Author Archives: Dan Woog

Roundup: Raccoon Rescue, Battle Of Compo Hill, Chili Cook-off …

Posted on October 20, 2024 | 5 comments

Another day, another animal rescue!

Michael Szeto and his wife Valerie were on their daily walk with their dog JoJo yesterday.

JoJo kept pulling them toward a sewer drain on the corner of Quentin Road and Compo Beach Road.

As they got closer, the couple saw 2 tiny claws reaching out of the storm drain. They thought it was a Halloween decoration.

But then they noticed a nose sticking out of the grate. A trapped raccoon was hanging on desperately, to escape the rising water.

They called the Westport Police. While waiting for help, passerby Althea Heisler took action.

She got on the ground and stuck her hand in the sewer, to hold the animal as it started to lose its grip on the sewer grate. Somehow, Althea kept the raccoon above water until Westport Animal Control Officer Peter Reid, followed by the Fire Department. arrived.

They lifted the grate and freed the raccoon. Without giving thanks, it scampered off toward nearby Gray’s Creek. (Hat tip: Julie Loparo)

Animal Control Officer Peter Reid (yellow vest) and Westport Fire Department officials work to free the trapped raccoon. (Photos/Michael Szeto

================================================

Ed Hynes first became interested in the 1777 British march from Westport to Danbury as a child, when he learned his neighbor’s house was partially burned by the Redcoats during the raid.

On Thursday, he spoke to the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston about that historic event. He described the landing at Compo Beach, the trek to burn the patriots’ arsenal, and the Battle of Compo Hill, as they returned to the shore.

But you don’t have to be a Y’s Man to hear Hynes’ wisdom. Click below, for his very informative presentation.

==================================================

Yesterday’s Roundup included a photo of the very depleted Remarkable Bookcycle. The Compo Beach free library was down to its last few books:

Within a couple of hours, it was almost fully restocked:

(Photos/John Richers)

“06880” readers are truly “remarkable.”

==================================================

Nearly a dozen pots of chili — beef, sausage, moose, vegetarian, you name it — were ladled out yesterday, at the VFW.

Along with many varieties of both toppings and cornbread, plus a DJ, drink special, prizes and a raffle.

Greg Gunther of the Westport Police Department repeated last year’s win in the Chili Cook-off. Second place went to Lynn Ryder of Westport Emergency Medical Services. Virginia Ferrari of the VFW and American Legion Auxiliaries was third.

The packed hall was a fundraiser for an important VFW and Auxiliary project: purchasing and installing posts for American flags, to honor the graves of 1,200 veterans at Westport cemeteries.

The goal is $6,000. Let’s hope those flags are flying soon.

Lots of chili choices last night at the VFW. (Photo/Dan Woog)

==================================================

Also yesterday: the ALS United Connecticut event to honor all those affected by Lou Gehrig’s Disease, and remember those who have died, at Sherwood Island State Park.

Those who could walk, did. Those who could join them in wheelchairs, did too.

The weather was beautiful. The atmosphere was both serious and celebratory. The fight against ALS continues.

A few of the many participants at yesterday’s ALS United Connecticut event.

==================================================

You can’t talk about American folk music without Woody Guthrie.

Two days before Election Day, First Folk Sunday honors the influential singer/songwriter/icon of democracy and freedom.

Suzanne Sheridan, First Folk Sunday’s headline singer and artistic force, will be joined for the tribute by Matt Lavigni, Paul Bluestein, Susan T. Reid, Myra Healy and Colin Healy.

Doors open at noon, at the Saugatuck Rowing Club. The music cover charge is $15. Table service is available for brunch, lunch and cocktails. Click here for tickets. For more information, call 203-984-7562.

===============================================

Congratulations, Mike Noonan!

The 1979 Staples High School graduate — who won a state championship with the boys soccer team, then earned All-America honors at Middlebury College — has just picked up the 400th win of his coaching career.

As head coach of the Clemson University men’s soccer team, Noonan is 5th among active Division I head coaches in career wins.

The Tigers have won 2 national championships in the past 3 years. Noonan’s squad has also captured 4 ACC titles.

==================================================

Westport attorney Frank Sisson writes:

:My faith in humanity was restored yesterday morning.

“As the sun was setting Friday, I accidentally dropped an Apple Watch keychain charger (not cheap), with my health club entry pass attached, near my car when leaving the Trout Brook Valley Preserve off-leash trail lot.

