On any Wednesday, it would be a no-brainer to nominate Bill Mitchell as “06880”‘s Unsung Hero.
For over 60 years — since working in his parents Ed and Norma’s small men’s clothing store, through overseeing its expansion to 9 upscale locations around the country, and now in retirement — he has been much more than a “clothier” (his self-description).
Bill’s generosity, mentorship, friendship, openness and kindness has changed countless lives. His impact on Westport, Fairfield County — and far beyond — is immeasurable.
Bill would not want to be singled out. He would be embarrassed by a longer list here of his good deeds and great works.
Bill Mitchell
But this is my blog, not Bill’s. So I’m proud to pass on the good news about 3 upcoming events at which he will be honored for his leadership, service, and deep commitment to our community.
(That’s Bill: Most people get one function. He gets 3.)
The Pioneer Scholarship Gala (April 26, 6:30 p.m., Sacred Heart University) is the school’s premier fundraiser. Bill is chair for the evening. The guest speaker is his longtime friend: NCAA president and former Massachusetts governor Charlie Baker. He’ll be joined by his wife, Staples High School graduate Lauren Schadt Baker.
The evening includes a cocktail hour, dinner, program and dancing. For more information, click here.
The RAM Council is a New Canaan-based non-profit that empowers youth to make healthy, substance-free choices.
Their 9th annual Gala (May 3, 6:30 p.m., Country Club of New Canaan) will fete Bill for his decades of work, helping young people lead lives with purpose and confidence. For more information, click here.
Then on May 22 (7 to 9 a.m., Sacred Heart University), Bill and the Mitchell family will receive the Joe Mulcahy Award for their decades-long dedication to the community, at the Thomas Merton Family Center’s 31st annual Celebrity Breakfast.
Keynote speaker Darryl Strawberry — baseball legend and 4-time World Series champion — will share his inspiring journey of recovery and faith. The fundraiser will help TMFC provide food, housing assistance and stability to thousands across the Bridgeport area. For more information, click here.
Congratulations Bill, on these 3 great honors. They are small thanks indeed, for the large mark you have made on all of us.
(Unsung Hero is a weekly “06880” feature. To nominate a hero, email 06880blog@gmail.com. To support our work, please click here. Thank you!)
And their pets love the toys. Americans buy them by the millions each year, at stores like Walmart, Target, Petco and RiteAid.
Most Americans don’t know that a majority of those pet toys are designs from LRY Enterprises.
Fewer still know that LRY is run out of the home office of owner Leslie Yellin, right here in Westport.
That makes our town a major player in the pet toy world.
And it puts Yellin on the front line in the recent tariff wars that whipsawed that world — and every other business one.
Leslie Yellin with her latex pigs — the #2 best-selling pet toy in the US.
Yellin has spent her entire working career — beginning with baking dog treats in the back of Lick Your Chops, the Main Street pet store — in the industry.
She has never seen the turmoil she sees now.
For over 30 years she has built relationships with factory owners and companies oveseas. That’s where all her toys are made.
“Maybe once you could manufacture them here,” she says. “But there’s no way you can make a $2 cat toy in the US now, when you’re paying employees $15 an hour.”
Last week, President Trump slapped China with a minimum tariff rate of 145 percent. That stunned the country — and Yellin.
Leslie Yellin with pink pet toys she created to raise awareness of breast cancer.
“We’ve worked with generations of families” in China, Yellin says. “It would be painful to take business from them.”
Painful — but necessary. To survive, she must find factories in other countries.
“No one can do business this way,” Yellin notes.
“My company and big retailers can absorb some of the tariffs. But small companies, and most consumers, can’t. This is impossible. It will kill businesses, and lives.
“We are all in a daze,” Yellin says, speaking of manufacturers in many sectors. “We’re all asking: What’s the end game?”
When the first round of tariffs was announced, Chinese factories offered concessions. “They wanted to help,” Yellin says.
