Category Archives: Local business

Roundup: Poet Laureate, Childhood Cancer, The Carver …

Posted on September 19, 2024 | 2 comments

Westport has a new poet laureate.

Donna Disch — a Westport resident for 24 years — enthusiastically accepted her charge to “to elevate poetry in the consciousness of Westport residents, and to celebrate and contribute to the town’s vibrant literary history.”

A large crowd was on hand at the Westport Library. Disch succeeds Jessice Noyes McEntee, in the 2-year appointment. The ceremony was led by Westport Arts Advisory Committee c0-chair Nancy Diamond.

She’s wasting no time. Soon, she announced, a new “poetry box” will be installed near Compo Beach.

McEntee offered her own words for the town’s new laureate, noting, “Donna appears to be an innocent, a weaver of dazzling word tapestries. I sense a trickster underneath the demure surface in her poems.”

Poet laureate Donna Disch. (Photo/Miggs Burroughs)

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Once again this month, Westport’s National Charity League joins with Circle of Care to raise awareness of childhood cancer

The groups have decorated the town in gold ribbons. In addition, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker’s proclamation of September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month honors Circle of Care for the work they do, making a difference for families facing the disease.

Raising awareness, one street corner at a time.

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Many Westporters know about The Carver.

The Norwalk-based non-profit Carver operates 60+ before-school, after-school, summer, and community programs in all K-12 public schools in Norwalk, plus others in Bridgeport, Stamford and Naugatuck.

It’s a wonderful organization, doing great and very important work, serving almost 3,000 students. Carver programs boast a 100% on-time high school graduation, with almost all students going on as first-generation college students.

But many other Westporters don’t know The Carver at all.

On Friday, September 27 (6 p.m., Clarendon Fine Art, 22 Main Street), the Westport Carver Connection Committee is hosting a party. The goal is to introduce The Carver to residents, and expand its geographic, financial and volunteer support.

Carver students will speak, offering inspiring stories.

The event is sponsored by several local businesses, including Bird, Clarendon, LandTech, The Post and Amazing Graze.

For tickets and more information, click here.

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If you missed Tuesday night’s partial lunar eclipse — no worries.

Pam Docters has you covered (like the moon):

(Photo/Pam Docters)

And if you missed the regular ol’ — but very spectacular — super harvest moon that night, Stephanie Mastocciolo was at Compo Beach with her camea:

(Stephanie Mastocciolo)

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Westport Police made 4 custodial arrests between September 11 and 18.

A 49-year-old Westport man was charged with disorderly conduct, after a complaint of an assault by someone the man was dating when they tried to retrieve belongings from a residence.

Three women — a 22-year-old and a 21-year-old from Jamaica, New York, and a 21-year-old from Bushkill, New York, were charged with larceny, and conspiracy to commit larceny, following a report of a shoplifting from Lululemon.

While officers were en route to the business, they spotted the vehicle used on Riverside Avenue. It contained clothing with tags still affixed. The suspects were identified by witnesses.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 4 citations
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 3
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
  • Failure to comply with federal regulations of flotation devices: 1
  • Failure to comply with federal regulations of navigation lights: 1
  • Operating a boat without certification or license: 1
  • Illegal vessel without numbers or registration: 1
  • Failure to comply with dog ownership regulations: 1
  • No dog/cat rabies vaccination: 1
  • Distracted driving: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
  • Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
  • Driving the wrong way on a 1-way street: 1

Boats in Connecticut must be registered.

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In more police news, officers were called to TD Bank yesterday, when a man tried to pass a bad check. Eyewitnesses said he “decided to run,” before being detained.

(Photo/Robin Frank)

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Up to 20% of the population can be classified as “highly sensitive.”

Now Westport therapist Ilise Gold, Weston actor Scott Bryce and Christie Laracuente have formed a group serving the “Highly Sensitive Person” community.

On October 19 (Saugatuck Congregational Church, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), Gold will host a seminar called “Connect With Me, I’m an HSP!”

The audience is HSPs, and those living or working with them. The cost is $250 per person; $225 for additional family members ages 15 and up. Click here to register.

Ilise Gold

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A black-capped chickadee makes its first-ever “06880” appearance today, as our “Westport … Naturally” feature image:

(Photo/Tracy Porosoff)

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And finally … JD Souther, who wrote many hits for the Eagles, Linda Ronstadt and James Taylor, and later played a version of himself on the TV show “Nashville,” died Tuesday in New Mexico. He was 78.

Click here for a full obituary.

