During 3 years in Westport, Mrs. London’s has made her — er, its — mark.
The Church Lane café and bakery draws big crowds, with its pastries, coffee and more. (It also features a Champagne vending machine, though no one seems to have ever vended from it.)
Now though, it’s changing hands. With the sale of Mrs. London’s to Maman — a New York hospitality group — it will go the way of its predecessors Aux Delices, Java, Wild Pear, Chef’s Table, and probably a few more I can’t recall.
A press release says that Maman, “known for its cafés, bakeries, and event spaces, features a menu that celebrates childhood favorites from the South of France and North America.”
Mrs. London’s will retain its original brand in Saratoga Springs, New York.
Owner Max London says, “We’ve been given the opportunity to expand
nationwide with some of our key menu items, thereby broadening our reach beyond brick and mortar. So despite our success with this location, the timing just made sense.
“We have been very appreciative of Mrs. London’s success in Westport, and as local residents, we are very excited to see Maman thrive here as our successor.”
They’ve launched a community survey, covering programs, events and offerings.
It’s anonymous, open to Westporters and non-residents — and patrons, and those who have never stepped inside.
Need an extra incentive? Participants are eligible to win prizes, including 2 sets of Apple AirPods, free drinks at the Library café; Amazon gift cards; and — for students — a delivery of 10 pizzas to the Library during AP exam study times.
The survey (click here) takes 10 minutes to complete. It’s available through May 31.
Everyone’s got documents to shred. And who doesn’t want to support cancer research?
Both come together this Saturday (May 10, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., William Raveis Real Estate, 47 Riverside Avenue).
Raveis is sponsoring “Shred it for Cancer Research.” Your stuff will be shredded as you watch. You don’t even have to leave your car.
There’s a suggested donation of $10 per box or shopping bag, $20 for a large garbage bag (cash, check, credit card of Venmo).
100% of every donation benefits the William Raveis Charitable Fund, Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
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Four months after receiving notice that his contract was not being renewed, Staples High School boys soccer head coach Russell Oost-Lievense will get a hearing.
The Board of Education meets next Monday (May 12, 9 a.m., Town Hall auditorium) to hear the appeal.
Well, they will be on Friday (May 9, 6 p.m.). The building is VFW Post 399 (465 Riverside Avenue).
At least, their music will be there. Tickets for the dinner (and classic hits) are $40. Click here to purchase. For more information, call 302-312-3774.
One more sign of summer: The Wakeman Town Farm farm stand opens June 14.
It will be open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It features fresh produce, honey, artisanal baked goods, extra virgin olive oils and gourmet balsamic vinegars, Chaga mushroom elixirs and salsas — plus fresh cut flower bouquets and WTF logowear.
Visitors can also walk through the gardens, say hi to the animals, and chat with the farmers.
Meanwhile, Wakeman Town Farm is looking for volunteers (ages 16+) to prepare and plant gardens (Wednesdays and Fridays, 2 to 4:30 p.m.). Email info@wakemantownfarm.org.
Lots o’ stuff, at the Wakeman Town Farm stand.
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Staples High School’s May Students of the Month are senior Rachel Pontoriero, juniors Isabel Alfageme and Isabel Jo, sophomore Damein Potter, and freshmen Dylan Robbin and Sofia Urrea.
Nominated by teachers, they “help make Staples High School a welcoming place for their peers and teachers alike. They are the ‘glue’ of the Staples community — the type of kind, cheerful, hard-working, trustworthy students that keep the high school together.”
From left: Isabel Alfageme, Rachel Pontoriero, Isabel Jo, Dylan Robbin, Damein Potter. Not pictured: Sofia Urrea.
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Westport artist Steven Parton just completed an intriguing, throwback beach series of paintings.
This one will be part of New York’s Salmagundi Club Summer Invitational Exhibition, from May 20 through June 6.
Steve will see you there. Or at Compo.
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Play ball!
Westport Little League Softball welcomes 130 players grades pre-K through 8th — and their families — to opening day Saturday, at Meyer Field.
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker threw a strike, for the ceremonial first pitch.
(Photo/Fairfield County Sports Photography)
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Speaking of sports: TOPSoccer — a national program for youngsters with disabilities — kicked off Saturday.
