From the fractured national political landscape to fraught local controversies, folks are on edge.
But hey — it’s the holidays!
Let’s put aside our differences. Let’s slow down. Let’s appreciate, with delight and gratefulness, all the brightness in our lives.
Including our neighbors, who go out of their way to light up the lives of all who pass by.
Whatever their views, on whatever we will argue about after the new year.
West Parish Road (Photo/Kristen Habacht)
North Avenue, across from Staples High School. (Photo/Jennifer Kobetitsch)
Timber Lane. off Roseville Road. (Photo/Celia Campbell-Mohn)
A special message, on Compo Road North. (Photo/Eric Bosch)
This 18th-century one-horse open sleigh was a gift from A.E. Hotchner’s wife, when Rick Benson bought the author’s family home. Rick restored it to its present 21st-century beauty. It’s parked now on Compo Hill. (Photo/Rick Benson)
Last weekend, the Westport Transit District rolled out a soution to holiday shopping traffic.
This weekend, Wheels2U — the on-demand train station service — will operate once again.
Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. tomorrow and Sunday (December 20 -21), a Wheels2U vehicle will pick you up anywhere in Westport. It will take you downtown, then back home again when you’re through.
Stops are at Jesup Green opposite the Westport Book Shop, and Elm Street across from Serena & Lily.
Download the Wheels2U app, and book your ride 20 minutes before you want to leave. Rides are just $2 per passenger, open to all Westport residents and visitors. Children 12 and under must ride with an adult.
Westporters learned a lot about investing — and sports, and politics — when billionaire financier/former Milwaukee Bucks owner Marc Lasry, and fellow TV personality Dave Briggs, chatted onstage at the Westport Library last month.
Yesterday, a national audience learned from the 2 Westporters too.
Their interview was featured on CNBC, when Lasry went on the business channel to discuss investing in college sports.
VFW Post 399 is a warm, welcoming place for any meeting. There are plenty of veterans-related events there — and many others with outside groups, that rent the Riverside Avenue facility (for a very modest sum).
The vibe was especially warm earlier this week. The VFW, American Legion and auxiliary enjoyed spicy chili, before their end-of-year meetings.
Happy 69th anniversary to former 2nd selectwoman/Apple Festival founder/ longtime town volunteer Betty Lou Cummings and her husband Tom, a former IBM executive.
Here’s to many more enjoyable years, at your Saugatuck Shores home.
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature takes us to Grace Salmon Park.
The small riverside oasis on Imperial Avenue has many devoted users. Some were upset the other day, to see significant sections laid bare.
It’s all goodo. The work was part of the town’s Invasive Species Management Project. Run collaboratively by the Parks & Recreation and Conservation Departments, the goal is to remove invasives, to improve wetland health and biodiversity.
Grace Salmon Park looks a bit different these days. It’s more of a gem than ever.
And finally … On this date in 1971 the live album from the Concert For Bangladesh, held 6 months earlier in Madison Square Garden, was released. It went on to win a Grammy, for Album of the Year.
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Growing up in Westport, Lynn Untermeyer Miller loved downtown.
She’s never lost that affection.
And — in her years as a professional photographer (as was her father, the beloved Larry Untermeyer) — she often trains her eye on the sights and scenes we sometimes miss on Main Street.
The holidays are a special time for downtown, and for Lynn.
The other day she headed there, for the “06880”/Westport Downtown Association Holiday Stroll.
Kris Hrisovulos has quite a resumé as Staples High School boys tennis coach.
In 14 years at the helm, he has won 8 state championships and 5 FCIAC titles.
He was a 2022 finalist for National High School Tennis Coach of the year; the ’22 State Coach of the Year, and ’19 Sportsman of the Year. The winningest coach in Wreckers’ boys tennis history, he is also a Staples High School grad. As a member of the Class of 1999, Hrisovulos starred in both tennis and soccer.
He is respected and admired by generations of players and parents. Now, however, he is fighting a decision by the school to not rehire him.
According to a GoFundMe page for donations to his legal representation, he is also battling to “clear his name from unjust accusations” that led to the administrative decisin.
“The legal expenses to defend himself already amount to almost four times the stipend volunteer coaches like Kris get at the school for their priceless contribution to the community,” the GoFundMe page says.
It adds: “The school has failed to provide any details — including the results of a thorough investigation, or if one ever took place — and it is therefore unclear what information is public and can be shared at this point.
“What we do know is the strength of Coach Kris’ character, professionalism, and love for tennis education …. (T)he outpouring of support from players, parents, and residents speaks volumes about his record, his character and contributions to the Westport community.”
