Category Archives: Downtown

Pic Of The Day #433

Posted on June 24, 2018 | 11 comments

Bay Street wisteria clematis (Photo/Patricia McMahon)

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Senator Blumenthal In Westport: Separating Families Is Profoundly Depressing — And Un-American

Posted on June 24, 2018 | 36 comments

Yesterday, Richard Blumenthal was in Texas. He toured a border processing center, and a detention center packed with 250 boys.

Today, Connecticut’s senior senator was in Westport. Standing on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge, lined with the flags of dozens of nations, he pointed to America’s stars and stripes flying directly overhead.

Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal on the Post Road bridge this afternoon. He pointed to the American flag — flying with many others — and said its values are more important than ever.

This country’s values are very important, he said told a crowd of about 100. They gathered to protest President Trump’s immigration policies.

But those values are under attack, Blumenthal continued. And, he warned, darker days may lie ahead.

Before he spoke, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (far left) stood with the crowd on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge. They listened as protest organizer Darcy Hicks described the important of speaking up against President Trump’s immigration policies.

The senator spoke of his own father — an immigrant fleeing Nazi Germany. The current president, he said, would have turned that 17-year-old away.

Blumenthal thanked Westporters for caring, and for speaking out and standing up. Those values, he said, are more important than ever.

One of the signs seen at today’s protest.

This message counters the one worn on a jacket his past week, by First Lady Melania Trump. It read: “I really don’t care, do u?” (All photos/Dan Woog)

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Pic Of The Day #432

Posted on June 23, 2018 | 2 comments

jUNe Day flags, on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Post Road bridge (Photo/Heli Stagg)

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New Paltz Artist Opens New Gallery Here

Posted on June 22, 2018 | 1 comment

New Paltz is a funky Hudson Valley town. It’s home to the famed Mohonk Mountain House, and boasts (according to ILoveNY.com) “a lively music scene, farm-to-table eateries, and charming boutiques and cafes.”

Sort of like we kind of imagine Westport to be (without the Victorian castle).

So when Ryan Cronin looked beyond New Paltz for his new gallery, he chose Bedford Square.

“As socially conscious, artistic entrepreneurs with a passion for community relationships and adventure, we put a great deal of thought” into their 2nd location, says CronArtUSA co-owner (and Ryan’s wife) Melanie Cronin.

Ryan Cronin

When they heard about this town, she says, “we sat down, cracked our knuckles, and immersed ourselves in the Westport world. Our extensive research all came back with one positive affirmation: Westport was the perfect place to spread our mission (‘Art for good’) and vision (‘Be part of the art’).”

Westport’s rich history as an artists’ colony, and strong appreciation for the arts, were important. The Public Art Collection — including so many works in each school — sealed the deal.

“Ryan is a firm believer in making art accessible,” Melanie says. “Any community that makes major works of art part of children’s everyday life is one we want to be part of.”

The Bedford Square gallery offers Ryan Cronin’s original works and prints, along with special merchandise ranging from apparel to home goods.

Inside CronArtUSA’s Bedford Square gallery.

So far, Melanie says, Westport has been “welcoming and inquisitive.”

The New Paltz gallery and gift shop has become a community hub and gathering place, for artists and social activists alike. The couple hope the Westport site becomes the same.

(CronArtUSA is open in Bedford Square from 1 to 6 p.m. every day except Monday, and by appointment. Click here for more information.)

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Friday Flashback #95

Posted on June 15, 2018 | 20 comments

Alert “06880” reader Carol Gluckman sent along this 1980s-era t-shirt.

The owner may have loved all those stores, restaurants and more.

But unless you’re a beach, high school, institution or neighborhood — or were very lucky — today you’re just a memory.

Click “Comments” below to share your memories of any of these golden oldies.

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Posted in Downtown, Friday Flashback, Local business, People, Restaurants

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And The Winner Of Our “ABCs Of Westport” Contest Is …

Posted on June 10, 2018 | 4 comments

… no one.

