Category Archives: Local business

Roundup: Citizens’ Police Academy, Big Y, Good Humor Woman …

Posted on August 14, 2024 | 12 comments

The Citizens’ Police Academy is one of the best — and most unpublicized, and underrated — programs in town.

25 Westport residents participate in classes that cover many aspects of law enforcement.

They learn about specialized units in the Westport Police Department, as well as how it operates and its role in the criminal justice system.

Participants observe demonstrations, and get hands-on experience with equipment the police use every day.

Instructors include experienced officers, and attorneys from Stamford Court.

In addition to classes, students experience a ride-along with a patrol officer.

They also receive Stop the Bleed training.

The next Westport Citizens’ Police Academy begins September 19. Classes run from 7 to 9:30 p.m. for 8 weeks, on select Tuesdays and Thursdays (September 19 and 26; October 1, 10, 17, 24, and November 7 and 14).

The academy is open to Westport residents 21 and older. Applications are available at police headquarters or by email from Officer Jill Cabana (jcabana@westportct.gov), and are due by August 27.

Residents can learn about this vehicle — and many other aspects of policing — at the upcoming Citizens’ Academy. (Photo/Dennis Wong)

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Big Y is hiring.

The supermarket — which plans a soft launch starting October 24, in the Post Road East shopping plaza best known now for Angelina’s — begins interviews on August 26.

The hiring site will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, through October 19.

Positions are open in the bakery; meat and seafood; in-store deli and kitchen; produce and floral, and center store. Big Y is also hiring cashiers, overnight stock clerks, and managers and assistant managers.

For more information, click here.

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Staples High School Class of 1971 graduate Jon Diamond writes:

I was at Compo Beach the other day, and there it was: the Good Humor Truck.

It looked exactly like it did when I was 10 years old. (I think then we flagged it down at Burying Hill Beach.).

I learned that the Good Humor “man” is a woman. Kathryn has been doing this for 25 years, throughout Fairfield County.

The truck is an original — circa 1968 — and still running strong.

As I stopped to talk to Kathryn, other 70-somethings did too.  We were all dazzled.

Kathryn, the Good Humor woman. (Photo/Jon Diamond)

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Speaking of Compo Beach: The extended Mickune family was there yesterday, celebrating patriarch Derm Mickune’s 90th birthday.

His sons and daughters came from as far as Arizona, for the birthday, bringing spouses and grandkids too.

The Mickune “kids” were well known during their time at Staples High School. They enjoyed their time back in their hometown.

And their dad was — as you can see below — all smiles.

Derm Mickune (Photo/Dan Woog)

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The demise of WCBS 880 AM took Westporters by surprise.

New York’s all-news station will end its programming this month. It went on the air nearly 6 decades ago: August 28, 1967.

It will be renamed the very unmemorable WHSQ says its owner, the oddly named Audacy.

The Philadelphia company owns more than 230 radio stations in the US, including WFAN and WINS in New York.

The new station will launch as sports radio ESPN — joining WFAN in that space.

WINS, meanwhile, becomes the only all-news station in the market.

This being Westport, we’re sure there are readers who have a connection to WCBS NewsRadio 88. If you’ve worked with or for it — or have a memorable story to tell, as a listener — click “Comments” below.

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In 2023, “06880” introduced Jay Babina to the world.

The Westporter is the founder, curator and mastermind of the Westport Tech Museum — an astonishing repository for over 400 computers, video games, calculators, cameras, radios and more.

Much more.

It’s a spectacular museum.

It’s private, though: in Jay’s attic.

And he’s only 18 years old.

This spring, we visited him again.

Now WSHU has joined the Jay Babina fan club.

Yesterday, the NPR station aired a feature on one of Westport’s most interesting teenagers.

Or most interesting residents of any age, period. Click here to listen.

(PS: NPR posted it on their national Facebook page. And at least for a while, Jay’s story was on the home page of the national network’s website. Very cool — and very well deserved.)

Jay Babina channels Steve Jobs, with Apple’s groundbreaking Macintosh.

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This summer we’ve seen — among other animals — bears and coyotes on the roads and in the woods of Westport.

(Spotted lanternflies too. But let’s not go there.)

Now there is at least one pig. And a bison.

(Photo/Mary Lou Roels)

At least they’re confined to the Furniture on Consignment II store on Post Road East.

Perhaps they eat lanternflies?

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Tickets for the Woodside Bash — the great Earthplace fundraiser (Saturday, October 5, 7 to 10 p.m.) featuring great food, live music and a woodsy fall evening — are available now, at a special price.

They’re $100 each through Labor Day. They’re $125 from then on. Click here to purchase.

The fun continues the next day (Sunday, October 6, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.), with the annual Fall Festival. The family fun includes food trucks, a climbing wall, corn pool, apple slingshot, donut on a string, nature exploration, animal encounters and more. Click here for tickets.

Outdoor fun, at the Woodside Bash.

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It’s still mid-August. But it’s already pumpkin time.

At least, pumpkin blossom time.

Matt Murray spotted the flower yesterday, on Compo Road South. It’s our first fall-themed “Westport … Naturally” photo of the year.

Yikes!

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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And finally … in honor of the first pumpkin (blossom) of the season (story above):

(WCBS is signing off. But your local news source — “06880” — is still here. Please help us stay strong. Please click here for a tax-deductible donation. Thank you!)

