For 7 years, Stephen Kempson has been making Westport men look good.
Stephen Kempson London — the Post Road West shop, just over the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge — has earned a loyal following for its bespoke suits, jackets, pants and shirts, plus shoes, ties and cufflinks; tailoring; ready-to-wear items off the rack, and wardrobe consultation.
Wives and girlfriends regularly asked the British native to make clothes for them. Occasionally, he did.
Now he’ll do it a lot more.
Stephen Kempson, in his new women’s space …
Stephen Kempson London has just added a women’s department. It’s in its own space: the former Age of Reason toy store next door, with its own entrance (but connected inside).
Like the men’s shop, it’s tastefully decorated. It’s warm and welcoming, like a lounge or private club. The same knowledgeable, helpful staff of tailors is ready to help.
“We’ve kept the cozy feel,” Kempson says.
He’s kept too the “elegant, timeless, sophisticated” look of his menswear. But he’s adding the special look women want in, says, a classic overcoat, jacket or pants.
… and a view, looking onto Post Road West.
Kempson is working with several womenswear experts.
Michele Cosentino is one. The owner of Top Banana — a maker of vintage tennis apparel — she’s known him for years.
She was one of 8 female founders of accessories companies who participated in a special trunk show there last month. Milliners and jewelry makers joined designers of leather goods, shoes and bags to show their wares to 150 eager shoppers.
“So many people were interested, especially in the European collections,” Cosentino says.
She was surprised to see many women in their 30s.
“Made-to-measure usually draws an older crowd,” she notes. “But this group was looking for individuality and quality.”
Michele Cosentino models a coat. (Photos/Dan Woog)
Cosentino will continue to discover small artisanal companies. Her goal is to offer monthly showcases in Stephen Kempson’s women’s space.
“There are a lot of female entrepreneur designers here,” she says. Some were working before COVID. Others moved here, and/or began work, during the pandemic.
Next spring, another event will show fall and winter collections. Also in the works: in-home service.
When Westporters think of downtown, they sometimes overlook the shops, galleries and restaurants of Post Road West.
When shoppers were looking there for bespoke clothing, Stephen Kempson London offered an exciting option only for men.
Now, women have a great reason to cross that bridge too.
For most of us, that’s a subjective question. Our answer depends on a wide range of factors: how much sleep we got, the weather, the news we just heard, our most recent interaction with a partner/child/colleague/boss/barista.
Lisa Hu may not know how you or I feel, individually.
But she does care — a lot — about how all of us feel, together.
The Westport resident is a founder of The Real Feel. The startup gathers quick, anonymous input once a day from users, about how they’re feeling.
Using emojis, it takes the pulse of how we — everyone — feels. Using public polling, AI and data/content analysis, it figures out why we feel that way.
The Real Feel shares those insights (anonymously) with businesses and government agencies. It’s one more way for them to make decisions, Hu says.
Though she started her professional career with Accenture and Reuters, she is no stranger to start-ups or entrepreneurships.
Lisa Hu
She was the first US employee of a British company that worked with augmented reality and computer vision in the early AI days, then created a platform that connected the supply and demand sides of veterinary medicine.
She met her husband, and had a child, in San Francisco. Both East Coast natives, they were ready to come back. They’ve settled in Westport, and love it.
“The space, the people, my daughter’s CCDC pre-school, the beauty, the beaches, the safety — everything is great, and super-convenient,” she says.
“I’m meeting lots of people. And I’m excited to meet more.”
The Real Feel is, Hu says, “the first real way to track Americans’ moods each day.” It uses a visual heatmap and AI capabilities to break down sentiment across gender, age, race, political party and other demographics.
Each week, the platform generates data reports. That allows customers to make predictive analyses, based on macro trends, consumer behaviors and preferences.
Marketers can understand customer segments, Hu says. Banks can correlate feelings with the stock market. Governments can understand how citizens feel. Other target audiences include tech firms and media organizations.
That, of course, is how Real Feel is monetized: by selling both the online reports and raw data.
Real Feel screenshot.