The partnership between the Westport Soccer Association and Weston Soccer Club drew a great crowd.
But there’s room for more players — and more volunteer buddies.
Sessions run the next 4 Saturdays, plus a rainout makeup date TBA; 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Morehouse Farm Park in Weston.
To register as a player — or volunteer — click here.
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JazzFC’s “PianoFest” — this month’s feature at Jazz at the Post — cotninues with a repeat performance by David Berkman.
He’ll be joined by saxophonists Billy Drewes and Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall, bassist Jakob Dryer and drummer Quinton Cain.
It’s this Thursday (May 8) at VFW Post 399. Shows are 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner begins at 7. Tickets are $20; $15 for veterans and students. Click here to purchase.
The longtime Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce board member earned President’s Sales Leadership Club status for her regional work with Welcome Wagon. She was also named 2025 Local Business Person of the Year in Westport by Alignable, a national business networking platform.
And finally … in honor of Elvis Presley and Neil Diamond’s “appearances” at the VFW this Friday (story above):
(Viva Westport! If you enjoy this hyper-local blog: We’re glad. But don’t forget: We rely on reader support. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
There is no better sign of spring than the return of the Westport Farmers’ Market.
The annual rite is set for next Thursday (May 8). It runs every Thursday, rain or shine, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Imperial Avenue parking lot near Jesup Road.
WFM will hand out free packets, to “sow the seeds of another incredible season.”
“As we begin this season, we’re not just putting up tents. We’re planting ideas, nurturing community, and growing a better food system,” says executive director Lori Cochran-Dougall.
The 2025 Farmers’ Market includes:
Over 50 local farms and vendors, committed to sustainabie practices and “real food.”
Non-profit partners, with informational tables, giveaways and more.
Cooking demonstrations, a revamped recipe program, kids’ events and community talks.
Live music.
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A cellphone-free Staples has been talked about for a while.
On Tuesday, the public gets its say.
A special Board of Education meeting (May 6, 7:30 p.m., Coleytown Middle School auditorium) has one agenda item: “Bell-to-Bell Cell Phone Free Initiative at SHS.”
The meeting notice adds: “The Westport Public Schools invite your feedback on making Staples High School a phone free school.”
Cellphone holders may be a thing of the past, if the devices are banned throughout the day at Staples High School.
Speaking of Staples: On Monday, TEAM Westport announced the 4 winners of its 12th annual Teen Diversity Writing Contest.
As reported on “06880,” the quartet — Annam Olasewere, Aanya Gandhi, Souleye Kebe and Sienna Tzou — wrote about their identities with tremendous insight, depth, honesty and clarity.
They also delivered their essays powerfully, and passionately.
Click below to view their presentations. Their personal readings give even greater meaning to their compelling words.
Read to Grow celebrated 25 years of providing books to Connecticut’s babies and children last night, with a great gala at the Westport Library.
Host Ian O’Malley — the well-known Westport realtor and New York radio personality — and other speakers described the impact the program has had on hundreds of thousands of youngsters, and their parents. A flagship program is the gift of baby books and early literacy information to nearly every new mother in Connecticut.
Zucca Gastrobar’s superb catering, and silent auction items featuring (among others) Ron Darling and the Doobie Brothers added to the fun.
Also last night: A large crowd welcomed Alex Lehr to Westport.
His Post Road store — American Colors by Henry Lehr — opened in December. But the ribbon cutting for the shop, which features casual, comfortable, contemporary clothing for men and women, a collection of vintage belts, and much more — was yesterday.
American Colors marks a return to Westport for the Lehr family. Alex’s father, Henry, operated a very successful and much-loved women’s store around the corner on Main Street for decades.
Cutting the ribbon (from left): 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore, Alex Lehr, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Chamber of Commerce director Matthew Mandell, brand strategist Jay Norris.
Yesterday’s “Westport in Focus” newsletter from 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker included information about the Conservation Department.
She notes their “fascinating presentation about Westport’s natural habitats – vernal pools. They are a delicate habitat pressed by multiple stressors, yet home to a surprising array of life. Species such as fairy shrimp, spotted salamanders, and wood frogs call these places home and struggle to live anywhere else.
