Holding candles, singing “This Little Light of Mine,” and gathering in solidarity with the people of Minnesota, a few dozen frigid yet determined residents gathered on the steps of the Saugatuck Congregational Church tonight, for a vigil.
All residents, of all faiths — and none — were welcomed by the church, and the vigil’s organizers.
(Photo/Jerri Graham Photography)
(Photo/Jerri Graham Photography)
(Photo/Jerri Graham Photography)
(Photo/Bruce Borner)
Jen Tooker is running a new race.
Westport’s former 1st Selectwoman today announced her candidacy for Connecticut state comptroller. The state’s chief financial officer also serves as an independent watchdog, responsible for protecting taxpayers and ensuring accountability across state government.
Jen Tooker
Tooker — a Republican who did not run for re-election in November after serving one term, following previous stints as second selectwoman, an on the Board of Finance, Board of Education and Conservation Commission — suspended her campaign for governor last September.
The current comptroller, Democrat Sean Scanlon of Guilford, was elected to his 4-year term in 2022. He is running again. The election is November 3.
In announcing her comptroller run, Tooker said:
For Connecticut families and businesses, every dollar matters right now: daily expenses, energy costs, and property taxes, they all add up.
The comptroller’s job is to make sure the state treats your tax dollars with the same discipline you must use. I’m running to be the independent watchdog who protects taxpayers, demands answers, and makes sure the government earns back your trust.
This office exists for one reason: to protect taxpayers. As comptroller I will tell the truth about our finances, shine a light on long-term liabilities before they become crises, and make sure every dollar collected from families and businesses is tracked and accounted for.
Her campaign announcement says:
With nearly 25 years in business and 14 years in elected office, Tooker brings a rare combination of private-sector financial expertise and hands-on government leadership to the role. As First Selectwoman of Westport, she managed annual budgets and made calculated long-term financial decisions — including ensuring Westport’s retiree medical benefits (OPEB) were fully funded using transparent reporting and oversight, along with a taxpayer first discipline.
As 1st selectwoman, Tooker helped create StartUp Westport. She received support from Cliff Sirlin, president of the public/private venture for entrepreneurs and innovates. He said:
Jen understands how decisions made at the state level affect the business world. In Westport she communicated clearly, embraced the business community with innovative programs and didn’t hide behind bureaucracy. She’s transparent, data-driven, and relentlessly focused on outcomes. That’s exactly the kind of financial leadership Connecticut business owners need right now.
Tom O’Dea — deputy minority leader and state representative for New Canaan, Darien and Stamford — added:
As 1st Selectwoman, Jen didn’t just talk about fiscal responsibility, she delivered it. She balanced budgets, controlled spending, and protected taxpayers while delivering exceptional services. Jen will bring that same discipline to Hartford — asking the hard questions, following the money, and making sure families aren’t stuck paying the bill for waste and mismanagement.
Minnesota has been through a lot lately.
Tonight (Friday, 6:30 p.m), a candlelight “solidarity vigil” is planned, by Saugatuck Congregational Church.
Everyone — all towns, all religions — is invited to join, on the front stops. Bring candles, if possible.
The vigil will last half an hour. The church will be open, for attendees who wish to place candles in the windows.
Saugatuck Congregational Church (Photo/Jonathan Prager)
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The Flowerfall — the beloved Post Road East shop that for years has provided Westporters with beautiful floral arrangements for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, funerals, and many other occasions (plus countless boutonnieres and wrist corsages for proms) — has closed.
Stacy Bass sends along this announcement, posted on social media: “Cyrus & Julie have retired. Thank you for your patronage, and for choosing us. It has been a pleasure. The shop is closed.”
A dozen years ago, “06880” gave a shout-out to Cyrus. In the Comments section, Kim Crowther Manning described her first encounter with him:
“What a wonderful, kind, generous and talented man Cyrus is! I will never go to any other florist ever again…. He is a true artist.
“He was hard at work, surrounded by bits of stems, leaves and heads of flowers, scissors, hot glue and wire. He told me at first that he wouldn’t have the time to create a corsage for me, but then had his son (I think it’s his son?) show me an extra one he had made that was in a box in the refrigerated room behind is workstation which was stacked with probably 30 other boxes of corsages and boutonnières waiting for pick-up. Even that room was like a museum full of his beautiful work.
“I joked that if I bought this corsage it would be the most expensive corsage ever, considering that I had already spent $30 on another one elsewhere. With that Cyrus said “oh, I can’t let you do that” and took $5 off his price.
“I was ready to buy it as is and leave him to his work, but he took it out of the box and began walking around the shop looking for flowers he could add to match my son’s prom date’s dress. He brought the corsage and the other flowers he chose back to his workstation and began to recreate the corsage, turning what was already a work of art into a masterpiece!