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Posted in Environment, Local business, Media, Police, technology

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Mitchell Gilbertie Elevates Physical Therapy

Posted on August 12, 2024 | 1 comment

If you’re a competitive athlete, you’ll get injured.

Mitchell Gilbertie was, and did.

A 4-year Staples High School baseball player, he graduated in 2010 and went on to play at Western Connecticut State University.

But he tore his labrum. Despite grueling physical therapy, Gilbertie fell in love with the process.

He changed his major from public relations to physical therapy. He went on to earn a doctorate at the University of Hartford.

His goal: to help people do whatever they can to avoid surgery.

Mitchell Gilbertie, at work.

Gilbertie spent the past 5 years with Elevate Physical Therapy, a clinician-owned group with offices in Fairfield, Darien, Stamford and Trumbull.

In March they opened in Westport at 276 Post Road West, opposite Via Sforza restaurant. Gilbertie heads up the practice.

It’s a homecoming of sorts — and his roots are deep. His great-grandfather started Gilbertie’s construction and excavation company. His grandfather still lives here.

Gilbertie deals with a wide array of patients — not just athletes. They range in age from 7 to 95.

They suffer from athletic injuries, back pain, Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis. Some are recovering from strokes. He’s also seen new mothers with post-partum back pain.

“Every person is so different,” Gilbertie says. “I need to have a different mindset for each one.”

But Gilbertie manages to build a relationship with every patient.

A 79-year-old woman with a degenerative nerve disease had a knee replacement. When the muscles did not recover, Gilbertie taught her how to walk again.

Last week, she came in without a cane for the first time in 3 months. “She was so excited,” he says. “That made my day.”

Gilbertie also worked with a high school baseball player, whose Tommy John elbow surgery was followed by an infection. After missing an entire season, the physical therapist helped him get his confidence back — including going to the field, and throwing with him.

In both his professional and personal lives, Gilbertie knows many area orthopedists. He’s also networking with high school athletic directors, letting them know how he can help their teams.

“Pre-conditioning can help prevent injuries like ACLs, especially in girls sports,” Gilbertie says.

Elevate’s new Westport office includes another physical therapist, Erin Redding. A third will be added soon. Westporter Ernie Grever is a familiar face, at the front desk.

From left: Mitchell Gilbertie, Ernie Grever, Erin Redding.

“The field changes every year,” Gilbertie notes. “I always try to learn and grow.”

He speaks with doctors, to learn the latest surgical innovations. He also studies functional dry needling, cupping and headache management, among others.

In other words: Mitchell Gilbertie always tries to elevate his game.

(Elevate Physical Therapy takes nearly all major insurance providers. Click here for their website.)

(“06880” highlights new businesses in town — along with everything else we do. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

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Posted in Local business, Sports

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Roundup: Accident Update, LobsterFest Tickets, Club203 Parties …

Posted on August 10, 2024 | 4 comments

As of yesterday, the 2 pedestrians struck by a car Wednesday evening on Imperial Avenue are still in Norwalk Hospital.

The 33-year old Easton man is improving, and in stable condition. The 29-year- old Fairfield woman remains in critical condition.

The driver was released from the hospital, and is cooperating with police.  The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

Spray paint marks part of the police investigation into Wednesday’s accident. Two pedestrians were struck on Imperial Avenue, near Post Road East. (Screenshot courtesy of News 12).

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If it’s mid-August, it’s time to be alert for LobsterFest tickets.

Very alert. The Westport Rotary Club’s 13th annual fundraiser always sells out in just a couple of days.

So make a note: LobsterFest sales begin at noon on August 15, at westportrotary.org.

The event is Saturday, September 21 (3 to 7 p.m.). As usual, it’s more than just lobster.

There’s steak, a raw bar, children’s meals, ice cream, free drinks, music, and kids’ entertainment.

Plus, of course, a community-wide vibe. Everyone smiles, all afternoon long.

All net proceeds go to charitable causes. Last year, the club gave $275,000 to local non-profits, and several international development projects.

Get your bibs on! (Photo/Dan Woog)

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“06880” was flooded (ho ho) with photos of yesterday’s Compo Beach surf yesterday — the remnants of Hurricane Debby.

These 3 say it all:

(Photo/Sunil Hirani)

(Photo/JD Dworkow)

Owenoke house, as seen from Compo’s South Beach (Photo/Nathan Greenbaum)

Today’s forecast is for plenty of sunshine, with a high around 85. Winds will die down too.

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The Levitt Pavilion is one of a handful of dates on Ollabelle’s 20th anniversary tour. An extra cache of free tickets has just been released for tonight’s show (Saturday, August 10, 7:30 p.m.).

The early American gospel/folk/mountain music band was just at the Kennedy Center (see video below) and Caramoor. Click here for free tickets.

Tomorrow, the Levitt welcomes back the Grammy Award-winning American Patchwork Quartet.

They’re known for American folk songs infused with jazz, country twang, West African hypnotics and East Asian ornamentation.

Click here for free tickets.

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Year 1 was great. Year 2 was even better. Now, Club203 gets ready for the best one yet.

Westport’s social group for adults with disabilities kicks off fall on September 4 (6:30 p.m., Sherwood Island State Park pavilion) with a Hawaiian-themed evening. There’s music by DJ Rob, dancing, and tropical treats.

