My family avoided an awful tragedy this past weekend.
My husband Joe and I are so grateful for the heroic efforts of Tucker Peters. He’s a rising Staples High School junior, and he saved my son Mark’s life.
Both of them are on the Staples sailing team (Mark is a rising sophomore). They were at a sailing camp on Long Island.
Due to a series of unfortunate circumstances, their boat flipped over. My son was trapped in his harness underwater. Unable to unhook himself and get to the surface, he passed out.
Tucker freed himself, and called for help. He was instrumental in getting Mark on the coach boat, and was the first to start performing CPR. I have since learned that our kids all learn CPR in middle school health class.
Tucker Peters (left) and Mark Adipietro. Both are junior flag officers at Pequot Yacht Club.
The EMTs and police said that things could have ended quite differently if not for Tucker’s quick thinking and actions. A first responder said, “That kid is a true hero. Things don’t usually go that well in these situations.”
I would like to give my undying gratitude to Tucker Peters and his family, as well as the staff at Bedford Middle School who teach that class. It worked! It literally saved a life.
And as soon as Tucker is cleared, they’ll both be back together, on the water.
Congratulations, Tucker! He (and his teachers) are truly Unsung Heroes.
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But that’s not the only good news on Hillspoint Road.
The home diagonally across the street — where construction was halted 2 years ago, and which has since been sheathed, half-finished, in blue, due to permit violations — may soon be completed.
As first reported by Westport Journal, last night the Zoning Board of Appeals approved a settlement with the property owners. They can resume work, including removing a chimney and cupola.
The new home will replace a decades-long succession of restaurants, including Positano and Cafe de la Plage. Before that, it was a grocery store.
Construction halted at 233 Hillspoint Road. (Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)
Meanwhile, around the corner, 44 Compo Mill Cove — the 1910 home standing closest to Old Mill Beach, and possibly the most photographed house in Westport — has sold.
It and its companion, a newer cottage at #42, were marketed together. The closing price of $5.29 million was the same as the asking price. The new owners are longtime Westporters and Staples High School graduates Lance and Ann Lonergan.
It hasn’t taken him long to feel at home. Or get involved with the community.
Last night, a large crowd turned out for the opening of his new retail concept store. The Collective West is at 940 Post Road East, opposite Earth Animal. It features furniture, accessories and art.
It carries brands the designer curates, including furniture, accessories and art.
Among the brands: Swoon Gallery, Josh Levkoff jewelry, Irene Lummertz, Snif, Franny’s Farmacy, Blossom + Stem, and Bungalow Decor.
Westport’s own Melissa Newman highlights tomorrow’s Jazz at the Post (Thursday, July 14, 7 and 8:30 p.m., Joseph J. Clinton VFW Post 399, 465 Riverside Avenue).
Nationally, Melissa sings jingles for companies like AT&T and Chevrolet, Locally, she’s performed at the Blue Lemon, Tengda and Harvest in Westport.
She’s joined by Tony Lmbardozzi, Phil Bowler and Matt Moadel. There’s a $10 cover. Dinner is served from 6:30 p.m., by chef Derek Furino. Reservations are strongly suggested: jazzatthepost@gmail.com.
Young adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities are invited to a STAR dance party. It’s set for this Friday (July 15, 7 to 9 p.m., STAR headquarters, 182 Wolfpit Road, Norwalk).
Snacks and drinks are provided. There is a separate lounge area for parents and caregivers to meet and socialize, if they wish to remain while allowing the young adults to enjoy supervised independence on the dance floor.
The cost is $25 per person. There is complimentary entry for siblings and peer dance buddy volunteers.
Advance registration is required; click here. NOTE: Anyone ages 15-22 can volunteer as a peer buddy, with or without a sibling or past involvement with STAR.
Just before COVID struck, John Németh highlighted a Supper & Soul concert at the Westport Library. It was one of the best, in the long-running series.
The musician has had some setbacks since then. He writes:
“I have a new album. I recorded it before my jaw amputation. It’s called ‘Maybe The Last Time,’ cause I didn’t know then and I still don’t know now if I will ever sing or play again like I used to. I have to say the magic of this performance is beyond this world and maybe the greatest of my life.
“I am asking for a little help from. Please pre-order this CD or digital download. I am currently not working and have some staggering bills. The legendary blues guitarist and pop icon Elvin Bishop (‘Fooled Around And Fell In Love’) and famed producer Kid Andersen wanted to cut an album for me before my surgery, knowing it could be the last time we ever make music again.