Athletic director VJ Sarullo declined an “06880” request for comment.
Speaking of which: The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport invites everyone to a special meditative service in their Lyons Plains Road sanctuary this Friday (December 20, 7 to 8 p.m).
It is “a quiet, reflective time for those of us who need such space in the midst of so much activity.”
The UU church adds: “This time of year, with so many holidays and celebrations, can bring joy and excitement to many. At the same time, it can also bring up memories of friends and family who are gone; of the challenges in our lives we are facing; and of the long nights that bring on the winter blues. This time to come together will help to dispel these blues and bring light into our lives.”
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation also invites residents to the Christmas Eve service (December 24, 9 p.m.).
Speaking yet again of Christmas: Chabad Lubavitch of Westport is hosting a “Chinese Chanukah Party” at 5:30 p.m. that day.
There’s a good reason for the date: It’s also the first night of Chanukah.
The event includes a menorah lighting, fire show, latkes and donuts — and of course (because this is Christmas) Chinese food. Click here for more information.
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Speaking still of the holidays: Westport’s winter fundraising drive — to send children from our sister city of Lyman, Ukraine to a camp in the mountains, a respite from a third winter of war — continues slowly.
Our goal of $56,000 would enable 200 boys and girls to enjoy time together, with teachers and therapists, at Karabin. The sports, crafts, games and movies — along with schoolwork — takes place in a setting far removed from their hometown, a few miles from the Russian front.
Right now, Lyman’s youngster have been evacuated. The therapeutic camp is a chance to enjoy normalcy, with friends and trusted adults.
It costs about $280 to send one child to Karabin, for 10 days.
How about it, Westport? Can we raise $56,000, to ensure that 200 kids in our sister city enjoy time away from the terrors of the past 3 years?
Just click here. Under “Designation,” choose “Westport-Lyman sister city” from the dropdown menu. You can also choose a monthly or one-time donation. If you use the mail or Venmo option, please make a note: “For Westport-Lyman.”
Students from Weston’s sister city of Siversk, at the Karabin camp. Westport is raising funds for children from Lyman, our sister city.
The Downtown Plan Implementation Committee meeting set for this Thursday (December 19) has been canceled.
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Jazz at the Post ends the year with a bang!
Guitarist Paul Bollenback headlines this Thursday’s shows (December 19, 7:30 and 8:45 p..; dinner from 7; VFW Post 399; tickets $20, veterans and students $15).
He’ll be joined by bassist Bill Moring, drummer Rudy Royston and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.
And finally … on this date in 1903, the Wright brothers made the first controlled powered, heavier-than-air flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
(As noted above, every family has its own holiday tradition. Here’s one all can embrace: a year-end gift in support of “06880.” Please click here to start it off. Thank you!)
Their primary focus is attending to the needs of impounded dogs at Westport Animal Control. WASA provides funds for vet care, exercise and training.
They perform home and reference checks, to ensure the canines are placed safely in loving homes.
WASA runs a small fostering network for homeless dogs from other Connecticut animal control facilities, or that come from Fairfield County residents and must be rehomed.
WASA also assists pet owners who struggle financially to provide vet care and adequate nutrition for their pets.
Whether you’re a dog owner, dog lover, or stay far from Winslow Park and off-season Compo Beach, WASA’s year-end video is well worth watching.
It was produced by Staples High School Class of 2021 graduate Brandon Malin. He began volunteering with WASA at age 7, and has been a great fantastic friend to them (and their dogs) ever since.
Brandon is also an exceptionally talented photographer and videographer.
WASA notes: “We ‘stay in business’ because of the support we receive from Westport residents, businesses, and town departments. We are not subsidized by the town of Westport.”
Click here to support WASA. Click below to see Brandon’s great WASA ’24 video.
Attention, Staples Orphenians alumni — and everyone else who loves our high school’s elite a cappella group!
An “Orphs Alumni” Christmas caroling event is set for downtown Westport, this Friday (December 20, 3 to 4 p.m.).
Singers will meet at the Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church parking lot.
Orphs: Bring your voices. You’ll have a great time.
Downtown shoppers: Bring your ears. You’re in for a treat.
In 1980, George Weigle led these Orphenians on a downtown Christmastime caroling stroll. Will some alumni from this group — now 60 years old — be back on Main Street on Friday?
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Speaking of the Staples Music Department: With musicians and audience members still on a high after this weekend’s Candlelight Concert (and everyone else kicking themselves for not getting tickets), here’s one more look at the 84th annual gift to the town.