Then comes Halloween bingo (October 16), Turkey bowling at Nutmeg Bowl (November 21), a holiday party at the VFW (December 11), a new year’s specail at the Westport Academy of Dance (January 3), Valentine’s Day mini-golf (February 4), karaoke at the Westport Library (March 18), “Spring Into Fitness” at the Westport Weston Family Y (April 26), a springtime gathering at Earthplace (May 14), and a June celebration at Compo Beach.

For just $100, members can attend all 10 events (and get a Club203 magnet). Non-members pay $20 per event.

Click here to become a member. Click here for the Club203 website.

Club203’s Thanksgiving party.

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B3 — the non-profit that engages middle schoolers in local community service, and offers nearby and international projects to high school students — is hosting a pair of informational open houses.

They’re August 22 and September 11, 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the BC office (66 Fort Point Street, Norwalk).

This year’s high school trips are to Costa Rica, over February, March and April breaks.

Click here to RSVP. Questions? Email b3news@buildersbeyondborders.org.

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In 1986, Bette Davis spent a month at the Weston home of writers John and Elizabeth Fuller.

The actress and a young Chris Fuller had a putting contest. She won, but graciously autographed a kiddy putter for him.

She was the first person ever to give him a golf lesson.

Plenty of pros followed. Chris was hooked (though his drives were true).

His dream was to play on the PGA Tour — despite living with bipolar disorder.

A gifted performer as well, he developed a one-man show. “Cheese Fries & Chili Dips” details the difficulties of competing in tournaments while his mind raced out of control with sudden mood swings. He tells his tale with insights, clarity, and plenty of humor.

The show is at the Westport Country Playhouse Sheffer Barn on August 22 and 23 (7:30 p.m.). Fittingly, it’s a benefit for the International Mental Health Foundation.

All tickets are $25. The include a pre-show party (6:30 p.m.) with music, complimentary margaritas and nachos, and tips from Golf Performance Center pros. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

Oh, yeah: Fuller will give a copy of his book (“Goodnight, Golf!”) to an audience participant, after an onstage putting contest during the show.

And guess which putter they’ll use?!

Chris Fuller’s Bette Davis-autographed putter.

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Speaking of sports: Play pickleball. Help make it, and tennis, greener. Win $150.

That’s what’s on tap next Saturday (August 17, noon to 2 p.m., Intensity Racquet Club, 490 Westport Avenue, Norwalk).

Serve2Sustain is running a pickleball tournament. The cost is $20 per person. There’s a maximum of 32 teams (64 players); each team is guaranteed 3 games. Click here to register.

All proceeds go to Serve2Sustain. They’ll add tennis ball and pickleball recycling bins to public courts in Westport. Additional donations to Serve2Sustain can be made here, by Venmo (@serve2sustain), or in cash the day of the event.

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Ever wish you could do something good for kids?

Make-A-Wish Connecticut — the non-profit that brightens the lives of children with critical illnesses — has asked some of the area’s best chefs to create a great evening.

“Taste of Wishes” (September 26, Aitoro Appliance, 401 Westport Avenue, Norwalk) includes fantastic food appetizers, main dishes and desserts, prepared and served by local celebrity chefs. And their “wish kid sous chefs.”

The lineup includes Jes Bengtson (Terrain Garden Café), Matt Storch (Match restaurant, Match Burger Lobster), Adam Goldberg (Pop-up Bagels), a featured chef from The Whelk, Robin Selden (Marcia Selden Catering), Dan Kardos (Café Melba), and John Nealon (Crust Issues).

It’s a very tasty event, plus a chance to meet youngsters and families who have been impacted by Make-A-Wish.

Early bird pricing is available until August 22. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Startup Westport — the public/private tech and innovation networking group — starts the fall with a pair of intriguing events

“Sustainable Success: B Corps & Impact Driven Investing” (September 24) focuses on how the world’s best companies lead by example to help foster a socially conscious approach to business. Click here to register, and for more information.

On November 25, Startup Westport celebrate recent Staples High School graduates who have created game-changing technologies and startup businesses that are altering the competitive landscape.

A panel will be led by 2014 alum Molly O’Shea, a leading ventures capitalist and reporter. Registration will open next month.

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The Westport Book Shop’s featured August artist is Rachel Waldman.

Her anime-inspired drawings will be on display all month, at the Jesup Road store.

A reception is set for Tuesday, August 20 (6 to 7:30 p.m.). The public is invited.

Rachel Waldman, with her work.

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What do yellow finches and baseball players have in common?

Both love sunflower seeds.

But only the bird gets its photo in “Westport … Naturally” while eating them.

(Photo/Wendy Levy)

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And finally … Bette Davis was a great neighbor, for many years.

Chris Fuller remembers her golf lesson (story above). And some of us remember this 1981 hit:

Bette Davis said that when the song came out, suddenly her grandson looked up to her.

After it won Grammy Awards for Song and Record of the Year (don’t ask me the difference), singer Kim Carnes gave gold and platinum records to Bette Davis. She hung them proudly on the wall of her Crooked Mile Road home.