“You will receive immediately upon ordering the first single ‘Maybe The Last Time.’ I will email or mail the full record to you by September 16. This is your order link.
“My surgery has been a success so far. I still do not have feeling in my jaw or lower lip. I hope and pray that someday I will get back to 110 percent. Thank you for enjoying my music and performances.” (Hat tip: Michael Wolfe)
Yesterday’s Westport Rotary Club luncheon meeting included an inspiring talk by Vince Santilli.
The CEO of Bridgeport-based Homes for the Brave told members and guests at Greens Farms Congregational Church about the organization’s success sheltering people in need — especially veterans — in Bridgeport and West Haven. HFTB also provides case management, vocational guidance and housing assistance for homeless vets. The non-profit received a Westport Rotary Club Community Grant this year.
Vince Santilli addresses the Westport Rotary Club. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
It’s a tight turn, coming out from the Compo Shopping Center back lot. You squeeze past the Verizon store, stop (maybe), and if you’re going to turn left into the front lot, you face plenty of traffic.
What you, I or anyone else — except this extremely entitled driver — don’t do is to make the sharp turn even sharper, then hog 3 spaces directly in front of one store.
We may think we’ve seen everything, parking-wise. Then this driver reminds us we haven’t.
(Photo/Molly Alger)
PS: Yes, that’s a handicap sticker hanging from the rear view mirror. With 3 empty spaces right in front, that does not excuse this parking job.
Longtime and much-loved Westport PAL coach Scott Turkel died yesterday. He was 64, and suffered from Parkinson’s Disease and Lewy Body Dementia.
A graduate of American University, Scott spent the early part of his career as an equity trader at Goldman Sachs and Lehman Bros. He then launched his own hedge fund, TCM Partners. Scott spent the latter part of his career working at Turkel Investments, where he made private investments and served as a management consultant to many businesses.
While he enjoyed helping investors and businesses achieve their goals, Scott most loved helping others and serving as a mentor to many in his community. Exceptionally philanthropic, he contributed generously to charities and causes, including the Samara Jan Turkel Clinical Center at Boston Children’s Hospital, created in memory of his late daughter.
He also made lasting impacts as a longtime coach for the Westport PAL football program. Scott kept in touch with his players through the years, and developed close relationships with many of them and their families.
Scott is survived by his sons Max, Bryan and Spencer, and his soulmate of nearly 8 years, Alyssa Rapko.
Scott’s service will be held tomorrow (Thursday, July 14, 11 a.m., Beth Israel Chabad of Norwalk 40 King Street). The family will sit shiva on Thursday (5 p.m.), Friday (4 to 6 p.m.), Saturday (7 to 9 p.m.) and Sunday (4 to 7 p.m.) at 27 White Birch Road, Weston.
Former Westporter Luigi Scaramuzzo died Sunday. He was 87.
Before immigrating from Italy to the United States, Luigi helped build Alps tunnels between Switzerland, France and Italy. Here, he worked for many years at Pepperidge Farm as a shipping clerk. He was an avid gardener and fisherman.
Survivors include his son Nicola of Norwalk, daughter Anna of Norwalk, and brother Pietro of Italy. Luigi was predeceased by his wife Teresa Scirocco-Scaramuzzo, brothers Giuseppe and Michele Scaramuzzo, and sister Giuseppina.
Tomorrow (Thursday, July 14, 10 a.m., Assumption Church) there is a Mass of Christian Burial. Entombment will follow in Willowbrook Cemetery. Condolences may be left online. Contributions in Luigi’s memory may to the National Alliance on Mental Illness,
Luigi Scaramuzzo
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John Prenderville Jr. writes:
“Locals are discussing the number of chicks in the osprey nest at Burying Hill Beach.
“These pictures say 2. I don’t think there are 3, but I thought there was only 1. So what do I know?!”
Here’s what I know: John’s photo is a fantastic addition to our daily “Westport … Naturally” series.
The preservation-minded Westporter described the history of 19 Craftsman-style stone bridges, built over Willow, Muddy and Deadman brooks, at the dawn of the automobile age.
The Cross Highway bridge. (Photo/Wendy Crowther)
A century later, 9 remained. They’d survived hurricanes, road reconstruction projects, and collisions with decades of distracted drivers.