“While he worked we chatted about his shop and his clients. It was very easy to see his passion for his work. He told me he hadn’t slept the night before because he was worrying about how he would get everything done – he puts so much care into each piece he creates that it takes time and he gets overwhelmed sometimes.
“But he wasn’t complaining. He said, ‘this is how I know things are good – when I can’t sleep I know I’m doing well.'”
Cyrus at The Flowerfall, in 2013.
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Whether you’re a Patriots or Seahawks fan — or just want a fun Super Bowl vibe, complete with a 22-foot video wall — The Clubhouse wants you.
The sports bar/restaurant/event space near the Southport line invites all sports fans — and everyone else — for the February 8 game.
Looking for a more private, yet immersive, experience? Simulator bays are available, by reservation.
Prefer to watch at home? Takeout meals and more are available, for game day pickup.
Click here to reserve a dining room table or simulator bay, or order takeout.
Football, at The Clubhouse.
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There’s a new header on our “06880” home page (above — or click here, if you’re on our app). The full, uncropped version is below.
The frozen Saugatuck River photo comes courtesy of William Weiss.
Let’s hope we can swap in a new — and warmer — one soon.
(Photo/William Weiss)
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Speaking of the weather, a reminder: Clear the snow off your car’s roof!
It’s not just better for your car’s gas mileage and handling.
And it’s not just courteous for the drivers behind you.
It’s also the law!
Seen yesterday, on North Avenue. (Photo/Richard Fogel)
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Speaking yet again of the weather: This igloo on Tamarac Road caught several “06880” readers’ eyes:
(Photo/Tom Cook)
At first glance, it looks like a clever, creative use of time and energy.
But we also wonder about its adherence to town regulations.
Is it a legal ADU, or some other type of structure? Does it have the required building permits? Is it within the proper setback? Was a wetlands study conducted? Has the fire marshal checked it for exits? Is it ADA-compliant? Might it be considered a blight property?
So many questions … so few answers …
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Speaking (still!) of the weather: With daytime temperatures far below freezing, last Sunday’s snow ain’t going anywhere, anytime soon.
(Nor will they. Today’s high is predicted to be 20. Tonight’s low will be … are you ready? … 1 degree.)
Readers continue to sent photo of their (least) favorite piles. This one’s at Saugatuck Elementary School:
(Photo/Rindy Higgins)
And here is Burying Hill Beach:
(Photo/Patricia Auber)
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Speaking of (heaping) snow piles: Here’s another.
It qualifies as our “Westport … Naturally” feature, because it includes a dog.
King (or, in Daisy’s case Queen) of the Mountain, anyone?
(Photo/Lauri Wieser)
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And finally … in honor of The Flowerfall, and to mourn its closure (story above):
(Digging out from all those piles of snow is hard! Much easier: Clicking here, to make a tax-deductible donation to “06880.” Whichever you pick: Thank you!)
Posted in Beach, Local business, Politics, religion, Sports, Weather
Tagged Saugatuck Elementary School, Saugatuck River, Spea, The Clubhouse, The Flowerfall
Eli Sharabi — who was kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, 2023, and spent 16 months as a hostage before his release last year — spoke to an overflow audience Wednesday night, at the Westport Library. He is on a US speaking tour.
Former CNN journalist and Westport resident Alisyn Camerota moderated the event. “06880” correspondent Robin Moyer Chung reports:
After being greeted with a standing ovation, Sharabi began his harrowing story of survival.
A CFO of a private equity firm, Eli lived in a kibbutz 3 miles from the Gaza border with his wife Lianne, and daughters Noiya and Yahel. Life was peaceful, living among Palestinians who worked in the kibbutz.
Eli Sharabi, with Alisyn Camerota. (Photo/KT Kaminski)
But on October 7, Hamas stormed into his home. They kidnapped Sharabi, and forced him into an underground tunnel for 491 days.
He and his fellow captors were starved, shackled together, physically and psychologically tortured, and in constant, excruciating pain.
He said of his “living” quarters, “There’s no running water, no toothpaste, no toilet paper. The toilet backs up onto the floor. The stench is unimaginable. Worms infiltrate your living quarters. The relentless hunger starts changing everyone’s personality. The filth starts affecting everyone’s health. Hostages start getting sick. It’s hard to imagine a worse hell.”
Eli Sharab — before and after his capture.
Sharabi described his guards too. They cried into their pillows at night, and had panic attacks. Two of them once excitedly told him “about this wonderful movie that they just saw, called ‘Titanic.’”
His audience realized: His guards were human. They watched movies, missed their families and were overwhelmed by the stress of their jobs.
Still, they felt entitled to beat and starve other humans in horrific, unconscionable ways.
On February 8, 2025 — the day he was released — Sharabi asked to see his wife and daughter.