The methodology blends simple random sampling (sourced from panel vendor partners), while Real Feel members provide first-party data by answering weekly questions.
Combining both sources ensures a representative sample across general demographic groups, Hu says.
The questions are general. They are not on the lines of “How do you feel about the election?”
In the beginning, the data is like an early season batting average: It’s volatile, because there are so few at-bats.
With time — and more data points — it becomes much more accurate.
In other words: It’s more than a feeling.
(There are many local start-ups, and “06880” covers them regularly. If you appreciate this — or anything else on our hyper-local blog — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Christian Rinaldi and Kyle Dulak pay attention to detail.
The Staples High School seniors have all the usual responsibilities: academics, sports, social lives.
But they also run CK Car Detailings. Since the summer they’ve washed, polished the exteriors, and scrubbed the interiors, of over 70 vehicles.
Virtually all of their customers have been delighted. (One was not — even after they returned a second time. But that was her issue. She didn’t even have access to water for them.)
Christian Rinaldi (left) and Kyle Dulak, on the job.
Car detailing is more than a job for the longtime friends. It is their passion.
“It’s almost therapeutic for me,” says Kyle.
“I wake up Saturday morning ready to detail,” Christian adds. “It doesn’t feel like work. I’m happy. And I’m doing it with my best friend.”
(Being a teenager, Kyle once slept through his alarm. Christian drove over and walked into his room to wake him.)
The business was Christian’s idea. His father has a Mustang, and Christian has always been a car guy. “They’re inanimate objects, but they bring me a lot of happiness,” he says.
He bought a Golf, and went to work: modified exhaust, down pipe, window tints, bucket seats. He paid for it all himself.
The money comes from his and Kyle’s hard work. Their interior detailing includes taking out the mats, vacuuming, removing stains, steam cleaning, shampooing carpets and seats, then wiping the steering wheel, dash and windows.
A very clean interior …
They use a foam cannon and pressure washer — not a hose — on the exterior (including of course the wheels and rims).
Christian and Kyle bought all their equipment themselves. This is very much their business. They have figured it out, all along the way.
They watch “countless” YouTube videos on detailing, and have gone to the library.
… along with one shiny exterior …
In the beginning, they practiced on family cars. They still use those vehicles to test new materials.
The boys guarantee 100% satisfaction. “If you want a touch-up, or we missed a spot, we’ll come back to you,” Christian says.
They’ve learned a lot. For example: Minivans are the toughest vehicles to clean, because they’re used every day to haul kids.
They learned the importance of pleasing their customers, too. Happily, Christian says, “people respect our hustle. We get a lot of tips.”
They do hustle. They work 3 days a week after school — and after Christian’s soccer and Kyle’s basketball practice. They’ve done up to 8 cars on a weekend.
One night this summer, they worked until 11.
… and another.
“I’m a big car guy,” Christian — who is Staples’ varsity goalkeeper, and hopes to open his own garage one day — says. “I want to learn all about them.”
Kyle — a basketball player who also draws and plays guitar — notes, “Making a dirty car spotless, you feel good about yourself.”
“To a lot of people, their car is their second home,” Christian says. “It’s where they spend a lot of time. Our customers give us permission to get inside that home. It’s a big responsibility.”
Tires and rims are looking good.
It’s easy to bash the work ethic of today’s teenagers, or to say “kids don’t know what it’s like to have a real job.”
It’s also easy to excuse them for not working; hey, they’ve got too much on their plate already.
Christian Rinaldi and Kyle Dulak prove otherwise.
Just ask them for details.
(Christian and Kyle charge $65 for a sedan or coupe, $85 for an SUV or minivan, and $100 for a truck or commercial van. They also offer add-ons, like headlight and black trim restoration, ceramic coating with 2-year protection, engine bay renewal, odor removal, and shampooing seats and carpets.
(You can email them at ckcardetailings@gmail.com, call 203-725-4695, and follow them on Instagram: @c_kdetailing.)
Engine bay renewal is one of my great options.