That’s right.

Our recent contest — asking “06880” readers to identify Shelly Weifeld’s clever photos, depicting various spots in and around downtown as letters of the alphabet — drew exactly zero responses.

Was it too hard? No one interested? Did no one want a $50 gift certificate from The ‘Port?

Too bad!

Here’s the collage again. Feel free to try once more — this time, for fun.

The answers are below.

(Photo collage by Shelly Welfeld)

A: Levitt Pavilion
B: Top 2 windows of National Hall, as seen from across the river
C: Mailbox on Riverside Avenue
D: Window at Christ & Holy Trinity Church
E: “Live by the Sound” tile wall
F: Riverside Avenue parking lot, from behind
G: Quidley & Company art gallery, Wilton Road
H: Bench outside of Noya Fine Jewelry
I: Talbots, Main Street
J: Flower vase in the yard of 82 Riverside Avenue
K: Fence on Sylvan Road South
L: Light post on the Saugatuck River
M: Assumption Church window
N: Fence near downtown
O: Vacant store, Main Street
P: Handle of the railing at Paper Source
Q: Lou & Grey, Main Street
R: From “ARTS” on the wall near the Saugatuck River Bridge
S: Riverside Avenue
T: Corner by South Moon Under
U: Patagonia window
V: By the Saugatuck River Bridge, on the corner across from South Moon Under
W: Tree on the Riverwalk, near the library
X: On the brick wall near Arezzo, from across the river
Y: Bench handle outside Top This Frozen Yogurt
Z: Arezzo restaurant

See? Easy!

 

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Pic Of The Day #418

Posted on June 9, 2018 | Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #418

Crowds line Parker Harding Plaza for the start of today’s Great Duck Race. Nearly 3,000 plastic yellow ducks are corraled at the north end of the Saugatuck River. The event is a major fundraiser for Westport’s Sunrise Rotary Club. (Drone photo/Ryan Felner)

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Bobby Q’s — And Blues & Views — Are Back

Posted on June 7, 2018 | 6 comments

You can take Bobby Q’s out of Westport.

But you can’t take Bob LeRose out of our town.

The restaurateur closed his popular Main Street barbecue spot in April 2016.

Almost immediately, a 20-pound tumor was removed from his thigh. It had bothered him for 6 years.

He spent a month in the hospital, and another month relearning how to walk. Finally — after 2 years — he’s off crutches.

Meanwhile, last July he opened Bobby Q’s Cue & Co. in Norwalk. Part of the up-and-coming Waypointe District — around the corner from the former Loehmann’s Plaza, near Barcelona and Colony Pizza — it mixes the old restaurant (some of the furniture and menu items) and the new (upbeat look, evolving menu).

Bobby Q’s Cue & Co., in Norwalk.

Bobby still books bands (without, sadly, a rooftop stage). There’s an acoustic jam every Thursday, and Trivia Night on Wednesdays.

But Bobby remains closely connected to Westport too.

On Saturday, June 9 (12 noon to 8 p.m.), he’s part of Wakeman Town Farm’s Beer Garden. His low and slow BBQ will complement live music, lawn games, artisan vendors, frosty New Belgium Brewery beer, and treats from Saugatuck Sweets.

The other day at the Farm, he taught a barbecue basics class.

Of course, he’s also involved with Blues, Views & BBQ. He started the event — one of Westport’s biggest of the year — and it’s still his baby.

What’s a Blues, Views & BBQ Fest without something from Bobby Q’s?

The Westport Downtown Merchants Association will no longer sponsor the music/food/fun festival.

So he’s partnered with the Levitt Pavilion and Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce, ensuring that on Labor Day weekend the sounds of blues and the smells of barbecue will continue to draw thousands downtown.

“I’m diving back in all aspects, 100 percent,” Bobby promises.

Mark September 1 and 2 on your calendar. In the meantime, try Bobby Q’s Cue & Co.