Wendy noted:
Today we pass over these bridges daily. Yet few of us notice their rustic presence. Their stone walls (“parapets,” in bridge lingo) were designed to convey the sense of a park-like setting — an aesthetic popular at the time.
Most blend seamlessly into the roadside landscape, often appearing to be mere continuations of Westport’s many fieldstone walls. They are simple, folkloric, and historically important.
And she added: “They are at risk.”
Evergreen Avenue (Photo/Wendy Crowther)
She and fellow Westport Preservation Alliance colleague Morley Boyd were particularly concerned about the Kings Highway North Bridge over Willow Brook.
Its enormous stone foundation perhaps dated back to the original “King’s Highway,” built in 1763 to carry mail between New York and Boston.
Large stones in the abutments beneath the Kings Highway North Bridge: Remnants of a much earlier bridge? (Photo: Wendy Crowther)
Wendy and Morley asked the town’s Historic District Commission to list all 9 remaining bridges on the National Register. She said:
We feel that these very special bridges possess the integrity of location, design, setting, materials and workmanship to qualify for this distinguished honor.
On a more visceral level, the preservation of these bridges will allow us to appreciate the human craftsmanship that went into building them. By picturing the crew of local men who lifted each stone by hand and mortared them in place, we’ll not just notice these bridges — we will feel them.
Nearly half a decade later, they’re still pushing the HDC to act.
That Kings Highway North stone bridge has already been lost.
The one on Greens Farms Road over Muddy Brook may be next. The Flood & Erosion Control Board voted recently to prioritize its replacement.
The Greens Farms Road bridge over Muddy Brook (Photo/Wendy Crowther)
Its historic past was not part of the discussion.
That’s a shame, Wendy and Morley say.
“Of the few remaining circa 1910 stone bridges still remaining in Westport, this is the most beautiful due to its length, its gentle bend, and its setting,” Morley notes.
“Perhaps if the board members had known this, they might have asked different questions, and perhaps some may have changed the way they voted.”
Wendy adds, “Having advocated for their preservation for years, I know that there are ways to deal with or divert flood waters through adjacent culverts without having to replace the bridge in its entirety.
“There are guidelines and engineering publications on how this can be done without ruining the dimensions and historic integrity of the existing bridge.
“These problems can be mitigated without destroying this beautiful bridge. Let’s please insist on seeking alternate solutions to replacement.”
Last October, a fire damaged Plumed Serpent. It was contained in the front of the popular bridal and formal gown store in Colonial Green, and no one was hurt.
But all merchandise was gone.
They promised they’d reopen. And while closed, the shop hosted appointments for fittings and pick-ups.
Plumed Serpent has kept their promise. They’re back in business.
Area brides (and their mothers) just heaved huge sighs of relief. (Hat tip: Molly Alger)
Pianist Adam Tendler headlines this Friday’s “Music at MoCA” series (July 15, 7 p.m.).
The Lincoln Center Emerging Artists Award honoree will perform a diverse contemporary program, with selections by Aaron Copland, Philip Glass and Darius Milhaud.
Music at MoCA concert series curator (and Staples High School graduate) Alexander Platt will share readings from “Madame Bovary” to complement Tendler’s pieces written by Milhaud for the film version of the novel.
Early arrivals can enjoy MoCA’s “Women Pulling at the Threads of Social Discourse” exhibit, and purchase food and drinks. Click here for in-person and virtual tickets, and more information.
A few miles away in Westport, Wynston Browne is a 21st-century Helen Keller.
The Staples High School rising sophomore is severely autistic. He does not speak.
From his diagnosis before he was 2 years old, to just a year or so ago, everyone — including his parents and 4 siblings — thought he was intellectually disabled. His IQ was believed to be 60 or so. The books read to him were 1st-grade level.
With his detached look and inability to focus, he was assumed to be off-the-charts disabled.
Last week I spent a couple of hours with Wynston and his parents, Lynda Kommel-Browne and David. It may have been the most astonishing, eye-opening afternoon of my life.
Research shows that for Wynston and others, the inability to speak is not cognitive. It’s muscular.
He cannot make connections between his brain, and his mouth, jaw and tongue. But Wynston’s brain is spectacularly active.
And it always has been.
Using a spelling board — a simple, low-tech device with letters and numbers he points to — and working with an extremely gifted, dedicated and professionally trained communication partner named Elisa Feinman, Wynston has made great progress in the past year.
