In just a dozen years, LobsterFest has become one of the biggest, most beloved and fun parties in town.
Yesterday, 1,500 folks of all ages celebrated at Compo Beach.
They ate lobster and steak (plus a lot more). They drank beer and soda. They danced to a great band (Silver Steel). Their kids climbed on a fire truck, went inside an ambulance, blew giant bubbles, and had all the kind of fun we remember from our childhoods.
Let’s dance!
And — thanks to the year-round work of the Westport Rotary Club, and volunteers from many other town groups — LobsterFest raised hundreds of thousands of dollars, for dozens of good causes.
Richard Epstein, Rick “Mr. Lobster” Benson and former 1st Selectman Jim Marpe took in the festivities.
In a few months, the Rotarians will distribute large grants, to all those groups.
It’s a feel-good ceremony. Those funds will — literally — change lives.
But none of it would be possible with everyone who made LobsterFest happen yesterday.
Former 2nd Selectwoman Betty Lou Cummings, and her son Matt. He’s the branch manager of M&T Bank — one of LobsterFest’s many volunteer providers.
And all those who enjoyed themselves, at one of the best Westport days of the year.
PS: Tickets for LobsterFest ’25 go one sale next summer. As usual, they’ll sell out in minutes.
Before …
… and after.
Friends met old friends — and others made new ones.
Friends like these 2 Vivis — Wolf and Swersky — hung out too. (Photo/Jim Wolf)
We’re not sure why the lost & found was located at the Wine Wall. But it worked.
The band played everything from A (Abba) to Z (Led Zeppelin). And they got folks of all ages dancing.
Kids enjoyed face painting …
… and pin making …
… and fire truck sitting.
RTM members at an informal get-together.
There was a great emphasis on sustainability …
… and teen volunteers worked hard sorting the recyclables.
See you next year! (All photos/Dan Woog unless otherwise noted)
Posted onSeptember 21, 2024|Comments Off on Roundup: Roxane Gay, ABBA, Christian Siriano …
StoryFest ’24 opened with a bang last night.
Author and activist Roxane Gay chatted on the Westport Library stage with writer Oliver Radclyffe. His memoir, “Frighten the Horses,” will be published this fall by Roxane Gay Books.
In just 7 years, StoryFest — the Library’s annual celebration of reading, writing, ideas and community — has become the largest literary festival in Connecticut.
Every genre of storytelling is covered, along with live podcast recordings, a special tribute to longtime and beloved Library friend Sybil Steinberg, the 2024 Westport Prize for Literature, a pitchfest and more. Click here for today and tomorrow’s jam-packed schedules.
Meanwhile, a few yards away, a packed lawn enjoyed ABBA.
Well, not exactly the legendary Swedish group. This was a tribute band. But they sure sounded the same.
Getting ready to enjoy the festivities — with appropriate glasses and neckwear — were (below, left to right) Gwen Tutun, Judy Burke, Toni Essertier, Ellen Bowen and Cathy Colgan. Mamma mia!
The entertainment continues tonight at the Levitt, with Tower of Power. The ticketed show begins at 7:30 p.m. Click here for more information.
You (probably) watched the first 2 debates of the election season, on CNN and ABC.
You can watch the third one live — right here at Town Hall.
On October 10 (7 p.m),, Westport’s League of Women Voters hosts candidates for State Senate District 26, and State Representative District 136. (The Norwalk LWV will host one for State Representative District 143; details to come.)
Questions can be sent in advance to lwvwestportct@yahoo.com.
The debate is co-sponsored by the PTA Council, Westport Sunshine Rotary Club, Y’s Men, Y’s Women and Westport Rotary Club.
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The Wall Street Journal calls it “‘Shark Tank’ meets Home Shopping Network.”
A new TV show next week features Amazon sellers pitching their products to a studio audience and judges. Among the panelists: designer (and Westport resident) Christian Siriano.
Finalists will have their inventions sold in a new Amazon “Buy It Now” online store. The winner of each episode will earn $20,000.
