Post series.
Sylvia Cuenca is a hard-swinging post-bop/hard bop drummer, best known for her long associations with trumpeter Clark Terry and saxophonist Joe Henderson.
She has played at VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 before.
This time, she’s joined by Rico Jones (sas), Manuel Valera (piano) and Essiet Okun Essiet (bass).
Show times are 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. Dinner service begins at 7. Tickets are $20 for the music, $15 for veterans and students. Click here to reserve.
Tony Ventrella died Saturday, after a battle with cancer. He was 80.
Described by the Seattle Times as “a fixture of the Seattle sports media landscape, known for his endearing optimism and friendliness, and a quirky sense of humor that brought the combo of information and entertainment to his broadcasts” — as a sports anchor on 4 TV stations, he got his start at WDJF, an FM station in Westport.
Click here for a full obituary. (Hat tip: Jim Simpkins)
Tony Ventrella
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Lou Weinberg is one of our town’s best nature photographers.
His “Westport … Naturally” image today is even more spectacular than most.
Lou explains: “This beauty is hard to photograph. It does not stay in one place for long.
“Black swallowtails love nectar-rich flowers such as zinnias (pictured above), milkweed, Joe-Pye weed, butterfly bush, phlox and ironweed. All grow in the Westport Community Gardens, where this photo was taken.
“Host plants for the larvae include carrot tops, parsley, dill, fennel, turnips and Queen Anne’s lace.
“They overwinter in a chrysalis and emerge around April. Green open space is critical to their survival.”
And finally … following up on the Compo Beach leash/off-leash story above:
(Election Day is November 5. Early voting has already begun, as noted in this Roundup. But any day is a good one to contribute to “06880.” Please click here to “register” your support. Thank you!)
Early voting for president started yesterday in Connecticut. I spent the previous evening a few feet from the man who may be the next Vice President of the United States.
The reception — at Governor Lamont’s (very large) home — was the 4th time this year I’ve been to a political event.
Their vibes mirror the ups and downs of this very tight — and critically important — election season.
The first was the “3 Presidents” at Radio City Music Hall, in March.
I’d seen Bill Clinton and Barack Obama before. I’d never seen President Biden.
Stephen Colbert (left) interviews Presidents Biden, Obama and Clinton.
I had great seats — about 18 rows from the stage, dead center. Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer warmed up the crowd. Then came the first lady, and the entire Biden clan (including Hunter).
Talent included Queen Latifah, Lizzo, Ben Platt, Cynthia Erivo and Lea Michele.
MC Mindy Kaling joked about why people would pay up to $500,000 a ticket (that was not my seat) to support someone who wants to raise their taxes.
As expected, Obama was the rock star. Clinton was raspy. Biden mumbled a bit but made no gaffes, and was fully engaged.
It was remarkable to see them together, but at the same time seemed very natural and oddly reassuring. Their affection for each other – fighting similar ideological battles, but also occupying a unique position in the world – came through strongly.
Barack Obama, with Joe Biden.
I expected only rah-rah stuff. But Stephen Colbert asked interesting, even provocative questions. There were a couple of softballs, but he did not shy away from Israel/Gaza, and Biden’s age.
It was a very different scene 3 months later, at an LGBTQ event at the Manhattan Club.
It had been scheduled a while earlier, for the night after the presidential debate. No one could have known beforehand what a disaster for Biden that turned out to be.
His fumblingly geriatric performance was, well, the elephant in the room.
The president’s voice was more robust than the night before. He read well from a teleprompter. He had a bit more energy.
President Biden, at the Manhattan Club.
But the podium was placed close to the wing, so he did not have far to shuffle out on stage. The energy in the room was low.
The highlight of the night was Biden’s introduction, by Sir Elton John. Much to everyone’s disappointment, he did not sing.
Sir Elton John, behind the presidential seal.
A Sunday afternoon last month could not have been more different.
The crowd was more diverse in age and race than the previous 2 events. Once again, I had great seats — just behind the $1,000,000 contributors, dead center.
The energy was sky-high, even before Whoopi Goldberg and Billy Porter came on stage.
The vice president gave her basic stump speech. But she delivered it with poise and passion, and the reaction was electric — a far cry from Biden’s talks.
In just 3 months, the race had turned on its head. The first crowd was excited, primarily by a former president. The second was dutiful. This was pulsating.
Vice President Kamala Harris, at Cipriani Wall Street.
The venue for vice presidential candidate Tim Walz 2 days ago was much more intimate: about 200 people, on Lamont’s back country Greenwich patio.
Governor Walz was much more relaxed than in his debate with JD Vance earlier this month. He spoke easily about topics ranging from gun violence and reproductive rights to the economy, and repeated his now-famous line about the importance of getting along with one another: “Mind your own damn business.”