Instead, a social worker from the Israel Defense Forces said that just his mother and sister were waiting for him in Reimkamp. Without her telling him, he knew his wife and daughter had not survived.
But Sharabi is adamant about making his life larger than his experience. “My memories will be alongside of my life, not part of my life,” he said. “I’ll make them proud of me.”
His hope and determination to stay alive for his family saved his life, and perhaps the lives of others around him.
Today, Sharabi travels the world. He talks about his experiences, and helps people understand the terror of being a hostage of Hamas.
Audience members were emotional, as they offered another standing ovation at the end of the evening.
A portion of last night’s Westport Library audience. (Photo/KT Kaminski)
Andrew Colabella is a Representative Town Meeting member. I-95 and Greens Farms Road run through his District 4. He has followed the Cribari Bridge renovation project closely. Andrew writes:
On December 18, Connecticut’s Department of Transportation held a “Section 106” meeting.
Engineers, and others involved in cultural resources, discussed the timeline of the Cribari Bridge design.
“Section 106” refers to public consultations held with respect to the National Historic Preservation Act. This federal law — which is utilized in the preservation, restoration and design of a new bridge — requires agencies to consider effects on historic properties for federally funded projects. The goal is to balance development, while preserving cultural heritage.
The Cribari Bridge is 144 years old … (Photo/Dan Woog)
The meeting was not entirely and correctly publicly noticed, as Valerie Seiling Jacobs and Werner Liepolt have done a phenomenal job publicizing.
Even people on the email list of those who originally sat on the Cribari PAC Bridge Committee, like myself, did not receive an email.
Many valid concerns were raised by residents from all over town about the height of the bridge off water, and height of the bridge for vehicles. There were concerns regarding traffic, navigability, signage, historic preservation and impact, the New England aesthetic, and accessibility for bicyclists and pedestrians.
… and is adjacent to the Bridge Street Historic District.
Third Selectman Don O’Day and I found a very interesting ban: “No Thru Trucks on Route 136.”
On August 21, 2007, the Connecticut State Traffic Commission ruled in favor of Rowayton, and implemented a “No Thru Truck” designation on Route 136. This finally happened 23 years after a Consent Decree was issued in Federal Court. The 1984 ruling required the state DOT and the city of Norwalk to “alleviate present levels of truck traffic through Rowayton along 136.”
Commissioner Mike Barbis and resident Andy Glazer began to seriously fight, starting in 2005. They were helped by Norwalk general counsel Peter Nolin, Norwalk Mayor Dick Moccia, Darien First Selectwoman Evonne Klein and Darien Police Chief Duane Lovello. The battle with the State Traffic Commission – an arm of the Connecticut Department of Transportation — went on for over 2 years.
The topic was eventually put on the agenda at the STC for a hearing on November 21, 2006. Engineering studies were subsequently conducted by CT DOT. On December 31, 2006, 2 of the 3 STC Commissioners retired.
On June 19, 2007 the STC was to rule on Rowayton’s application for a “No Thru Trucks” designation. Staff recommended against approval. The commission rejected staff’s recommendation, and instead tabled the request.
On August 21, 2007, after Rowayton hired their own counsel, Philip Walker, the State Traffic Commission finally ruled in Rowayton’s favor. They designated the Darien and Norwalk sections of Route 136 as a “No Thru Truck” zone.
Unfortunately, if trucks start or end their journey in Norwalk, the ban does not apply to them. The Norwalk Police Department cannot stop or ticket them, as they are not “thru” trucks under state law.
The key to the issue is Darien. Trucks use Exit 12 to get to and from Norwalk and I-95. To do so, they must go “thru” Darien on Tokeneke Road. The answer is to get Darien to enforce the “No Thru Truck” regulation.
If you know anyone who lives on or near Tokeneke Road, ask them to complain to the town of Darien and their Police Department.
Cribari Bridge connects Route 136 from the west and east banks of the Saugatuck River. To uphold the “no thru truck” traffic ban, an appropriate height would need to be applied.
In this case, the 14.3-foot height being proposed would not be acceptable —especially given that the majority of tractor-trailers have a standard 53-foot box and cab with length totaling roughly 80-85 feet. In addition, there is tight roadway space in Saugatuck, and limited heights of existing bridges such as the Metro North Bridges that are even shorter in height.
Along with height, aesthetics was agreed upon by those who participated in the meeting. Westporters and visitors love the design with the trusses, functioning or not. A redesign or replacement could incorporate permanent lighting on the bridge like many throughout the Northeast, such as the Kosciuszko in New York, and the Pearl Harbor Bridge in New Haven.
The Cribari Bridge connects Saugatuck (top) and Greens Farms.
The committee stated that they are currently 15% underway with design. That means that Westporters have an opportunity to voice your opinion and convey your thoughts, before the February meeting. (A specific date not yet been scheduled.