(Today — as we do every day, 7/24/366 — “06880” brings you a Roundup of info chock full of news you can use, think about and enjoy. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Local business, Police

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Pic Of The Day #2707

Posted on September 15, 2024 | 1 comment

Main Street scene (Photo/Jonathan Alloy)

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Posted in Downtown, Local business, Pic of the Day, Transportation

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Any Way You Slice It, Saugatuck Sizzled

Posted on September 15, 2024 | 2 comments

What a difference a week makes.

Last Saturday was rainy and gray. The Slice of Saugatuck was postponed.

Yesterday’s late-summer weather was perfect. The sun shone, the air was warm, and a couple of thousand folks ate, drank, danced and bounce-housed their way up and down Riverside and Saugatuck Avenues, and around Railroad Place.

The annual Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce party has become an unofficial kickoff to fall.

And what better way to celebrate it than by strolling (with or without strollers), enjoying a few dozen restaurants, shops and booths, in one of Westport’s oldest — and coolest — neighborhoods.

Our excellent “06880” photographer Ryan Allen — a Staples High School sophomore — was at the Slice, to capture it all.

Like everyone else, he ate it up.

Admission is just $15 — and only $5 for kids. Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce volunteers sold tickets.

One helping per customer. An employee here checks a guest’s card. But the portions were great. And even though the Bridge at Saugatuck hasn’t opened yet, they served full burgers.

Smokey Bear, at the Saugatuck Fire Station.

Where to go next?

(All photos/Ryan Allen)

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Posted in Local business, Restaurants, Saugatuck

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Roundup: “Battle Of Sexes” Video, Daffodils, Football …

Posted on September 14, 2024 | 1 comment

For some reason, the YouTube link to the Westport Library’s “Battle of the Sexes” — the subject of this morning’s lead story — did not come through for some readers.

If you could not access it, try below. Let’s hope this works!

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Debra Kandrak is the woman behind the very successful “Paint the Town Yellow” project.

She writes: “On Friday, during my daily walk at Compo Beach, I came upon the memorial service for Max Harper — a young man taken tragically too soon.

“It was a beautiful tribute in his honor, with hundreds of people in attendance.

“So today I ask everyone to plant yellow daffodils in Max’s memory. (You may recall that the theme for ‘Paint the Town Yellow’ is to honor loved ones

“Let’s plant them all over town: around street signs, stop signs, mailbox posts, at the entrance to Staples and in front of the school.

“Let’s make this a community event. Email me (debra.kandrak@raveis.com) where you are going to plant, so I can post photos next spring for his family to see how much this community cares.

“I would like to see an explosion of yellow daffodils all around town in the spring, in honor of Max. This will be a beautiful tribute, and may give his family some peace.”

These daffodils line Debra Kandrak’s driveway.

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A large crowd packed Paul Lane Field last night, for the opening game of Staples’ football season.

(Photo/Luca Caniato)

The state champion Wreckers picked up right where they left off last fall, hammering non-league Hamden 48-7. Junior quarterback Nick Weil threw 5 touchdown passes.

Many attendees — including those not yet in Staples — wore “Play for Max” buttons.

(Photo/Bianca Jonas)

The buttons — honoring senior Max Harper, who died Wednesday in a dirt bike accident — were made Friday in the Staples library, by students.

(Photo/Mark Mathias)

On Thursday and Friday, therapy dogs were available at Staples, to help students cope with the tragedy.

The dogs have been welcome fixtures at Staples at other times of stress. As shown below, they are always happy to help.

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The Westport Sunrise Rotary Club welcomed back a popular speaker — Representative Jim Himes — yesterday.

The meeting was open to the public, and a large number of non-members headed to Green’s Farms Church to hear the 4th District congressman.

Congressman Jim Himes, at the Westport Sunrise Rotary meeting. (Photo/Katie Augustyn)

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The Matsiko World Orphan Choir — 24  gifted and spirited teenagers — wind up their 2024 American tour, singing and dancing to songs from their native Africa — with a free concert on September 19 (Bedford Middle School, 7:30 p.m.).

It’s a gift to Westport from an anonymous benefactor, intended to expand the audience’s musical and cultural horizons.

Matsiko means “hope” in Ugandan. The Choir performs to help thousands of children attain a brighter future. Proceeds from the tour and merchandise sales support the organization’s worldwide educational programs for orphans.

The Matsiko World Orphan Choir has performed at the White House, US Capitol, Disneyland, Mount Rushmore and the Rose Bowl.

After Westport they head to Yale University, then Jazz at Lincoln Center.

Click here for free tickets, and more information.

Matsiko World Orphan Choir.