Click here for the full story. (Hat tip: Dave Briggs)
Christian Siriano
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What a blessing!
Everyone is invited to the Saugatuck Congregational Church lawn on Sunday, September 29, for a 10 a.m. blessing service. All pets are welcome — but on leashes or in carriers.
Photos are fine too. Even “stuffies”!
At 11 a.m., rescues and shelters will offer pets of all ages at a special adoption event. There will be food trucks too, and surprises for kids.
The Great Lawn of Saugatuck Congregational Church is well suited to a Blessing of the Animals.
Westport author Diane Parrish launches her new book, “Something Better,” at Westport Library on October 8 (6:30 p.m.). She’ll chat with her daughter, fellow author Amanda Parrish Morgan
In the book — set largely in Connecticut — Parrish pulls back the façade of carefully cultivated suburbs. With flashes of humor and insight, she examines notions of forgiveness and faith. Click here for more information.
Diane Parrish (center), and Amanda Parrish Morgan.
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The Weston History & Culture Center offers history experiences for all every Thursday and Sunday (1 to 4 p.m.), from now through November 24.
Visitors can:
Explore “Weston…What Lies Beneath.” The exhibit looks at one of Weston’s oldest homes, the Peter Thorp House. Through objects, rare photographs, videos and hands-on activities, discover what lies beneath and who lived above. Youngsters can dig for artifacts in the Kids Corner.
Take a guided tour of the Coley House, learning how the Coley family lived, worked and played during the 1940s. Kids can play with toys and games from that era, build with Lincoln Logs, and type on a typewriter.
Enjoy autumn with a stroll through the Daniel E. Offutt III Sculpture Garden.
Tickets at the door are $5 for adults, $3 for children; free for members of the Weston History & Culture Center.
Sculpture garden at Weston History & Culture Center.
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Former Westport resident Kathleen Elliott died peacefully on September 4. She was 73, and lived in Charlestown, Massachusetts.
An honors graduate of Northeastern University in economics, Kathy then earned an MBA from Boston University,
She had a long career at David L Babson, including vice president on the investment council. She was the first woman elected to the board of directors.
After leaving David L Babson, Kathy became interested in angel investing. She mentored several women-led companies. The experience led her to co-author a book, “The Old Girls’ Network.”
Kathy spent many hours enjoying tennis at Longwood Cricket Club, golfing at Turner Hill in Ipswich, Massachusetts, and skiing and golfing in Telluride, Colorado.
Her family says, “She had many friends, and was known for her kind-hearted, humble and upbeat nature, especially her creative wit and intelligence. Her excellent athletic skills and gracious sportsmanship made her everyone’s favorite tennis and golf partner.”
She is survived by her partner of 26 years, Ann Beard of 26 years; sisters Margaret Markovic (John) of Trumbull and Mary Sikorski (Brian) of Westport; brother Robert Elliott of Fairfield; niece Kathleen Haimoff and her children, James, Maya and David of Fairfield, and nephews Joseph Sikorski of Norwalk, and James Sikorski (Adrienne) of Brooklyn, and their son Charles.
Services will be private. Donations may be made to Angel Memorial Animal Hospital in Boston, and the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers, Massachusetts.
Kathleen Elliott
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Flamingos are known for standing on one leg.
Other birds: not so much.
But here is this guy (or maybe gal) gull, posing for today’s “Westport … Naturally” shot at Compo Beach.
Try as he/she might though, they’re just not stately.
And finally … “06880” did not get a chance to see the Levitt tribute band last night. But who doesn’t love a good ABBA song or two (or five)?
(Sure, there’s a lot going on this weekend. But you can count on “06880” to cover it all. If you’ve got a spare minute, please click here and spare some change to support our work. Thank you!)
Comments Off on Roundup: Roxane Gay, ABBA, Christian Siriano …
A fresh take on still life and a local haiku highlight this week’s online art gallery.
As we say every week: 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.