“Westport is lucky to contain hundreds of vernal pools, ranging from under 100 square feet to over a few thousand.”
“06880” readers learned last week that Dave Briggs nominated me for the #SpeakYourMind ice bucket challenge. The videos bring awareness to, and raise funds for, youth mental health.
I was honored to be dunked (click here to see), and promptly nominated Jen Tooker, Andrea Moore and Foti Koskinas.
The entire board of the non-profit center for prevention and counseling accepted.
Coincidentally, PD was kicking off their New York Marathon journey the same day. Runners Gianna Affi, Cam Gaylord and Brian McGarvey will run to raise money for the organizaton. They joined Jen in dousing board members with frigid water.
Positive Directions paid it forward. They nominated Rhone, who is helping make the marathon “a huge splash” (including outfitting the runners in training and at the race), plus mental performance coach Rhodie Lorenz, who is inspiring the runners as they train.
Wednesday’s “06880” story — about the partnership between Staples High School drama teacher David Roth’s directing class, Westport’s Shakespeare scholar Diane Lowman and Bridgeport’s Edison Elementary School, to bring the Bard to young students — struck a chord.
Within a day, $2,125 had been raised to help fund more Bridgeport classes take part in the future. Roth and Lowman are grateful for readers’ generosity.
The Staples High School juniors are founders and co-presidents of the local Make Our Schools Safe chapter. The club empowers students and staff to help create a culture of safety and vigilance, while advocating for laws that promote safery schools.
In February, Zander and Elijah testified before the state legislature.
Yesterday, SB 1216 passed through the Senate. It calls for the installation of silent panic alarms directly linked to law enforcement, which dramatically reduces response time
State Senator Ceci Maher — who worked closely with the Staples students — praised Elijah and Zander in her social media posts. Click here to see.
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photos may be the last from the now-closed Community Gardens. As “06880” reported yesterday, the 20-year-old site will at some point be the staging area for construction of the new Long Lots elementary School. Later, an athletic field will be built on the site.
And finally … Today is the birthday of Manfred von Richthofen. The German World War I pilot was born in 1892. He was killed over France in 1918, age 25.
·(Another day, another Roundup filled with news you can use. If you appreciate this daily feature — or any other part of “06880” — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
In recent days, Westport camethisclose to moving forward on a new affordable housing project.
Just a few yards from the Post Road, its 32 units would have provided apartments for teachers, police officers, firefighters and other town employees.
Estimates are that 242 town employees could qualify, at less than 60% of the area media income (about $82,000, for a family of 2).
Of those, 144 are teachers. The high cost of housing — and long commutes from communities where homes are less expensive — is one reason educators leave the Westport district.
And — because every one of those units would be considered affordable under state guidelines — it would have marked an enormous step forward in Westport’s efforts toward a moratorium from Connecticut’s onerous 8-30g mandate.
But the plan to convert the current hair salon and adjacent multifamily home at 6 Maple Avenue South — just behind the Exxon station — was scuttled right near the end of real estate negotiations. Owner Ken Kronberg (who also owns the gas station) decided not to sell.
6 Maple Avenue South. The Exxon gas station (not shown) is on the right.
Architect Joseph Vallone and Rick Redniss of the civil engineering and land use firm Redniss & Mead had worked on the plan since last fall.
Redniss tells “06880” that, with 4% low-income housing tax credit financing, the 32 units might have yielded 40.5 points — almost 20% of those needed for Westport’s next 8-30g moratorium.
A traditional 8-30g development, with only 10 affordable units, would yield only 23 points.
Vallone and Redniss were all set to move forward with a text amendment, called “Deed Restricted Housing Development.”
But after speaking with several neighbors, Kronberg declined to sell. Those plans are now off the table.
Joe Vallone’s sketch of the proposed 32-unit affordable housing apartment building at 6 Maple Avenue South.
Kronberg — who has owned the property for 36 owned the gas station for 36 years, and 6 Maple Avenue South since May 1 last year— tells “06880” tha after hearing from several neighbors, and seeing a sketch of the proposed apartments, “I didn’t want to be the bad guy that created a large commercial look at the top of Maple South.”
He is unsure what comes next for the property. The 3 bedrooms and studio apartment are rented, but the salon has been empty since Juljen moved to Southport.