(“06880” often highlights impressive teenagers, and local businesses. Sometimes they intersect. Please click here, to help us continue this important coverage. Thank you!)
Turning to the Planning & Zoning Commission: Its November 4 meeting agenda (6 p.m., Zoom; livestreamed at www.westportct.gov; Optimum Channel 79) includes a report on a new lease with Longshore Sailing School. This replaces the former lease with a new one, with the same operator. It would run to October 31, 2029, with an option for a 5-year extension.
Also on the agenda: Text Amendment #846. It would allow outdoor eating areas for any retail food establishment existing or operating in a residential zone prior to September 1, 2024, and exempt them from the 50-foot setback requirement; update the “outdoor eating area” definition to include the right to utilize portable food carts and service stations, and expand the sale of alcohol to those same food establishments.
In addition to Old Mill Grocery, the text amendment would benefit The Porch at Christies on Cross Highway, and The Country Store on Wilton Road.
An explanatory statement filed with the application says: “The vision and impetus behind these proposed text amendments is for these establishments to serve as a place where neighbors can enjoy a casual glass of wine, or a beer, with their food, unwind, and socialize with their friends.”
The amendments are also “consistent with the Town of Westport’s 2017 Plan of Conservation and Development,” which encourages “tiny commercial uses embedded” in some residential areas, while “maintaining residential character.”
Click here to view the full pending application of Text Amendment #846. Based on statutory requirements, the Planning & Zoning Commission’s public hearing will wait until November. Residents can comment on the application by emailing PandZ@westportct.gov.
Old Mill Grocery & Deli. (Photo/Dave Dellinger)
=================================================
Congratulations to longtime Westporter, generous supporter and exceptional business leader Melissa Bernstein. She has just been inducted into the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame.
Her citation reads: ‘Melissa Bernstein is an entrepreneur, creative, and author. As co-founder and former CEO of the wildly successful toy company Melissa & Doug, Melissa has spent the last 30 years helping children discover themselves, their passions, and their purpose through open-ended play.
“In 2020, after her own personal journey of self-discovery and acceptance, Melissa founded Lifelines. Through Lifelines, she is using her unparalleled creativity and imagination to reinvent well-being products and experiences to help adults strengthen their resilience, stay grounded, and unlock their full potential. Melissa lives in Westport Connecticut with Doug and their 6 children.”
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker — who surprised Melissa with appearance at her induction in Hartford — praises: “You lead with compassion, creativity and incredible competence. Every day you inspire women and girls to realize their own limitless potential, which is the mission of the CT Women’s Hall of Fame.”
Melissa Bernstein and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, at the CT Women’s Hall of Fame ceremony.
Speaking of women: “The Hills of California” is a Broadway show about sisters. (They cram into the guest house of their former home as their mother lies dying.)
So — to drum up social media interest — the producers asked some sisters to see and review it.
Well, not just “some.”
They sent the Utz family. All 7 of them.
The Utzes grew up in Westport, and all graduated from Staples High School. Claire, Chrissy and Cathy remain. Jamie and Jennifer live in Fairfield. Bo is in Rye Brook, New York, while Lis is the furthest away: Fort Lee, New Jersey.
Speaking of great meals: CTBites reports that starting today (Tuesday), Saugatuck Provisions will launch “Provisions After Dark.”
It’s a tie-in between chef Matt Storch’s market, and his Match Burger Lobster next door. It’s a way to offer his high-quality products, for people who don’t have the time (or talent?) to cook them.
Customers can select what they want from cases with individual portions of meats and fish — “anything from a dry aged 2-pound porterhouse to a beautiful piece of line caught tuna, or the perfect pork chop,” or a rotisserie chicken, along with a sauce, says CTBites.
Selections will be paired with olive oil griddled potatoes and steamed organic veggies.
It’s available Sunday to Thursday starting at 5 p.m., as an add-on to the existing Match Burger Lobster menu. Provisions will now be open later too. (Click here for the full CTBites story.)
Thomas Quealy writes: “I hope ‘06880’ can shine a spotlight on a little corner of our town that could be nicer.