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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

On October 7 (Fire Engine Pizza Company, 768 Bridgeport Avenue, Shelton; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.), the Westport Uniformed Firefighters Charitable Foundation sponsors an important event.

There’s fun, food, and valuable information, to support awareness and celebrate survivors.

Casting for Awareness — a non-profit that provides free fly-fishing wellness retreats for women with breast cancer — will receive up to 20% of the total sales at the restaurant that day.

Fire Engine Pizza Company is a great place. And there’s no better cause.

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Finally. At last!

The moment we’ve all been waiting for.

A gaping Westport need will soon be filled.

Not a moment too soon … a nail salon will open in town!

(Photo/Stephanie Mastocciolo)

I’m sure customers will flock there.

But where will they go on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday …?

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Personally, I think it’s too early for Halloween decorations.

Or even pumpkin spice latte.

But Costco thinks this is a fine time to roll out their Christmas goods.

(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

On second thought: Why not?

There are only 102 days left before Santa arrives.

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Well-known former Westporter Stephen Kaye died September 2. He was 86.

The Boston-area native, who graduated from Harvard Business School and MIT, and was a 1st lieutenant in the US Army Quartermaster Corps. lived in Westport for over 50 years. His family says he was known as “funny, smart, kind, caring, quirky and unique. Steve lived his life with energy and positivity. A passionate sailor, his boat ‘Forever Young’ expressed his outlook and vigor. Steve was an avid skier of groomed blue runs, a black belt in martial arts, always made new friends at the gym and was a ping-pong player with an overpowering serve.”

After working for Procter & Gamble, Gillette and other advertising, packaging and consulting firms, he founded Steve Kaye New Products in 1977. He built it into a successful firm, working with Fortune 500 as well as entrepreneurial companies.

He helped create Huggies diapers, the “Got Milk” campaign, chocolate-covered Oreos and other products of the 1980s and ’90s.

For the past 11 years Steve was an adjunct professor of marketing and sales at Sacred Heart University and Housatonic Community College.

Steve is survived by his life partner of over 30 years, Linda Arenson of Westport; son Bruce (Misael Rodriguez) of Milford; daughter Joan Garbow (Ralph) of Ridgefield; son Peter Kaye (Andrea Mazur) of Chevy Chase, Maryland; grandchildren Ben and Julia Garbow and Sally and Margot Kaye; sister and brother-in-law Barbara and Kenny Wexler of Brookline, Massachusetts, and cousins Stanley and Enid Shulman of Brookline.

Donations in Steve’s honor can be made to Congregation Shir Shalom of Westchester and Fairfield Counties, 46 Peaceable St., Ridgefield, CT 06877.

Steve Kaye

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Staples High School Class of 1971 graduate Dave Kingsley died September 4, from complications of lymphoma.

He and his wife Kathy settled in Newtown in 1986, where they raised 2 daughters.

Dave’s love for fishing, boating and sailing where cultivate during his youth on Long Island Sound. He particularly enjoyed bone-fishing in the Bahamas.

Dave played basketball, baseball and softball into adulthood. He found great joy in watching his daughters play sports, coaching several of their youth basketball teams.

He was a voracious reader, full of knowledge gained through his life as a builder, designer, contractor and business owner. He designed, built and remodeled homes and businesses in Connecticut and New York, including his own home.

One of his proudest achievements was the renovation of an old building on the Fairfield Hills campus, transforming a staff dining room and library at the former psychiatric hospital into a brewery.

Dave is survived by his wife Kathy; daughters Emma of Portsmouth, New Hampshire and Caroline of Sausalito, California; sisters Karen of Wallingford,  Patricia of San Diego, Mary Ann of Severna Park, Maryland, plus nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life is set for tomorrow (Sunday, September 15, 3 p.m., at his brewery), followed by a funeral Monday (September 16, 10:30 a.m., Saint Rose of Lima Church, Newtown).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Newtown Youth & Family Services.

Dave Kingsley

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature introduces its first-ever black crown night heron.

Ta da!

(Photo/Sunil Hirani)

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And finally … in honor of Costco’s very early marketing campaign (story above):

 (Looking for the perfect Christmas gift? Please click here, to make a tax-deductible donation to “06880.” Thank you!)

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Posted in Library, Local business, Obituaries, Politics, Sports, Staples HS

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Friday Flashback #416

Posted on September 13, 2024 | 10 comments

This fascinating photo of Bill’s Smoke Shop shows its original kiosk location on the southeast corner of Main and Elm Streets — where the condos next to Vineyard Vines are now.