Click here to see all the documents presented in 2018. These officials oversee the project:
(The “06880” Opinion pages are open to all. Email 06880blog@gmail.com. To support this hyper-local blog, please click here. Thank you!)
Posted in Politics, Saugatuck, Transportation
Tagged Cribari Bridge, Route 136, State Department of Transportation
Among today’s closures: Town Hall.
1st Selectman Kevin Christie says: “Safety is our top priority. We are asking residents to stay home if they are able, avoid unnecessary travel, and keep roads clear so our public safety and public works teams can do their jobs. Please avoid parking on streets if possible, and take a moment to check in on any neighbors who may need assistance.”
Public safety operations, including Police, Fire, and Public Works, will continue under established storm and emergency response protocols.
Residents should sign up for emergency alerts by texting 06880 to 888777, to receive Westport notifications via Nixle.
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Also closed: the Westport Library.
All programs planned for today will be rescheduled.
The Westport Weston Family YMCA plans a noon opening today.
The view from the YMCA is beautiful on days like today. But you won’t be able to see it until noon. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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Speaking of snow: There must be some back stories to these photos, both taken by Harris Falk:
But whatever they are, he didn’t say.
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As Westport’s sister city of Lyman remains under siege, and Russia’s war against Ukraine drags on into a 4th year, Ukraine Aid International continues to help.
The non-profit — created by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer, and credited with delivering tons of food, vehicles, supplies, communications equipment, clothing and more, to the most war-torn regions of the nation, while developing partnerships between towns in Ukraine and the US — is hosting a March 5 fundraiser at the Westport Country Playhouse.
The entertainment at “Keys for Resilience” is spot-on: 2 superb Ukrainian artists whose work speaks to resilience, identity and hope.
Pianist, composer and educator Ruslan Ramazanov was forced to rebuild his life and career in the US, following Russia’s invasion in 2022.
Since arriving here, his music has taken on an added layer of meaning, reflecting his personal journey of adaptation and rediscovery through art. He works at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee.
He’s joined by Ukrainian-American soprano Teryn Kuzma. A versatile performer passionate about both contemporary works and rarely heard Eastern European opera and art song, she plays
In addition to her acclaimed vocal career, she is an accomplished performer on the bandura, Ukraine’s 55-string harp-zither instrument.
“Keys for Resilience” weaves classical and traditional music with stories from Connecticut’s sister cities in Ukraine.
All proceeds will support sister cities in Ukraine — including Westport’s own, Lyman — and the sister-state relationship between Connecticut and Donetsk. Click here for tickets, and more information.
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Staples High School’s musicians, actors and athletes get plenty of props.
Today, we applaud the equally accomplished “We the People” team.
For 12 years, students in Suzanne Kammerman’s Advanced Placement Politics & Government class have participated in the state event. Often, they qualify there for national competition.
On Saturday, they did again.
The all-junior team placed 2nd in the state competition, at Hartford’s historic Old State House. That earns them a trip to the national event, this spring in Washington.
“We the People” has both a classroom and extracurricular component. Students prepare and present oral arguments on specific sections of the Constitution in simulated congressional hearings. Then comes an intense questi9n-and-answer session, with a panel of judges.
It is not for the faint of heart. The students grapple with difficult constitutional questions. The judges demand clear, compelling answers.
Several seniors — veterans of last year’s best-ever 8th place national finish — helped coach the squad: Lila Boroujerdi, Olivia Cohn, Gunnar Eklund, Jay Hari, Miles Kahn, Souleye Kebe and Jake Shufro.
Congrats to all. Now go rock DC!
PS: It was a full day for the competitors. Many raced back to Westport from Hartford, to get ready for the County Assembly formal dance that night.
Staples’ “We the People” team in Hartford on Saturday. They were in the same room where the Connecticut House of Representatives convened in the 18th and 19th centuries.
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The Sweet Remains — Westporter Greg Naughton’s band, perennial Levitt Pavilion favorites (and international stars, with over 65 million Spotify streams) — wowed a large Westport Country Playhouse crowd Saturday night.
There was a hometown feel too, as Greg’s wife Kelli O’Hara, daughter Charlotte and father Jim Naughton joined the folk-pop, 3-part harmony group onstage.
Click here for more about the band, and their music.
The Sweet Remains’ Rich Price. (Photo/Jerry Kuyper)
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“06880” is where Westport meets the world.
And Westport meets the World Cup.
Rebecca Lowe will have a memorable year. The former Westport resident will be one of Fox Sports’ primary hosts for the soccer spectacle that comes to the US, Canada and Mexico this spring.
She’ll be on loan from NBC Sports, where next month she’ll host daytime coverage of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.
Oh, yeah: She’ll also cover the Kentucky Derby.