“Behind Town Hall are softball fields used by our local girls. One set of bleachers is absolutely filthy and mildly broken.”
(Photo/Thomas Quealy)
Sounds like it’s time for a little love.
Or at least a power washing.
=================================================
Trumpeter David Sneider brings his swinging feel, flawless technique and deep roots to this week’s Jazz at the Post (October 31, VFW Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m; dinner service from 7 p.m.; $20 music cover, $15 veterans and students).
He’ll be joined by pianist David Zaks, bassist Dan Finn, saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall, and drummer Mike Camacho. Click here for tickets.
And finally … today is the anniversary of Black Tuesday. On this day in 1929 the New York Stock Exchange crashed. It marked the end of the great bull market of the 1920s, and the start of the Great Depression.
(“06880” is your hyper-local source for news: political, restaurants, and everything else. If you find this site useful, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
If you don’t think Westporters are excited about a new supermarket, you weren’t at Big Y yesterday.
The store opened at 7 a.m., in the Post Road East space previously occupied by Barnes & Noble. (Before that, it was Waldbaum’s — a now-defunct grocery chain.)
Almost immediately the bright, broad aisles were filled with happy — almost giddy — shoppers.
At 37,000 square feet, the Westport store is a bit smaller than the average Big Y. But it’s an important location for the Springfield, Massachusetts-based company, the second-largest supermarket chain in New England. (Stop & Shop is first.)
Before today, the closest Big Ys were in Stratford and Bethel.
Store director Joe Fetcho lives in Fairfield. He’s been with the company since 1996, and has long advocated for a Big Y here.
“I wanted my neighbors to experience this,” he says.
Fetcho is more than a Big Y manager. He’s a very enthusiastic ambassador.
“I’ve seen dozens of stores,” he adds. “But I’ve never seen this level of excitement anywhere.”
Why?
“The freshness, the variety — and especially the employees,” he says.
Shoppers were not the only ones smiling on Big Y’s first day.
One of those employees — bakery manager Lizzette Ruiz — echoed her boss’ sentiments.
“This is a real family organization. We all love interacting with customers. We listen to what they want. If you don’t see something, let us know. We’ll get it.”
Bakery manager Lizzette Ruiz.
Christian D’Amour is a 3rd generation Big Y executive. In 1936 his grandfather, great-uncle and great-aunts opened the Y Cash Market in Chicopee, Massachusetts. (The name came from its location: a “Y”-shaped intersection.)
Store director Joe Fetcho (left) and 3rd-generation Big Y owner Christian D’Amour, just inside the store’s entrance. The photo behind them shows D’Amour’s grandfather, the founder (right).
He spoke excitedly about the store’s 90 employees, and the high level of customer excitement.
Along with its supermarket selections, Westport’s Big Y features prepared foods (including fish and chips), sushi, made-to-order sandwiches, fresh pizza, soups, gluten-free already-baked cakes, and wings and salad bars. The seafood department includes a kosher section.
How do you like them apples?
As a former Barnes & Noble customer, Fetcho was familiar with the interior. It was challenging to turn it into a grocery store. But, he says, the layout is “efficient, roomy and shop-able.”
Shoppers agreed. Smiling more than supermarket customers usually do, they praised Big Y’s clean, fresh look. They liked the design and “sensible” organization.
Shoppers like Big Y’s wide aisles.
One woman was on her way to the airport. But she said, “I had to come see it.” She was glad she did.
Several echoed the verdict of one man, who praised the new Big Y by comparing it to another supermarket.
“I’m never going to Stop & Shop again,” he said.
(Big Y’s “grand opening” celebration is set for November 7.)
(If there’s a new business in town, you probably heard about it first on “06880.” If you enjoy our coverage — and all the other hyper-local news — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Usually, “The Bridge at Saugatuck is open” means the swing mechanism is in use, so a boat can pass through. Traffic delays mount.
Yesterday, “The Bridge at Saugatuck is open” was welcome news.
Westport’s newest restaurant — replacing Parker Mansion, which replaced the Mansion Clam House — welcomed diners, to rave reviews.