(Photo courtesy of Christopher Maroc, via Facebook)

It subsequently moved across Main Street, to what later became Westport Pizzeria, then ultimately to Brooks Corner, on the ground floor next to the stairs.

For those under a certain age who never heard the term, a “smoke shop” offered — along with cigarettes and cigars — candy, sodas, ice cream, newspapers, magazines and the like.

As the sign says, this one also sold hot dogs.

When Bill’s expanded into its final location, there was a full lunch counter — and arcade games and pinball machines in the basement.

Carmine’s was another popular smoke shop. It was located on Post Road East, not far from Main Street — between the Fine Arts movie theater (now Barnes & Noble) and Colgan’s (later Thompson’s) Drug Store (today, Tiffany).

Is Westport better or worse without a smoke shop today? Click “Comments” below.

(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!)

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Posted in Downtown, Friday Flashback, Local business

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Roundup: Beach Demolitions, Kristin Chenoweth, Satchel Paige & Trey Ellis …

Posted on September 10, 2024 | 9 comments

One of the most well-known homes in Westport — the only one on the north (left) side of the Compo Cove footpath, just over the pedestrian bridge at Sherwood Mill Pond — may soon be a memory.

A “Demolition” sign hangs next to the front door of the house owned for years by Mike Katz, the cowboy hat-wearing man-about-town.

The 43 Compo Mill Cove home — built in 1942 — was originally located across the path, on the right. It boasts an unobstructed view of the Mill Pond. But it’s been unoccupied for quite a while, and seems not to have been maintained since then.

Compo Cove home, with demolition sign  next to the front door. (Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

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That’s not the only beach neighborhood home on the chopping block

This one — at 21 Norwalk Avenue, off Soundview Drive — also bears a “Demolition” notice.

(Photo/Dan Woog)

It was built in 1920 — 104 years ago.

Clearly, it’s had some work done over the past century. The non-winterized cottages that were there for much of the 1900s were not like this.

It will sure be interesting to see what the new construction looks like.

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This Saturday’s Westport Country Playhouse’s gala features Emmy and Tony Award winner Kristin Chenoweth, Drama Desk Award-winning conductor and music director Mary-Mitchell Campbell — plus a host of Broadway performers — in a tribute to Cy Coleman (September 14, 7 p.m.).

Like any good benefit, this one includes some very cool live auction items. Among them:

  • 2 tickets to Steve Martin & Martin Short’s “The Dukes of Funnytown!” at Foxwoods, and a post-show meet and greet with the stars.
  • 4 tickets to “Wicked,” and a backstage tour to meet the cast.
  • Dinner for 10 catered by Gabriele’s, on the Playhouse stage with artistic director Mark Shanahan and managing director Beth Huisking.

Raffle boxes are available too, for a chance to win 2 jewelry pieces by designer Marco Bicego.

For tickets and more information, click here.

Kristin Chenoweth

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Speaking of the Playhouse: They kicked off another intriguing “Script in Hand” season last night, with “Satchel Paige and the Kansas City Swing.”

The show — about the last days of baseball’s Negro Leagues — was enthusiastically received.

The cast of “Satchel Paige,” with playwright/director Trey Ellis of Westport (back row, center) and Playhouse stage manager Megan Smith (front, 3rd from left). (Photo/Dave Matlow) 

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For decades, longtime Westport resident Jo Ann Miller was an executive in the garment industry.

When international travel wore her down, she became a top real estate agent.

All along, she continued to produce art. As a sculptor, she collaborated with the late Kelley Spearen on many projects.

She also wrote an account of her first attempt at a marathon. The foreward was by her former next door neighbor, and her father’s wing man: John Glenn.

Now Miller is out with a work of fiction. It’s about the aftermath of a July 4, 2004 SEAL team celebration in Iraq that went terribly wrong. The terrorists never forgot. Twenty years later, they seek revenge.

“Terrorist Revenge” will be available soon, at Amazon.

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Local author Michael Hendricks and artist Rebecca Ross greeted their many fans this weekend, at the Westport Book Shop.

They signed copies of “In the Beginning! A Love Story.”

Susie Kowalsky — who sent the photo below — is a huge fan. She bought 5 copies, “to share with the little ones I know and love.”

Rebecca Ross and Michael Hendricks, at the Westport Book Shop.

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Guitarist Ed Cherry is well known for his long association with Dizzy Gillespie. Since the bandleader’s death in 1993, Cherry has worked with Paquito D’Rivera, Jon Faddis, John Patton, Hamiet Bluiett, Henry Threadgill, Paula West and Dr. Lonnie Smith.