“In a perfect world, I’d like to fix it up,” he says. “Make it super-nice, maybe like an old-fashioned barber shop, maybe with apartments or a quaint house.”
Redness rues the lost opportunity.”Westport has missed an opportunity to meet the needs and goals outlined in the Plan of Conservation and Development and Affordable Housing Plan,” he wrote on Tuesday to Planning & Zoning director Michelle Perillie.
“A well-known, long-term, local Westport resident with a proven track record in town was preparing to leverage his expertise to help provide true workforce housing. Joe Vallone was days away from our pre-app meeting with the Planning & Zoning Commission when the property owner reneged on selling the property.”
(“06880” is your hyper-local source for real estate, political and business news — and much more. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
The Exxon station, Post Road East at the Maple Avenue South corner.
In what may be the most significant change to the Westport Carvel since a giant ice cream cone was removed from the roof 50 years ago, the iconic sign facing Post Road East has been covered up.
The new sign says, generically, “Soft Serve Ice Cream.”
The owner says the cost of renovating the seems-it’s-been-there-forever building, as requested by Carvel, is too high.
Speaking of food: The train has left the Donut Crazy station.
The shop at the eastbound side of the Westport station was served with an eviction notice in January, CT Insider reports. The owner has allegedly not paid rent since last summer. Click here for the full story.
The Representative Town Meeting (RTM) member and several colleagues spent 2 years planting bulbs at the Minute Man monument. Westport will enjoy their work for years to come.
Last year, Andrew planted some the 1,500 bulbs donated by the Parks & Recreation Department in the Compo Beach entrance island.
Now he wants to do the entire entrance strip.
Interested in helping? Email acolabellartm4@gmail.com.
The “06880” panel on youth sports is 2 weeks from today.
We’ve partnered with Tommy Greenwald — the famed youth adult sports fiction writer, former Staples athlete (and father of 3 athletes) — to present “Fair Play and Foul Behavior: Issues Facing Youth Sports in Today’s World.”
It’s May 14 (7 p.m., Staples High School cafeteria).
Topics include the achievement/pressure balance, referee abuse, sport specialization, cost, the “academy” syndrome, myths and realities of college recruiting, and more.
Dan Woog — hey, that’s me! — will moderate the event, which includes time for audience questions. Panelists are:
VJ Sarullo, Staples athletic director
Dave Smith, father of 4 athletes who writes frequently on youth sports topics
Caleb Smith, former Staples quarterback and lacrosse star, now playing football at the University of Connecticut
Heather Talbott, PAL girls lacrosse co-president and basketball organizer; former lacrosse player at Lehigh University
Mark Pressman, longtime football and softball official
And of course Tommy Greenwald himself.
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Congratulations to 3 environmental winners.
Last week, town officials and Sustainable Westport gave Westport Green Building Awards to these owners, for exemplifying sustainable design and construcction:
17 Maple Grove Avenue (owner Scott Harrington). New construction designed and built as net zero energy. All appliances, heating and cooling systems are electric, and use the photovoltaic roof for power. The insulation exceeds codes. A smart home scheduler minimizes HVAC use by scheduling window shades to follow the path of the sun, and limit heavy electronics usage to only off-peak hours.
1 Hockanum Road (owner Thomas Hensel). Home renovation that integrates a PV system that offsets the residence’s power consumption. After an energy audit audit, the owner added attic insulation, weatherstripping, and mechanical and lighting upgrades. The HVAC system was upgraded to include smart thermostats and duct sealing. Insulation was installed on the hot water piping. Retrofit LED lighting fixtures reduce power consumption while providing the same light levels.
142-150 Main Street, Nômade Restaurant (owners Ciara Webster, Patrick Jean). Renovation and reuse of an existing historic structure; uses renewable energy to reduce dependency on fossil fuels. The roof over the dining terrace features a semi-transparent roof-integrated photovoltaic system. The visibility of the solar panels stimulates the interest of other local business owners and patrons to go solar.
The Planning & Zoning Commission continues its discussion of The Hamlet at its next meeting (May 5, 6 p.m., Zoom).
It’s just one agenda item. Members will also discuss the plan by Fairfield County Hunt Club to construct an indoor racquets facility, and a request to convert the former Bank of America building at 980 Post Road East into a Montessori School, among other things.