He also described his genuine friendship with the Connecticut politicians gathered there: Governor Lamont, Senators Murphy and Blumenthal, Representatives Hayes and Courtney.
(Noting that Hayes — who is in a tough re-election race in the 5th District — has been National Teacher of the Year, while he was “only” a finalist for State Teacher of the Year, Walz said, “It’s easier to become Governor of Minnesota than Teacher of the Year.)
Governor Tim Walz, on Sunday. (All photos/Dan Woog)
The Westporters and others gathered there listened raptly to Walz’s remarks. He gave the crowd “the assignment”: Don’t let up over the next 2 weeks, in the run-up to yet another razor-thin election.
The crowd laughed appreciatively when he said, “If the universe has any type of justice as that moral curve bends, we’ll win Georgia by 1 vote. And it will be Jimmy Carter’s.”
The political landscape is very different from the first event I went to, just 7 months ago.
But the mood is still the same, on both sides of the aisle: anxious, uncertain, fearful of what will happen if the other candidate wins.
It’s been intriguing to have seen those 4 events this year.
Two weeks from today — or, perhaps, days or weeks later — I’ll find out whether I was with the next president and vice president.
Lee Goldstein has been active in education, all her life.
A graduate of Yale University, she is a former high school English teacher and professional writer/editor.
Lee served on the Bedford, New York Board of Education. When she moved to Westport Lee became active in the elementary, middle and high school PTAs.
She now chairs Westport’s Board of Education.
The other day, Lee and I chatted at the Westport Library. Our “06880” podcast discussion ranged from local BOE issues (a new school, redistricting, curriculum, library books, cellphones, etc.) to education in general, and life in Westport.
Click below, to hear her ideas, insights, and thoughts on what’s ahead.
The 2017 Staples High School graduate — believed to be the first former Wrecker ever to reach baseball’s Major Leagues — now goes to the ultimate games.
And he’s one reason they’re there.
Called up from the minors in August, Casparius has proven to be a reliable relief pitcher. Last night he threw 1 1/3 innings, allowing 2 hits, walking 1 but giving up no runs, as the Dodgers beat the New York Mets 10-5.
And Casparius — one of 7 LA pitchers — was credited with the win. It was his first in MLB.
Jeff Mitchell explains: “If the starting pitcher does not complete at least 5 innings and leaves the game with a lead that the team maintains, the official scorer will decide which relief pitcher is credited with the win.
“The scorer typically awards the win to the relief pitcher who was the most effective in preserving the lead during the game. Because no relief pitcher pitched more innings than Ben (1 1/3) nor had a better ERA (0.00), Ben was awarded it.
“I highly doubt any pitcher in the history of baseball has won a post-season game with fewer regular season appearances. Ben had appeared in just 3 regular season games, and now has appeared in 4 post-season games.
“However, rumors are that Dodger relievers Brusdar Graterol and Alex Vesia might be well enough to return for the World Series. That means they would need to replace 1 or 2 relievers currently on the roster.
“Ben is not assured to be back on the starting roster. But I think he’ll be in the dugout to be used in case of injury.”
Here’s the clubhouse scene, after the game:
Meanwhile, as the California team battled to reach the World Series — against the New York Yankees — most folks assumed the Connecticut native had grown up rooting for either the Yanks or the Mets.
Nope.
Yesterday’s Boston Globe reported:
Dodgers rookie righthander Ben Caspariusgrew up in Westport, Conn., which is Yankees territory. But he was a Red Sox fan.
“My father is from Maine and he and my mom went to Northeastern,” Casparius said. “So I always liked the Sox.”
The Globe added:
Casparius was a two-way player at North Carolina then transferred to UConn to focus on pitching.
It was a good decision. He had a 3.36 ERA as a starter in Triple A this season, made his major league debut as a reliever, and worked 3 scoreless innings in his first 2 postseason games, striking out 4 and not allowing a hit.
His message from manager Dave Roberts?
“Just be myself,” Casparius said. “It’s just another day in baseball, nothing needs to change, or reinvent the wheel or try anything new. And really just to soak it all in and just take in every moment. Enjoy it.”
Casparius hit 97 miles per hour with his fastball against the Mets in Game 3 of the NLCS. While his work has not been in high-leverage spots, Casparius picking up outs has helped the other relievers get some rest.
(Hat tip: Jeff Booth)
Ben Casparius (screenshot courtesy of Dave Briggs)
Speaking of sports: Members of the Staples High School boys and girls soccer teams, and the field hockey squad, joined many other Westporters yesterday morning, at the annual Push Against Cancer event.
The giant push-up festival raises funds to support The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, aiding children with serious illnesses.
First selectwoman Jen Tooker was there to support the cause, and event founder Andy Berman.