Kevin Mazzarella is in his first year as band director at the high school. But it’s clear from the photo below — as he leads the symphonic band, symphonic orchestra and choral ensembles (including dozens of alumni) in Saturday’s rousing “Hallelujah Chorus” finale — that he’s as excited by Candlelight as everyone else from the past 8 decades.
Speaking of strange sights: Our “06880” tagline is “Where Westport meets the world.”
But we never expected to see this sight, from deep in the heart of Texas (Plano):
Ellen Wentworth’s cousin spotted it, and sent it to her.
Yee haw!
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With its winter semester near, Westport Library’s Verso University has announced 8 new courses. They are:
Poet of Wonder: Robert Frost (January 8, 15, 22; 10:30 a.m. to noon). Explore Frost’s work with Westport poet laureate Donna Disch in a 3-part seminar. Delve into all that is “lovely, dark and deep.” Each session will focus on a different selection.
Suspicious Papers: A Vintage Ephemera Collage Workshop Series (January 8, 15, 22; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.). Artist and ephemera dealer Alesia DiFederico explores mixed media collage using authentic bits of history, inks, paints, and imagination. Creating art is for everyone; the joy is in the do
Exploring Wines of Italy (January: 9, 16, 23, 30; 3 to 4 p.m.). Sommelier Barbie Messa leads a wine tasting class that dives deeply into Italy’s rich traditions.
Storytelling for TV and Film (January 9, 16, and 23; 6 to 7:30 p.m.). Scriptwriter Gigi Rios New helps explore the fundamentals of storytelling for the small and big screens, plus script formatting techniques.
Leadership Literacy (February 5, 12, 19, 26; 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.). Harvard leadership scholar Barbara Kellerman focuses on studying literature about concepts of power, authority and influence.
Tarot 101: A Journey to Self-Discovery (February 5, 12, 19, 26; 2 to 3 p.m.). Author, astrologer, and tarot expert Maria Sofia Marmanides teaches the 78 cards of tarot.
Write, Craft, Create: A Wellness Practice in Making Handmade Cards
(March: 5, 12, 19; 1 to 2 p.m.). Instructor Kerstin Rao, the Westport artist behind Vivid Cottage, provides a safe space for participants to tap into their feelings and craft earnest messages.
Introduction to Ikebana (March: 13, 20 & 27; 10 a.m. to noon). Sogetsu Ikebana is a modern form of the ancient art of Japanese flower arranging, using living materials. Shizue Pleasanton teaches the aesthetic discipline and traditional principles of the form.
For information on Verso University courses, including registration, click here.
And finally … in honor of the newest addition to the police station tower (story above):
(When we figure out Westport drone mystery, you’ll read about it first on “06880” — just like you do so often, on so many topics. If you enjoy our coverage, please click here to support our work. Thanks!)
Downtown parking has gotten “lots” of attention lately.
In meetings and online, Westporters have talked discussed the lack of spots, and/or the distance they walk from them.
This holiday season, the Westport Transit District has a solution.
Wheels2U — their on-demand train station service — will operate this weekend and next.
Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on December 14 -15 and 20 -21, Wheels2U will pick you up anywhere in Westport. They’ll take you downtown, then back home again when you’re through.
Stops are at Jesup Green opposite the Westport Book Shop, and Elm Street across from Serena & Lily.
Download the Wheels2U app, and book your ride 20 minutes before you want to leave. Rides are just $2 per passenger, open to all Westport residents and visitors. Children 12 and under must ride with an adult.
Club203 — Westport’s social organization for adults with disaiblities — celebrated the holidays last night at the VFW.
It was another great evening. And — as with all of the club’s events — many people and businesses made it rock.
The VFW donated its popular space. Delicious food was made by Carmine Cenatiempo, of Calise’s Market. Desserts and gingerbread cookies for decorating came courtesy of Chef Avery (@chefaveryw).
Marcello scontributed a holiday-themed photo booth (@Marcello.DEF).
Club203 gives a huge shoutout to the Westport Woman’s Club. Its Ruegg Grant will enable them to offer more social and educational events for Westport’s neurodiverse community.
Audiences at the Westport Country Playhouse’s production of “A Sherlock Carol” (December 17 through 22) can get in the holiday spirit even before the curtain rises.
Collection boxes for 4 local charities — Domestic Violence Crisis Center, Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, Norwalk Toys for Tots, and Westport Homes with Hope Food Pantry — will be set up in the lobby during performances.