Wynston’s low-tech spelling board. Pointing to letters is easier than typing, for someone without fine motor skills.
But in the last month, his parents say, his growth has been phenomenal — about 10 years’ worth of progress. They now know he can graduate from high school, and go on to college.
He might even follow the path blazed by Dan Bergmann, a non-speaking Harvard Extension School graduate, who gave his school’s commencement address.
Or the co-valedictorian at Rollins College, Elizabeth Bonker,
During the pandemic, Lynda and David heard about organizations promoting the idea that non-speakers had motor — not intellectual — differences. Wynston began working with the letter board about a year ago.
He points to the letter he wants, to spell out words. It’s easier than typing. Because of motor difficulties, when non-verbal people make typos, it’s assumed they lack intelligence.
Elisa holds the board for Wynston. But what he does with it is amazing.
It’s inspirational. And life-changing.
Wynston and Elisa, at work with his spelling board.
In the past month, Wynston’s parents have watched in wonder as he not only answers questions and does math problems, but demonstrates abstract thinking. He expresses his emotions — something it seemed he was never able to describe — and answers open-ended, personal questions.
On Fathers Day, Wynston spelled out, and Elise wrote down, a card to his dad.
“I like to give my dad hugs,” he said. He wanted to honor his father by being “the best person I can.” He vowed to work hard “to increase my skills like communication.”
His spelling board, he added, makes him feel “happy.”
Wynston’s Fathers Day card. He spelled out the answers to Elisa Feinman’s questions; she wrote them down.
Suddenly, Wynston’s world has been unlocked. It’s not unlike Helen Keller spelling “water” for the first time with Anne Sullivan.
There were several books on Wynston’s table. I chose a biography about Temple Grandin — the scientist, animal behaviorist and autism advocate.
I read a few pages out loud. Wynston did not make eye contact; it looked like he was not even listening.
But he sure was.
Wynston Browne learned — and remembered — everything about Temple Grandin.
When I was finished, Elisa asked him some questions. Where did Grandin earn her master’s? (Arizona State). What was her major? (Animal science.) What was her highest degree? (Ph.D.).
He did the same with a book about the atom bomb, which Elisa had read to him a couple of days earlier. He remembered Lyman Briggs (head of FDR’s Uranium Committee — a name and group I’d never heard of), He spelled every word correctly — including “physicist,” which trips up many people.
And he did it all despite never having had a formal spelling lesson.
For years, Lynda says, “He was learning basic math. Because he couldn’t express how easy it was, he exhibited extreme behavior” — rocking and other motions. “That reinforced for others that he did not understand basic math. Bur really, he knew much more than that.”
Elisa held up a board with numbers. Wynston quickly went through addition, subtraction, multiplication and division problems well beyond “basic math.”
Then it was time for a chess lesson. The game demands many types of intelligence: pattern recognition, thinking ahead, analytical skills, long-term memory.
Wynston made his moves quickly and confidently.
Scenes like these excite and hearten his parents — and make them angry and wistful too. They rue the nearly 15 years they held low expectations for him. They wonder what he felt all those years, with so much intelligence bottled up inside, and no way to express it.
Wynston Browne (3rd from left), with his parents and 4 siblings.
“I get goosebumps,” Elisa says, her voice breaking. “I feel we wasted so much time. But now he will excel. and we will push him as far as we can.”
“Wynston is not non-verbal,” Lynda emphasizes. “He is non-speaking.”
She notes one small sign of Wynston’s abilities to think deep thoughts, and express them well. The other day, she asked him which dog he preferred: his service animal, or the family pet.
He chose the one with “a calm temper.”
On the outside, Wynston may not seem calm. He rocks, makes repetitive motions, and is in constant motion.
It took nearly 15 years for the people closest to him — his parents — to realize that his brain was moving just as rapidly. He had thoughts, ideas and feelings — but no way to “speak” them.
Now he does.
Wynston Browne is non-verbal. But he’s not unintelligent.
Far from it. He’s learning how to communicate well. He’s learning many things people thought he never could.
And the rest of us are learning that he may very well be gifted.
(Hat tip: Jill Johnson Mann)
(“06880” posts stories like these, thanks to reader support. Please click here to contribute.)
Posted onJuly 11, 2022|Comments Off on “06880” Podcast: Diederik van Renesse
It’s summer, so let’s talk about … college.