“But no one can absorb 145%. There is an entire group of manufacturers, just waiting and holding our breath.”
Yellin hopes there is a path to negotiation. If so, that must include recognition that China is treated with respect.
“Saving face is important” to those politicians and businesspeople, she says. “That’s the challenge politically,” for an administration that has not showed much respect for trading partners.
She could find manufacturers in countries like Cambodia and Vietnam. Trump announced tariffs of 49 and 45 percent on those nations, then paused them for 90 days.
No matter what happens, Yellin notes, “you can’t just flip a switch, and start manufacturing somewhere else. There”s a big learning curve, and a huge supply chain effect.”
In addition, she notes, all materials used in pet toys will still come from China.
“You can shuffle things around all you want, but the cost of goods may be even higher in the end if they have to be exported from there,” to be made somewhere else before arriving in the US.
Looking ahead, Yellin says, “People will spend less. They’ll buy cheaper products.” If the Chinese tariffs hold, “it will be devastating for middle- and lower-class Americans.”
Still, she says, her sector will not be hit as hard as some others.
“When a bad economy hits, pet toys and cosmetics do okay. During COVID our sales were up 25%. Pets are a source of happiness. People don’t let their pets suffer.”
But high tariffs are not a recipe for success overall. Major price increases in areas like medications and healthcare have particularly dire implications, Yellin says.
Meanwhile, she says, “I speak to major retailers all the time. We look at each other and say, ‘What are we going to do?’ Right now, we’re all in a holding pattern. Something has to give.”
Some Chinese factory owners have offered to change their invoices, to hide the source of a product (for, perhaps, a side payment). Some American companies may do that, she says. LRY Enterprises will not.
In this country, Yellin says, “Walmart says they don’t want to raise prices. I commend them. But we’re all going to have to eat these increases.”
Still, life goes on. The toy company owner is doing what she always would at this time of year: designing toys for the 2026 holiday season.
But, Yellin says, “I can’t do that forever. Something has to give. I’d love to know the answer: What’s the end game?”
(“06880” is where Westport meets the world — politically, economically, and every other way. If you appreciate stories like these, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
With strong support from landlords, and a boost from Westport Downtown Association president Maxx Crowley, the Board of Selectwomen voted yesterday to once again close Church Lane to parking, paving the way for outdoor dining, pedestrian strolling and music.
This year’s dates — May 15 to October 5 — are slightly less than in previous years. But they’re a bit longer than the original proposal.
Major landlords David Waldman and Roger Leifer supported the closure. So did restaurateurs from Spotted Horse, The Blondinit and Pink Sumo, who noted they were in favor despite losing parking in front of their businesses. One business owner in Sconset Square (Bungalow) objected.
This will be the sixth summer for the Church Lane closure. It began in 2020, in response to the COVID pandemic.
Donations to the Westport Downtown Association help pay for the music. Venmo @WDA-DowntownWestport, or click here.
Outdoor dining on Church Lane. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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The third time was not the charm.
Or the fourth.
For the fourth time since December 2023 — and second in 2 months — Savvy Smoker has been busted.
The vape-and-more — apparently, much more — Post Road East store was searched yesterday by Westport Police detectives, and members of the state Drug Control Division.
They found pre-rolled marijuana cigarettes, canisters of THC flower, THC resin products, THC vape cartridges, and THC edible products. All are illegal, at that location.
Less than 2 months ago — on March 11 — police investigated non-licensed cannabis sales, and complaints of sales to minors. Numerous marijuana and THC products were seized, and a sales associate arrested.
Westport Police received information that non-licensed cannabis sales were continuing, resulting in yesterday’s search.
The investigation is ongoing. Additional arrests are anticipated.
Speaking of police: They made 3 custodial arrests between April 2 and 9.
A 38-year-old Shelton man was charged with criminal attempt to commit larceny, identity theft and forgery, after an investigation into the theft of mail containing personal checks.