“I did not realize this until I got home. I drove back first thing Saturday morning. Not only was another dog owner kind enough to move her car to let me look where I had parked on Friday, but she aided me in the search.

“After a few minutes without luck, I checked the trail map box by the entrance. A kind soul had found my device, and placed it inside on top of the trail maps.

“It is nice to know that good people still live all around us, despite the discouraging headlines and political climate of these troubled times. Perhaps there is hope for us all yet, and a reason to be optimistic that all will be okay.

=================================================

Sugar maples make their first appearance in a “Westport … Naturally” feature.

Topsy Siderowf spotted these beauties at Long Lots Elementary School:

(Photo/Topsy Siderowf)

==================================================

And finally … the First Folk Sunday tribute to Woody Guthrie (story above) reminds us that, nearly a century ago, the Oklahoma native was writing songs about America’s potential — and problems.

Among the topics he addressed: immigration, migrant workers, capitalism, religious hypocrisy, and the wonders of our nation.

(This blog is your blog … from Saugatuck Shores, to Sherwood Island. Please take a minute or two to click here, and support our hyper-local work. Thank you!)

5 Comments

Posted in Entertainment, Environment, History, Sports, Staples HS

Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Question Box #12

Posted on October 20, 2024 | 8 comments

It’s time for another installment of our “06880” Question Box. 

This is the feature in which I try to answer readers’ questions.

I don’t have all the answers. But our readers — in their collective wisdom — might.

Please chime in with any additional information. Click “Comments” below.

This edition is short on quantity. But the quality of the questions is high.

As always: If you have a question for our box, email 06880blog@gmail.com.

================================================

The large cylindrical hill not far from the small Winslow Park parking area on Compo Road North has always intrigued me.

It seems too perfectly symmetrical to be natural. And it looks so much different than the surrounding area. There are no other mounds like it anywhere. Is it man-made? If so, why? (Anonymous)

That’s a fantastic question. And — despite living a few yards away from Winslow Park, and walking there often (without a dog) — it’s one I’ve never even thought of.

Now that you mention it: You’re right. That hill (a longtime favorite spot for teenagers to drink, get high and hook up) definitely looks out of place.

Winslow Park mound/hill. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Could it have been built by indigenous people, long before Europeans arrived?

Perhaps it was constructed when the Winslow family owned a mansion — one of the most luxurious homes in town — at the corner of North Compo and the Post Road (State Street)?

Or maybe it was part of the Westport Sanitarium, which took over the estate?

I have no idea. But I’ll never again walk past without wondering what it is, and why it’s there.

=================================================

Why do they take the flags down after Labor Day? It’s kind of sad without them flapping in the breeze. (Deborah Baker)

“They” — aka town workers — remove the flags because of possible inclement weather. (Not just snow — possible hurricanes or nor’easters.)

It might also be a cost-saving measure, to extend the lives of the flags. They do look great. But there sure are a lot of them.

Here’s something to look forward to, though: October 24.

It’s UN Day. And, for one of 2 days each year (the other is jUNe Day), flags of dozens of nations will fly proudly on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.

Long may they wave. Or at least, every spring and summer. (Photo/Lauri Weiser)

====================================================

What can a neighborhood or residents on a common street do about a neighbor that neglects the upkeep of their home and property?

The neighbor’s house needs to be painted. Their back yard (which can be seen from the street) is completely overgrown. Their side yard is a dump heap, and their bushes grow out into the road. It has a negative impact on all our properties.

Can the town enforce homeowner upkeep? How do we get this fixed? (KR)

The town of Westport has a Blight Prevention Board. It’s made up of private citizens and a Building Department official. They listen to residents’ concerns, and take their work very seriously. Click here to read an in-depth story on them, from the “06880” archives.

Sometimes, there is an underlying issue with a house in that condition. The Department of Human Services may be able to assist residents in need.

These dilapidated buildings on Post Road West have since been demolished.

=================================================

 

 

 

 

 

8 Comments

Posted in Question Box

Tagged , , ,

Pic Of The Day #2741

Posted on October 19, 2024 | Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #2741

Levitt Pavilion, from Grace Salmon Park (Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #2741

Posted in Pic of the Day

Tagged

Roundup: Bridge At Saugatuck, Colossal Cookies, Political Signs …

Posted on October 19, 2024 | 10 comments

Usually, “The Bridge at Saugatuck is open” means the swing mechanism is in use, so a boat can pass through. Traffic delays mount.