“Last Harvest” (Jay Walshon)
Untitled — artist Kathleen Burke says of this golden crowned kinglet: “They nest in tall pine, spruce or coniferous trees, and hang upside down looking for insects. One used to visit my studio window. This tiny bird weighs about 5 grams, the same as two pennies.”
“Turbulence” — acrylic pour (Amy Schneider)
“Easterly Winds” — acrylic impasto on textured canvas (Dorothy Robertshaw)
Untitled (Tom Doran)
Untitled — photographer Mike Hibbard says, “Don’t stand behind a road sign during hunting season in Alaska! Target practice for shooting bear, caribou, elk, moose, muskox, mountain goat and Dali sheep.”
“Shapes” (Peter Barlow)
“Sailing Off Compo — All Winners!” — pencil and watercolor (Steve Stein)
“Homestead” (Lawrence Weisman)
Untitled (Diane Lowman)
Untitled (Duane Cohen)
(Entrance is free to our online art gallery. But please consider a donation! Just click here — and thank you!)
On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates by half a percentage point.
Implications ripple across the economy. One of the most significant areas is real estate.
In Westport, that’s always a lively topic. “06880” asked our friends at KMS Team at Compass what the news means for home buyers. They say:
According to to Lawrence Yun, National Association of Reatlors chief economist, much of the rate cut had already been factored into existing mortgage rates.
However, he said, “due to already low mortgage rates compared to spring, the purchasing power for home buyers has been lifted by around $50,000 for those with a $2,000 monthly mortgage payment budget. Consumers who were priced out due to earlier higher mortgage rates could now be back in the market.”
For those buyers still in the looking phase, this offers an opportunity to reach just beyond their target range, perhaps opening up a new selection of homes to consider.
Let’s say buyers set a price range between $1 million and $1,149 million. Today, that search in Fairfield County shows 35 properties.
Simply changing the upper end of the range to $1.2 million brings 62 homes to consider.
In Westport, a search range of $1.5 million to $1.649 million returns just 2 homes on the market. Increase the range to $1.7, and now there are 6 homes.
The Federal Reserve’s rate cut puts this 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom, 2,304-square foot home on 1.41 acres at 163 Cross Highway in the range of buyers who might not have afforded it otherwise. It’s listed for $1.699 million.
For buyers who have already identified a property to purchase but have not locked into a mortgage, the potential savings are a bonus.
One client, looking at a 5-year adjustable rate mortgage, received a quarter point reduction in the rate overnight.
While this amounts to less than $100 a month on a $500,000 loan, it is not insignificant. If just half that amount were applied as extra principal payments, the borrower would save more than $24,000 over the life of the 30-year loan — and finish paying the mortgage off 15 months sooner.
The Mortgage Research Center offers a great calculator, for playing with the numbers.
Most importantly, the rate cut is a psychological signal for nervous home buyers that things are looking up.
The idea of “dating the rate and marrying the home” — refinancing when rates drop — is unfamiliar to many first-time home buyers. And why not? This is the first rate cut in over 4 years.
(Real estate is of prime interest for many Westporters. “06880” covers the topic often — along with so much else. If you like our work, please click here to support this hyperlocal blog. Thank you!)
Posted onSeptember 20, 2024|Comments Off on Tom Scarice: A Tribute To Max Harper
At the start of last night’s Board of Education meeting, Thomas Scarice offered a heartfelt tribute to Max Harper.
Westport’s superintendent of schools did not know the Staples High School senior, who died last week in a dirt bike accident.
But, Scarice said, he realized the impression the young man made in just 2 years. “He was so well known and loved, in a massive high school. From all accounts — students and faculty — he had a magnetic personality. He made a palpable impact” on the lives of many.
Scarice noted several highlights from 2 gatherings at Compo Beach: Max’s father’s words, the morning after the tragedy; the healing words of Staples principal Stafford Thomas, and the tributes from Max’s friends. Even at his age, the superintendent said, “I could not do what those students did.”
Scarice also lauded the “depth, quality and caring” of Staples’ counselors, and assistant principal Pat Micinilio.
Max made “an indelible impact,” Scarice concluded. “We grieve his loss.”