A 41-year-old Brooklyn man was charged with larceny, following the theft of $2,700 worth of merchandise from Ulta Bueaty. Employees described his vehicle, and he was stopped on the Sherwood Island Connector.
A 62-year-old Weston woman was arrested for driving under the influence, and failure to drive in the propero lane, following a 12:15 a.m. accident at Weston Road and Merritt Parkway Exit 42.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Driving while texting: 39 citations
Failure to renew registration: 11
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 11
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
Driving while texting (3rd or subsequent offense): 2
Distracted driving: 2
Traveling unreasonably fast: 2
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 2
That’s the name of Sustainable Westport’s newest initiative.
“Your Yard, Our Climate” invites Westporters to “reimagine their outdoor spaces as powerful tools in the fight against climate change — demonstrating that meaningful environmental progress can start right at home.”
From April through June, the program will feature a series of events and educational programs to help residents transform their yards into vibrant, climate-positive habitats.
Experts will help residents explore practical ways to rethink lawns, support pollinators, choose native plantings, and adopt sustainable landscaping practices, on any size property.
Events include a native plant sale, “Lights Out Connecticut,” compost workshop, Spring Garden Fest at Wakeman Town Farm, tomato master class and more.
Sustainable Westport says: “The initiative emphasizes the significant role that personal choices in our outdoor spaces play in addressing the climate crisis. Whether it’s planting trees that improve air quality, reducing lawn space to support biodiversity, or shifting to eco-friendly yard care practices, each action contributes to a healthier, more climate-friendly Westport — and planet.”
Speaking of nature: A dolphin washed up on Saugatuck Shores yesterday, near Cedar Point Yacht Club.
Andrew Colabella emailed the Conservation Department, Aspetuck Health District and Animal Control, for assistance in removing it. He hopes a test will reveal what happened.
In the 2 months since it opened, The Clubhouse has become Westport’s go-to events space.
Between its simulators, karaoke rooms and bar/restaurant with ginormous screens (March Madness was huge), the Post Road East gathering spot is taking the town by storm.
Owners Tim and Emily Zobl paused yesterday, for the official ribbon cutting.
From left: 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore, owner Tim Zobl, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, owner Emily Zobl, Chamber of Commerce director Matthew Mandell, 3rd Selectwoman Candice Savin. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Guests then headed upstairs, for the reveal of the new rooftop lounge.
It’s a large, open and fun space, with tables, TV screens, cornhole — and another bar.
When it opens next week, it will add one more outdoor option to Westport’s entertainment scene.
Since 1943, Staples Tuition Grants has provided need-based assistance to Staples High School graduates. Last year STG awarded $381,500 to 105 students.
That money comes from donations. And, on May 1, some of it will come from Millie Rae’s shoppers.
On that day, the store at 1011 Post Road East will give 10% of all proceeds from sales of its gifts, decorations, jewelry and household items to STG. From 3 to 6 p.m., there will be “sips and nibbles” too.
The event comes right before Mother’s Day, graduation day — and the awarding of Staples Tuition Grants’ 2025 scholarships.
Speaking of Staples: The school’s University of Connecticut Early College Experience program flies under the radar. (Though a story last year described how Staples students take courses in high school for a fraction of the cost of normal college tuition; they’re weighted like AP courses, to determine GPAs).
But the word is out. And UConn just announced that Staples has the sixth highest number of students enrolled in the program in the state: 354.
It’s not often that national events find their way onto the agenda of a local board.
But this morning’s meeting of the town’s Pension Investment Committee (11 a.m., Zoom: Meeting ID: 835 5789 3813; Passcode: 452326) has just one item to discuss: “current market volatility.”
Let’s hope they know what they’re doing. Because not too many others do.
You can almost feel the buds about to burst, in today’s evocative “Westport … Naturally” photo of Schlaet’s Point, where Compo Beach laps up against Hillspoint Road.