Yesterday, “The Bridge at Saugatuck is open” was welcome news.

Westport’s newest restaurant — replacing Parker Mansion, which replaced the Mansion Clam House — welcomed diners, to rave reviews.

The new space — built by The O’Dell Group for owner Doug Pardon — includes a large downstairs bar, patio, upstairs tables, outdoor deck, and cabanas by the Saugatuck River.

The menu is eclectic. The vibe is fun. It’s one more reason Westport has reclaimed its role as one of the best restaurant towns in the state.

Cutting the ribbon at The Bridge at Saugatuck (from left): Timothy Pardon, Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce director Matthew Mandell, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, owner Doug Pardon, general manager Isaac “Patrick” Camaro, executive chef Stephen Lewandowski, William Pardon, Conor Pardon.

==================================================

Speaking of food: Among the many favorites at The Porch @ Christie’s: colossal cookies.

They come in 8 big flavors: chocolate chip, cookie butter, cookies & cream, halfsies, M&M, snickerdoodle with dulce de leche, sweet & salty, and triple chocolate.

But what if you don’t live around here?

No problem!

Sweet P Bakery — The Porch’s baker, and like the popular deli, an avid employer of people with disabilities — now ships their colossal cookies nationwide. Just click here, and follow the prompts.

Of course, if you do live here, head to to The Porch to taste the flavors, see a sample box, and snag a discount card.

Sweet!

(Photo/Abby Cole Photography)

===============================================

Every year at this time, the Westport Library celebrates UN Day with a Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Memorial Lecture. The namesake of our Post Road Bridge was also a founder and strong advocate of the United Nations Association-USA Southwest Connecticut Chapter (and a friend of former US Ambassador to the UN Eleanor Roosevelt).

This year’s event should be a great one. Jim Himes — Westport’s member of the US Congress, and the ranking member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence — will discuss international issues.

The event is on UN Day: Thursday, October 24 (7 p.m.).

==================================================

Yesterday’s lead story about political signs — actually, the lack of them this fall — brought this example from Ida Lowe, on Kings Highway South:

“It surprised me,” she says. “I tried to find out about such a group, and can’t find any mention of it on the internet.”

Not long after, Rosemary Halstead sent this, from Weston Center:

“Is this for real, or a clever come-on?” she wonders. “Anybody’s guess…”

==============================================

Leaving politics aside: On October 27 (noon), the Saugatuck Congregational Church invites everyone to build a scarecrow.

The event is on the large front lawn — the Post Road spot that everyone admires, especially this time of year.

All materials will be provided. Supplies are limited, so RSVP to Jberkowsky1@gmail.com.

A perfect spot for scarecrow building. (Photo/Molly Alger)

===============================================

Once again, the Remarkable Bookcycle is in need of books.

The Compo Beach “bike” — the brainchild of author Jane Green, now overseen by Ryan Peterson — is very popular.

But the free lending library works only if we completely disregard Polonius’ advice to his son Laertes, in “Hamlet.”

We should all be both borrowers and lenders.

(Photo/John Richers)

==============================================

Today’s gorgeous “Westport … Naturally” fall foliage shot is from Longshore.

This is the lower lot by the river — one of the prettiest parking lots in town.

(Photo/Andrew Colabella)

==================================================

And finally … on this day in 1953, Ray Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451” was published.

(You know what would be fire? For everyone reading this to click here to support “06880.” That would also be very cool. Thank you!)

10 Comments

Posted in Library, Local business, Politics, Restaurants

Tagged , , , , , ,

Online Art Gallery #236

Posted on October 19, 2024 | 4 comments

It’s a fall festival, here in our weekly online art gallery.

But no matter what subject you choose — and whether you’re a first-timer or old-timer — we welcome your submissions. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, digital, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — we want whatever you’ve got.

Age, level of experience, subject matter — there are no restrictions. Everyone is invited to contribute.

Email a jpeg to 06880blog@gmail.com. And remember: Please include the medium you’re working in — art lovers want to know.