He has recorded many albums as a leader, and appeared on countless records as a featured soloist.

This Thursday (September 12), he highlights Jazz at the Post (VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 8 p.m.; $20 music cover, $15 for veterans and students; click here for reservations).

Cherry is joined by bassist Essiet Essiet, drummer Jason Tiemann and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.

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Entrepreneur and real estate developer Stanley Seligson died peacefully at his Westport home, surrounded by his family, on Thursday. He was 90.

Stanley attended the Williston Northampton School, and the University of Connecticut.

Following his father’s death in 1953, Stanley assumed responsibility for the family’s wholesale business, S&S Tobacco. He grew the original company into one of the largest distributors of candy, tobacco, vending and arcade machines in the Northeast.

In 1979, Stanley formed Seligson Properties. The real estate firm has invested in, developed, managed and built nearly 3 million square feet of property. He was the driving force behind many key developments in Norwalk.

Stanley was dedicated to his hometown of Norwalk. He served as an advisor and board member to institutions including the Greater Norwalk Chamber of Commerce, Norwalk YMCA, Maritime Aquarium, Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum, and others

He was named Industry Man of the Year by the Anti-Defamation League and Distributor of the Year by Philip Morris, among other honors.

Stanley had a passion for travel. His family says he “enjoyed many of the finer things in life, but always remained down to earth. He equally valued the simple pleasures found at his homes in Connecticut and Florida.” Stanley cherished these moments.

Stanley was an avid golfer. He learned from top instructors, and played many renowned courses. He was a founding member of Rolling Hills Country Club in Wilton, and was a member of Birchwood Country Club in Westport; Burning Tree Club  in Bethesda, Maryland; and Trump International Golf Club and The Mar-a-Lago Club in Florida.

He is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Carole; children Shana and Todd Seligson, sister Suzanne Serlin, and Mary Hill.

A funeral service will be held tomorrow (Wednesday, September 11, 11 a.m., Temple Israel), with a lunch at 2 p.m. at Rolling Hills Country Club in Wilton.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Stanley M. Seligson may be made to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (Intensive Aphasia Program) or Smilow Cancer Hospital of Yale New Haven Health.

Stanley Seligson

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo — which she calls “Blue Sky and Goldfinch” — comes from Tracy Porosoff:

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And finally … on this date in 1724, “Jesu, der du meine Seele” — one of Johan Sebastian Bach’s most famous church cantatas — was performed for the first time, in Leipzig.

(Stop! Don’t press the “bach” button — at least, not without first clicking here, to make a tax-deductible contribution to “06880.” Thank you!)

 

9 Comments

Posted in Beach, Children, Entertainment, Local business, Obituaries, Real estate, Westport Country Playhouse

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“06880” Podcast: Kitt Shapiro

Posted on September 9, 2024 | 6 comments

Kitt Shapiro is a longtime Westport resident. She has an eclectic background, including owning WEST — the women’s boutique on Post Road East — and writing a book about her mother, the legendary Eartha Kitt.

She also produced Eartha Kitt shows and projects around the world. And she honors her mother’s legacy by raising awareness of colon cancer, and women’s health issues.

The other day, Kitt stopped by for an “06880” podcast chat on the Westport Library stage. We talked about WEST, women-owned small businesses here, and Westport in general; growing up as Eartha Kitt’s daughter, and much more.

Click below to see:

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Posted in Entertainment, Local business, Media

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Younger Parents, New Trends: The View From Village Pediatrics

Posted on September 9, 2024 | 4 comments

As the founder of Village Pediatrics, Dr. Nikki Gorman is used to soothing anxious parents.

In recent years though, she’s seen a rapid rise in another anxious group: her patients.

It’s no secret that anxiety and related issues are rampant in teenagers. There are many reasons — cellphones, social media, COVID — along with the “helicopter parenting” prevalent for a while now.

(Or — even worse — “snowplow parenting”: forging forward, ensuring no obstacles lie in a child’s path.)

“As pediatricians we focus on the end goal: raising healthy human beings, who thrive personally and give back to the community,” Dr. Nikki says.

Dr. Nikki Gorman

Recently, she and her staff have seen a trend: Younger parents are “starting to understand that the parenting my generation is guilty of is not good for anyone. Not for the kids, or the parents.”

Because “we’re all too accessible,” she says, “parents feel they always need to be there. But developmentally, we need to empower our kids, so they can learn to trust themselves, and trust their gut.”

There are limits, of course. “A 5-year-old brain is not mature enough to know how to cross the street.” But, Dr. Nikki says, empowering a child at that age will enable her, at 8, to cross by herself.