(It’s a summer weekend, but “06880” is — as always — on the job. If you appreciate our work, please click here to support us with a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

 

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Posted in Arts, Beach, Entertainment, Local business, Police, Restaurants, Weather, Westport Country Playhouse

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Roundup: Betty Lou Cummings’ 90th, 5 M’s Music, Big Y …

Posted on August 9, 2024 | Comments Off on Roundup: Betty Lou Cummings’ 90th, 5 M’s Music, Big Y …

Happy 90th birthday, Betty Lou!

Betty Lou Cummings — former 2nd selectwoman, founder of the long-running Apple Festival, organizer of fundraisers like the Riverwalk and Westport Library River of Names, Senior Center advocate and much, much more — had a landmark birthday last week.

This Sunday, her extended family celebrates the big event.

Here’s to 90 more!

Betty Lou Cummings, and her husband Tom.

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There’s always something cool going on at the Westport Library.

Here are 2 of the coolest: Weston resident Richard Wiese — president emeritus of New York’s historic Explorers Club, and host of Emmy-winning TV show “Born to Explore,” hosts “A Night at the Explorers Club” (Thursday, August 15, 7 p.m.).

Wiese will be joined by a great lineup of explorers, including Lhakpa Sherpa (record holder for the most Mt. Everest summits by a woman), Dr. Nina Lanza (principal investigator on the Mars Rover’s ChemCam), and astronaut Richard Garriott (Explorers Club president, and a pioneer in private space exploration).

Also appearing: Morad Tahbaz, co-founder of the Persian Wildlife Heritage Foundation; documentary filmmaker Brendan Hall; Rebecca Hui, entrepreneur and founder of cultural preservation company Roots Studio, and artist/writer James Prosek. Click here for more information.

Explorers galore at the Westport Library.

A musical excursion to the 5 M’s — Memphis, Macon, Muscle Shoals, Motown and Miami — that influenced so much of our musical history is set for Sunday, August 18 (2 to 5 p.m.).

Part of Roger Kaufman’s “Speaking of Music” series, it includes the vocal talents of Dennis Collins (Roberta Flack/Donny Hathaway), backed by Sharon Collins, Billy Genuario, Stephanie Harrison and T’Zelle Wilson.

Also on stage: the Old School All-Stars band (Bob Cooper, Tim DeHuff, Dave Edwards and Tyger MacNeal), and the Saugatuck Horns (Bob Carlson, Fred Scerbo, and former Rolling Stones sideman Crispin Cioe).

Special guest — local author, bassist and musicologist Brian Torff — will tell stories of his journeys to the 5 M’s. Click here for more information.

Both events are free.

Crispin Cioe

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When will Big Y open?

We’re not sure. Progress has been slow, since the supermarket chain took over vacant space from the abortive Amazon Fresh property (which had been planned to replace the old Barnes & Noble, on Post Road East).

But they’re finally ready to hire. This sign now appears:

(Photo/Bob Weingarten)

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Also opening: Henry Lehr.

Or, we should say, re-opening. Or even, re-re-opening.

A pop-up shop appeared for a couple of weeks. Around Labor Day, a regular store will take over that 66 Post Road East location, next to the (current) Barnes & Nobel, and LoveSac.

It’s a return, of sorts. Henry Lehr was a successful business for many years, on Main Street.

They closed in 2014. There are now several successful stores in the Hamptons.

And — soon — they’ll be back to their Westport roots.

The shuttered Henry Lehr on Main Street. (Photo/Dave Matlow for WestportNow)

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Retail changes are in the works in Weston too.

According to Weston Today, Josh and Jessica Tolk — owners of Lunch Box, the diner-style restaurant in Weston Center — hope to rebrand it, into a bar and grill.

The 47-year-old spot will continue lunch and dinner service, with expanded days and hours of operation. They also may return to breakfast service in a modified format, and continue takeout and delivery service.

The Tolks also seek approval of a new entrance, facing Weston Road. Click here for the full story.

New Lunch Box: artist’s rendering (Courtesy of Weston Today)

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“Remi’s Run for Parker’s Cure” is a colorful community event, for a great cause.

The morning of fun, fitness and philanthropy is set for Sunday, August 25 (10 a.m. to noon, PJ Romano Field track).

The color run is part of Remi Rutstein’s bat mitzvah project. It’s dedicated to her cousin Parker, who is battling a rare genetic brain disorder known as HIST1H1E.

Participants — grouped by age — will run or walk around the track, while being splashed with colorful, non-toxic powders. By the end of the run, everyone is a living rainbow.

The fun also includes breakfast from Lyfe Café, a candy truck, sports and games, tattoos, a DJ, and plenty of surprises.

Remi says the event is a way for Westporters to come together and celebrate Parker, raise awareness, and contribute to the search for a cure.

The event is free, but donations are welcome.  Click here to register, and for more information and contributions.

PS: Volunteers are welcome (and needed!). To help, email megan@westportmoms.com.

Remi Rutstein (right) and Parker.

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Turnout in early voting for this year’s Republican primary is low.

Very low.

Through the first 5 days, only 20 electors cast ballots. Throughout Connecticut, the numbers are equally low.

There are 2 contests here: United States senator (Gerry Smith vs. Matthew M. Corey), and congressman (Bob MacGuffie vs. Michael Goldstein).

Voting hours are today (Friday), tomorrow and Sunday (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.), at Town Hall only.

On Tuesday (August 13), Republican voters should go to their regular polling places.

For more information, call 203-341-1115.