“Autumn Leaves” (Duane Cohen)

“Life is Gourd” (Patricia McMahon)

“Morning Walk” — Photoshop-enhanced and composited digital photograph (Ken Runkel)

“A Lot of Susans” (Peter Barlow)

“End of Summer” — acrylic pouring on canvas, manipulated by blowing through a straw (Dorothy Robertshaw)

Untitled — on view at Westport River Gallery (S. Guccione)

“It’s Always Fun Hanging Out With Pals” — collage (Maj Kalfus)

“Islands in the Sea” — Newport, Rhode Island (Bruce Borner)

“Roar Lion Roar!” — charcoal with computer colorization (Aerin Lichtman, age 12)

Untitled (Tom Doran)

“The Tree of Knowledge: Pomegranate?” — watercolor. Artist Steve Stein writes, “In Exodus, the Tree of Knowledge fruit represents the mixing of good and evil together. The Forbidden Fruit was probably not apple — indigenous to Asia. Possibilities are thought to include pomegranate, fig, pear, quince, carob, etrog, apricot and tamarind — all indigenous to the Middle East.”

Untitled (Lawrence Weisman)

(Entrance is free to our online art gallery. But please consider a donation! Just click here — and thank you!)

4 Comments

Posted in Arts

Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Stepping Into A New Playhouse Season

Posted on October 19, 2024 | Comments Off on Stepping Into A New Playhouse Season

The Westport Country Playhouse’s many fans — loyal as well as lapsed — have been thrilled at its rapid recovery from last year’s near-death experience.

Just when it looked like the 93-year-old institution — a storied important part of American theater history — would close forever, a fundraising campaign kept the doors open, and the stage lights on.

Westport Country Playhouse

At the time, board members promised the Playhouse would revisit its mission, reimagine its programming, and reinvigorate its audience.

It would produce shows the public actually want to see, while reaching out to new segments of that public who had never sat in its historical seats.

The Playhouse delivered on those promises. A wide range of programs, from Bernadette Peters, Judy Collins and Audra McDonald to “A Night for Swifties” and “Pinkalicious” has drawn packed houses — and standing ovations.

Part of the “new” Playhouse was a major, but much-needed, change. Actual plays — the shows that had sustained it for decades, but in recent years failed to draw audiences — were moved from the summer, to winter and spring.

On Tuesday (October 22), the curtain rises on “The Thirty-Nine Steps.” The first WCP play in over a year mixes Alfred Hitchcock with Monty Python. The cast of 4 plays 150 characters in a fast-past frenzy of espionage and murder.

That’s enough to draw in veteran theater-goers, and curious newcomers.

But the Playhouse staff realizes they must do more. Which is why they’ve created a calendar of special events, throughout the 3-week run. Each appeals to a special segment of the population.

Some know the WCP well. Others may never have heard of it.

The calendar includes:

Taste of Tuesday (October 22, 6 p.m.): A fun reception pairing food from the Playhouse’s restaurant partner Gruel Britannia, plus wine. (This event is exclusive for Taste of Tuesday season ticket holders.)

Together at the Table (Wednesday, October 23, 5:30 p.m.): For just $15, families and groups enjoy a communal pizza dinner and casual conversation before the 7 p.m. performance.

Pride Night (Thursday, October 24, 6 p.m.): A pre-show cocktail party for the LGBTQ+ community and friends, including a limited open bar by Troupe429 and appetizers from Gruel Britannia.

Opening Night Post-Show Reception (Saturday, October 26): Celebrate after the official opening, with the cast, crew and creative team.

Sunday Symposium (after the Sunday, October 27 3 p.m. performance: Director Mark Shanahan takes the stage for a conversation about the play and its themes, with questions from the audience.

Playhouse artistic director — and “Thirty-Nine Steps” director — Mark Shanahan will lead a lively Sunday Symposium talkback. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Open Caption (Sunday, November 3, 3 p.m.): Deaf and hard of hearing audiences enjoy the performance, while watching an easy-to-read digital screen with the actors’ dialogue.

Backstage Pass (after the Wednesday, November 6 2 p.m. performance): Learn how the Playhouse technical staff brought “The 39 Steps” to life. No ticket necessary; open to all.

Thursday Talkback (after the November 7, 7 p.m. performance): Q&A with cast members.

But wait! There’s more!

The Playhouse also offers a variety of ticket discounts. They include:

  • Group sales
  • Pay what you will
  • Senior discounts
  • $20 student tickets
  • $10 student RUSH tickets
  • Free tickets for Indigenous peoples
  • Military discounts
  • First responder discounts
  • Playwrights Welcome
  • School/university faculty & staff/

Click here for discount details.

A new season begins next week for the Westport Country Playhouse.

After 93 years, it’s as exciting as ever.

(For tickets to “The Thirty-Nine Steps,” and more information, click here.)