(Photo/Patricia McMahon)
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And finally … in response to the getting-to-be-regular news about Savvy Smoker (story above):
(Downtown, business, police, environmental — if there’s news in Westport, you’ll read about it on “06880.” We rely on readers to help us do it. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Posted onApril 9, 2025|Comments Off on Roundup: “Born To Run” At 50, The Pledge At Y’s Men, Inam At Clarendon …
One of this year’s VersoFest highlights was a compelling panel discussion, honoring the 50th anniversary of Bruce Springsteen’s “Born to Run” album.
Arlen Schumer (art director of Thunder Road, the first magazine dedicated to Springsteen’s life and music) and Dick Wingate (former music industry senior executive who managed Springsteen’s “Darkness on the Edge of Town”) moderated the event, with Mike Appel, Springsteen’s first manager and co-producer of “Born to Run”; Michael Pillot, former Columbia Records promotions director; Robert Santelli, executive director of the Bruce Springsteen Archives, and Kenneth Womack, co-author of “Bruce Songs.”
When Congressman Jim Himes visited the Y’s Men of Westport & Weston last week, the traditional opening Pledge of Allegiance included a preamble written by and delivered by US Navy veteran (and Staples High School graduate) John Brandt.
Christy Colasurdo and Liz Milwe — Wakeman Town Farm leaders for over 12 years — updated the Westport Rotary Club on the continuing evolution of the Cross Highway sustainability and education center.
Among the topics: The planned major addition of a barn. So far, $150,000 has been raised for construction.
Other updates included activities for families and children: vegetable gardens, workshops, camps, youth programs and more.
Christy Colasurdo and Liz Milwe, at the Westport Rotary Club. (Hat tip and photo/Dave Matlow)
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Inam — the artists specializing in forests, rivers and changing seasons — will greet visitors to Clarendon Fine Art on April 26 (6 to 8 p.m.).
The gallery will cover sales tax for all purchases made at the event.
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Former Westporter Susan Reeves died peacefully in Niantic on Sunday, surrounded by her family. She was 94.
She attended Gettysburg College, where she was Homecoming Queen as a freshman and met her future husband, Donal. They married in 1951 and settled in Westport. For 50 years they connected with nature there, and raised 3 daughters.
Sue was active in the Westport Garden Club, and built lifelong friendships there. She was president from 1977 to 1979. She cared for cemeteries and public gardens,tended tomato starts in preparation for the annual Plant Sale, and hosting tea parties for Garden Club friends.
She was proud of her involvement developing Grace Salmon Park, and the restoration of Adams Academy.
Sue excelled at flower arranging, acrylic painting, sewing and quilting. The results were shared with family, including quilts for weddings, graduations and births.
Sue and Don also enjoyed skiing and boating (on their 38-foot powerboat “Susan”) with their family. Each summer culminated in a month with longtime friends on Martha’s Vineyard.
As she aged, kayaking became a way to connect with the water. At 90 she purchased her first kayak. At 91 she kayaked in the Pacific Northwest San Juan Islands with her daughter.
Susan is survived by her daughters Linda Morrissey (Kevin), Donna Abbott (Ted) and Lisa Zenner (John); grandchildren Kaylin, Kyle, Lindsay, Greg, Thomas and Elizabeth, and great-grandchildren Bryce, Tucker, Caleb, Maverick, Lily, Lydia, Isla, Teddy and Lucy. She was predeceased by her husband of 68 years, Donal.
Her family thanks caregivers Ann Marie, Taylor, Lynne, Elizabeth, Jessica and Terri; her trainer Axel, who kept her physically strong enough to adventure in her 90’s; the team at VITAS Hospice, and pastor Ben of Christ Presbyterian Church.
Celebrations of life will take place in June. Donations in Susan’s memory can be directed to Christ Presbyterian Church, PO Box 543, Niantic, CT 06357.
Susan Reeves
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image comes from behind the police station.
Johanna Keyser Rossi writes: “I’ve seen these swans attempting to build a nest there. It’s not an ideal place — not much foliage to hide in.”
