Category Archives: Downtown

Roundup: Orphenians’ Valentines, Compostable Cups, Carnegie Hall …

Posted on February 12, 2025 | 6 comments

In June, Staples Orphenians — our high school’s renowned, audition-only choral ensemble — travel to Spain, for an international choral festival.

They want to make sure every student can participate, regardless of financial circumstance. Proceeds raised above their goal will go to the Voces8Foundation, which is creating a music education hub in Westport.

As a fundraiser, Orphenian singers have created 1-minute a cappella clips of pop Valentine’s tunes. They range from love to friendship to (ugh) breakup — for example, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” “My Girl” and “I Want You Back.”

For just $5.50, anyone can send a digital Orphenians Valentine “Singing Gram” to anyone in the world. It will be delivered Friday (Valentine’s Day). Click here to order (songs are listed under “Select an Option”).

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A reader writes: “I just learned at Starbucks that the town is requiring all businesses to switch to compostable cups and lids. Do you know more about this initiative and what happens when businesses don’t comply?”

I contacted Gately Ross, co-director of Sustainable Westport. She replied: “Nothing that we’ve heard about explicitly. I suspect they are referencing Westport’s Single Use Plastic ordinance.” (Click here for the full regulation.)

The ordinance — passed in 2019 — says that any food service business must “transition from disposable plastic food service ware to compostable and recyclable alternatives.”

“Single use plastic food service products” incudes food containers, straws, stirrers, plates, “clamshells” — and hot and cold beverage cups.

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker cited the ordinance — and last year’s “Skip the Stuff” campaign, encouraging customers to request only utensils and other items that they really need — at this month’s State of the Town meeting.

Ross thinks that may have prompted Starbucks’ compliance with the ordinance.

The Conservation Department can issue fines of $150 per infraction, plus additional fees.

Ross notes: “Disposal of compostable goods is nuanced. Often they are confused for recyclable (which is suboptimal, because they will contaminate the recycling stream).

“Also, they are not accepted at the town transfer station food waste collection.

“Sustainable Westport recommends that residents contact their private hauler to see if they are permitted in curbside collections.

“Best answer: Reusables! Bring your own mug! Which Starbucks permits.”

A Starbucks compostable cup.

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The Downtown Plan Implementation Committee meets tomorrow (Thursday, February 13, 8:30 a.m., Town Hall rooms 307/9).

The agenda includes a review of the downtown design master plan, including parking study strategy and Jesup/Imperial lots design, as well as Church Lane closure, and “Jesup Alley.”

The Downtown Plan Implementation Committee will discuss the alley between Jesup Road and Post Road East.

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Sam Weiser has made it to Carnegie Hall!

The 2012 Staples High School gaduate takes the stage on February 27, with his Columbus, Ohio-based Carpe Diem String Quartet. Their presentation includes 2 world premieres.

The group is “one of the most unique and sought-after chamber ensembles on the cincert stage today. (The) boundary-breaking ensemble that has earned widespread critical and audience acclaim for its innovative programming and electrifying performances.”

Click here for tickets, or call 212-247-7800.

Sam Weiser (center, rear) with the Carpe Diem String Quartet.

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Speaking of the arts: One of the best shows in town is a backstage tour of the Westport Country Playhouse.

From the history-rich green room and dressings rooms, to the costume and set shops, you’ll get an up-close-and-personal, behind-the-scenes (and free) look at the 94-year-old theater.

Susan Garment took one the other day. She was particularly intrigued at the set being readied for the next production.

Working on the “Native Gardens” set. (Photo/Susan Garment)

“Native Gardens” opens February 18. Click here for details, and tickets. Click here for details about the Playhouse tours. The next ones are in Apri, May and June.

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Speaking of the Playhouse: Applications are open for this summer’s Joanne Woodward Internship Program.

Named in honor of the actress, director and former Playhouse artistic director, the program is one of the nation’s top training opportunities for emerging theater professionals.

Internships are available in marketing, development/fundraising, general production, and artistic and education.

In addition to working in their special Playhouse departments, interns attend weekly seminars with guest speakers, including staff members, visiting designers and artists, commercial producers and more.

The internships date to the 1940s. Among the most prominent alums of the program: Stephen Sondheim.