When Lowe began hosting NBC Sports’ Premier League soccer coverage — from its studios in Stamford — she and her husband, former English player and coach Paul Buckle, lived on Main Street.
At NBC she works with Robbie Mustoe, who also lives in Westport. A former NBC colleague, Kyle Martino, lives here too.
Click here for a full story from Sports Business Journal, on Lowe’s route from “imposter syndrome” to the highest level of broadcasting.
Rebecca Lowe (Photo/NBC Sports)
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World Cup story #2: The other day, Joe Pierce — a long-time area resident, former Staples High School assistant soccer coach, and producer of a film about legendary English star Sir Stanley Matthews — was at Dandelion, the new Delamar Westport restaurant. He writes:
“My friend Hicham, the corporate restaurant director for the Delamar group, was eager to show me around. It’s a stunning space: refined, intentional, full of life.
“But as can happen when 2 football obsessives meet, the talk of interior design lasted exactly 30 seconds.
“We settled onto bar stools, and the conversation shifted to our shared obsession: The Beautiful Game.
“Hicham is a devoted Arsenal supporter. But when he speaks of his beloved Morocco, you feel a different kind of energy.
“He’s a witness to a national metamorphosis. Morocco didn’t become the darlings of the last World Cup by luck; it was a masterclass in strategic infrastructure. They’ve funneled millions into the Mohammed VI Academy, scouting the global diaspora and building a “Golden Generation” that won the U-20 World Cup in October.
“As a Scottish expat living in Connecticut, I couldn’t help but see the parallels to the grit and discipline of the 1970s squads I grew up with. But on June 19, when our nations meet at in Foxboro, Massachusetts, Hicham and I will be on opposite sides of the park.
“He’ll be in the red and green of a rising power. I’ll be in the blue of a Tartan Army. seeking redemption for 1998.
“That is what football is all about. It turns a casual drink in Westport into a geopolitical debate. It takes the “home soil” we walk on every day, and connects it to the “away soul” we never truly left behind.
“If you find yourself at the Dandelion on a Saturday night, stop by and have a chat with Hicham about football. Feel the passion like I did.”
Joe Pierce
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With all the whiteness today, a bit of color really stands out.
Jamie Walsh captured this scene, for today’s very appropriate “Westport … Naturally” feature.
(Photo/Jamie Walsh)
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And finally … on this date in 1863, Massachusetts Governor John Albion Andrews received permission from Secretary of War Edwin Stanton to raise a militia of men of African descent.
Recruitment for the 54th Massachusetts Infantry was helped by Frederick Douglass, whose 2 sons were among the first to enlist.
The writer of this song about the unit is unknown. Richie Havens delivered a stirring version.
(Tired of shoveling? Take a break! Let your fingers do the work: Just click here, and support “06880” — your equally hard-working hyper-local blog — with a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
In 2018, a Westport woman — a realtor, marathon runner and member of the Zoning Board of Appeals — was paralyzed when she stepped outside her house during a storm. A tree branch fell, breaking her neck.
Be safe in treacherous weather, a reader says.
Which reminds us: If any resident needs help of any kind today, please click “Comments” — and/or email 06880blog.org.
Our readers — and “06880” — will do our best to help. No promises, but this is what our community is all about.
Online, and in real life.
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It goes without saying, but the Westport Library and Westport Weston Family YMCA are both closed today. (Along with probably everything else.)
In addition, all Library programs have been canceled through Monday. Among those impacted:
The following programs will be rescheduled, for dates not yet determined:
These Children’s programs will be canceled for Monday, returning as scheduled February 2: Rhythm & Rhyme, Tummy Time Midday, Near Peer Homework Help, and Crafternoon at the Library.
As of now, Near Peer Homework Help is still on for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
This 2016 scene may look familiar today. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)
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Meanwhile, this was the scene yesterday.
The temperature did not reach 20. But that did not stop intrepid dogs — or their owners — from heading to Compo Beach for some quality, pre-snow time.
(Photo/Cat Malkin)
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Six major school construction projects across Connecticut are on the state’s building priority list for 2026.
And one of the 6 is Long Lots.
The New Haven Register reports that after districts apply for grants, the state Department of Administrative Services reviews applications, compiles a priority list, and presents it to the governor’s office and legislature’s School Construction Project Priority List Review Committee.
The committee unanimously approved the 2026 list earlier this month. It now goes to the state legislature for funding.
The amount depends on the reimbursement rate, calculated by the Department of Administrative Services based on each town’s wealth. (Hat tip: Bill Dedman)
Rendering of the new Long Lots Elementary School.
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Arthur Hayes spotted this scene yesterday:
(Photo/Arthur Hayes)
“Was a nervous parent sitting alongside in the front seat?” he wonders.