They’re also available during box office hours (Tuesday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m.). You don’t have to see the show to help!
Click here for details on each charity, and wish lists for all 4.
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Speaking of Christmas wishes: There are 13 days till Christmas.
Which means there is still time for kids to drop off letters to Santa, at the Greens Farms post office.
Where — unlike the always-crammed Playhouse Square location — there is never a line.
(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)
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It was a full — but unintended — Westport moment yesterday, on “Today.”
He did not realize until later that Lifelines is the company started by Melissa & Doug to “help individuals rediscover wonder and relieve stress through their senses.”
Of course, he knows that “Melissa & Doug” are the Bernsteins.
And that the husband and wife team are — like Craig himself — Westport residents. (Hat tip: Dave Briggs)
Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between December 4 and 11.
A 21-year-old Bronx man was charged with 2 counts of larceny, and 2 counts of conspiracy to commit larceny, following an investigation into 2 shoplifting incidents at Ulta Beauty in 2021. His bond was $100,000.
A 51-year-old Bronx man was arrested for identity theft, after a report from TD Bank of a suspect using fraudulent identifaction to obtain a debit card. He was released on $10,000 bond.
Police also issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 13 citations
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 3
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 2
Failure to obey stop sign: 2
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
School zone violation: 1
Opoerating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
Failure to renew registration: 1
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
Ulta Beauty is a frequent target of shoplifters. Many are arrested.
Westport continues to raising funds, to ensure that 200 children in our sister city of Lyman, Ukraine enjoy time away from the wartime terrors of the past 3 years.
Our goal of $56,000 will pay for them — scattered now, evacuated from their homes — to get together, with friends, teachers and counselors, at a therapeutic camp in the Carpathian Mountains.
To help, please click here. Under “Designation,” choose “Westport-Lyman sister city” from the dropdown menu. You can also choose a monthly or one-time donation. If you use the mail or Venmo option, please make a note: “For Westport-Lyman.”
A bit of normalcy in war-torn Ukraine.
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Westporter Warren Hammer is a chiropractor in Norwalk
For years he has specialized in fascial manipulation. It is taught in 50 countries, and used by many professional teams for chronic pain.
Last weekend, in Port St. Lucie, Florida, he introduced the method to the trainers who treat the New York Mets.
And finally … in honor of Warren Hammer’s recent gig (story above):
(As this Roundup shows, “06880” is like Forrest Gump’s box of chocolates: You never know what you’ll get. If you like most of what we offer, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
For decades, Henry Lehr was a legendary Main Street women’s store.
Nearby, on the Post Road, Schaefer’s Sporting Goods was equally beloved.
Years later, they’re back — 2024 style.
Alex Lehr — Henry’s son — has opened a new shop, with the old name (and menswear too). It fills the space formerly occupied by Fig, just down from Barnes & Noble.
Before that — when the bookstore was a movie theater — the store was Schaefer’s. Generations of Westporters bought baseball gloves, soccer cleats and skis there.
Alex Lehr’s road back to Westport winds through Southampton and Indiana.
He grew up here, and attended Kings Highway Elementary, Bedford Middle School and Greens Farms Academy.
It was off to Indiana University, New York, then back to the Hoosier State. From college on he worked for American Colors, the brand started by his father. Alex made his way up from the factory to head of sales.
Alex Lehr, with the belt collection in his new store.
In 2004, Henry retired. Alex took over. His wife Shannon also joined the business.
American Colors was a wholesaler, selling at trade shows to 200 specialty stores around the world. Westport customers include Great Stuff and Katherine H.
When COVID closed trade shows, Alex pivoted to retail. It was a world he knew well.
Henry Lehr and his wife had moved to Westport in 1977. They owned a New York store, and soon added one on Main Street. (Today, it’s the site of Shoe-Inn.)
Through its closing in 2014, after the death of their daughter Camilla who ran it, it was one of the town’s most popular women’s shops.
Henry Lehr on Main Street, soon after it closed. (Photo/Dave Matlow for WestportNow)
In 2021, Alex Lehr opened a pop-up American Colors by Henry Lehr store in Southampton. It was an instant hit.
A surprising number of customers were Westporters. Many urged him to come back to their (and his) hometown.
The Hamptons location was great, but it was seasonal, with transient customers, Alex says. As he considered a permanent shop, he realized this was the place to do it.
Attorney and real estate investor Jim Randel found him the Fig/Schaefer’s space.