The Woodward Internships run from May 27 through August 1. Applicants must be 20 or older. The stipend is $655 per week. Housing is provide,d though ransportation is the responsibility of the intern.

For more information, including applications, click here or email education@westportplayhouse.org. The deadline is March 7.

Stephen Sondheim (crouching, top) during his 1950 apprenticeship. Other interns include future film director Frank Perry (front row, left) and Richard Rodgers’ daughter Mary (2nd row, 4th from left).

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Sure, you can send a store-bought Valentine’s Day card.

But Staples students have a chance to handwritten ones — with a strawberry heart, lollipop and words of encouragement.

The Teen Awareness Group sold Candygrams last week. On Monday, members personalized each one, with personalized messages.

The project was a fundraiser for TAG’s effort to connect the community, and remind students to support one another while making healthy choices around drugs and alcohol, and normalizing seeking support for mental health issues. 

Teen Awareness Group members create Candygrams. (Photo/Elaine Daignault)

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Like many Westporters, Seth Schachter checks eBay often, for items of local interest.

His latest find: this 19th-century sign.

The price: a mere $750.

Or “best offer.”

Click here to offer whatever you think it’s worth.

Or instead of buying it, perhaps a reader can clue us all in on John F. Coyle’s back story. Just click “Comments” below.

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Aspetuck Land Trust is partnering with Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center, and Oliver Nurseries, to sponsor a new book club.

The first selection is “Soil: The Story of a Black Mother’s Garden,” by Camille Dungy.

The book – about a family’s decision to plant a diverse garden in Fort Collins, Colorado — has been called “a poetic reflection on plants, family, community, race, place, and legacy.”

Meetings are virtual. They’ll be facilitated by ALT member Jennifer Groves. A positive psychology coach and naturalist who leads efforts to connect people in meaningful ways to nature and each other.

“Soil” is available from Amazon, and at the Westport Library. The signup deadline for the club is February 20. Click here to register for the Monday, April 7 (6:30 p.m.) session. Click here for the Tuesday, April 22 (12 noon) meeting.

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In 1986, trombonist and bandleader John Fumasoli formed a 10-piece little big band, The Jones Factor. It has become a jazz legend.

Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall met John a few years ago, at a memorial concert for Micky Golomb (namesake of JazzFC’s scholarship fund), and appreciated his musicianship and friendly vibe.

Tomorrow (Thursday, February 13, VFW Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:30 p.m.; dinner service from 7; $20 music cover, $15 veterans and students), Jazz at the Post welcomes The Jones Factor back.

In addition to Fumasoli and Wall, the shows feature bassist Dave Anderson, keyboardist Rob Aries, trumpeter Mark Collins and drummer Tyger MacNeal. Click here for tickets.

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It’s a tossup who likes to romp in the snow more: kids or dogs.

Based on today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo — taken near Burying Hill Beach — we’re betting on man’s best friend.

The canine variety, that is.

(Photo/Chrissey Hunt)

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And finally … today is the 216th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln. The 16th president’s birthday was celebrated as a holiday — at least outside the South — as was George Washington’s, 10 days later. In 1968 Presidents Day was created to honor both, on the third Monday in February.

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. We rely on support from readers like you. If you enjoy our work — and our 24/7/365 dedication to this town, and you — please click here to donate. Thank you!

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Posted in Arts, Downtown, Environment, Local politics, Westport Country Playhouse

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Pic Of The Day #2855

Posted on February 11, 2025 | 1 comment

Parker Harding Plaza pedestrian footbridge (Photo/Lee Scharfstein)

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Posted in Downtown, Pic of the Day, Weather

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Snow Scenes

Posted on February 9, 2025 | 3 comments

“06880” photographers were out in force last night.

And — when not shoveling themselves out — today.

Here’s Westport, on a slow, snowy Sunday:

Church Lane (Andrew Colabella)

Main Street (Sal Liccione)

Looking ahead to spring (Photo/Jennifer Johnson)

Rocky Ridge (Photo/David Doyle)

Off Whitney Street (Photo/Molly Alger)

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Posted in Downtown, Environment, Weather

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Toquet’s Grungy Alley: A Simple Solution

Posted on February 5, 2025 | 11 comments

There are several ways to get from the Jesup Green parking lots to the Post Road and Main Street.