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Long-time Westport resident — and 1950s country & western artist — Mimi Roman (Mimi Roth) performs this Sunday (August 11, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 148 East Avenue, Norwalk), at the 6th annual Italian American Police Society Vincent Penna Jr. Car Show. Click here for car show details.

She’ll be joined by Clue & The Honeytones.

The car show raises funds for the Vincent Penna Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund. It awards money to the education of local children.

Penna died suddenly in December 2020 at age 51, leaving behind his wife and teenage sons, plus countless family members, friends, colleagues and fellow officers who admired his passion for his family and community.

Penna was an officer with Westport for 26 years, becoming deputy chief before retiring in 2017.

The event will have hundreds of classic and exotic cars, and thousands of automotive enthusiasts. There is a $20 fee to enter a car; spectators are free.

Besides music, there are raffle prizes, food trucks, trophies and more — including over $40,000 in prizes.

Click here for a video of Mimi singing on the Orleans Hotel & Casino main stage in April — the day after her 90th birthday.

Click below for a great documentary on her:

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is great.

A great blue heron, that is.

Johanna Keyser Rossi spotted this handsome bird by the Library Riverwalk.

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … that 5 M’s Westport Library program, with music from Memphis, Macon, Muscle Shoals, Motown and Miami (story above), seems very cool.

There are squintillions of songs I could pick from those legendary towns. Here’s one, with ties to two.

Otis Redding grew up in Macon, Georgia, and lived there for much of his too-short life.

Wikipedia says: “You Left the Water Running” is a soul music song written by Dan Penn, Rick Hall and Oscar Franks. It has been recorded by Wilson Pickett, Maurice and Mac and most notably by Otis Redding….

In 1966, Redding was visiting FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama when studio owner Rick Hall requested Redding help them with an upcoming session. Wilson Pickett was to record “You Left the Water Running,” and Hall wished for Redding to record a demo to assist with the production. A simple recording was made and Redding made some overdub additions, and Pickett made his recording similar to Redding’s version.

Ten years later, (music journalist Dave) Marsh was mailed a promo copy of “You Left the Water Running” by Otis Redding on Stone Records….

Marsh was fascinated by the song, and mentioned the new single to several friends, including his attorney, who also happened to represent the Otis Redding estate. He soon found out that Stone Records had not obtained the Redding family’s permission to release the long lost demo recording, and demanded the single be pulled from circulation.

When Marsh asked the label’s distributor what was to become of the single, he was informed that they were to be destroyed. Instead, Marsh purchased the copies that remained, and gave them out as gifts, with the attorney’s permission. As a result,the single (Stone 209) is now highly valuable.

(Westport connection: 1961 Staples High School graduate Charlie Taylor — a talented singer/songwriter, and frequent “06880” commenter — is a longtime friend of Dan Penn.)

(Don’t leave the water running! And don’t forget to support “06880,” your hyper-local blog. Just click here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Entertainment, Library, Local business, Local politics, Politics, Weston

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Roundup: Pedestrians Struck, GOP Votes, VFW Celebrates …

Posted on August 8, 2024 | 1 comment

Westport Police Department are investigating last night’s very serious accident.

Two pedestrians were critically injured just before 7 p.m., when a Mercedes SUV struck them on the Imperial Avenue sidewalk, near Post Road East.

Westport Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Services raced to the scene. The driver is cooperating with investigators.

Police say the vehicle was traveling north, toward the Post Road., when it veered onto the sidewalk.

Police ask anyone who witnessed the accident, or has relevant information, to call Detective Erin Shaw at 203-341-6023.

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You may have missed it.

But Republican primary voting began on Monday. It continues through next Tuesday (except Monday).

There are 2 contests: United States senator (Gerry Smith vs. Matthew M. Corey), and congressman (Bob MacGuffie vs. Michael Goldstein).

Voting hours are today (Thursday, August 8, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.), and tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday (August 9- 11, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) — all at Town Hall only.

On Tuesday (August 13), Republican voters should go to their regular polling places.

For more information, call 203-341-1115.

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All veterans — and their families, and all veterans’ friends — are invited to the VFW’s annual District 1 picnic.

Set for this Saturday (August 10, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399, 465 Riverside Avenue), the menu includes a pig roast, pulled pork, brisket, burgers, dogs and sides. Early arrivals will enjoy bacon egg and cheese sandwiches.

Yacht Rock DJ Matt Zako will provide classic tunes throughout the day.

All-you-can-eat tickets are $30, and include wine and beer. They’re available at the door, as well as Venmo and the VFW bar.

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Westport Police made 4 custodial arrests between July 31 and August 7.

A 57-year-old Westport woman was arrested for criminal violation of a civil protection order, after using a shared space in an apartment building that violated a previous order.

A 53-year-old Bridgeport man was arrested for larceny. Beginning last October, he allegedly stole $13,292.85 from Fresh Market cash registers, after initiating cash returns.

A 38-year-old Bronx woman was arrested for larceny, identity theft, forgery, and conspiracy to commit those crimes, after a check made out for $172.66 was stolen from a blue UPS mailbox. The check amount was altered to $8,457, and the payee’s name was changed to that of the suspect.