Meanwhile, the Flood & Erosion Control Board will examine the Hamlet at its next meeting.
The last agenda item for their May 7 meeting (7:30 p.m.; Zoom; meeting ID 823 4909 8338; passcode 954845), is a continuation of the discussion that began April 2.
Part of the proposed Hamlet project, leading to the Saugatuck River.
The Jesup Road restaurant offers regular classes about the classic dish. With wine and tapas thrown in, what’s not to like?
Sal Liccione took part on Monday, and sent this tasty photo:
(Photo/Sal Liccione)
Next at Basso: a pizza-making class, this Sunday (May 4, 12:30 p.m.). Click here for details.
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Club203’s magical monthly parties continue.
Up next for Westport’s social club for adults with disabilities: Dancing with DJ Joe, (and s’mores, a campfire and pizza), under the stars at Earthplace. Click here for more information.
They’re as good as their younger counterparts. In fact, a 5-0 state tournament semifinal win on Sunday vaulted them into the Connecticut State Soccer Championship. It’s set for June 8 (4 p.m., Dillon Stadium, Hartford), vs. Greenwich Pumas.
That was quite a semi. Rangers had been undefeated — and unscored upon — in league play.
The 50-and-over final is the second big soccer event that weekend. The day before (June 7), the US men’s national team meets Turkey in a friendly, at Rentschler Field in East Hartford.
For some reason, wrong-way drivers on Soundview Drive have become an epidemic.
Residents report alarmingly frequent encounters.
The latest was yesterday:
(Photo/Sunil Hirani)
Be careful out there!
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Senator Chris Murphy is the keynote speaker at the Center for Children’s Advocacy, at New England’s largest youth legal rights organization’s second annual event.
It’s set for Friday (5:30 p.m.), in Westport. Sponsors include Koskoff Koskoff & Bieder. For more information and to RSVP, email mason.miller@berlinrosen.com.
And finally … today is Walpurgis. In German folklore, tonight (Walpurgisnacht) — May Day eve — is when witches meet on the Brocken mountain, and revel with the Devil.
(There is no need to repent — at least, not if you click here to help support “06880,” your hyper-local blog. Danke schön!)
Regrettably, one that we can’t do is recreate the aroma of Pepperidge Farm.
For decades the company that created and produced Goldfish and Milanos was headquartered a few yards over the Norwalk border, on US 1 (Westport Avenue).
Norwalk entrance, on Westport Avenue.
Founded on a Fairfield farm (named for a pepperidge tree that grew there) in the 1930s by Margaret Rudkin, who learned how to bake nutritious bread for her severely allergic son, it moved into its modern Norwalk facility in 1947.
Six years later, Pepperidge Farm baked and sold 77,000 loaves a week.
The cookies and other snacks came with time. But it was the bread — freshly baked, delicious, insanely aromatic — that made driving past so memorable, for generations of Westporters.
Also memorable: school field trips to the site. Decades of classes toured the factory, learned all about the business — and went home with free loaves and snacks.
Like so many other things — including the aroma of fresh-baked bread — it did not last forever.
New technology sealed the scent inside. Baking eventually moved elsewhere. Campbell Soup — which bought Pepperidge Farm in 1961 — contracted its Norwalk division.
A modern office now occupies part of the old Pepperidge Farm site. A large apartment complex — 597 Westport Avenue — sits next door.
Today’s Friday Flashback tells a bit of history about a once-ubiquitous presence. A number of Pepperidge Farm executives lived in Westport; so did factory employees. Staples High School students worked there after school or during the summer too.
If only a blog post could go beyond words, and recreate the glorious smells, inside the plant and out on the road beyond …
Pepperidge Farm founder Margaret Rudkin.
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Francoise Jaffe nominates the longtime Colonial Druggist owner — and she’s right.
Francoise says: “I think of him as an inspiration. He is still working past 90, still whistling, still greeting every customer with warmth and humor.
“He has also helped us out countless times dealing with running out of meds, not being able to reach a physician, trying to solve insurance issues not to delay us too much, helping my French family when they were here and needed assistance, and on and on.