The new space — built by The O’Dell Group for owner Doug Pardon — includes a large downstairs bar, patio, upstairs tables, outdoor deck, and cabanas by the Saugatuck River.
The menu is eclectic. The vibe is fun. It’s one more reason Westport has reclaimed its role as one of the best restaurant towns in the state.
Cutting the ribbon at The Bridge at Saugatuck (from left): Timothy Pardon, Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce director Matthew Mandell, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, owner Doug Pardon, general manager Isaac “Patrick” Camaro, executive chef Stephen Lewandowski, William Pardon, Conor Pardon.
Speaking of food: Among the many favorites at The Porch @ Christie’s: colossal cookies.
They come in 8 big flavors: chocolate chip, cookie butter, cookies & cream, halfsies, M&M, snickerdoodle with dulce de leche, sweet & salty, and triple chocolate.
But what if you don’t live around here?
No problem!
Sweet P Bakery — The Porch’s baker, and like the popular deli, an avid employer of people with disabilities — now ships their colossal cookies nationwide. Just click here, and follow the prompts.
Of course, if you do live here, head to to The Porch to taste the flavors, see a sample box, and snag a discount card.
Sweet!
(Photo/Abby Cole Photography)
===============================================
Every year at this time, the Westport Library celebrates UN Day with a Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Memorial Lecture. The namesake of our Post Road Bridge was also a founder and strong advocate of the United Nations Association-USA Southwest Connecticut Chapter (and a friend of former US Ambassador to the UN Eleanor Roosevelt).
This year’s event should be a great one. Jim Himes — Westport’s member of the US Congress, and the ranking member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence — will discuss international issues.
The event is on UN Day: Thursday, October 24 (7 p.m.).
For years, clients and friends urged Alison Milwe Grace to write a book.
One day last year, she woke up and said, “I’ll do it!”
The longtime owner of AMG Catering & Events wanted to share her culinary passion, inspire others to cook, and connect people through food.
There was only one problem: She had no theme. Alison had a huge repertoire of recipes. How could she narrow them down to an idea that made sense?
Her “aha!” moment came when she realized that “there’s always a reason to celebrate with food.”
From Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s Day to Sunday brunch and football games, meals are at the center of what we do.
“Savor: Recipes to Celebrate” — Alison’s first book — has just been published. That’s one more reason to celebrate.
Alison — who is also a beloved culinary teacher at Staples High School (her alma mater, Class of 1988) — purposely stayed away from Christmas recipes.
“I didn’t want ‘holiday’ in the title,” she says. “This is more about all the other types of celebrations.”
Alison is used to the long time frame of setting up a catering event: planning menu, ordering food, cooking, serving, and cleaning up.
But writing “Savor” took far longer. She researched and interviewed many writers and editors, before selecting Tracy Holleran.
Alison then enlisted Eileen Clark Sawyer, a noted food photographer, to shoot the servings.
Alison Milwe Grace’s Passover Seder meal includes Grandma Bea’s brisket, lemon potatoes and shaved Brussels sprouts salad. All are gluten-free.
The wait was worth it. The pages are filled with recipes that are delicious, fun and adventurous, but not overwhelming.
“Sunday Football Snacks” features, for example, zucchini chips with sriracha aioli, Thai mini-meatball and spicy apricot glazed wings (the latter two are gluten-free).
For Oktoberfest Alison offers soft pretzels with German beer cheese dip, chicken schnitzel with lemon herb salad, and easy apple strudel with puff pastry.
Ready for a Day of the Dead feast? She’ll help you whip up pumpkin margaritas, cabbage enchiladas, zucchini burrito cups, and turkey-taco lettuce wraps.
Celebrate the 4th of July: hanger steak with chimichurri, potato salad with mustard and watercress, and a grilled romaine wedge salad.
Though Alison knows her way around any kitchen, writing a book was hard.
“It was way outside my comfort zone,” she says. “But that was one more reason to do it. You get better by stretching yourself.”
