Our Friday Flashbacks usually offer places and things — restaurants, stores, trolleys, Compo Beach bathhouses, and so much more — that no longer exist.
Today we explore 2 that never were.
Through the magic of AI, Nick Wiener offers a pair of what-might-have-been images. Both were hotly debated, more than half a century ago.
In the 1960s, United Illuminating wanted to build a nuclear power plant on Cockenoe Island.
You read that right: nuclear power, a mile off Westport’s shore.
You can read that fascinating story here. Today, we present an AI-generated look at what a large group of active residents (and intrepid Westport News editor Jo Fox Brosious) averted:
Thankfully, Cockenoe still looks like this today:
(Drone photo/Brandon Malin)
Not far away on the mainland, a handsome home stood for decades on Gorham Island.
(Photo/Peter Barlow)
It was a charming sight, just off Parker Harding Plaza.
Until a very large office complex was planned to replace it.
(AI images provided by Nick Weiner)
Thankfully, that was not ultimately built.
This was:
It’s easy to lament what we’ve lost over the years.
It’s also important to consider some of what we might really lament today.
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In January, 1st Selectman Kevin Christie removed Randy Herbertson from his position as chair.
Christie told “06880”: “I have not yet named a new chair for DPIC. Regarding the website, we’re aware of the issue and are looking into it.”
DPIC had spent a long time working on parking plans, including lot renovations, changes to time limits, an app to track open spots, and the possibilities of meters and a deck. Member Matthew Mandell says, “A lot of work has been done. A lot of work is still on the table. We’d like to be able to move forward.”
Part of the DPIC Master Plan, when it was live on the town website.
He won’t be in concert. But it will be a very entertaining evening nonetheless.
The internationally acclaimed Italian pop artist will be at the Westport Library’s Trefz Forum (Thursday, July 9, 4 p.m.). He and Connoisseur Medi radio host Jon Kamal will talk about music, the creative process, and the story behind his Falling in Love Tour.
It’s a different stage for the son of tenor Andrea Bocelli. Matteo made his live debut at 18, in Rome’s Colosseum, and has performed all over the world since.
Tomorrow, he receives the inaugural Rock the Walls Award. The non-profit brings musicians and artists together to support survivors and end the silence around domestic abuse.
At mid-afternoon yesterday, Bob Weingarten sent this update on Saturday’s powerful storm, which left hundreds of residents without power:
“Our electric came on this morning, along with others on Hillandale Road and Morningside Drive South.
“I’m not sure of Hillandale and Center Street. The intersection is blocked off because of tree parts with wires (hopefully not electric) — embedded within the logs and branches.”
At 7 a.m. today, Eversource reported only 570 outages in the entire state of Connecticut. Power has been restored to all Westport and Weston customers.
Wakeman Town Farm’s biggest event of the summer — their annual Family Fun Day — takes place Saturday, July 18 (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.).
The day includes hands-on activities (crafts, story time, hair tinsel, garden planting, bubble show, and more) entertainment, farm fun, and food.
The day is dedicated to longtime WTF supporter Pete Romano. His generosity and enthusiasm were legendary — as was his smile while serving ice cream. In his memory, sponsors Al’s Angels, LandTech, Gault and Saugatuck Sweets will provide free ice cream for all.
Curious about polo? And/or about the Fairfield County Hunt Club?
You’re invited to a day-long exhibition on Saturday, July 26 (gates open at 11 a.m.).
In addition to matches, there are vendors, food and drinks. Tickets are $15, at the gate. VIP tickets are available by Venmo: @fchcpolo.
Questions? Email HuntClubPolo@gmail.com.
Polo comes to Westport.
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Local author Lori Miller Kase (“The Accident”) leads a 2-part fiction writing workshop for teens (July 20 and 22, 4 to 5:30 p.m., Westport Library).
The free sessions help both experienced and aspiring writers generate ideas for new work, and offer inspiration to those with short stories or novels in progress.
Faded is the Crimson — a Grateful Dead tribute band — takes the stage next, in the Weston History & Cultural Center’s “Music at the Barn” summer concert series.
The show — reprising the Dead’s 1981 live acoustic double album “Reckoning” — is July 26 (5:30 p.m.). Guests are invited to bring a lawn chair, picnic, and bottle of wine,
Tickets ($15 members, $20 non-members; children 12 and under free) are available at the door or online.