“He is a fixture in town, with a personalized, warm and helpful connection. I always hang up after talking to him with a smile on my face.”
Russ Levine, at his familiar spot. (Photo/John Karrel)
Thank you, Russ Levine — the man behind one of the last 2 non-chain pharmacies in Westport — for all you do, for all of us.
You’ve done it for many decades, starting in Colonial Green. (You kept the name, after moving to the Fresh Market Plaza).
Here’s to many more years, making us smile thanks to yours.
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Got drugs you no longer need (or want)? Or those that have expired?
This Saturday (April 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Senior Center) the Westport Police Departmet takes part in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
Residents can bring tablets, capsules, patches and other solid forms of prescription drugs to the Senior Center.Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container.
Do NOT bring syringes, sharps and illicit drugs. The cap must be tightly sealed to prevent leakage.
Drop-offs are free, and anonymous.
Westport Police also offer a year-round collection bin in the lobby of the headquarters building on Jesup Road. There is a supply of medication disposal bags in the lobby, to dispose of liquid and pill medications in your regular garbage.
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Speaking of police: This Friday (April 25), Rizzuto’s Oyster Bar & Restaurant will have some special staff members.
From 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., Westport Police Department officers will welcome diners, take orders and serve meals.
No, Rizzuto’s is not short staffed. And the police are not pocketing the proceeds.
The Tip-A-Cop event is a fundraiser for Special Olympics Connecticut. Customers are encouraged to leave extra tips. All tips the officers receive will help provide sports, health and fitness programs to athletes of all abilities.
Our police are known as Westport’s finest. Thanks to the force, Rizzuto’s and Special Olympics, for this very “fine” idea.
Two long-vacant storefronts at “Elm & Main” — the new name for what decades of Westporters knew as Brooks Corner — will soon be filled.
Everything But Water is moving into the old Birddogs space. The Orlando-based women’s retailer specializes in designer swimwear, vacation essentials and accessories.
They operate 34 stores. Westport will be their third in Connecticut. The other locations are Farmington and Greenwich.
Beyond Yoga opens their second Connecticut store in September. The first will be in Greenwich, starting next month. The female-founded activewear brand is owned by Levi Strauss.
Fun Fact: Brooks Corner was named not for longtime tenant Brooks Brothers, but for B.V. Brooks. The real estate developer built the shopping center in the early 1960s.
Speaking of openings: The next location for The Granola Bar is …
… 330 Madison Avenue, in New York City.
Instantly popular from the day in 2013 when it opened in Playhouse Square — still its “flagship” location, with offices nearby — the breakfast/lunch/catering-and-more spot has since expanded to Fairfield, Darien, Stamford and Greenwich, plus Rye, Woodbury (Long Island) and the Upper West Side.
Now comes Midtown — just steps away from Grand Central.
Tomorrow’s Board of Education meeting (Thursday, April 24, 7 p.m., Staples High School cafeteria) includes the usual mix of topics: academic performances, revisions to the school caelndar, board policies regarding employees, and students with disabilities.
The discussion item at the end should be less dry. It’s about Staples Block “S” trophies, and the controversy raised this year when the traditional metal awards were replaced by plaques.
“Wild About Veggies: Tips for Planting a Garden” (May 5, 7 p.m.). Learn about seasonal rotations, and much more. Click here to register.
“Learn to Shuck Oysters with a Local Pro” (June 8, 5 p.m.). Then enjoy the oysters you open (from Copps Island in Norwalk). You’ll also gain an understanding of oyster anatomy, and learn about the history of oyster farming here. $50; BYOB. Click here to register.
Coming Sunday (April 27) to the Weston History & Culture Center i
Opening Day of “Images of a Forgotten Village: Valley Forge” (1 p.m.). The Saugatuck Reservoir in Weston was home to a small neighborhood called Valley Forge. Now the once-thriving community of mills, forges and farms has vanished from memory and sight. The only reminders are photos.
Author Talk with Heather Pemberton About her debut thriller, “Hidden Below” (3 p.m.) — inspired by the history of Weston’s Valley Forge
Both are free for members, with a suggested donation for non-members.