And finally … Clem Burke, “whose energetic, versatile drumming provided the beat for the band Blondie as it churned out post-punk, disco and rock hits” (says the New York Times), died on Sunday. He was 70, and had battled cancer.
(“06880” is your hyper-local source for news you can use. If you enjoy our daily Roundup — or anything else we publish, several times a day — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Comments Off on Roundup: “Born To Run” At 50, The Pledge At Y’s Men, Inam At Clarendon …
Congratulations to the Staples High School math team!
The “mathletes” finished first among all public schools in this year’s 29-school Fairfield County Math League.
They beat Greenwich — always a joy for Stapleites, whether on the field or in the classroom — and finished second overall, behind private Brunswick School.
That vaults them into the state meet — and the New England Association of Math Leagues competition, May 2 in Canton, Massachusetts.
Sophomore Ayush Rudra earned the highest sophomore score. Last year, he was the top freshman in the league.
The team (and Math Club, both under faculty advisor Mike Forgette) draws students interested in the complexity, problem-solving challenges, and excitement of mathematics.
They say that the qualities needed for success in math competitions include clear communication, quick decision-making, curiosity, passion, and a bit of “light-heartedness.” They don’t get stressed by tough questions; they work collaboratively to solve them. (There is an individual component to math meets, too.)
The math team is like any sports team, they say. The more they practice, the better they get.
Go Wreckers!
Math Club and team advisor Mike Forgette (far left) with Math Club members (from left): Serena Diamond, Sahil Vora, Chloe Wong, Adan Wang, Anit Arvind, Ayush Rudra, Abe Lobsenz, Akil Arvind. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Book these April events at the Westport Book Shop:
“Savor: Recipes to Celebrate” (April 10, 6 p.m.): Food Network competitor, Staples High culinary teacher, AMG Catering owner and cookbook author Alison Milwe Grace discusses her new book.
“Tuesday’s Mah Jongg Is More Than a Game” (April 16, 6 p.m.) Local author Marsha Temlock discusses her latest novel about friendship and strengthening bonds, as a group of friends support each other through life’s challenges.
Celebrate Poetry Month (April 17, 6 p.m.): Poetry reading and conversation with Ira Joe Fisher ,
Knitting Workshop (April 21, 6 p.m.): Session with avid knitter Linda Franciscovich, for knitters of all levels. Bring needles and yarn, and your knitting project.
Short Story Book Club (April 24, 6 to 7:30 p.m.). “The Elephant Vanishes” by Haruki Murakami, and “Patriotism” by Yukio Mishima.
Local artist Linn Cassetta is exhibitor for the month of April at the Book Shop. A reception is set for April 23 (6 to 7:30 p.m., Westport Book Shop).
Space is limited for the book events. RSVP@westportbooksaleventures.org.
. .Linn Cassetta
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The Fortunoff family — Scott, Laurie, and sons Aaron (Staples High sophomore) and Brett (Bedford Middle School 8th grader) — partnered with Staples’ Cereal4All Club and Stop & Shop last weekend.
They collected over 1,000 boxes of cereal, along with cash donations, to provide breakfast food for those who need it. Homes with Hope picked up all the donations.
“Thank you, Westport!” say the Fortunoffs.
Collecting cereal, for all. From left: Aaron Fortunoff, Alex Burtzlaff, Alex Kovics, Lemar Feliciano. (Stop & Shop manager).
There is always something going on at VFW Post 399.
This Friday (April 11; $20, plus 1 drink minimum), it’s comedy.
Laura High, Joe Portillo, and Matt Vita all take the stage. Doors open at 7 p.m. for food and beverages. The laughs begin at 8. Click here for tickets.
Speaking of the VFW: Emmy-nominated composer/pianist Steve Sandberg plays Ellington, Monk and Mingus this week at Jazz at the Post (Thursday, April 10, VFW; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7 p.m.; $20 music cover, $15 veterans and students).