Even younger children — 2- and 3-year-olds — want power. The pediatrician advises giving it to them within reason: letting them choose what to wear, what fruit to eat.

“The more we’re in that mindset, the more we decrease anxiety,” she says. And that means parental, as well as child, anxiousness.

Not empowering children can come from the environment of a community like Westport. “When ‘success’ is defined as and focused on things like goals and education,” that sets up unrealistic expectations.

“No one is happy all the time,” Dr. Nikki notes. “But if you can feel good about yourself, your relationships, your role in the community when things are not going great — that’s good.

Kids can have fun in many ways.

“It’s a big job, worrying all the time about what’s going on in school, what team or league your child is playing, and all the rest. We’ve lost the ability to step back and ask, ‘What’s the goal here?'”

The goal, she suggests, is not to ensure that all obstacles are plowed en route to a college athletic scholarship, professional sports career — or any other spectacularly high achievement, in any career.

It should be to enable youngsters to grow, thrive, and feel good about themselves in a variety of ways.

“When one parent heads off on the weekend to a 10-year-old tournament on Long Island, and the other takes the other kid to Washington = what happened to Sundays together?” Dr. Nikki asks.

“What about family meals?”

Her fantasy, she says, is for children to be able to play middle school sports — with their friends, in a community-wide effort.

“Kids don’t want to be strapped in a car for 2 hours after a game,” she says, repeating what she hears and observes.

“There’s nothing wrong with stepping back.”

Children “want to please their parents, their teachers, their community,” she says. “They take their messages from us.” Too often, the message they hear is that they please us only by performing at the highest level for us.

A child’s dream — or the parents’?

I told Dr. Nikki that Jimmy Izzo — a 1983 Staples High School graduate, and longtime Westporter — says that one of the reasons he closed his Crossroads Hardware store was because Saturday customers had largely disappeared. Every weekend they were somewhere else, on kid-related activities or trips.

She nodded. “Kids now miss out on going to the hardware store with their father, asking what this or that is for. And then going back to help around the house.”

But, she adds, she and her Village Pediatrics colleagues are seeing a new trend.

Their “very active” weekly group of parents of babies “clearly understand what’s going on.”

Post-pandemic, she says, parents are spending more time at home — and doing more things there with their children.

“The number of fathers in our parenting groups is mind-blowing,” Dr. Nikki says. “They come to exams, too. They want to be involved. They want to hear with the experts are saying.”

Stuck at home during the lockdown, “young parents learned they need to work as a team — to manage jobs, home, the family. Fathers saw how hard that is. They realize that both parents are important to kids’ mental health. That was the greatest thing to come out of COVID.”

So, Dr. Nikki says: “It’s okay to take things down a notch. Before you sign them up for an activity, have a conversation with your child. It’s great to expose them to different things, but limit it.

“Let them go back to playing outside. Don’t overschedule kids. Respect sleep.”

And — above all — keep the snowplow where it belongs: in the garage.

(“06880” is invested in Westport — especially its young people, and newest residents. To be invested in “06880,” please make a tax-deductible contribution by clicking here. Thank you!) 

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Posted in Children, Local business

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Roundup: Mystery Bench, Middle School Playhouse Program, Jaws …

Posted on September 8, 2024 | 8 comments

One of the most popular subjects on Facebook’s Westport Front Porch page is “wrong deliveries.”

Nearly every day, someone posts a photo of a package outside a door, saying: “Amazon (or FedEx, UPS, etc.) says they delivered this package to me. But this is not my house. Did anyone get this by mistake?”

Just as regularly. similar posts note: “This was delivered today, but it’s not mine. If you know [name of intended recipient], please tell them I have their package.”

A different kind of mysterious delivery photo appeared yesterday. Here it is:

The text explained: “This bench mysteriously appeared on our lawn some time last night, cemented into the ground. I’m thinking maybe it was accidentally installed at the wrong house. Anyone recognize?”

Here’s a close-up of the inscription:

No one said they were missing a bench (and cement).

But many folks wished they got that delivery too. (Hat tip: Frank Rosen)

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Westport Country Playhouse knows the importance of introducing young people to the theater.

This fall, they introduce a new children’s education program.

Playhouse Playmakers is a 6-week program for middle schoolers. They will create an original play — including writing, acting, rehearsing  and production — culminating in a performance on the Playhouse stage for family and friends.

Playhouse Playmakers runs on Sundays from October 13 to November 17 (1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The performance is November 24. Class size is about 15 students.

Program directors Evette Marie White and Stacie Morgain Lewis promise creativity and fun.