For 2 decades, STAR Lighting the Way’s “Walk & Roll” has been a spring highlight. The event brings together families, friends, supporters and businesses to celebrate individuals of all abilities, and raise needed funds for STAR’s programs and services, aiding people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
This year’s event is May 4 (Sherwood Island State Park, 10:30 a.m.). The day includes family activities, music, food trucks, games and entertainment.
As always, the public is invited to walk, roll, volunteer or cheer from the sidelines. Click here to donate, register to walk or roll, or become a sponsor.
Here’s an early head’s-up, on an event that will sell out soon.
On June 27 (6:30 p.m.,), Mystic Bowie’s Talking Dreads make their first-ever Westport appearance.
They’ll fill the Westport Library with their fun Caribbean swagger, and bouncy reggae rhythms, for a special dance party.
Salon says: “Talking Dreads play Talking Heads songs as shimmering one-drop reggae jewels. Tom Tom Club vet Mystic Bowie (swaps out) urbanity for roots and sincerity.”
Tickets are $37.50. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
Max Harper’s family and friends — and many Westporters who did not know the Staples High School senior who died last fall — are admiring a new memorial to him.
The handsome stone is at Compo’s South Beach, near the trees and benches.
It was designed by longtime Westport artist (and Staples graduate) Miggs Burroughts.
On a cold, windy March day, an expert from Enduring Monuments met Miggs and Max’s father Marcus at the rock Marcus had chosen.
The Westchester firm had created stencils from Miggs’ artwork. They blasted as pecial powdery spray into it, then spray painted the recessed areas to make them stand out.
Creating the memorial …
… and the finished memorial. (Photo/Pam Docters)
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A reader writes: “I went into the AMC (used to be Bowtie) Royale 6 this afternoon. They are open. Who knew?!
“I thought they had closed. They switched owners, and took down the board where they used to post movie titles you could see from Route 1. So for the last 6 months I drove by and thought they were closed. I bet 50% of Westport has no idea they are open.”
I’m in the 50% who knew they were open. In fact, I bet 90% of the town did not think they were closed.
But, as a public service announcement, I’m relaying the “news.”
Hopefully, it’s a lot more interesting than all the announcements you hear before a movie.
At the AMC Royale 6, which — did you know? — is open!
And finally … in honor of the AMC Royale 6 theater (story above):
(You go to the movies every once in a while. But “06880” entertains — and maybe informs and inspires — you several times a day. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support us. Thanks!)
The Compo Beach playground rebuild begins Monday. It continues through next weekend.
Volunteers are still needed. Spots are available for skilled and unskilled workers, and kids’ zone helpers. Click here for more information, and to pick your slot.
This was the scene during the 1989 Compo Beach playground construction. Will you be there in 2025?
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Sure, the Post Road construction project won’t be done until 2049.
But new traffic lights — shrouded in black for months — are new operational.
Check out these at Hillspoint Road:
(Photo/Matt Murray)
Will they help as we navigate past all those barrels, in seemingly randomly striped lanes?
We would ask someone working on the project. But they haven’t been seen since 1978.
Speaking of Hillspoint: That road, between Soundview Drive and Old Mill, may be the most popular walking route in Westport.
The sidewalk gets plenty of use. It’s also exposed to salt air, and pounded by occasional rough waves, so it’s gotten pretty beat up.
Repair work is being done now. It will be ready soon, for many more years of scenic strolling.
(Photo/Tammy Barry)
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VersoFest is over.
But the music continues at the Westport Library.
Gang of Four vocalist/founding member Jon King took to the Trefz Forum stage yesterday. He talked about his new memoir, “To Hell with Poverty! A Class Act: Inside the Gang of Four” with Chris Frantz, drummer for Talking Heads and Tom Tom Club.
Jon King and Chris Frantz, in conversation.
After a break, Gang of Four kicked off their farewell tour with a special concert.
Another Big Name is coming to the Westport Country Playhouse.
And it’s almost sold out.
Humorist David Sedaris shares a slew of clever, compelling stories — about, perhaps, his Greek heritage, homosexuality, jobs, education, drug use, obsessive behaviors, and his life in North Carolina, New York, England and France — on May 19 (7 p.m.). Click here for tickets, and more information.
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport has a new music director.
Whether leading youth choirs or directing adult ensembles, Micah Krajca’s goal is to make music accessible, engaging, and rewarding for all singers. He plans to open up his adult and youth choirs to community members.