A 60-year-old Westport woman was arrest for failure to respond to an infraction, after a motor vehicle stop for operating an unregistered motor vehicle.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 21 citations
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 9
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 6
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 5
  • Driving while texting: 4
  • Following too closely: 2
  • Improper use of markers: 2
  • Failure to renew registration: 2
  • Speeding: 1
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 1
  • Distracted driving: 1
  • Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
  • Failure to cancel registration within 10 days: 1

Texting while driving is illegal — even at a red light.

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Congratulations, Chandler O’Reardon!

The 2018 Staples High School graduate is one of 15 finalists for the CBS Morning’s “Mixtape Competition.” The public votes for the winner. Her stage name is Chandler Flannery.

She played in the Long Lots Elementary, Bedford Middle School and  Staples orchestras. She made her audition tape on a lark. It’s not as polished as some of the others — but she’s a finalist with them, and thousands of others are not.

Click here for more information.

Chandler Flannery

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Speaking of music: The United Methodist Church of Westport & Weston presents The Legacy String Quartet this Saturday (August 10, 6 p.m).

The ensemble brings classical music back to life, blending traditional repertoire with elements of jazz and Latin music.

A $15 donation is requested.

Legacy String Quartet

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Whether you believe the Olympics are some of the most exciting competitions you’ll ever see, or you think they’re sports can’t identify involving athletes from countries you’ve never heard of, you’ve got to like the spirit shown at this Hillspoint Road home:

(Photo/Matt Murray)

Vive la France! Enjoy the Olympics! And go, Team USA!

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Speaking of the Olympics: Bob Weingarten has quite a collection of Games pins.

The pins — honoring the Olympics from 1896 to 1996 — were created by IBM, a sponsor of the ’96 event.

Weingarten — a longtime Westporter, and noted house historian — had some skin in the game.

He was in charge of development of the Atlanta 1996 Olympic IBM information system, for the International Olympic Committee.

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Speaking of sports (specifically running): Hugh Connell, owner of the Westport-based Sea Salt Run Club, is organizing a 2-mile fun run this Saturday (August 10, 5:30 p.m., Union Avenue, Bridgeport).

The route begins and ends at Foolproof Brewing Company. The event includes free brews, food and recovery, plus a tour of the brewery and a raffle for Fleet Feet of Westport gift cards.

NOTE: Unlike the Olympics, this is not a race. Participants run at their own, most comfortable pace.

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Nina Marino sends along this caterpillar — well, a photo of it — from her garden.

She explains today’s “Westport … Naturally” image: “I was hoping he would stay and become a chrysalis, then a butterfly. But he moved on.”

(Photo/Nina Marino)

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And finally … Soul singer Joe Tex was born on this day, in 1935. He recorded his most memorable songs in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Some people, including Little Richard, claim that James Brown stole Tex’s dance moves and microphone tricks. He died in 1982, age 47.

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. If you appreciate our several-times-a-day posts, covering every aspect of Westport, please click here to support our work. Thank you!) 

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Roundup: Slice Of Saugatuck, Ukraine, Fentanyl …

Posted on August 7, 2024 | 1 comment

It’s hard to believe: The Slice of Saugatuck is 12 years old.

This year’s street festival is set for Saturday, September 7 (2 to 5 p.m.).

Over 4 dozen restaurants, shops and galleries — in the “slice” between Riverside Avenue, Railroad Place and Saugatuck Avenue — will offer samples and tastes.

The Slice features 7 bands, 4 bounce houses, the Fire Department’s antique engine, a balloon bender, face painter and more. Adults can enjoy 2 beer gardens, and specialty drinks from most restaurants.

Ticket sales ($15; children 5-12, $5; sold on-site, cash or credit card) benefit the Homes with Hope food pantry. To date, the Slice of Saugatuck has donated $49,000 to the non-profit.

The event is sponsored by the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce.

A small “slice” of the large crowd. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Do you know a great pediatrician, who is interested in joining a popular Westport practice?

Village Pediatrics is looking for one.

There’s a nationwide shortage of pediatricians. But Dr. Nikki Gorman’s group should be a good fit.

Interested candidates — or anyone who knows any candidates — should email nikki.villagepedi@gmail.com.

Doctors and office staff from Village Pediatrics volunteered at this year’s County Assembly dance. Dr. Nikki Gorman is bottom right.

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Though the war in Ukraine has faded from the front pages of American newspaper, it continues to rage fiercely.

Every day, there is more human suffering.

Yesterday’s New York Times included a story headlined “Long Battle for a Ruined City Takes a Desperate Turn.” It described the struggle for Toretsk, a city in eastern Ukraine under relentless attack by Russian forces.

The photos were taken by Tyler Hicks. The Times‘ Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer is a 1988 Staples High School graduate.

Click here for the full story, and harrowing images. (Hat tip: Drew Angus)

Lyudmilla Petrovna, 74, in a church between Kostiantynivka and Pokrovsk that was damaged by Russian shelling last month. Ms. Petrovna was injured. (Photo/Tyler Hicks for the New York Times)

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“06880” reports regularly on the continuing saga of 233 Hillspoint Road. Our most recent photo was yesterday.

Looks like just a few finishing touches remain …

(Photo/Mary Sikorski)

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Fentanyl is a real danger.

Recently, a 1-year-old child overdosed on the drug at a Connecticut park. Last week, fentanyl-laced cannabis products were found for sale at a smoke shop in Norwalk.

Fentanyl is the primary driver behind the increase in overdose deaths over the last 10 years, and it can hide in plain sight.