Schaefer’s Sporting Goods is the 3rd store from the left, next to the Fine Arts Theaters and an art supply store. Fred Cantor took this photo in 1976 — around the time Henry Lehr opened on Main Street.
It was perfect. It reminds Alex of the Henry Lehr shop on Main Street. It looks out on the Post Road, with plenty of visibility. The tin ceiling gives off the perfect vibe.
A pop-up shop there in July, with just a few racks of clothes, was very successful. Renovations began when it closed.
Two weeks ago, American Colors by Henry Lehr opened officially.
During the pop-up, customers told Alex that Westport lacked the kind of casual, comfortable, contemporary clothing men wanted. The new store now includes menswear, and a collection of vintage belts.
Alex Lehr, inside American Colors by Henry Lehr.
There’s more to come. After the holidays Alex will add a home store, with antiques, vintage clothing, gifts, and a made-to-measure area for men and women.
“I’ve come full circle. It’s fun to be back,” Alex says. Women bring Henry Lehr clothing they bought 30 or 40 yeas ago. He repairs some of those well-worn pieces for them.
The Westport store may be a prototype for satellite locations. Still, he envisions this as always the flagship.
Casual, contemporary clothing.
As Alex finished giving a tour of the new store, a customer walked in.
Unprompted, she said, “This is the talk of the town!”
(“06880” often reports on the Westport business scene — old, new, and old ones that are new again. If you enjoy our coverage, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Mexicue served its last chips, fajitas and margaritas this week.
The 2-old-restaurant — in the space previously occupied by Bobby Q’s and, before that, Onion Alley — struggled to fill the large dining room and patio.
Mexicue’s 2 New York locations (Midtown and NoMad), and the one in Stamford, remain open.
Empty tables at Mexicue.
The closing follows the apparent shutdown of 159 Main (the successor to Rye Ridge Deli and, before that, Oscar’s). A sign on the door said, “We are closing for a few days to carry out necessary upgrades.” But the interior has been dark, with no work being done.
Kids roasted s’mores, posed with Santa (and Buddy the Elf and the Grinch), petted piglets, made ornaments, got their faces painted, sent letters to the North Pole, and had a holiday blast in hundreds of other ways.
Nômade’s s’mores are a new Stroll tradition. (Photo/Ryan Allen)
Their parents enjoyed Champagne, shopped, snapped photos of their kids with Santa (and Buddy the Elf and the Grinch), met friends and neighbors, and had their own holiday blast.
Sorelle Gallery: fine art and more. (Photo/Ryan Allen)
A DJ blasted Christmas songs (with a bit of Motown and other popular music thrown it). Many people donated toys, to the Westport Police drive.
All your favorite holiday classics, from the Holiday Stroll DJ. (Photo/Ryan Allen)
Merchants up and down Main Street — and across the river, even in Saugatuck — added their own unique promotions, for even more fun.
Many merchants offered special Stroll deals. (Photo/Ryan Allen)
Yesterday’s 4th annual “06880” Holiday Stroll was the biggest and best yet. The Westport Downtown Association kicked it up many notches this year, adding dozens of activities, bringing in artisans and vendors, and making sure the 2,000 attendees had a holiday blast.
Even the weather cooperated. The air was brisk, but hey, it’s December. Winter is hot chocolate time, and there was plenty to go around.
The kettle corn guy had a busy night. (Photo/Ryan Allen)
Thanks to all the stores, restaurants, vendors and others who participated. Thanks too to the Westport Downtown Association, whose partnership with “06880” is invaluable (and greatly appreciated).
And of course, thanks to all who attended. Seeing downtown sidewalks filled with strollers (the walking kind, and the kind with infants strapped in) makes all of us realize what a truly great community this is.
Direct from Staples Players’ production of “Elf”: Buddy (left, Seamus Brannigan), with castmates Yusef Abdallah and Chloe Carson. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Face painting is always a Stroll hit. (Photo/Ryan Allen)
Everyone — including 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker — loves a holiday piglet. (Photo/Cathy Malkin)
Kids dropped off letters to Santa at Savvy + Grace. He promises to reply to all. (Photo/Terry Brannigan)
Staples Orphenians sang on Main Street … (Photo/Ryan Allen)
… and in the acoustically great tunnel of love. (Photo/Shobana Mani)
Dylan Curran helped direct traffic. (Photo/Ryan Allen)
Main Street glistened … (Photo/Ryan Allen)
… and the Main and Elm Street parking lot hopped. (Photo/Ryan Allen)
Her first Holiday Stroll. Hopefully, there will be many more. (Photo/Ryan Allen)
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