Comments Off on Stepping Into A New Playhouse Season

Posted in Entertainment, Westport Country Playhouse

Pic Of The Day #2740

Posted on October 18, 2024 | 1 comment

Autumn at Staples High School (Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

1 Comment

Posted in Pic of the Day, Staples HS

Tagged ,

Friday Flashback #421

Posted on October 18, 2024 | 17 comments

Readers love photos of “old” downtown.

This one evokes memories of businesses that stood the test of time.

And there’s an added bonus: a reminder of what 2-way traffic all the way down Main Street looked like.

(Photo courtesy of Christopher Maroc)

In the photo above, Swezey Jewelers was noted for its elaborate Christmas displays, with a real model train set operating in the window.

Oscar’s was in its original location, before moving a few doors north. (Where it is now 159 Main Street, after several years as Rye Ridge Deli.)

What else do you notice? Click “Comments” to share your memories.

(Friday Flashback is one of “06880”‘s many regular features. If you enjoy this — or anything else on our website — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)

17 Comments

Posted in Downtown, Friday Flashback

Tagged ,

Roundup: Crepes Choupette, La Plage, Riko’s …

Posted on October 18, 2024 | 1 comment

Westport’s newest restaurant — Crêpes Choupette — opened Wednesday in Bedford Square, to eager crowds.

The crêperie –owner Adil Chokairy’s third, after New Haven and Darien — adds one more international cuisine to Church Lane.

It’s a couple of doors down from an Israeli restaurant (The Blondinit), and across the street from Pink Sumo (sushi) and the Spotted Horse (American).

Choupette ribbon cutting … (Photo courtesy of Sam Disraelly)

… and customers inside. (Photo/Karen Como)

==================================================

Club203 — Westport’s social group for adults with developmental differences — held a great Halloween Bingo night Wednesday at the Senior Center.

Nearly 140 guests played (many in Halloween costumes). They enjoyed subs from Planet Pizza, cookies by Big G, mac & cheese thanks to the Senior Center’s own Holly Betts, pumpkin decorating by MoCA CT, and tons of candy from an anonymous donor.

Club203 thanks Wendy Petty and the Senior Center for hosting, along with the volunteers  who give time, energy and talents — plus a special shout-out to special guests Fire Chief Nick Marsan and the Westport Fire Department’s Jennifer Petrosinelli, who shared information about the town’s Community Connect program. It provides household information to first responders — including, for example, details about people with disabilities who live there.

Club203 bingo, at the Senior Center.

==================================================

Speaking of the Fire Department: They’ve partnered once again with Bridgeport Rescue Mission, for the annual “Share the Warmth” Coat Drive.

Chief Nick Marsan notes, “This drive impacts hundreds of men, women and children from some of the area’s most distressed neighborhoods. A coat may seem simple, but it’s essential for many children and adults in nearby communities.”

 The WFD welcomes donations of new or gently used (and clean) winter coats, hats, mittens/gloves, and snow suits at these sites, through November 12:

  • Westport Fire Headquarters (515 Post Road East)
  • Senior Center: (21 Imperial Avenue)
  • Town Hall (110 Myrtle Avenue)

Collection boxes will also be placed at public schools. Once collected, Westport firefighters will sort and transport items to the Bridgeport Rescue Mission.

Deputy Fire Marshal Rob Lenois, president of the Westport Uniformed Firefighters Charitable Foundation, says, “This drive allows us to give back and ease the burdens on local families. Last year, thanks to the generosity of this community, we distributed over 1,350 coats.”

(From left): Fire Chief Nick Marsan, volunteer Anna Rycenga and Deputy Fire Marshal Rob Lenois want your winter coats, and more. 

==================================================

Want to learn more about the influence of social media on today’s youth?

Westport Together — a program of our town’s Department of Human Services — has arranged a conversation on the topic, with local psychotherapists Vince Benevento, LPC Founder and CEO of Causeway Collaborative, and Mary Dobson.

It’s this Tuesday (October 22, 6:30 p.m., Westport Library). For more information, click here.

==================================================

As the weather gets colder, Earthplace heats up.