“Masterfully blending classical, world music and jazz with the excitement of virtuosic improvisation,” he’ll be joined by bassist Michael O’Brien, drummer Jeff Hirshfield, and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall. Click here for tickets, and more information.
And finally … in honor of the “Westport … Naturally” photo above:
(“06880” is your hyper-local source for information, news you can use, and much more. If you appreciate what you read — today and/or any other day — please donate by clicking here. Thank you!)
Last week’s Friday Flashback featured matchbooks from more than a dozen former (and 3 current) Westport restaurants and businesses.
None were from KFC.
In fact, many “06880” readers may be surprised to learn that we did have a franchise here — back in the day when it was called by its full name, Kentucky Fried Chicken.
The location was Post Road East, near Maple Avenue North.
The strip mall sure hasn’t changed much, in 50 or so years:
(Photo courtesy of Albert Cuseo, via social media)
Only the tenants are different: a Middle Eastern restaurant, mochi shop, tanning salon and reflexology center.
None of those existed here, back when Colonel Harland Sanders was actually alive and building his empire.
Today, KFC is is the world’s second-largest restaurant chain (measured by sales). There are over 30,000 locations, in 150 countries. Our closest location now is Norwalk.
Back in the day, there was a much smaller fried chicken chain here.
Or maybe it was only one spot: Brooks Corner, downtown. Where Lux Bond & Green and Brooks Brothers are now.
It was here for only a couple of years — if that.
I wonder: Does anyone besides me remember “Chicken a Go Go”?!
(Friday Flashback is one of “06880”‘s many regular features. If you enjoy this — or anything else on our website — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)
Posted onApril 3, 2025|Comments Off on Roundup: Brian Lewis & James Beard, Blondinit & Passover …
Westporters know how talented Brian Lewis is.
Now the James Beard Foundation does too.
The Cottage‘s chef/owner was named yesterday as one of 5 nominees for Best Chef, in the New England region. The others are from Providence (2), Cambridge and Burlington, Vermont.
The winner will be announced on June 16, at a ceremony in Chicago. The Awards will be broadcast live on Eater. Click here for more James Beard information.
Chef Brian Lewis
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Speaking of restaurants: The Blondinit is (“06880” thinks) the only one in Westport offering a kosher menu for Passover.
Available for catering and in-house dining, and made with true Israeli flavors and 100% kosher ingredients, the half and full trays include appetizers (deviled eggs, smoke salmon, fried matzah, flourless potato latkes and matzah ball soup); dips; salads; entrees (baked chicken, mafrum, stuffed peppers, matzah-crusted sea bass and grilled salmon); sides, and desserts.
The catering order deadline is Monday (April 7).
Every dish is served with matzah, Israeli pickles and schug. Available in half or full trays for gatherings big or small.
Click here to order (use the “Passover” tab under “Order Online”), or call 203-557-3277.
If it’s April, it must be time for the Minute Man Race.
One of Westport’s most popular traditions, the event — actually, a 10K run, 5K run, 5K walk and kids’ fun run, plus a Kids’ Zone with games and entertainment — returns Sunday, April 27 (Compo Beach).
All net proceeds benefit the Westport Young Woman’s League Grants program. Last year, they awarded $65,000 to 9 non-profits doing vital work across Fairfield County.
Now is the time to register.
And to sponsor and donate. All are welcome!
Click here for more information, and to register, donate and sponsor.
Another great Westport tradition — the Day of Champions — is coming soon too. Mark your calendars: Sunday, May 18 (9 to 11:30 a.m., PJ Romano Field).
It’s Experience Camps’ morning of family competition and fun — and a major fundraiser for their efforts to provide free programs for children who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling or primary caregiver.
Everyone who has participated (and that’s almost everyone in Westport with an elementary school-age kid) knows it’s a great event.
They also know how much work it takes.
Volunteer sign-ups have begun. There are tons of tasks. Click here to help. Click here to learn more about Experience Camps.
The “En Fuego team”: on fire at the Day of Champions. (Photo/Amy Shapiro)
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This is also the time of year to clean out basements and garages.