The “Career Coach” will be in the Westport Library parking lot on Thursday, July 16 for a session on “Intro to AI: Job Seeker Strategies.”
It returns August 20, with Tips for Resume and Cover Letter.
There are 2 sessions ( 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.) each day; both are 2 hours long. Registrants can choose one.
The service is available to people who are exploring career opportunities, actively looking for a job, or seeking additional part-time employment. Click here to reserve a spot.
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Westport resident Isabel Moskowitz — a founder and past president of TCS — died Monday. She was 74.
A pioneer in the financial services industry, Isabel built a distinguished career at a time when few women held leadership roles in the field. She led her own brokerage firm, advocated fiercely for her clients, and helped open doors for women who followed.
In addition to her other roles at TCS, she served for decades on the board of directors, chaired many committees, and supported the synagogue in ways both visible and quiet. She also held leadership roles with Federation, ORT and other Jewish organizations, working to strengthen Jewish life locally and beyond.
Her obituary says, “She was happiest when bringing people together, especially around the holiday table, where she welcomed family and friends with extraordinary food, warmth and care. She gave generously of herself through her love, advice, support, guidance, thoughtfulness and steady presence. She had a sharp wit, a beautiful spirit, and a strength and resolve that made her a true force — in her family, her work, and her community.”
Isabel is survived by her husband Steve; her daughter and son-in-law, Alyssa and Josh Gold; her brother Michael Price; her stepchildren Alan (Michelle) Moskowitz and Dana Moskowitz, and her granddaughters Abigail Gold, and Naomi, Zoe, and Dafne Moskowitz.
Funeral services will be held tomorrow (Thursday, July 9, 11 a.m., TCS).
Donations in Isabel’s memory may be made to TCS or the Whittingham Cancer Center at Norwalk Hospital.
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Sherwood Island State Park punches way above its weight, in our daily “Westport … Naturally” series.
Today we feature a sharp-looking black swallowtail butterfly, courtesy of Clarence Hayes:
And finally … in honor of our “Westport … Naturally” image above:
(“06880” is where Westport meets the world — and where you get the full version of this beautiful song. What a blog! If you enjoy our 24/7/365 service, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Westport did not go far to find its new director of public works.
Larry Roberts — Weston’s current director of public works and facility management — takes over from Pete Ratkiewich on July 6. The longtime Westport director is retiring.
And he’s a Westport native.
Roberts has over 3 decades of experience, including municipal public works, facilities management, emergency communications and public safety. In Weston he oversees highway operations, facility maintenance, fleet management, municipal solid waste operations, capital projects and long-range infrastructure planning.
Previously, Roberts served as director of the Weston Communications Center. He spent more than 20 years with the Greenwich Fire Department, retiring as deputy chief.
Roberts holds a master of science in fire science/public administration from the University of New Haven, and a bachelor of Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical. He also graduated from the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program.
Dan Donovan writes: “06880 was out in force Thursday night in New York City.
“From local philanthropists Ann Sheffer and Bill Scheffler, to local business owners Bill Mitchell and Annette Norton, to Westport soccer illuminati including Andy Udell, Todd Coleman, Jim Wolf, Mike Carey and Zack Gross, and a group of more recent players, to former Staples High principal John Dodig, former 2nd selectwoman Andrea Moore, and fellow townies Andrew Colabella and Terry Brannigan, along with Dave Briggs, Amy Saperstein, Joan Gillman — and many others — we were all there to celebrate 06880’s own Dan Woog, as he was inducted into the LGBTQ Sports Hall of Fame. Of course Dan’s family and a few of his former Staples teammates were there too.
“Dan was honored, along with several other impressive, decorated, driven, articulate and brave sports world figures, who also happen to be part of the LGBTQ community.
“Kyle Martino, our most decorated Westport soccer success story — National High School Player of the Year, MLS Rookie of the Year, US men’s national team member, now a TV analyst and advocate for soccer in under-served communities — introduced Dan with humor, recalling growing up in Westport and the influence Dan had on him.
“Then Dan got to the podium and knocked it out of the park — or, as we say in soccer, scored a golazo — with his insightful words. It was a great night for Dan, and a great showing for 06880.”