Among the challenges: finding the right recipes, then toning them down from the large groups she’s used to working with, to just 6 or 8 people.
Plus, Alison says, “I had to make sure I included every ingredient. I know what I use in my head. But I couldn’t forget anything.”
Valentine’s dinner for 2: sexy spicy lobster pasta, winter greens with maple vinaigrette, and Bailey’s parfaits. (All photos/Eileen Clark Sawyer)
In the middle of the book is a chapter called “Savoring the Journey.” It’s Alison’s own story.
It’s a good one. And like Alison herself, it’s fun.
She began by baking cakes in elementary school. She worked as a cheese monger in high school, waitressed her way through college, managed fine dining establishments post-graduation, then became executive chef at an award-winning restaurant
Alison has appeared on the Food Network’s “Kitchen Casino” and “Supermarket Stakeout,” and won a James Beard Scholarship.
“I love to share my passion for food and cooking,” the first-time author says.
“This is an extension of that. It just happens to be on paper.”
Now her many satisfied, well-fed clients can savor one more of Alison Milwe Grace’s treats.
(For more information, and to order “Savor: Recipes to Celebrate,” click here.)
(“06880” covers Westport’s broad and deep dining scene, in all its forms. But we’ll starve without reader support. To make a tax-deductible contribution, please click here. Thank you!)
A true fall highlight — the Westport Library’s book sale — returns November 1-4.
The event includes thousands of gently used books for children and adults in over 50 categories, plus antiquarian items, vinyl records, CDs (music, movies and TV), plus more.
This year’s highlights include:
Contemporary novels and poetry from the personal library of former Publisher’s Weekly editor Sybil Steinberg — signed by their authors
Library of America volumes, first editions, in slip cases
An extensive collection of history books, especially military, with many scarce titles
A broad assortment of fiction, nonfiction and collectible books in more than a dozen languages, including Turkish and German
A large assortment of framed art, from small desktop pieces to large wall
“Fiction for $1 Room” — mystery, science fiction, fantasy, young adult fiction, etc., with new copies of Jane Green’s novels (many of them in foreign languages).
Hours: Friday, November 1 (12 to 6 p.m.); Saturday, November 2 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.); Sunday, November 3 (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; half-price day); Monday, November 4 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; fill the Library’s logo bag for $10, or yours for $8; individual items half-price). For more details, click here.
NOTE: 125 early-access tickets will be sold, for $35 each (Friday, November 1, 8:45 a.m. to noon); click here for tickets.
Westport Library Book Sale.
=================================================
Most businesses wax and wane.
Westport’s newest one will always wax.
Waxing the City opens on Halloween Day in Playhouse Square, between The Granola Bar and Innovation Luggage. The previous tenant was, interestingly, Kennedy’s All-American Barber.
Studio manager Destani Station says, “We are a premium waxing studio dedicated to providing expert hair removal services with a focus on comfort, care and personalized experience.
“We specialize in a full range of waxing services for both men and women, from brows to full-body, ensuring top-quality results with our highly trained cerologists. Our studios feature cutting-edge techniques and products that leave clients feeling confident and refreshed after each visit.
“What sets us apart are our enhancements: from customized brow shaping to skincare treatments that elevate the post-wax glow, we offer tailored services that go beyond the basics.
“We chose to open in Westport because the community here thrives on mutual support, and we felt our services were genuinely needed in the area. Westport’s close-knit vibe made it the perfect location for a Waxing the City studio, and we’re thrilled to be part of such a dynamic community.”
Bookings (now 50% off) are available via the website or phone: 203-293-4401.
Every Staples High School (and every other school) reunion class says the same thing: “I can’t believe it’s been [insert number of] years!”
For the SHS Class of 2004, the number is 20. Yikes!
On Friday, November 1, all grads are invited to watch the Wrecker football team play Danbury, 7 p.m. at home. Members of the class and their families will be admitted free.
On Saturday, November 2 (5:30 p.m.), there’s a guided tour of the “new” Staples (the one under construction while the ’04 class was there).