You can walk toward Starbucks. Through Taylor Place, next to Tiffany. The Walrus Alley alley. Across the Bank of America lot. Down Bay Street.

You can also take the alley between Green & Tonic and the Westport Book Shop, passing Toquet Hall on your right.

But why would you?

That quick shortcut could be the skankiest in town.

Toquet Hall alley.

It’s filthy. An array of garbage cans gives it a distinctive smell. You might not get mugged there, but it feels like you will.

Has anyone tried to clean it up?

Yes.

Basso — the restaurant a few doors down from the unnamed alley — wants to beautify it.

Sure, it would help them. But it would add to the appeal of its retail neighbors, while also offering another way to drive foot traffic across both sides of the Post Road.

A great shortcut. But little used, for obvious reasons.

Basso owner Renato Donzelli has proposed a low-cost, interactive and culturally enriching initiative. Local artists could create murals along the gray walls of the buildings. Visible from the Post Road, the artwork would showcase Westport’s history, culture and values.

The town could host a competition to choose artists. (A similar project was a great success in Norwalk, Basso’s previous home.)

At the same time, enclosing the dumpsters would provide aesthetic — and health — benefits.

Light fixtures similar to those at Basso and on Main Street would create continuity, showcase the art, and ameliorate some of those I-might-get-jumped-here fears.

Planters on both sides would add to the upgraded alley’s appeal.

Basso has helped its neighborhood in the past. In 2021 they spent more than $20,000 on pavers, light fixtures, gates, posters, tables and chairs.

Outdoor at Basso, a few yards from the alley. (Photo/JC Martin)

Basso’s landlord, Jim Randel, favors the idea.

But, Basso says, Mel Mioli, the landlord of 46 Post Road East — the building on the west side of the alley — has no interest in participating. He denied a request to string lights on the side of his structure.

Mioli told “06880” that he is concerned about safety. More pedestrians using a more attractive passageway might increase his liability in the event of an accident.

However, the idea still seems like a no-brainer (unless you’re not worried about getting brained walking on the path).

Come on, Westport. Time to rally for the alley!

(Hat tip: Sal Liccione)

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Posted in Downtown, Local business, Restaurants

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Tooker, Goldstein Agree: State Of Town Is Very Good

Posted on February 2, 2025 | 39 comments

From Longshore to Long Lots, and safety to sustainability, the state of the town is very, very good.

That not-unexpected verdict was delivered this afternoon by 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Board of Education chair Lee Goldstein.

They spoke at the 8th annual State of the Town meeting, at the Westport Library. The Westport Rotary and Sunrise Rotary Clubs co-sponsored the event.

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker (left) and Board of Education chair Lee Goldstein.

Tooker began by listing her top 5 priorities.

Calling traffic “my favorite topic,” the town’s chief executive said her multi-pronged task force “is rocking it.” They tackled over 50 issues, while the Safety Action Plan provides a “road map” for coming years.

Tooker cited improvements in sidewalks and at intersections, and a 54% increase in traffic stops last year.

At Longshore, replacement of the maintenance shed and renovation of the Inn are key first steps to long-term improvement.

“There is no question in anyone’s mind that Parker Harding needs to be redone,” Tooker said, referring to downtown parking.

While “a shovel-ready design could be implemented tomorrow,” Tooker said that land-use bodies want a more comprehensive plan for all lots.

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker

Flood mitigation and stream management are another priority. “We are a very wet town,” Tooker noted. “45% of our land is wetlands. Long-term, expensive projects” are ongoing.

Ensuring that everyone feels welcome and included in our community and schools “is a real goal of mine,” the first selectwoman said.

She hailed the work of Homes with Hope, particularly their renovations of the Gillespie Center and Susie’s House, as “clear investments to protect our most vulnerable residents.”

Tooker said she will continue to advocate for the renovation of 5 buildings at Baron’s South, for affordable housing. The Planning & Zoning Commission meets tomorrow (Monday, 6 p.m., Zoom) to discuss a text amendment that would allow multi-family housing there.

She emphasized that there would be no change to any other part of the 22-acre property.