Dan Woog (center, front) with Mike Carey and Zack Gross. Standing (from left): Luke Foreman, Neil Brickley, Jack Foster, Matthew Jordan, Jim Wolf, Emerson Anvari, Vaughan Sealey.
Kyle Martino, introducing Dan Woog
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Also this weekend: the Westport Astronomical Society’s Amateur Radio Field Day.
Local clubs operate as K1WAS. Hams from across North America participate in Field Day by establishing temporary ham radio stations in public locations to demonstrate their skill and service. Here, that’s the Westport Observatory classroom, behind the Aspetuck Health District and yard waste station on Bayberry Lane.
Everyone is invited to get in on the action — and on the air.
Shoppers who brought in 10 canvas bags — or all 15 varieties produced so far — received rewards.
From left: Lauren Kreter, Westport Farmers’ Market Lori Cochran-Dougall and Andrea Debello, with their shopping bags.
Also celebrating: River Hollow Farm and Ox Hollow Farm (representatives in the photo below). Both have been part of the WFM since its inception, 2 decades ago.
In a celebratory ceremony — with a lobster dinner — at the Ned Dimes Marina on Thursday night, Westport Rotary Club outgoing president, Peter Helt (left below) passed the ceremonial gavel to new president Ron Henkoff.
And finally … on this date in 1844, Joseph Smith, founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, and his brother Hyrum Smith were killed by a mob at the Carthage, Illinois jail.
An all-ages, high-energy crowd filled the Westport Library’s Trefz Forum last night.
Board of Finance chair Danielle Dobin interviewed President George W. Bush’s former press secretary, and current Fox News star Dana Perino, about her new novel.
“Purple State” explores love across political lines. It’s an apt subject, and the 2 women were well paired. Perino and Dobin were roommates on Capitol Hill 30 years ago, while working for congressmen of different political parties.
They’ve remained friends ever since. Last night, they discussed — and demonstrated — how and why those relationships are important.
Danielle Dobin (left) and Dana Perino, at the Westport Library. They discussed Perino’s new book, “Purple State” — and both wore purple. (Photo/Dave Briggs)
Starting this summer, Aquarion will install a new water main from Hemlocks Reservoir in Fairfield to Coleytown Road.
A community meeting is set for tonight (Wednesday, 6 p.m., Patterson Club, Fairfield)to discuss the impact to traffic flow during construction. Road restoration will be completed by 2028.
Click here to learn more about the project. (Hat tip: Jonathan Steinberg)
Aquarion project.
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This weekend’s Sidewalk Sale will have all the usual goodies on sale, outside: clothes, art, jewelry and much more. (You cannot, however, buy a sidewalk; it’s not for sale.)
Plus Animal Packs.
Kevin Bachman created the family-friendly reimagined deck of cards, based on woodland animals from around Fairfield and Westchester counties.
He’ll have a booth Saturday and Sunday (June 27 and 28), offering quick game play demos, single decks, and discounted 2-pack bundles.
The Westport connection is growing. Animal Packs is being added to the toy collection at the Westport Library. It’s already available at other libraries, including Pequot and Fairfield Public.
The next Veterans Benefits Luncheon is tomorrow (Thursday, June 25, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.), VFW Post 399).
It’s open to all veterans as part of an ongoing effort to check in on all veterans’ welfare, and connect them with the benefits and support they earned.
Representatives will answer questions, and provide information on services and assistance available to veterans.
RSVPs are encouraged (but not required). Email vfw399ct@gmail.com, and include the number of attendees, or call (203) 227-6796.
PS: If you’re not a veteran, but know one: Please pass the word!
Also tomorrow (Thursday): “Planning Today. Peace of Mind Tomorrow.”
The 6 p.m. Westport Library event features a panel of geriatric care specialists. The goal is to help seniors, caregivers and the “Sandwich Generation” understand the continuum of care and the resources available throughout Fairfield County.
Experts in home care, senior living, dementia support, elder law, real estate transitions and care navigation will offer practical guidance on how families can plan ahead, identify early warning signs, and make informed decisions during times of transition.
Also available: refreshments, raffles, complimentary assessments and “savings.” The event is sponsored by Connecticut Nursing Services.
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