The fee of $575 includes technical rehearsal, materials, and 4 tickets to the performance. Five scholarships are available, covering the full cost of classes and transportation reimbursement.

For more details and to apply, click here. For questions about the program or scholarships, email educationteam@westportplayhouse.org.

Stacie Morgain Lewis (left) and Evette Marie White.

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The Westport Business Networking International chapter’s next Visitor’s Day is September 19 (United Methodist Church, 7 a.m.; networking, business meeting, coffee and homemade baked goods).

Westport BNI has 55 members, with only 1 per category. Classifications available now include estate attorney, residential contractor, interior designer, HVAC contractor, salon, restaurant, hotel, home security, personal trainer, photographer, caterer or bakery, commercial real estate, florist, event/wedding planner, travel/tour operator, automotive repair, physical therapy, promotional products and more.

In the past year, the group has passed over $3.3 million in closed business.

All visitors must pre-register. Contact debra.lomma@therealreal.com, cmagistrale@hearstmediact.com, or stc@warefressola.com. Click here for the BNI website.

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This summer marked the 50th anniversary of the blockbuster “Jaws” film.

It’s taken half a century, but the famed shark — or at least a boating facsimile — finally arrived on the Saugatuck River.

(Photo/Susan Garment)

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Westport resident Lina Elwood, a freshman at Hopkins School, recently participated in a 2-week music festival in Warsaw, Poland.

She performed at 6 concerts, as a top prize winner of the Chopin Avenue International Piano Competition.

The most memorable was with the Warsaw National Philharmonic Orchestra at their concert hall, where she played Camille Saint-Saëns’ “Piano Concerto No.2 in G minor.

The pianist also received the Best Performance of a Chopin Work Award from the president of The Fryderyk Chopin Society of Warsaw.

Lina has won prizes at local and international competitions, and performed at Carnegie Hall, Vilar Performing Arts Center in Colorado, and Conservatoria de Musica in Spain.

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Doris Ghitelman says — while sending along today’s “Westport … Naturally” image — “so lovely to still have Monarchs in Westport!”

(Photo/Doris Ghitelman)

Did I miss something? Are they gone, or going? And we are talking about butterflies — not kings — right?

Please clue me (and, maybe) a few other readers in.

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And finally … in honor of “Jaws,” and the Saugatuck River:

(“Jaws” is 50 years old. “06880” is only 15. But in that time, we’ve never missed a day. We keep pumping out everything you need to know about our town. Please click here to support us. Thanks!)

 

 

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Posted in Arts, Local business, Totally random, Westport Country Playhouse

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Roundup: Paulie’s Push, Paralympics, Jim Himes …

Posted on September 5, 2024 | 1 comment

Paulie Veneto is not your ordinary former flight attendant.

The retiree — who was working on September 11, 2001 — is honoring the memory of his colleagues who were killed that day by pushing a beverage cart 210 miles from Boston to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at Ground Zero in New York.

This is the 4th tribute walk for “Paulie’s Push,” fourth tribute walk. to raise awareness of their heroism in the face of unimaginable danger.

Once again yesterday, the Westport Fire Department offered a welcome pit stop for lunch and hospitality, at their Post Road East headquarters.

“It’s a powerful reminder of the bravery and sacrifice that defined those tragic events” — and a fitting way to honor Paulie too — officials say.

Paulie Veneto (center), Fire Chief Nick Marsan (far right), and Westport firefighter, at headquarters yesterday.

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Matthew Torres — the longtime Westport Weston Family YMCA Water Rat swim team member — finished 5th in the 400 meter freestyle yesterday, at the 2024 Paralympic Summer Games in Paris. 

He was clocked at 4:32.25. The winner, Alberto Amodeo of Italy, finished in 4:23.27.

This is the 2nd time on the world stage for the 23-year-old Ansonia resident. He finished 3rd in the 400 meter freestyle at the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo.

Matthew was born with amniotic band syndrome. He is missing half his right leg, and has deformities on both hands and moderate hearing loss.

Despite those challenges, he has achieved great success. He set a world record in the 1500 meter freestyle, to go along with many medals in international competition.

He’s got another chance for gold on Friday, in the 100 meter free.

Then it’s off to Sardinia, Italy, where Matthew will represent the US in the international Open Water Cup.

Matthew Torres

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Congressman Jim Himes is the speaker at the Friday, September 13 meeting of the Westport Sunrise Rotary Club.

Now in his 8th term, Himes is ranking member of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and serves on the Financial Services Committee. He will discuss the work of both committees.