“Golden Shadows,” the main house at the Baron’s South property.

Tooker lauded the Senior Center for its increase in visits (up 25% from last year) and lunches (up 38%).

She also discussed the town’s new partnership with Silver Hill Hospital. Starting yesterday, the New Canaan facility offers free urgent mental health assessments for Westporters.

Westport continues to focus on sustainability, Tooker said. Vehicle fleets — including Police and other departments — are being electrified wherever possible.

The first selectwoman spoke about the new Long Lots Elementary School. The “largest building project ever in town” is also “big, complex, and the most exciting,” she said. The projected completion date is 2027.

A very preliminary plan for Long Lots Elementary School.

Tooker praised Startup Westport. The public/private partnership brings together tech and innovation founders and funders. Over 200 mentors and mentees have collaborated, and special interest groups are thriving.

She concluded with a shoutout to her colleagues and staff. “They are the best of the best,” Tooker said.

Board of Education chair Goldstein began by touting state and national awards, in areas like arts, journalism, science, math, academics, TV and radio, achieved by students and staff.

A slide showing some of the many Westport Public Schools honors won in 2023-24.

She noted that Staples High School graduates attend 176 different institutions. Students “leave Westport public schools equipped for what comes next, and happy and excited to take on their next chapter.”

She cited the work of Staples’ new student council, which has made “significant improvements” in areas like support centers, exam centers and wellness activities, and similiar initiatives at the middle and elementary schools.

Goldstein hailed the 2 student representatives on the Board of Education, who have voiced concern about proposed schedule changes at Staples.

She praised “Senior Walks,” a new program in which seniors return to their elementary schools prior to graduation, to greet former teachers and meet current students.

Goldstein also focused on the district’s approach to preventing “mean and excluding behavior.” That includes the ADL’s’ “No Place for Hate” project, and the School Climate Committee at Staples that addresses areas like suicide prevention and the adjustment of incoming freshmen.

Goldstein noted the schools’ efforts in aras like culture and identity, collaborative learning and community conversations.

The Board of Ed chair mentioned the Long Lots Elementary School building project at the end, thanking the building committee for their “tireless” work.

She showed a preliminary design, calling it “everything we, on the educational specificiations side, could ask for, within reason.”

Goldstein promised more information over the next few months about costs and site plans.

Another view of the preliminary Long Lots plan.

Finally, the budget. The board will vote at its next meeting on fiscal year 2025-26.

“The cost component remains consistent,” she concluded. “We’re a people business, and 80% of the budget is salary and benefits.”

Representative Town Meeting moderate Jeff Wieser posed questions submitted by the audience.

RTM moderator Jeff Wieser (right) fields questions for 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Board of Ed chair Lee Goldstein.

Tooker spoke at length about a new site for the Westport Community Gardens.

She reiterated her support for a Baron’s South location, adajcent to the Senior Center. It could be ready in 2026, and would require no P&Z change.

Tooker has written to all gardeners about the plan. “They need to want to move,” she said. “I’m happy to talk to them.”

Asked about the effects of possible federal funding cuts in areas like education and transportation, Tooker said there is no federal money on the town’s operational side.

Goldstein reported that there is little funding for education. As to fears about possible ICE raids, she said, “We receive children as they come to su. We will support students and staff as best we can.”

She added, “I am concerned about the material harm, and the ways we may be dimished spiritually and psychologically, by this fear.”

Board of Education chair Lee Goldstein. (All photos/Dan Woog)

Goldstein took a moderate approach to a question about artificial intelligence in schools.

“Students should use AI, while learning fundamental skills, because that’s the world we live in. Thinking, reasoning and communicating all use AI, but it can’t supplant the human spirit.”

She addressed a possible ban on smartphone use at Staples by noting its strong support among elementary and middle school parents. High school parents have mixed feelings.

Wilton High School banned phones this year, and Westport will examine that experience.

Goldstein predicted a ban next year here. “That may be one area where we don’t ask students for too much input,” she concluded.

(“06880” covers the state of the town today — and every day. If you appreciate our 24/7/365 journalism, please click here to make a tax-deductible donation. Thank you!)