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The Chamber of Mothers is a national, nonpartisan coalition working to advance maternal health, paid leave, and economic equity for families. Our Connecticut Chapter is focused on building awareness and advocacy right here in our state.
Westporter Jessica Hill co-facilitates the Connecticut chapter. On January 28, they’re sponsoring a social media day of action, to shine a light on Connecticut’s paid leave programs, help educate employees about their rights, and encourage businesses to celebrate and promote their own family-friendly policies.
Participants can share one or more images on their feeds or stories, along with tags (@ctpaidleave and @chamberofmothers), hashtags (#CTPaidLeave) and the link ctpaidleave.org.
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Chabad of Westport’s “Night for Our Heroes” honors Major Sagi Dovev (Res.), and wounded Israeli Defense Forces soldiers for their courage, strength and sacrifice. The event is February 25 (7 p.m.).
Since October 7, 2023, Major Dovev has volunteered full-time at Sheba Medical Center. He works with wounded soldiers and freed hostages as they rebuild strength, confidence, and hope. He has spent the past decade developing innovative training methods to build physical and mental resilience. .
Also featured: Daniel Kopylov, a fighter in the Kfir Brigade who was critically wounded in Gaza. During his rehabilitation, Daniel trained with Major Dovev, demonstrating incredible determination and resilience, becoming a living example of the strength of Israel’s soldiers.
For more information and to RSVP, click here.
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We’ll be inundated with snow photos today.
So before it all hits, here’s a “Westport … Naturally” image from Grove Point, of a couple of creatures who manage to stay above it all.
(Photo/RB Benson)
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And finally … why are we randomly offering up this song?
Well — as Bob says, “you don’t need to be a weatherman to know which way the wind blows…”
(You also don’t need to donate to “06880” to read our 24/7/365 coverage of Westport. But we sure do appreciate it if you do. Please lick here — and thank you. PS: It’s a lot more fun than shoveling.)
Posted in Beach, Education, Library, Politics, religion, Weather, YMCA
Tagged 155 Long Lots Road, Bus, Chabad of Westport
Want to know more about local politics?
Want free pizza?
Both are on the menu this Monday (January 26, 7 p.m.). The League of Women Voters of Westport hosts their annual “Pie & Politics” panel, a few days before the General Assembly session begins in Hartford. It’s a decades-old tradition, organized by LWVs all over the state.
Local State Senator Ceci Maher, and State Representatives Jonathan Steinberg and Dominique Johnson will meet voters (and enjoy dinner). There’s also a panel, moderated by former State Representative Ken Bernhard.
They’ll discuss statewide issues like the budget, and local ones they’ll wrestle with, including affordable housing and the Cribari Bridge.
It’s free, but registration is required: lwvwestportct@yahoo.com.
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Two Representative Town Meeting (RTM) committees — Health & Human Services, and Environment — meet jointly on February 4 (7:30 p.m., Zoom).
The agenda includes:
Clear-cutting is on the RTM committees’ agenda.
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The VersoFest lineup just got even more festive.
Peter Shapiro — longtime owner and operator of concert venues like the Capitol Theatre and Brooklyn Bowl, and producer of many music festivals — and rock author, writer and documentarian Dean Budnick will discuss the legacy of the Grateful Dead, and the development of the jam band scene over the decades.
Their free session is March 29 (12 p.m.).
Shapiro produced Fare Thee Well: Celebrating 50 Years of the Grateful Dead. He founded Lockn’, a 4-day festival featuring Bob Weir, Phil Lesh, Widespread Panic and Tedeschi Trucks Band.
Budnick is the author of books on the music industry, and has written for Billboard, Variety and The Hollywood Reporter.
Click here for more information on this session. Click here for the VersoFest home page.
Peter Shapiro (top) and Dean Budnick.
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It’s prix fixe time at Finalmente Ristorante.
The popular Post Road restaurant introduces a 3-course (appetizer, entree, dessert) menu this Sunday (weather permitting).
It’s available on Wednesdays and Sundays only, from 4 to 9 p.m. Click here for reservations.
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Speaking of prix fixe menus: Dandelion is serving up one for $95 on Valentine’s Day.
The February 14 “intimate and elevated” meal is “designed to be shared and savored,” at the restaurant in the Delamar Westport hotel.
It includes “a welcoming amuse bouche, followed by your choice of vibrant starters and beautifully composed entrées inspired by Mediterranean and Levantine flavors, from fresh seafood and wood-fired specialties to refined cuts of meat and seasonal vegetables. End on a sweet note with indulgent desserts created exclusively for the occasion.”
Dandelion restaurant.
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Henry Wynne has hung up his spikes.
After 8 years as a professional with Brooks Beasts, the 2013 Staples High School and 2017 University of Virginia graduate — and holder of many Connecticut and collegiate running records (plus a world record, as a relay anchor) — is retiring.