The season doesn’t really matter. In Westport — and communities around the country like it — college admissions is a year-round interest obsession.
And it starts long before the summer before senior year.
This newest “06880: The Podcast” features a very interesting chat with Diederek van Renesse. His 24 years as a teacher, admission director and private school college counselor have served him well as a senior partner at Westport’s Steinbrecher Educational Advisors.
He works with families around the world on college, boarding and day school, and therapeutic treatment placements. He’s got a fascinating, 360-degree view of admissions processes, and he shared them the other day in our chat at Westport Library’s Verso Studios.
Comments Off on “06880” Podcast: Diederik van Renesse
“06880” has reported several times on the progress of David Hidalgo.
He’s the very talented, always-smiling and very hard-working carpenter/ painter/jack of all trades beloved by many Westporters.
He’s battled 2 separate leukemia diagnoses with a positive attitude. But his situation is now more challenging.
After a bone marrow transplant this spring, David had complications. He was hospitalized with a fever for over 2 weeks. There’s now a blood clot in his leg, and continued nausea. He has lost 60 pounds.
It has been a trying time for the whole family. His wife Haiying is caring for David and trying to clean houses when she can, while caring for 2 young children.
Money from an initial fundraising campaign is almost all gone. Any support that can be offered to David and his family is greatly appreciated. Click here for a GoFundMe link. Click here to help with gift cards for a meal train.
David Hidalgo with his children Santiago and Annika on Fathers Day.
A brilliant afternoon beckoned, but a large crowd stayed inside after yesterday’s Westport Country Playhouse matinee performance of “Kim’s Convenience.”
Playwright Ins Choi chatted with WCP associate director David Kennedy about the poignant, family-affirming comedy that moved from Toronto Fringe Festival sensation to Netflix TV smash.
Choi noted the play’s genesis as a way during a time of anti-Asian hate crimes. “The proactive part was continuing to write and share stories with heart, humor, and craft so people listen, laugh, and can’t deny how similar we all are.” he said.
The show runs through Sunday (July 17.) Click here for tickets and more information. (Hat tip: Dave Matlow)
“Kim’s Convenience” playwright Ins Choi, (right) and David Kennedy, in conversation on the Westport Country Playhouse stage. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
Yesterday’s “06880” Roundup noted the enormous amount of trash generated by this weekend’s multi-state lacrosse tournament at the Staples and Wakeman fields.
But athletes and their parents aren’t the only slobs.
This was the scene yesterday afternoon, at the Compo Beach pavilion:
(Photo/Dan Woog)
I saw it, and tried to imagine what went through the minds of whoever is (ir)responsible for this.
Did they think: “Wow! This is one of the most amazing days of the summer! It’s a perfect Sunday. The sun is shining, it’s not too hot, I’m at a beautiful beach, surrounded by so many people enjoying themselvs.
“So I think I’ll just leave my pile of garbage, instead of walking 3 steps to the trash can, so someone else can pick up after me?”
Carl Swanson spent years volunteering in Houston, helping disadvantaged people find and keep lodging. He understands their plight.
But he’s concerned about a house on Maple Avenue North, near Old Road. The siding is falling off; the garage is full of trash, and the windows are shielded by newspapers. The resident appears to be living in his van in the driveway, Carl says.
Carl notes that the situation has gone on for quite a while. He worries that the home is both an eyesore and a health hazard. He hopes town officials can remedy the situation — and help the owner.
Defending state champion Westport beat Fairfield National yesterday 9-3, to win the district 2 championship.
The sectional tournament begins Thursday.
Congratulations to players Dylan Burdeshaw, Miles Delorier, Henry Ellis, Justin Goldshore, Wyatt Johnson, Christopher Lambert, Chase Landgraf, Jack McGrath, Luke Moneyhon, Torrey Rossetter, Toby Slavin, Grant Theisinger and Nolan Walters, manager Justin Walters and coaches Marc Theisinger and Jon Ellis.
Beechwood — the intimate, innovative and immersive arts salon on Weston Road — is postponing its 11th “Beechwood Open,” scheduled for July 31. The namesake Beechwood House, built in 1806, is undergoing extensive repairs.
It’s now combined with the very fun “Secrets of Beechwood” Scavenger Hunt (September 18, 2 p.m.).
e have hosted The Beechwood Open every year since we started. One of our most popular events, it is outdoors under the Copper Beech and full of unexpected art, music and community and is often the event that introduces new people to Beechwood. Last year’s Beechwood Open was a record-breaker for attendance.