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Posted in Downtown, Education, Environment, Library, Local politics, Longshore, Police, Staples HS, Transportation

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Pic Of The Day #2845

Posted on February 1, 2025 | 2 comments

Deadman Brook (Photo/June Rose Whittaker)

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Posted in Downtown, Pic of the Day, Weather

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Students Save! Discount Program Launches Today

Posted on February 1, 2025 | 6 comments

Back in the day, I served 5 terms on the Westport Youth Commission.

For 10 years we tried to develop a student discount program, for merchants.

It never happened.

In fact, back when I was a student at Staples High School, the Youth-Adult Countil — the Youth Commission’s ancestor — talked about a student discount card.

It too went nowhere.

All good things are worth waiting for.

Starting today — for the first time since the idea was broached, in the Johnson administration — Westport high school students (and those in college) can enjoy discounts, at over 2 dozen stores and restaurants.

And — how’s this for inclusion? — the program is also open to local educators.

The offers range all over town, from Vineyard Vines, Theory and Basso to The Bridge at Saugatuck, Pizza Lyfe and Restore Hyper Wellness. Most are from 10 to 20% off.

Even the Westport Country Playhouse is on board, with substantial ticket discounts for students and teachers.

The Youth Commission and Westport Downtown Association are partners in the launch.

Jake Shufro — a Youth Commission member and Staples High School junior — was aware of many long, fruitless attempts at a discount program.

He figured the WDA had the ability to make somethng work, and asked them to join the effort.

Youth Commission member Jake Shufro (left) and Westport Downtown Association community director Brian Spurr outside Rhone, one of 25 participants in the discount program.

Kevin Godburn, the town’s liaison to the Youth Commission as Department of Human Services director of youth services, notes, “This has been a great opportunity for student leaders to work with the local business community, and encourage peers to shop and socialize in town.

“With each program, the students learn a lot about what works and what doesn’t. We’re excited about the sustainability of this current version and look forward to a successful launch.”

To participate, high school or college students must present a valid student ID, or show their Schoology account. Educators must show their active credentials.

Partipants include:

Amenity Nail & Spa: Discounts on gel manicure, regular mani + pedi, and gel mani+regular pedi

Artistic Image Salon & Blow Dry Bar: 15% off

Brooks Brothers: 15% off

Courtgirl: 15% off

Earthplace: $5 admission for students

Field Trip Snacks: 20% off

GlowBar: 20% off

Hammer & Nails: 10% off

Kerri Rosenthal: 15% off

Madewell: 15% off

Marine Layer: 15% off

Moxie Salon: 20% off

Restore Hyper Wellness: 50% off core services for students; 20% off for teachers

Rhone: 20% off

The Two Oh Three: 10% off

Theory: 15% off

Vineyard Vines: 15% off

Vivid Cottage: 15% off

Westport Country Playhouse: Students, $20 tickets to any regular season performance; educators, 25% off regular single-ticket prices for all mainstage productions

Westport Cut & Shave: 10% off

Field Trip is offering 20% off its snacks.

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Basso: 15% off

The Bridge at Saugatuck: 10% off

Joe’s Pizza: 15% off

Original Pancake House: 20% off

Pizza Lyfe: 10% off

(For more details on the Youth Commission/Westport Downtown Association discount program, click here. There’s a form there too for merchants, services and restaurants to participate.)

(“06880” regularly covers retail and restaurant news, plus teen life. If you enjoy those stories, and so much more, please click here to support our work. Thank you!) 

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Posted in Downtown, Local business, Restaurants

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Roundup: Tiffany, Van Leeuwen, Dick Button …

Posted on January 31, 2025 | 4 comments

The Post Road storefront facing Main Street is perhaps Westport’s prime location.

It’s been many things: Colgan’s and Thompson’s drug stores. Ships restaurant. Eddie Bauer.

Now it’s Tiffany.

But for how long?

Admiral Real Estate Services is marketing the property, under the headline: “The BEST Locations in Downtown Westport! Current Tiffany & Co. Site!”

The listing reads: “New for lease: Prime ground floor retail space in Westport, CT. Current Tiffany & Co. End-cap corner retail with exceptional visibility at signalized intersection.”

The 5,580-square foot location offers “ample natural light, parking directly in rear, corner building with massive frontage … various uses permitted.”