CB Sportif and Northeast Community Cycles are collecting “pre-loved” bikes.
They’ll be refurbished, then given free to children and adults throughout Fairfield County who need — but cannot afford — themm.
Bicycles can be dropped off tomorrow (Friday, April 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and Saturday (April 5, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) at CB Sportif (1554 Post Road East). Tax receipts are available.
Questions? Call 203-586-3030.
New life for old bikes.
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Barbra Streisand celebrates her birthday at the Westport Country Playhouse.
Well — April 24 is her birthday. She’ll be represented there in “Me, Myself, and Barbra,” a tribute by Jenna Pastuszek.
She was inspired by a meeting with the singing star, who inspired her to embrace her inner Barbra.
The show is April 24 — Streisand’s birthday. Tickets for the 7 p.m. show are $45 and $40; pre-show party and show tickets are $55 and $50. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
Westport Police made no custodial arrests between March 26 and April 2.
They issued these citations:
Failure to renew registration: 15 citations
Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 15
Traveling unreasonably fast: 12
Driving while texting: 10
Reckless driving: 3
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 3
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
Failure to obey stop sign: 3
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 3
Speeding: 2
Disorderly conduct: 2
Breach of peace: 2
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
Unreadable plates: 2
Interfering with an emergency call: 1
Traveling too fast for conditions: 1
Failure to insure a motor vehicle: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Failure to renew license: 1
Failure to display plates: 1
Improper use of markers: 1.
Texting while driving is illegal — even at a red light.
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For the last couple of weeks, we’ve introduced our “Westport … Naturally” feature by saying, “In a couple of weeks, this scene will look very different.”
And finally … in honor of the bicycle collection this weekend at CB Sportif:
(From restaurants and road races to volunteer opportunities, “06880” offers it all to you today. We do it every day too — 24/7/365. Of course, we rely on reader support. Please click here. Thank you!)
Comments Off on Roundup: Brian Lewis & James Beard, Blondinit & Passover …
Those with longer memories lovingly recall Esther Kramer’s Remarkable Book Shop.
But in the 1950s Edie Van Breems’ aunt actually lived in the 1775 home, at the very visible Main Street/Parker Harding Plaza corner, before it turned into a business.
Which is why the native Westporter feels honored to restore the fabled property to some of its past glory. The 18th century chestnut post and beam frame, reclaimed basement and resurrected courtyard all pay homage to its historic past, beginning as sea captain Ebenezer Coley’s trading post.
Yet Eleish Van Breems Home‘s new flagship store also brings both 21st-century style and timeless whimsical touches that make it — well, a remarkable addition to downtown Westport.
Edie Van Breems, with original the building’s beams.
EVB opened earlier this month. There was no grand announcement or splashy party.
But — after watching and waiting, during 2 1/2 years of meticulous renovation — many intrigued downtown visitors are wandering in to the warm, inviting space.
They are thrilled at the transformation.
The main floor. (Contributed photo)
The custom furniture, accessories, Swedish antiques, vintage lamps, bronze windows, French oak floors, walnut shelving and Italian staircase are stunning first-floor features.
Upstairs is a “floral aerie,” with wide-open views of the Saugatuck River.
The 2nd floor “aerie.”
Downstairs, Van Breems and her business partner Rhonda Eleish pay homage to the Remarkable Book Shop. Books, cozy nooks, kids’ toys and puzzles, and touches of pink all recall the beloved store.
The owners remember feeling so welcome there. Now they’ve recreated the mood, with a “fika bar” on Thursdays and Fridays. (Fika, a Swedish tradition with coffee and pastries, is a late afternoon time to relax with friends, or alone.)
Even the basement (accessible through a trap door, but closed to customers) shows the devotion paid to the restoration. The crib construction at the base of the chimney — filled with rocks from the Saugatuck River, which until the 1950s lapped up against the back of the house — is still there.