He says, “Whether you’re a seasoned singer or just looking to try something new, you’re welcome to join us. Our choirs are fun, supportive groups. The singers love performing diverse and engaging repertoire.”
Along with his new position, Micah directs the Greenwich A Cappella High School Ensemble, and is a baritone with the Empire City Men’s Chorus and Choral Chameleon Ensemble.
To learn more about the Unitarian Universalist Congregation or its music program, click here or email micah@uuwestport.org.
Micah Krajca
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Alice Crowther died peacefully on March 18, after a long and graceful life. She was 97, and lived in Westport for 33 before moving to Fairfield.
The Queens native graduated from Green Mountain Junior College in Vermont. After attending secretarial school, she met her future husband, Bill Crowther.
They married in 1948. Both commuted from Port Washington into Manhattan to work in advertising.
After 6 years in Young & Rubicam’s TV/film department, she took time off to raise 3 daughters.
Soon after moving to Westport in 1971, Alice began volunteering at Connecticut Renaissance, a local drug treatment, prevention and education program based in town. Based on her skills and organizational abilities, she was hired as office manager. She stepped down in 1978, but continued to advise on special projects.
In 1982 Alice turned her love of dancing into her next part-time career. She was certified as an aerobic dance instructor at the Westport YMCA. For 8 years she taught classes to older adults. In 1990 she remained with the Fun Fitness Company when they opened their own facility.
In later decades Alice returned to volunteer work. Organizations included Save Our Strays, Fairfield’s Grasmere adult day care, and Trinity Episcopal Church in Southport.
Her family says, “as the matriarch of her extended family, her stories were cherished by all. Her sense of humor was often unexpected, disarming and adorable. Even the caregivers who helped Alice in the last few years of her life fell in love with her resilience, acceptance, willingness to always try her best, and her gentle, sweet nature.”
Alice is survived by her daughters Wendy Crowther (Teri), Tracey Maya (Christopher), Kim Manning (Jim), and grandchildren Hadley, Alison, James and Spencer. She was predeceased by her husband, Bill, in 2018, a few months shy of their 70th anniversary.
A memorial service is set for Trinity Episcopal Church in Southport on April 26 (11 a.m).
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature goes indoors. But the “natural” theme includes Laureen Haynes’ Easter egg designs.
One is a hive with bees and a daisy. The other shows a butterfly and bunny. “A pollinator path of chocolate?” she asks.
Laureen — the owner of Chocalatieree downtown — sold out of them yesterday. Hey: There’s always next year!
(Photo/Laureen Haynes)
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And finally … Nino Tempo — the saxophonist/singer whose career included big band jazz, rock and funk (and collaborations with Benny Goodman, Bobby Darin and Frank Sinatra) — died April 10 in West Hollywood. He was 90.
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When the Connecticut Department of Transportation clear cut dozens of trees last week along the Sherwood Island Connector, Hillandale Road and West Parish Road — in preparation for next winter’s construction of a new maintenance facility — Westporters realized they had little recourse.
It’s state land. And the state can do what it wants.
Longtime Westporters remember that back in the day, the property that includes what is now Walgreens also belonged to Connecticut.
But it wasn’t DOT property.
It was the State Police.
Troop G barracks. Bonus shot: a Minnybus. (Photo/Clint Vogel)
For decades, Troop G was headquartered there. They occupied a handsome brick building — diagonally across, quite interestingly, from both a gay bar (The Brook) and a strip club (Krazy Vin’s).
Convenient to both I-95 (via the Connector) and the Merritt Parkway (Roseville Road), their sirens sometimes gave local drivers a scare. But — as “staties” — they didn’t care about us. They used our roads to race to more important places.
Today it’s hard to tell a state police car until it’s right behind you, either to pass (phew!) or pull you over (f—!).
But in 1972, this is what we saw headed to the highways, and on them:
(Photo courtesy of Anthony Dohanos)
Troop G moved to Bridgeport in the 1980s. Krazy Vin’s closed later; the Brook followed.
In their places we have a drugstore, pet store and patio store.
And — in a couple of years — a brand new maintenance facility, very visible to everyone who drives by.
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