In bold letters, it adds: “Parking is free, nearby, and vast. A large municipal lot can be found adjacent to the building on Jesup Road and in the Parker Harding Plaza located across the street behind Starbucks. Street parking is also available around the building.”

Tiffany & Co.

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Sure, it’s mid-winter.

But ice cream is always in season.

Van Leeuwen — the New York-based, national made-from-scratch dairy and vegan brand — opens its Church Lane scoop shop next Thursday (February 6, noon).

Their 4th Connecticut location marks a return for co-founders Ben and Pete Van Leeuwen. The Fairfield County natives’ ice cream journey began here 20 years ago.

To celebrate, Van Leeuwen Westport will offer $1 scoops on opening day from 3 to 5 p.m., and free totes to the first 100 customers beginning at 3.

The shop will also showcase a special limited offering created by Westport cookbook author and creator Julia Dzafic. The vegan sundae features scoops of strawberry shortcake ice cream and banana pudding ice cream, topped with sprinkles, hot fudge and sugar cone.

Other flavors include honeycomb, brown sugar cookie dough brownie, Earl Gray tea, praline butter cake, marionberry cheesecake, black cherry chip, Sicilian pistachio, bigface coffe affogato and sour cherry creamsicle.

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With a month to go before Fashionably Westport kicks off, over 30 fashion retailers and hair salons have already signed on.

The entertainment list grows too. Westport’s own Drew Angus — now a national perform — will join the fun.

This year’s 5th annual event is Friday, February 28 (7 p.m., Westport Library). Sponsored by the Westport Downtown Association, it’s a benefit for Homes with Hope. The evening includes a silent auction.

Models are local friends and celebrities. The emcee and runway director are neighbors too: Dave Briggs and Carey Price, respectively.

Click here for tickets. Click here for more information.

Veteran Fashionably Westport model (and 1st Selectwoman) Jen Tooker offers a reminder: Tickets are now on sale.

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Americans of a certain generation remember Dick Button fondly.

Some recall his illustrious. double Olympic gold-winning figure skating career. Far more known him as the sport’s foremost television commentator, honed over 6 decades of Olympics and other high level competitions.

Totney Benson has more intimate memories. Button — who died Tuesday in North Salem, New York at 95 — was her uncle.

His full name was Richard Totten Button — named in honor of his grandmother. The longtime Westporter’s name is Totney Button Benson.

Dick Button visited the Bensons’ Compo Hill home for holiday celebrations and other events over the past 45 years.

Click here for a full New York Times obituary.

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The curtain rises tonight for the 3rd show of Westport Community Theatre’s 2025-26 season.

“Pride and Prejudice” runs Saturdays (7:30 p.m.) and Sundays (2 p.m.), from January 31 through February 9, plus Thursday, February 6 at 7:30 (Town Hall; tickets are $30).

This adaptation captures the spirit of Jane Austen’s 1813 masterpiece with a lively, modern rhythm that stays true to the heart of the original.

Click here for more information.

(Rear) Tony Moreno and Westporter Dana Chiapparelli. Front: Maggie Frattaroli, Sawyer Peduto in “Pride and Prejudice.”

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Also tonight: an evening of jazz (“and java”), at Staples High School (7 p.m.).

It’s an informal event, in the cafeteria. Several groups will perform, including the Bedford Middle School jazz band. Admission is free.

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Paul Newman would have been 100 years old this week.

To honor the actor/race car driver/philanthropist/longtime Westporter’s legacy, Newman’s Own launched “Paul Newman Generosity Day.”

As part of the celebration at Newman’s Own offices on Morningside Drive North, Andy Ortega created a 4-foot tall cake. It was decorated with a replica of the original salad dressing bottle.

Paul Newman’s cake.

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Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between January 22 and 29. Both were for failure to appear: a 56-year-old Westport man and 44-year-old Bridgeport woman.