On August 15 (6 to 7 p.m., 90 Post Road West), Positive Directions, The Center for Prevention & Counseling, offers a free workshop for college students from Norwalk and Westport to learn about risks and resources on campus, including how to save a life using Narcan.

Attendees will receive a harm reduction kit, with Narcan, fentanyl test strips and more. T

Pre-registration is required at www.positivedirections.org/events.

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For 40 years, Open Doors has battled homelessness in Norwalk.

On Tuesday, development and donor relations manager Maria Davis — a longtime Westport resident — spoke to the Westport Rotary Club about the organization’s work preventing homelessness, and placing families in shelters if they lose housing.

Open Doors’ work includes financial coaching, a savings program and jobs center.

Maria Davis, at Westport Rotary Club. (Photo/Ellin Curley)

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Lou Weinberg’s very-close-up photos are highlights of our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

Today’s shot is of a dragonfly, from the Long Lots Preserve.

Lou notes: “They are awesome flyers. Each of their 4 wings can operate independently. Their muscles are attached to their wings. They can fly forward, backward and upside down. They can also hover and pivot in place.

“They are very efficient predators. They can see nearly 360° with those large eyes. And they eat flies and mosquitoes! Who doesn’t love that?”

(Photo/Lou Weinberg)

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And finally … on this date in 1789, the US Department of War was created.

(From Saugatuck to Ukraine, “06880” is where Westport meets the world. Please help us meet our funding goals. Just click here — and thank you!)

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New Westport Businesses Boom

Posted on August 7, 2024 | 13 comments

Remember all those empty storefronts and “For Lease” signs?

That was so yesterday.

Every day or two, “06880” posts news of a new restaurant or business opening in town.

(We also make note of closings. But that’s not what this story is about.)

It can be hard to keep up with all the changes.

But @WestportMoms — the multi-platform go-to resource for local moms (and dads) — has kept track.

Yesterday, they posted a very thorough list.

So — with a huge hat tip to hard-working, very-on-top-of-things Megan Rutstein and Melissa Post — here is what we’ve recently welcomed.

And what we can look forward to, in the weeks ahead.

new

159 Main (formerly Rye Ridge Deli)

Brand Nu Apparel (created by Marcelo – DJ and Zumba instructor, opposite Kings Highway Elementary School)

Cava (salads and more, across from Fresh Market)

Ed’s a (pizza and tacos, Westfair Shopping Center)

Saugatuck River Caffe (replacing Winfield Street Deli, Post Road West)

Sweetgreen (also salads, formerly Organic Krush, Compo Acres Shopping Center)

COMING SOON

190 Main (a new restaurant, operated by Nômade, will open here)

2nd Street (second-hand clothes and accessories, Main Street, most recently The Loft)

Big Y Supermarket (Post Road East, where Barnes & Noble was, and Amazon Fresh never moved in)

The Bridge at Saugatuck (Riverside Avenue restaurant, in the old Parker Mansion space)

The Clubhouse (sports simulators, event space and more; Post Road East, site of the former Pane e Bene restaurant

Delamar Westport (on the site of the former Westport Inn; opening late 2024)

Faherty Clothing (Main Street, next to Timothy Oulton)

Henry Lehr Pop-up (Post Road East, next to Middlemarch — and yes, there was a Henry Lehr for many years on Main Street)

Just Salad (soon to replace Salsa Fresca, at the foot of Playhouse Square)

Lyfe Cafe (Pizza Lyfe’s new breakfast café, across Long Lots Road where Gallo Express used to be)

One Medical (Elm Street; an Amazon healthcare company)

Recess (gym by celebrity trainer Eric Johnson)

Riko’s Pizza (Charles Street, where Mystic Market was — and, long before that, where the Arrow made pizzas)

Saatva (custom mattress national company, owned by Westporter Ron Rudzin; next to Walgreens, in the old Citibank)

Spot On Vet (Post Road East, just east of Savvy Smoker and Christian Siriano’s The Collective West)

Sushi Jin (Main Street, just before Mexicue)

What have we missed? What do we need? What are you most looking forward to? Click “Comments” below.

(Photo/Bob Weingarten)

(“06880” is your place for business news: openings, closings, special events, and everything else. Please make it your business to click here, to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Downtown, Local business, Restaurants

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Roundup: Westoberfest, Southern Tide, News 12 …

Posted on August 5, 2024 | 1 comment

On Friday, “06880” noted that early bird tickets are on sale for Westoberfest.

Here are more details on the 7th annual craft beer-and-fall festival (September 21, 2 to 5 p.m., downtown Westport), sponsored by the Westport Downtown Association.

Guests enjoy over 45 tastings from innovative craft breweries like Kent Falls, Nod Hill, Obscure Oscillation and Space Cat Brewing to name a few, plus activities like keg rolling and pumpkin chucking contests for adults.

Children’s activities include root beer floats, flower crown-making, pumpkin decorating and face painting.

There’s live music too, from One Bad Oyster.

For a complete list of breweries, kids’ activities, food and vendors, click here.

The price through August 31 is $45. Tickets go up to $50 on September 1, and are $55 at the event. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

Westoberfest, in downtown Westport.

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Southern Tide — the men’s, women’s and children’s clothing store — has opened on Elm Street, around the corner from Brooks Corner.