The best barbecue in town is now just one town away.

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Staples Students Create A Market

Posted on June 4, 2018 | Comments Off on Staples Students Create A Market

Staples High School students take a heavy course load. Local graduation requirements are even more onerous than state ones.

Yet our teenagers also participate in clubs; play music and sports; act; volunteer in the community, and hold jobs.

Somehow, some of them even find time to create jewelry, clothing, artwork, greeting cards and more.

This Saturday (June 9, 12 noon to 4 p.m., Bedford Square), the public gets a chance to see some of their most creative work.

And buy it.

Hillary O’Neill creates and sells terrariums through her company, Pebbles + Posies.

The Westport Youth Commission is sponsoring the 2nd annual  Student Creation Market.

Here’s some of what you’ll find among the dozen businesses:

  • Hillary O’Neill’s unique, hand-made terrariums (Pebbles + Posies)
  • Zoe Barnett and Kai Dasbach’s beaded and woven necklaces, rings and bracelets
  • Kayla Bilotti and Tabby Burke’s hand-painted jeans jackets

Two alumnae from last year’s market are back too:

  • Channing Smith’s custom college logowear
  • Marta Clanton’s custom crochet products.

There’s entertainment too. It’s a special event — one day only.

Because when it’s over, our teenagers go back to work.

Hannah Roseme will sell her jewelry at the Student Creation Market.

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Library Reopens Tomorrow. You’ll Love What You See!

Posted on June 3, 2018 | 6 comments

Phase I of the Westport Library‘s Transformation Project is complete.

When the lower level reopens tomorrow — after a 12-day hiatus to move books from the upper level, and finish the massive construction job — patrons will note a difference that’s night and day.

Almost literally.

The dark, poorly laid out Riverwalk level has been completely redesigned. It’s light, airy, dynamic and interactive. Inside and out work together, inviting everyone to explore, relax, work together or alone, or simply enjoy the river and trees.

Here’s a preview, courtesy of superb photographer — and longtime Westport Library lover — Lynn Untermeyer Miller.

Henry Myerberg of HMA2 Architects has cleverly integrated the exterior and interior. The “porthole” above, for example, honors the riverside location, while subtly reminding users of the library’s logo and color scheme.

Large windows replace the lower walkway that led past the old video collection and offices. As you walk to the new entrance, you see action inside.

Indigenous vegetation and new pathways lead to the lower entrance.

The new entrance that says “WEST” faces west …

… and “PORT” as it faces the river. Westport Library director Bill Harmer admires new plantings just out of the frame.

Here’s one of the reading nooks. Formerly staff offices, they’ve been reimagined completely. Globe lamps mirror those on the riverwalk outside.

Stacks have been moved downstairs. But — like Manhattanhenge, where a few times a year you see the sun set directly at the end of every avenue — there are stunning views from all aisles. Each table has many outlets to recharge devices.

The children’s section moves temporarily downstairs, until the upstairs renovation is done. Special chairs — with words like “Make” and “Read” — are part of the new attractions.

Also housed temporarily in the Riverwalk level: a program room, the Maker Space and cafe.

Still under construction: a “grand staircase,” leading to another entrance (upper left). It will bring patrons into the upper level, near where the teen section used to be. The staircase will also serve as terraced seating: a place to meet, or enjoy the panoramic view of Jesup Green and the river.

The plaza at the bottom of the grand staircase can function as a program space too. Benches at the bottom will be lit at night. There are even outlets to recharge devices, 24/7. Meanwhile, the design of the pavers is meant to evoke the spines of books …

… which is echoed in the tiles on the walls of the new bathrooms. Designers of the “new” Westport Library have thought of everything.

Especially what it means to be a library in Westport in the 21st century.

(NOTE: The Riverwalk level will function as the “interim library” while construction begins upstairs, on Phase II. The project is on schedule — and on budget — for final completion next June. Hat tip: Lynn Untermeyer Miller.)

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