Wood in the basement came from trees that were already 200 years old in the 1700s. The original bark remains. A dehumidifier runs constantly, ensuring they’ll last for many more decades.
Eleish Van Breems Home general manager Brendan Dempsey, with the bark still on centuries-old wood by the chimney.
Edie Van Breems’ Westport roots do not date back to the 18th century. But they’re plenty deep.
Both sets of grandparents lived here. Her relatives, the Nespor family, once owned the building she has now renovated. (That’s how her Aunt Julie — still alive, in Florida — came to live there.)
Van Breems and Eleish love Westport. Longtime friends, they both graduated from Greens Farms Academy.
They opened their first store on Railroad Place in Saugatuck, across from the train station where both their fathers commuted. It was convenient for them to head into New York City, and for their clients who came from there.
Rhonda Eleish and Edie Van Breems. Their new flagship store has views of the Saugatuck River.
They expanded to Woodbury, New Preston and Nantucket. But Van Breems’ life goal was to get the Main Street building back in her family.
During COVID, they seized the chance to buy it.
“The Remarkable Book Shop was such a part of everyone’s hearts,” she says.
Now — whether customers remember that legendary store or not — they once again feel welcome in the space.
The Eleish Van Breems Home store has kept the footprint and look of the Remarkable Book Shop. This is the view looking south, from the corner of Main Street (left) and Parker Harding Plaza.
Main Street, after all, is “where the action is,” Van Breems says.
And Westport is “a design destination.” She points to a number of downtown home furnishings stores, including several in nearby Sconset Square.
They’re not competitors, she notes. After all, when she and Eleish opened their antiques business in Litchfield County in the 1980s, there were 165 other dealers.
“You want to be in a cluster,” Van Breems says. “There is something for everyone in this town. We’re all collegial. We want people to come in, and come back.”
Since the soft opening a couple of months ago, people come. They stay. And they come back.
Ebenezer Coley and Esther Kramer would be proud.
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Posted onMarch 30, 2025|Comments Off on Teens Want To Work. Teen’s “Help Wanted” Website Helps.
Back in the day, local businesses needing young workers had 2 options.
They could post “Help Wanted” signs. Or use word of mouth.
We’ve advanced quite a ways from those days. Now, stores and restaurants can … um ….
Well, at least a law firm or marketing company that needs, say, help with data input can ask an employee to put out a plea on Facebook.
Of couse, the last time a teenager was on Facebook was 2018.
Kevin Cano is not looking for a job. But the Staples High School junior is making it easy for those who are.
And for employers, looking for them.
Kevin recently launched Campus Flyer. The free website — a modern-day “Help Wanted” flyer — connects students with local jobs, and other opportunities.
The idea came after he did have difficulty finidng a summer job or internship. He realized that LinkedIn and Indeed are geared primarily toward professionals.
Kevin Cano
With his computer science and coding knowledge, he decided to build a soution for his demographic.
Available to students and employers throughout Fairfield County, Campus Flyer has already attrcted a number of teenagers.
Now it needs jobs they can fill.
Each user has an individual account.
Students sign up, create a profile, then have access to an Opportunity Lookup page.
It includes a search box with filters, map, and list of opportunities. Clicking on that list brings up descriptions of the job (or internship, research project, etc.), pay (if any), and contact information.
Employers can sign up as businesses or individuals (for babysitting, etc.). They can also offer volunteer opportunities. Information includes a job description, pay, location, age requirements, etc.
The website’s design is clean and user-friendly. There are no confusing bells and whistles. It does exactly what it promises.
An easy-to-navigate Campus Flyer page.
Kevin hopes any local business, non-profit or individual, with any kind of staffing need, will sign up and post details about job, internship and volunteer opportunities.
“There are lots of talented, motivated, tech-savvy students, ready to contribute,” Kevin notes.
If they’re anything like the site’s creator, Campus Flyer is the place to find them.
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Comments Off on Teens Want To Work. Teen’s “Help Wanted” Website Helps.
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