Police also issued these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 22 citations
  • Failure to obey stop signs: 11
  • Speeding: 9
  • Driving while texting: 6
  • Operating a motor vehicle while under suspension: 6
  • Failure to renew registration: 6
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 5
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 4
  • Improper use of markers: 3
  • Passing a standing school bus: 1
  • School zone violation: 1
  • Following too closely: 1
  • Failure to drive in proper lane: 1
  • Improper turns: 1
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
  • Illeal operation of motor vehicle — limited license: 1

This bus driver makes sure no one will pass. Passing a standing school bus is a definite no-no. (Photo/Bob Weingarten)

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Westport resident Sophie Coquaz died peacefully on Tuesday, surrounded by family and friends. She was 52.

She was born and grew up in southeast France. She studied economics at the University of Lyon, and the University of Reading, in the UK.

In 1994 she pursued a master’s degree at the University of Delaware. She moved to New York and Connecticut to start her professional life, and met her husband Emmanuel.

They married in 2001, with weddings in France and Greece. In 2005 they relocated to London for career opportunities. They spent 5 years there, where their 4 children were born, before returning to New York.

Sophie worked for Thomson Reuters in commercial and legal operations positions for 24 years. She joined Estée Lauder in 2020, and served as vice president in the office of general counsel and legal operations.

She enjoyed travelling to France and Greece for summer holidays. Years after her classes of classic dance, she retained the grace of a ballet dancer.

Sophie is survived by her husband Emmanuel Saounatsos; children Zélie, Madeleine, Aurel and Sidonie; mother Danielle; brother Régis; nephews Mahel and Antoine, and niece Alice.

A wake will be held at Harding Funeral Home this Saturday (February 1,  2 to  6 p.m.). In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Regional Hospice in Danbury,

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Christmas is pretty far in the rear view mirror. It’s amost February, believe it or not.

But a small vestige of the holiday remains at Grace Salmon Park. Johanna Keyser Rossi captured the colorful contrast, in a fir tree, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … Marianne Faithfull, whose life included years as a singer, “muse and girlfriend of Mick Jagger,” homeless heroin addict, actor and cabaret performer, died yesterday in London. She was 78.

Her first hit, “As Tears Go By,” is often said to be the first original composition by Rolling Stones Jagger and Keith Richards (now a Weston resident). (Stones’ manager Andrew Loog Oldham — who formerly lived in Westport — was attracted by her beauty, and asked her if she could sing.)

Click here for a full obituary. (Perhaps the most interesting line: “Her mother, Eva von Sacher-Masoch, was a Viennese baroness, an ex-ballet dancer and a descendant of Leopold von Sacher-Masoch, author of the erotic novel Venus in Furs,’ which spawned the term masochism.”)

(As today’s Roundup — and every day’s — shows, “06880” is truly “where Westport meets the world.” Please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

 

 

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Posted in Downtown, Entertainment, Local business, Obituaries, Police

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Roundup: Downtown Book Shop, Sidewalks, Retail …

Posted on January 27, 2025 | 5 comments

Is there any local organization Miggs Burroughs does not help?

The noted Westport artist — whose roots here go back to elementary school, and whose artistic career took off in his 20s with a Time magazine cover and US postage stamp — has created 4 limited edition lenticular artworks, to be auctioned at the Westport Book Shop’s March benefit.

Miggs’ “Icons of Justice, Courage, Innovation, and Style” are on exhibit at the Jesup Road store through the end of February.

Everyone is invited to a reception for Miggs and the exhibit on February 19 (6 p.m.).

As for the benefit: It’s March 13 (6:30 p.m., Westport Library).

Since early 2021, the Westport Book Shop has provided over 8,750 hours of paid employment and job training for more than a dozen people with disabilities.

They learn workplace skills transferable to other retail environments, and enjoy frequent, everyday interactions with the community.

Over that time, thanks to sales, the Book Shop has provided more than $200,000 of support to The Westport Library.

The fundraisers will build on that financial foundation, and help grow the employment program.

The evening includes live music, light bites and beverages, a paddle raise, and live and silents auction of unique books, vinyl, artworks and experiences.

Auction items include 2 copies of “The New Yorker in Westport” by Eve Potts and Andrew Bentley; signed copies of Rod Serling’s book “Patterns,” and Amor Towles’ “Rules of Civility”; tickets and tours of local attractions, and more.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

Miggs Burroughs, at the Westport Book Shop.

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Shame on Shell!

A Westport ordinance says that businesses must clear snow and ice from sidewalks within 24 hours.