The public is invited. But you have to get up early: The meeting at Green’s Farms Congregational Church begins at 7:30 .m. Coffee, bagels and muffins are served, starting at 7. Rep. Himes will begin around 8.

Attendees should RSVP at info@WestportSunriseRotary.org.

Congressman Jim Himes

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Club203 — Westport’s social organization for adults with disabilities — opened its 2024-2025 season with an “Aloha” gathering last night, at Sherwood Island State Park.

It was a picture-perfect night. Friends were elated to see each other again, after summer break.

They danced and limboed the night away, while enjoying snacks, drinks and desserts, courtesy of Alina’s Bakery.

Fun art projects were also part of the evening, thanks to MoCA CT.

Club203’s next event is October 16: Halloween bingo, at the Senior Center. Click here for more information.

Club203 last night, at Sherwood Island State Park. (Photo courtesy of Stacie Curran)

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A novel set in Venezuela is the Westport Library’s 2024 Prize for Literature award winner.

“Freedom is a Feast” — Alejandro Puyana’s debut, a multigenerational tale of love and revolution — earned the author a $10,000 cash prize.

In addition, he’ll be honored at the Library on Saturday, September 21, between 1 and 2 p.m., as part of StoryFest.

Puyana will be in great company. The annual literary festival’s lineup of authors includes Roxane Gay, Christopher Golden, Claire Messud, Peng Shepherd, and Joyce Carol Oates. (Click here for the full list.)

“I’m extremely honored,” Puyana says. “Venezuela is going through a rough time right now, with people out on the streets fighting for freedom and democracy. It means so much to have this Venezuelan story highlighted, at a time when we need voices everywhere to stand with us.

The Westport Prize for Literature is awarded annually for an original work of fiction that explores issues in contemporary society.

The other finalists for this year’s honor were “How to Read a Book” by Monica Wood, and “skin & bones “by Renée Watson.

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BMWs and K9s might not often go together.

But Staples High School graduates Ben Gault and Alex Angus are partnering with BMW of Bridgeport, on a special car show. The September 15 “Cars & Coffee” event (Sherwood Island State Park, 8 to 10 a.m.) benefits the Westport Police K9 unit.

The idea began several years ago, when Alex raised $17,000 with a similar show for Fairfield’s K9 group.

There’s a DJ, and free coffee from Jack’s of Westport (in the former Shearwater space). Local businesses — some automotive-related, some not — are also involved.

Collectors, families, kids — and everyone else — is invited. Youngsters will enjoy seeing a big Gault oil tanker.

All proceeds go to food, care and support for the Westport K9 dogs and officers.

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The Westport Senior Center celebrates “The Power of Connections” at its new outdoor sanctuary on Tuesday, September 17 (1:30 p.m.).

The landscape, pollinator and greenspace project will be dedicated to the late Irma and Joe Schachter. Funds were provided by Connecticut’s ARPA Grants for Senior Centers.

The event is part of National Senior Center Month — and includes treats from Skip’s Ice Cream Truck.

Senior Center outdoor sanctuary.

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Westport Police made no custodial arrests between August 28 and September 4.

They issued these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 10 citations
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 6
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 6
  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 6
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 5
  • Improper use of markers: 3
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 2
  • Texting while driving, 2nd offense: 1
  • Texting while driving: 1
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 1
  • Failure to grant right of way: 1
  • Improper turn signal: 1
  • Failure to renew registration: 1
  • Failure to register a commercial vehicle: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without tint inspection: 1

Any vehicle with an after-factory tint must get it tested, to receive a tint compliance sticker. 

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Rebecca Rose is The Westport Book Shop’s exhibitor for the month of September.

She’s showing watereolors she created for a new children’s book, “In the Beginning! A Love Story, written by Westporter Michael Hendricks.

Rebecca and Michael will both be at a reception and book signing this Sunday (September 8, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Westport Book Shop, 23 Jesup Road.

Rebecca Ross, at the Westport Book Shop.

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Just when we think we’ve seen all the spotted lanternfly photos we can handle … here comes a different view.

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image shows the underside of the pest.

Ugh is right.

(Photo/Marvin Frimmer)

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And finally … on this date in 1836, Sam Houston was elected the first president of the Republic of Texas.

Nearly 200 years later, most of us have forgotten Sam. But we haven’t forgotten another Houston:

(From the Paralympics to Congress, “06880” has you covered. If there’s a Westport connection, we’ll find it. Now, we hope you find a few seconds to click here, and support our work. Thanks!

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Posted in Library, Local business, Police, Politics, YMCA

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