Gail Bernstein — who in her more than 30 years as benefits coordinator for the town of Westport solved many problems, made life better for countless employees, and earned great respect — died peacefully at her Fairfield home on Thursday, surrounded by her family. She was 89.
She is survived by her sons Paul (April) and Douglas; sister Judy (Dan); nephews Jeffrey (Jo), Matthew (Paloma), Rob (Jennifer), Peter (Scott), David (Linda); niece Martha; step-grandchildren Michael, Emily and Jason; grandnieces Sabrina and Nicole; grandnephew Michael, and other extended family and friends.
A funeral service will be held Tuesday (October 22, 12 noon, Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield). Burial will follow in Lawncroft Cemetery. F
Friends and family may visit at the funeral home from 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesday. Click here to leave an online condolence note.
Gail Bernstein
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Bees do it.
Cooperate, that is.
Nancy Vener provides an up-close-and-very-personal look, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
And finally … in honor of Ben Casparius’ Boston Red Sox fandom:
(Good times never seem so good as when you’re part of our great “06880” community. If you enjoy our hyper-local blog, please consider supporting our work. Just click here. Thank you!)
A few years ago, Fairfield’s restaurants were eating Westport’s lunch.
Our neighbor’s dining scene is still robust. But from Saugatuck and downtown to the Southport line, make no mis-steak: We’ve got our dining chops back.
The opening this weekend of The Bridge at Saugatuck — and the new sign at soon-to-open Riko’s — underscore just how many good options there are in that very walkable neighborhood.
Zucca Gastrobar, Tutti’s, Black Duck, Harvest, Tarantino, Romanacci’s, The Allium, Match Lobster, The Whelk, Kawa Ni, Rainbow Thai, Rizzuto’s, Viva Zapata, Renato’s, The Boathouse, Dunville’s, Lomito, Four Brothers … there’s plenty of Italian food (befitting the old neighborhood), and plenty that’s not (befitting the new).
Traditional, down home and very good: Pasquale and Maria Funicello, owners of Tutti’s.
Heading toward town, options include Rive Bistro, Arezzo and OKO — each distinct, all with plenty of passionate regulars.
Downtown is equally eclectic. On just a couple of streets, you can choose between Basso, Don Memo, Walrus Alley, Capulli, Il Pastaficio, Jeera Thai, Casa Me, Studio Café, Nômade, 159 Main, Joe’s Pizza and Hudson Malone. The Cottage is not far away.
On Church Lane alone, choices include a new French créperie, Choupette; the Israeli The Blondinit, Japanese Pink Sumo, and Korean Gogi. Plus, of course, the American Spotted Horse, and Emmy’s, with its “Detroit-style” pizza.
Closer to Norwalk, we’ve got The Naan (Indian) and Via Sforza (Italian). Further up the Post Road are restaurants like Gabriele’s Steakhouse, Little Kitchen, Terrain, Sakura, Little Barn, Tengda, Bar Lupa, Julian’s, Hungry Pot and Tiger Bowl.
Raman and Simi Bandra, at The Naan.
La Plage is a bit off the restaurant track. But its waterfront location, in Longshore, make it another special Westport spot.
You want Mexican? Besides Viva and Don Memo, try Mexica, Mexicue, Bartaco and/or Tacombi.
I haven’t even mentioned all the primarily or fully takeout restaurants — for example, Layla’s Falafel, Westfair Fish & Chips, Ed’s Fusion, Vedas, Border Grille and Yuki Kitchen.
Or the random places that are open for lunch, but not dinner, like Jr’s and the Original Pancake House.
And … you didn’t think I’d forget it, did you? … the Sherwood Diner.
Sherwood Diner (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)
Are all of these spots fine dining?
No. But taken together, they make Westport a destination to find food of all types, at all price points, and often, close to one another. That proximity helps create a buzz, and brings diners back from more.
Not just from Westport, but other towns too.
Including Fairfield.
(What’s your go-to restaurant? Where do you show off Westport, to visiting friends and relatives? What did I miss? Click “Comments” below.)
Jeera Thai is one of my all-time favorite Westport restaurants. Clockwise from top: Su Kho Thai, a spicy noodle soup; curry puffs (chicken with cucumber sauce); Bangkok Stir Fry, another wonderful dish.
(Restaurants are an important part of “06880” — the town, and the blog. If you enjoy our coverage of this, or any other local topic, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
You were the only reader to correctly identify last week’s Photo Challenge. The strange photo — of a model of a 1950s-era car dangling in mid-air — can be found on the side of the Westport police station.
Click here to see the image. It was one of our most difficult challenges ever.
This week’s is (hopefully) easier. If you know where you’d see this, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Sandy Rothenberg)
(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!)
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: dwoog@optonline.net. Thanks!)
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