Our last snowfall was a week ago.

This was the scene yesterday, on the sidewalk in front of the Shell gas station opposite the Westport Country Playhouse entrance:

Sure, it’s a lot harder to remove now.

But it should have been done the first time.

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Speaking of ice: The Westport Fire Department has been notified of a hydrant issue downtown, near GG & Joe’s.

It is leaking, forming ice on the sidewalk and street. Aquarion is working to fix it.

Leaking hydrant. (Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)

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Speaking of downtown: 2nd Street opens February 7..

The second-hand clothes and accessories store moves into space vacated by The Loft, next to Shoe-Inn.

Their first Connecticut location — one of about 50 nationwide — opened last year, in New Haven.

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Meanwhile, across the street Timothy Oulton is closing March 31.

The UK-based furniture and home accessories firm is 2 doors from Oka. That British furniture store closed last summer.

Next door is Mexicue. That 2nd-floor restaurant shut down in December.

 

Timothy Oulton (Photo/Sal Liccione)

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Hunter Peterson — the Staples High School graduate and shellfisherman who was profiled  yesterday on “06880” — has a new Instagram account.

You can follow him @saugatuck_oyster_company.

One of Hunter Peterson’s crabs.

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“Westport … Naturally” has received lots of Sherwood Island photos recently.

Looks like Connecticut’s first state park has been discovered — after nearly a century — but more than a few local residents.

There’s a lot there to explore. And — as Rob Grodman’s image shows — winter is as good a time as any to do it.

(Photo/Rob Grodman)

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And finally … today is the birthday of Lewis Carroll. He was born in 1832, and died in 1898.

(Feed your head! Feed “06880,” too. We can always use the support of readers. Please click here. Your hyper-local blog — and the dormouse — thank you.)

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Consultants: Spread Parking From Downtown Core; No Deck Now

Posted on January 27, 2025 | 9 comments

The latest parking consultants’ report is in.

The conclusion: Westport has a parking problem.

BFJ Planning + THA Consulting delivered that verdict — and a 9-page document — to the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee on Thursday. The study cost $46,900.

After observing parking occupancies during summer, fall and winter 2024, the consultants observed:

  • Peak occupancy downtown occurs on weekdays around 1 p.m.
  • Occupancies are highest in the “Core Parking Zone.”
  • Demand for all-day spaces in the core is at “practical capacity.”
  • Public lots outside of the core are “generally under-utilized.”

The “core zone” is the area north of the Post Road between Myrtle Avenue and Parker Harding Plaza, and south of the Post Road between the Taylor lot (lower Library parking) and Imperial Avenue.

The core downtown parking zone.

The consultants offered these goals:

Spread long-term parking demand out of the core lots. This could be done by creating all-day permits and permit areas. There would be one permit for a spot in the core zone, and a less expensive alternative for an outlying lot.

Increase hourly parking opportunities in the core. To do this, 3-hour spaces would be converted to 2- and 8-hour spaces; some all-day spaces within the core parking zone would become 2-hour spaces, and “occasional 15-minute parking” would be introduced in the core zone.

(The selectwomen recently changed 2-hour parking limits to 3 hours, at the urging of downtown merchants and restaurant owners.)

A parking management app could manage hourly parking. The consultants noted that there are already 13,000 ParkMobile users in the 06880 ZIP code.

License plate readers would be used for parking enforcement.

The popular Park Mobile app.

Increase the efficiency and security of the Police lot. Used primarily by the Police Department now, this could be expanded, restriped and clarified as a public parking area.

The consultants did not recommend a parking deck — a recent discussion in town for, among other places, Elm Street — due to its cost: estimated at $4.9 to $5.25 million.

Though noting they are “not anti-deck,” Georges Jacquemart, principal of BFJ Planning, said that introducing the parking management strategies outlined above should be the first steps for town officials.

He added that funds collected from parking fees could be used to improve pedestrian access from outlying lots, and perhaps be used for other downtown parking projects.

Perhaps a deck?

(Since 2009, “06880” has covered parking — and everything else that goes on downtown. Plus everywhere else in Westport. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support us. Thanks!)

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Posted in Downtown, Local politics, Transportation

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