Among the activities:

  • Plein-Air Art Along the Trails (October 19, 10 a.m. to noon)
  • Tree ID Walk (October 19, 1 to 2:30 p.m.)
  • Yoga with Alison Heisler (October 25 and November 1, 9:15 to 10:15 a.m.)
  • Forest Bathing with Merritt Juliano (October 30, 10 to 11 a.m.)
  • Fall Gardening Workshops (November 2, 1 to 3 p.m.)’Car
  • Guided Meditation with Alison Heisler (November 4, 6:30 to 7:15 p.m.)
  • Sound Bath with Abbey Chase Yoga (November 13, 6:30 to 8 p.m.)
  • Craft and Sip: Fall Wreath Making (November 2, 1 to 3 p.m. or 6 to 8 p.m.)
  • Environmental Learning Series (November 2, 7 to 8 p.m.)
  • Native Plant Propagation (November 16, 1 to 3 p.m.)
  • Saving an Endangered Butterfly (November 21, 7 to 8 p.m.).

Click here for more information, and registration.

Create your own art along the Earthplace trails.

================================================

La Plage’s patio is closing for the season soon.

To celebrate — and to get an early start on Halloween — they’re throwing a “Costume & Closing Party” (Sunday, October 27, 5 to 7 p.m.).

The $39.19 ticket includes light bites, music, and 2 drink tickets.

“Dress to impress,” the Longshore restaurant urges. The “Best Costume” winner will receive 2 tickets to La Plage’s New Year’s Eve gala dinner — a $370 value. Click here to purchase.

Closing soon — but just for the season. (Photo/Nicole Donovan)

=================================================

Speaking (once again) of restaurants: Back in May, “06880” announced the upcoming opening of Riko’s. The pizza place — which has drawn raves at their Fairfield, Norwalk, Darien and Stamford locations — replaces Mystic Market, off I-95 Exit 17 across from the train station parking lot.

(Mystic Market replaced, in turn, Blu Parrot, Jasmine, and the granddaddy of all Italian restaurants, the Arrow.)

It’s taken nearly 5 months, but the signage has finally appeared:

(Photo/Matt Murray)

Now we wonder: Which will finish first: Renovations to Riko’s, or construction on nearby 95?

==================================================

A date has been set to celebrate the life of Tom Carey. The former Conservation Commission chair and Westport Rotary Club treasurer died Monday.

Tom’s many friends are invited to Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church on Saturday, October 26 (2 p.m.). A reception will follow.

Tom Carey

=================================================

Get a jump on holiday shopping — and support The Westport Library — next Thursday (October 24, 1 to 5:30 p.m.), at J.McLaughlin.

15% of all purchases made at the 382 Post Road East store will benefit the Library.

Library officials will be on hand to say thanks, and answer questions about the Library’s programs and events.

Busy that afternoon? Call 475-284-2495 that day, and order. Those purchases help the Library too!

================================================

The weather the past couple of weeks has been spectacular. (Knock wood.)

The days are warm. The nights are crisp. The skies are blue.

Anyone who can has been outdoors, taking advantage of our wonderful New England autumn.

Jolantha — Weston’s favorite pig — is always outside, no matter the weather. She too appreciates every minute of this perfect fall.

(Photo/Hans Wilhelm)

==================================================

This determined-looking guy was stalking Hales Road yesterday, like he owned the place:

(Photo/Drew Grega)

He did slow down long enough to pose for this “Westport … Naturally” photo.

Be careful out there!

==================================================

And finally … George C. Scott was born on this date, in 1927.

This final item in the “06880” Roundup is almost always dedicated to a musical selection.

Today is different. We honor the actor, who died in 1999 at 71, with a clip that may be the single greatest monologue in the history of movies.

(Want to know the latest restaurant news — or anything else, anywhere, in Westport? Just read “06880.” And if you enjoy our coverage, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

1 Comment

Posted in Environment, Library, Restaurants

Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

Whew!

Posted on October 18, 2024 | 13 comments

As Election Day approaches, we’ve all been inundated with news stories and ads.

It happens every November.

But one thing is different this year.

You may not have noticed, because it’s not something you see. Rather, it’s an absence.

This fall, there are far fewer political signs than usual.

The bad old days.

Sure, there are some Harris/Walz and Trump/Vance signs, on front lawns and in traffic islands. There are several too for US Senate and House, and State Senate and State House races.

But far, far fewer than usual.

Perhaps people realize that no one has ever made up their minds based on yard signs.

Maybe they are afraid, in this fraught political environment, to express themselves.

Whatever the reason, let’s all agree — Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians, Greens, unaffiliated — that this is a very welcome “sign.”

(Election Day is November 5. Early voting begins October 21. But any day is a good one to contribute to “06880.” Please click here to “register” your support. Thank you!)

13 Comments

Posted in Politics

Tagged