There is still merchandise at their Playhouse Square location. But the large sign above the store there is gone.

Meanwhile, coming August 17 to Westport: Framebridge.

The custom frame shop will open at 123 Post Road East, next to WEST.

(Hat tips and photos/Sal Liccione)

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News 12 Connecticut has been nominated for a number of New York Emmy Awards.

Among them: “My Name is Wynston Browne” — a compelling story about the Staples High School rising senior who, despite non-speaking autism — has learned to communicate using a typing device

The nomination cites reporter Mark Sudol, and photographer/editors Frank Bruce Rosen and Mark Sogofsky. It is in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Category.

News 12 Connecticut’s “Burning Desires” story — about the murder of Westporter Joan Wertkin — was also nominated for an Emmy.

Also nominated: 1974 Staples High School graduate Susan Handman, as a performer/narrator for NYC Life.

The 67th annual Emmy gala takes place October 26, at the New York Marriott Marquis.

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Happy anniversary to Rex Fowler and Dodie Pettit!

The couple — who now perform and tour as Aztec Two-Step 2.0, the new iteration of the much-revered folk-rock duo Fowler formed over 50 years ago — celebrated with a small party yesterday, in the same yard where they were married 6 years ago.

Rain chased the musicians inside. But — happily — the band (with some very talented friends) played on.

Rex Fowler and Dodie Pettit blow out the candles. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Congratulations to the 2024 Longshore Women’s Golf Association club champions: Jennifer Cole, Cynthia Carpenter, Robin Babes, Jean Murdoch, Dorothy Torpie, Cynthia Sher, Chris LoRusso and Elizabeth Harleman.

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Three princesses came to Westport Saturday, in custom gowns and professionally styled wigs.

They were not real royalty. They were from Your Premium Princesses, a “bespoke character company of your dreams, where magic meets sophistication.” They’re hired for birthday parties, corporate events and grand openings

This event was a child’s birthday party, off Hillspoint Road.

Young partygoers did their part too, arriving in costumes.

What? No princes?!

(Hat tip and photo/Barbara Schwarz)

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June Walker Rogers — a Broadway singer, dancer and comedienne who appeared on television and wrote 13 plays and musicals, died last Monday at her Westport home, where she lived for decades. She was 97.

Born in Steubenville, Ohio, and raised in Queens, she started dancing at 5. She later developed a nightclub act, performing with Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Louis Prima, Don Rickles, Rodney Dangerfield and Louis Farrakhan (when he performed under the name “Calypso Louie”).

She left Columbia University early to make her Broadway debut. She performed with Bert Lahr, Dick Van Dyke, Tony Bennett and Orson Bean, and appeared on Steve Allen and Jackie Gleason’s TV shows. Ed Sullivan was so taken with her that he brought her to the White House, to perform for Presidents Truman and Eisenhower.

After starting a family, she turned to playwriting. She then returned to the stage, at the Westport Country Playhouse.

Rogers was a founding member of the Theater Artists Workshop of Westport.

She was married for 50 years to the late Tony-nominated writer/actor David Rogers, who died in 2013. She is survived by her daughters Dulcy Rogers Bader (Diedrich) and Amanda Rogers, and grandchildren Lucy, Sebastian, Dashiell and Ondine. Click here for a full obituary.

June Rogers

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The weather was on-and-off this weekend. Beachgoers cut short their visits, both Saturday and Sunday.

This guy looked right at home, though. He hopped, strutted, then stayed still just long enough to pose for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Lauri Weiser)

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And finally … on this day in 1962, Marilyn Monroe was found dead in her Los Angeles home, from a drug overdose. She was 36.

(“06880” is Westport’s hyper-local blog. We rely on support from readers like you. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

 

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Photo Challenge #501

Posted on August 4, 2024 | 21 comments

“Westport Grocery” is as generic as it gets.

Yet only 2 people knew where that “store” — the subject of last week’s Photo Challenge — is.

Okay. It was a semi-trick question.

The sign hangs at the Exxon gas station on Post Read East, at Maple Avenue South. (Click here to see.)

It is a grocery store, I guess, in the sense that it sells Ring Dings, microwave pizza and milk.

But — except for the fact that it’s open 24/7, for those times when you just have to have a Ho-Ho — it is as much a grocery store as Stop & Shop is a gas station, because it sells propane.

Whatever. Congratulations to our 2 alert readers — John McKinney and Pat Saviano — who knew where this sign is.

Meanwhile: Did you know there’s a bicycle fix-it station in Westport? Here it is:

(Photo/Amy Schneider)

If you know where it is, click “Comments” below.

(PS: If you want air for your bike tires, try the Exxon station on the Post Road by Maple Avenue. I hear there’s a grocery store there too!)

(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!) 

 

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Posted in Local business, Photo Challenge

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“06880” Podcast: Rich Failla

Posted on July 29, 2024 | 2 comments

Rich Failla spent nearly 30 years as a Westport police officer, with a variety of units. They included patrol, bicycle, scuba, boat, motorcycle, traffic and K-9.

He volunteered at Ground Zero after 9/11. He started a business — Hot Yoga — and now works at Town Hall (he’s the first person visitors see as they walk in).

Rich has spent his adult life serving Westport. The other day, he chatted about his career, and the town, for the “06880” podcast. Click below, for our conversation.

 

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Posted in Local business, Media, Police

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