They’ll follow with a celebration at Little Barn (7 to 10 p.m.). Alumni and guests can RVSP here.
In 2004, the Homecoming pep rally was held in the gym.
Save the Children’s Fairfield County Leadership Council hosts a cooking demonstration, cocktails and conversation with Chef Fariyal Abdullahi (October 30, 6:30 p.m., The Patterson Club, Fairfield).
It’s a benefit for STC’s Emergency Fund. Fariyal will discuss her work with Save the Children, including a recent visit to Ethiopia.
The Ethiopian-born chef earned a degree in clinical child psychology, before pursuing her passion for cooking at the Culinary Institute of America. She has traveled the world, and worked at renowned establishments on several continents.
Fariayal’s Ethiopian-inspired dishes have been showcased at the Met Gala and in Vogue. She is the executive chef at Hav & Mar in New York, and a judge on Food Network’s “Chopped” and “Alex vs. America.”
For tickets, click here or email mleffel@savethechildren.org.
Jazz vocalist Alma Micic first came to Jazz at the Post with her husband — guitarist Rale Micic’s — ensemble. She tore the place apart.
She returns this Thursday (October 17), as part of a monthlong celebration of female bandleaders.
Alms is joined by her husband Rale, bassist Peter Slavoy and drummer Jason Tiemann. Tenor titan Eric Alexander fills in for Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.
There are 2 shows at VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399: 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. Dinner service starts at 7. The music cover is $20; $15 for veterans and students. Click here for tickets.
Fred Hunter III of Wilton died unexpectedly on October 2. He was 80.
He moved several times during his youth, as his father was a minor league coach with the Cincinnati Reds. He graduated from Heidelberg University in 1966, married his wife of 48 years, Carole Sue (Harper), in 1967, then embarked on s sales career in the paper industry, starting in Dallas. He spent many years in Centerville, Ohio before settling in Westport in 1982.
Fred was an accomplished golfer. He won club championships, recorded holes-in-one, and recently shot his age or better several times.
He was involved with the Longshore Men’s Golf Association and Y’s Men of Westport and Weston for many years. He was also a youth baseball coach, and a fan of the Reds and Dallas Cowboys.
Fred is survived by his sons Paul (Wendy) and James (partner Courtney Bauknecht), grandchildren Lauren and Chase of Hinsdale, Illinois, and dear friend and companion Kathleen Lala of Wilton. He was preceded by his wife Carole and brother Edwin.
The family will receive friends at the Harding Funeral Home on October 24 (3 to 7 p.m.). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Y’s Men of Westport, Box Box 167, Westport, CT 06881.
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is a bit, um, unusual.
(Photo/Christen Worobec)
Look closely. That’s something very natural, but gross: A pile of dog poop.
Yes, on Compo Beach.
And tied next to it — perhaps as a warning, perhaps making a diamond out of dung — is a pretty bow, tied to a pick-up-poop bag.
We don’t know the back story. But we do know this: Clean up after your dog, people. The beach belongs to all of us. We don’t need anyone acting like a piece of —-!
(New businesses, non-profit benefits, dogs on the beach — “06880” covers them all. If you enjoy Westport’s hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Some stores stick a pumpkin out front. Others hang a skeleton by the door.
Terrain’s Halloween decorations are a bit more creative.
True to their brand, the home-and-garden shop on Post Road East goes all out with decorations.
Last week’s Photo Challenge showed the exterior wall. (Click here to see.)
In a slow day for responses, only Lynn Untermeyer Miller, Beth Berkowitz, Erica Caldwell and Jonathan McClure answered. All were correct.
Everyone else must have been out, picking pumpkins.
Today’s challenge is a little bit spooky too, in a weird way. If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Susan Garment)
(Every Sunday, “06880” hosts this Photo Challenge. We challenge you too to support your hyper-local blog. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: dwoog@optonline.net. Thanks!)
GET THE “06880” APP
The “06880” app (search for it on the Apple or Android store) is the easiest way to get “06880.” Choose notifications: whenever a new post is published, or once or twice a day. Click here for details.