Wynne began running as a freshman as a way to stay in shape for lacrosse. He soon realized he was a natural. He flourished under coach Laddie Lawrence, then went on to even great heights.
He missed the Olympics twice, by only two spots at the trials. But he stands tall, as one of Staples’ most accomplished athletes ever.
Congratulations, on a great career! You have inspired many young Westporters to follow — hopefully quickly — in your footsteps. (Hat tip: Reess Kennedy)
Henry Wynne (Photo/Will Hoffman for Runner’s World)
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It hasn’t generated much discussion in Westport.
But the proposed remediation and redevelopment of Manresa Island — just off the Norwalk coast — is a Very Big Deal.
On Tuesday, the Westport Rotary Club heard all about it. Jessica Vonashek — executive director of the Manresa Island Corporation — described what may be ahead for the former NRG power plant. (That’s the smokestack we see from Compo Beach.)
The hope is to transform the site into a thriving (and accessible) 125-acre park. It would unlock almost 2 miles of shoreline access, and create a unique destination alongside the adaptive reuse of the structures at its center.
Click here for a previous “06880” story on the Manresa plan.
Jessica Vonashek, at the Westport Rotary Club. (Hat tip and photo/Dave Matlow)
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Westport Police made 3 custodial arrests between January 14 and 20.
A 30-year-old Piscataway, New Jersey man was charged with operating under the influence, traveling unreasonably fast and following too closely, after his vehicle struck a trash truck on Post Road West just before 4:30 a.m.
A 64-year-old Stamford man was charged with operating an unregistered motor vehicle, improper use of registration market plate, failure to maintain minimum insurance coverage, operating a motor vehicle without a license, and failure to appear, following a motor vehicle stop on Beachside Avenue.
A 53-year-old Westport woman was charged with failure to appear. Officers were called to a trespassing complaint, and learned that she was the subject of a warrant for an unrelated matter.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
It’s the law: You must remove snow and ice from your vehicle!
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Sure, you know New Haven’s Long Wharf Theater.
But what about Weston’s Short Wharf?
It’s a lot closer. And even though it’s a Middle School company, their “Addams Family” production may be worth checking out.
The curtain rises at Weston High School at 7 p.m. on January 30, and 3 p.m. on January 31 and February 1. Tickets are available online, and at the door.
Short Wharf Theater’s “Addams Family” cast. (Photo/Greg Cohen Photography)
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature takes us to Park Lane, off Compo Road South.
Beth Keane reports that since Monday, it’s been too cold for any of this to melt.
(Photo/Beth Keane)
Meanwhile, who knows what the weekend will bring?
Fingers crossed …
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And finally … in honor of Weston Middle School’s upcoming “Addams Family” show (story above):
(“06880” is your full-service, 24/7/365, hyper-local, “Where Westport Meets the World” blog. But we can’t do it without the support of readers like you. Please click here to help. Thank you!)
I don’t often post personal news. But several people insisted I include this, so here goes:
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Speaking of sports: A familiar Westport face popped up on “Shark Tank.” The episode airs tonight (Wednesday) at 10 p.m. (ABC-TV, and streaming on Hulu).
Kyle Martino — the soccer star who won MLS Rookie of the Year honors, and played with the US national team — vied to win $250,000 for his app. Street FC connects players looking for pick-up soccer games, in cities around the country.
Martino — who was 1999 Gatorade National Player of the Year at Staples — was shown in a photo with his brother (and former teammate) Wes.
And though he described his love for pick-up (unstructured) soccer, Martino did not mention that it was honed while growing up in Westport — the town where he once again lives, and directs Street FC (and many more soccer-related projects) from.
Click here for an Instagram reel of Martino’s pitch.
Kyle Martino, on “Shark Tank.”
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Bitter cold did not deter a small crowd from gathering yesterday on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.
They were part of a nationwide “Free America” protest. It coincided with the first anniversary of President Trump’s second inauguration.
Protest on the Post Road bridge. (Photo/Rowene Weems)
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The Sweet Remains — Greg Naughton’s band, and longtime Fairfield County favorites with their Crosby Stills & Nash/Simon & Garfunkel/Eagles/John Mayer/Jason Mraz-type harmonies and warmth — are this Saturday’s Westport Country Playhouse headliners (January 24, 8 p.m.).
Tickets are selling fast, for the group with over 65 million Spotify streams. Their latest album, “Embers,” was produced by Grammy Award winner Andy Zulla.
Tickets are $40, $45, and $55. To purchase, and for more information, click here.
The Sweet Remains
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DanceBody has shimmied into Westport.
The new studio celebrates their new 25 Sylvan Road South space with an opening party tomorrow (Thursday, January 22, 5 to 7 p.m.).