To see Thomas Scarice’s remarks at the Board of Education meeting, click here.
Max Harper
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For decades, a “trolley car” — actually a diner — was an iconic part of downtown restaurant.
Located at the corner of Post Road East (East State Street) and Taylor Place, across from Colgan’s (later Thompson’s) drug store (now Tiffany), the diner served good, basic food to generations of downtown workers, and students from nearby Staples High School (now Saugatuck Elementary).
(Photo courtesy of Christopher Maroc, via Facebook)
In the photo above , it’s shown next to Klaff’s, and across the street from the original Westport Public Library.
The diner — and the entire block — burned down, in a 1970s fire.
Muriel’s trolley car diner was a legendary piece of Westport history.
But why was “trolly” spelled incorrectly — in such large letters — on the side?
(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!)
Carvana — the Arizona based used car dealer selling entirely online — appears to have gone the way of the Edsel.
After 5 years on Post Road West, diagonally across from Kings Highway Elementary School — at a site previously occupied by (among others) a Volkswagen dealership, and classic car showroom — the large lot is empty.
The interior has been stripped of its fixtures.
(Photos/Adrian Little)
Looks like one more niche for Amazon to fill.
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It takes a while to write a great (or even meh) poem.
Fortunately, it does not take long to put up a poetry box.
On Tuesday, at her installation as Westport’s new poet laureate, Donna Disch announced there would soon be a poetry box at Compo Beach.
Yesterday it was installed at the end of Soundview Drive, near where Hillspoint Road becomes Compo Road South.
The Woodside Bash — Earthplace’s great under-the-stars fundraiser is well known for its great food, live music and woodsy vibe.
This year’s event (Saturday, October 5, 7 to 10 p.m.) adds something new: contemporary line dancing.
After a filling harvest dinner, Bash-goers will enjoy a special lesson from experts.
All proceeds support Westport’s popular nature center. Earthplace continues its focus on bringing quality, nature-based programming and education to everyone – especially urban youth in Fairfield County and beyond.
Tickets include a harvest dinner, open bar, fire pit with s’mores, and band. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
Attendees at last year’s Woodside Bash. This year, they’ll be line dancing.
StartUp Westport is starting up another season, offering innovative and impactful ideas.
This Tuesday (September 24, 6:30 p.m., Westport Library) features a night of cocktails, networking and information. The focus is on B Corporations, a new business model that allows companies to pursue both profit and purpose.
Hosted by Jen Gorin, founder of Impact Growth Partners, with a roundtable discussion led by Phil White and Heidi Schoeneck of Grounded World — both Westport-based Certified B Corps — the event highlights the importance of impact-driven business practices.
Michael Hermus of Westport-based mental health startup Halespring, Felicia Rubenstein of HAYVN, and Adam Thatcher of Grace Farms Tea & Coffee will share insights into how B Corp certification can enhance employee retention, market positioning and fundraising efforts.
The event is free, but registration is required; click here.
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Marc Lasry earned his billionaire status as a private equity manager.
He earned an NBA championship ring as co-owner of the Milwaukee Bucks.
Now — as women sports are having a moment — the Beachside Avenue resident may buy a controlling stake in a women’s team.
Sportico reports that Lasry is nearing a dal to purchase 60% of the National Women’s Soccer League North Carolina Courage from Steve Malik. The valuation is around $108 million.
Previously, Lasry expressed interest in the Seattle Reign. Sportico says he was also in the running to buy Angel City FC, before Willow Bay and Bob Iger purchased control of the NWSL’s most valuable club ($250 million valuation).
It’s not yet the holiday season. But it’s never too early for Earth Animal’s “Buy Joy to Gift Joy” project.
From now through December 31, the popular Post Road East store will donate 1 No-Hide Strip to shelter dogs, for every Pumpkin Spice or Holiday Feast No-Hide Chew purchase.
The goal is to donate No-Hide Chews to 80,000 shelter dogs. They’re an alternative to rawhide, offering dogs safe nutritious and enjoyable chew experiences.