Beechwood House, with a magnificent copper beech tree, was built in 1806.
The Bridgeport institution’s centennial celebration is set for this fall. It will be big — and it’s got some key Westport connections.
The event is October 29, at the Inn at Longshore. It’s c0-chaired by Westporter Claudette Kunkes. She’s on the board of directors for the Connecticut Zoological Society, which oversees the non-profit zoo.
For more information, including tickets and sponsorships, click here, or email jtaylor@beardsleyzoo.org.
For a couple of months, Westporters gazed longingly at the old Elvira’s/Joey’s by the Shore on Hillspoint Road. A sign promised that the Old Mill Grocery & Deli would open this summer.
(Photo/Matt Murray)
Our long wait is almost over. The new owners have found a great local operator, poised to begin the last week of July.
It will be run by …
…. TGB Hospitality Group.
Doesn’t sound familiar? This will: TGB stands for “The Granola Bar.”
One of Westport’s favorite coffee shop/bakeries takes over one of our town’s most historic properties. For 103 years, the wooden building by Old Mill Beach has served the neighborhood, beachgoers, and everyone else who works or passes through the area.
Previous owners Hal and Betsy Kravitz searched hard for a buyer. They could not find one. Finally — just after they sold all their equipment — a group of nearby residents led by Jim Hood, Ian Warburg, Chris Tait and Emily Ashken Zobl formed a non-profit to buy the building, and keep it as a market/deli.
Done! The newest sign was unveiled yesterday evening. Standing proudly are (from left): Jim Hood, The Granola Bar co-founders Julie Mountain and Dana Noorilly, TGB Hospitality Group director of food and beverage JJ Heanoa, Emily Ashken Zobl. Koda — the Old Mill Grocery dog — sits in front.
Their fundraising was phenomenal. But they’re not pizza chefs and coffee makers.
They met with about 20 potential operators. The Granola Bar was the perfect fit.
Owners Julie Mountain and Dana Noorily have a great reputation. They know and love Westport. They’re pros — but they’re also fun to work with.
They had even thought about buying the building, when it was up for sale last year. But, Julie notes, “we serve food. We’re not in the real estate business.”
Since opening 9 years ago, The Granola Bar has been an integral part of Westport. “We live here. We see the people we serve every day. Our kids are in the schools. These are all our friends, our neighbors,” Mountain notes.
Julie Mountain and Dana Noorily, The Granola Bar co-founders.
Mountain and Noorily have expanded. TGB Hospitality Group now includes 6 restaurants, a catering business, food truck and restaurant consultancy.
But the Old Mill Grocery & Deli will not be The Granola Bar 2.0. It’s forging its own identity.
The “beach food” menu will include pastas, sandwiches, salads, wraps, smashburgers, and fresh fruits, vegetables and bread. TGB baker Rick Dickinson will provide the pizza dough. Breakfast food is both healthy and “indulgent.” There will be meals to please the night crowd too — and charcuterie boards to bring to the beach. (Old Mill Grocery will deliver to the Compo drop-off point, too.)
Plus, of course, ice cream.
Noorily calls it “an elevated place the serves elevated food.”
“This community saved the building. They’ll get a year-round restaurant and market,” Hood says. (The “market” includes staples like butter, milk, eggs and paper towels.) That’s great news for the 750 homes within a 3/4-mile radius.
Committee members (from left) Ian Warburg, Jim Hood and Emily Ashken Zobl, outside the property they helped save.
“This is not a lift. It’s a full Botox,” Mountain says.
It’s also a fulfillment of the investors’ mission, to provide training and jobs for people with special needs and disabilities.
The new owners have done plenty of due diligence: first creating a non-profit, then purchasing the building, now finding the perfect operators.
In a few days, the next chapter in this historic story begins.
(Old Mill Grocery & Deli hopes to open on or around July 25. Hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m, 7 days a week. Click here for more information; follow on Instagram @oldmillgrocery.
(Soundview Empowerment Alliance — the nonprofit organization behind the community effort — seeks donors interested in “naming rights” for major items. They range from an espresso machine and pizza oven to re-shingling and a new roof. For more information email SoundviewEmpowerment@gmail.com.)
(Like Old Mill Grocery, “06880” is a community resource. Please click here to help support this blog.)
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