Earth Animal
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We’ve posted this before, but it bears repeating.
This reminder comes from Cindy Nigro: “A basket in the lobby of Westport Police headquarters on Jesup Road is filled with lost keys. They’re dropped off by helpful folks all over town.
“I dropped off a set with an electronic fob that was unclaimed at Old Mill Beach for most of the summer.”
As anyone who has replaced them knows, those fobs are expensive! If you’ve lost one, it may be at the police station.
(Photo/Cindy Nigro)
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An appreciative crowd enjoyed the Matsiko World Orphan Choir yesterday. The Jazz Society of Fairfield County presented the concert, at Bedford Middle School.
The Liberian choir performs traditional African songs around the world, to champion the rights of all children to receive a basic education.
Dancing in the aisles, at Bedford Middle School. (Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)
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There are still 2 days left of summer.
But squirrels have started gathering acorns for the winter already.
This guy stopped briefly, to pose for our daily “Westport … Naturally” feature.
Then it was right back to work. Those nuts don’t store themselves!
And finally … in honor of our town’s new poet laureate, and our first poetry box (story above):
(We’ll spare you a rhyme. But here’s a reason: If you enjoy these daily “06880” Roundups, please consider a tax-free contribution. Just click here. And thank you!)
If you see 90 or so white-haired, spunky septuagenarians around town this weekend, there’s a reason: The Staples High School Class of 1964 is celebrating their 60th reunion.
(Note: That sentence is not mine. It came directly from one of the organizers, Deb Holliday Kintigh.)
The weekend includes the usual reunion activities: a cocktail party, dinner and Compo Beach gathering.
But there’s a lot more — including ideas other reunion classes might steal (er, borrow).
In a “Deep Dive” this afternoon (Friday), 6 reunion-goers — selected from many proposals — will offer insights into their careers, volunteer work and passions that impacted their lives, and others.
The diverse span of experiences features Tom Dublin, who co-created a women and social movements document history website subscribed to by libraries and universities; former Staples lacrosse coach Paul McNulty, who coached and built an integrated football team in Mississippi; Nancy Wilson, who founded a Quaker school, and now teaches in a prison; Tim Honey, who spent a foreign exchange year in South Africa, and has revisited the much-changed country since apartheid ended; Sandi Crosby Goldie, who works on climate change, and Melody James, talking about bridging silence and sound, pioneering medical technology and navigating the opposition to the cochlear implant.
The session will be videotaped, to be shared with a wider audience.
In 1962, the Staples Class of ’64 presented the director of the World Health Organization with a check the class raised to support the WHO. Among the attendees: Tim Honey (striped jacket, center). He will be part of today’s “Deep Dive.”
The other new event is “Roundtable Short Stories,” following the Saturday morning breakfast. There will be talks from current students, and principal Stafford Thomas.
Then, after a tour of the “new” school (as of 20 years ago), led by alum (and longtime track and cross country coach) Laddie Lawrence, the class will gather in a circle.
A mic will be passed, for anyone to share 3 to 5 minutes of whatever they wish.
The Staples High School that the Class of 1964 remembers.
The Saturday banquet at the Norwalk Inn includes song parodies by Eric Multhaup, Sylvia Robinson Corrigan, Nancy Wilson and Melody James, a solo Linda Clifford, and a compilation/adapted scene from Staples Players’ 1962 production of “Our Town,” with John Parriott, Claudia Daub Crawford and Melody James.
“Then we have a playlist of ’60s and ’70s music,” says co-organizer Melody James.
“We plan to boogie — well, move and sway.”
The reunion ends Sunday. The Compo Beach picnic features a hootenanny (remember those?), games and food, plus a tribute to departed classmates with a reading of names, and music by Mike Haydn.
Welcome back, Class of 1964! Have a great reunion — and many more.
NOTE: The Class of ’64 also has one of the best reunion websites anywhere. Click here to see.
(Whether you were in Staples’ Class of 1964, 2024 — or never went there — you’re part of our community. And part of our “06880” online community too. Please click here to support our work.)
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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