The event includes music, cocktails and “good energy.” Children are welcome.
DanceBody “blends functional training with the joy and artistry of dance, to deliver a workout that is as effective as it is empowering.” It focuses on “full-body movement, coordination, strength, and endurance. Classes incorporate aerobic conditioning and resistance training in a “dance-driven, constant progression (that) creates an energizing environment that builds both confidence and community.”
DanceBody began in New York City. This is its first suburban studio. For more information, click here.
DanceBody
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What’s ahead at MoCA\CT?
Plenty. The calendar includes:
“Community Conversation With Kathryn Turley-Sonne & Rachel Churner” (January 29, 6 p.m.): A panel discussion on the exhibition “Enough Already: Women Artists from the Sara M. + Michelle Vance Waddell Collection,” and the groundbreaking feminist work of Carolee Schneemann featured in it.
“Film Screening of Eva Hesse, with a Q&A with filmmaker Marcie Begleiter” (February 6, 6 p.m.): Documentary on the life and impact of an influential sculptor.
“Westport Writers Workshop, with Amanda Parrish Morgan & Liz Matthews”
Inspired by the current Mo\CA exhibit. Attendees will write from what draws them in, and share work in an encouraging, creative environment. All writers are welcome — “no pressure, just possibility.”
“Opening Reception: Art, Jazz & The Blues” (February 26, 6 p.m.; $10). The exhibit explores powerful intersections between visual art and music, drawing from the rich holdings of the Westport Public Art Collections.
The exhibition centers on “Giants of the Blues,” 7 sweepin group portraits by Westport native Eric von Schmidt honoring blues, jazz and folk musicians from the 1920s to the 1960s (currently hung in his alma mater Staples High School’s auditorium foyer).
Complementing von Schmidt’s paintings are 40 works from the WestPAC collection depicting musicians, inspired by musical themes, or exploring the resonances between musical and visual forms.
Among the local and international artists: Ann Chernow, Eric Chiang, James Daugherty, Lisa Daugherty, Stevan Dohanos, Frances Gershwin Godowsky, Joan Miró, Robert Rauschenberg, Barbara Rothenberg, Eric von Schmidt, Larry Silver and Tracy Sugarman.
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Not everyone goes out for a romantic dinner on Valentine’s Day.
So Marilyn Zavidow is throwing a Valentine’s Theatre Party, at the Westport Country Playhouse Lucille Lortel Barn.
“Valentines and galentines all” are invited to the February 14 (7 p.m.). “Karma Kabaret.” Chris Coogan plays piano, John Mobilio is on bass, at this :thought-provoking, heart-evoking musical tour de force.”
It’s followed by a “bubbly and chocolate” after-party.
Tickets are $30. Click here to purchase.
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Our “Westport … Naturally” winter wonderland series continues today, with this spectacular capture by the great Alison Wachstein:
(Photo/Alison Wachstein)
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And finally … we welcome DanceBody to Westport (story above) with this similar-sounding song:
(Arts, entertainment, politics, sports: today’s Roundup has it all. It’s what we do at “06880” — and we do it 24/7/365. If you like it, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Local business, Politics, Sports, Staples HS, Westport Country Playhouse
Tagged Dan Woog, DanceBody, Kyle Martino, MoCA CT, Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge
After ICE agents killed a 37-year-old woman in Minneapolis, residents reacted in many ways.
Some protested in the streets. Some delivered food and supplies to immigrants, who are afraid to venture outside.
Josh Resnik went to a Somali restaurant.
The 1988 Staples High School graduate has spent over 3 decades in the Twin Cities, working in the food industry. He knows that the gesture was small.
But it meant an enormous amount to the owner. Her business has suffered as Somali customers fear going out.
Resnik and his son Eli — a high school senior — headed to lunch as a protest unfolded nearby. The owner — in the US for more than 30 years — waved to the protesters. Some later stopped in for a meal.
Somali restaurant owner waves to protestors outside.
Josh and his son also visited a Mexican restaurant. Those owners now keep their doors locked, so ICE agents won’t enter. But diners can knock, and be let in.
Those are 2 small examples of the personal toll the events of the past month have taken on ordinary citizens.
Resnik lives in south Minneapolis, 2 miles from many of the protests.
Daily life, he says, is “weirdly normal for a lot of us. There’s a heavy dose of white privilege.”
But neither he nor anyone else can escape what’s going on.
“There’s an amazing sense of community,” Josh says. ‘People have really come together. They’re not afraid to stand up and speak out. In the darkness it’s very powerful for people to say, ‘This is not who we are.'”
Protestors (left) and ICE agents (right) in Minneapolis.
Immediately after the shooting, schools were closed. When classes resumed, ICE agents chased someone onto a high school campus. A few students and teachers were pepper sprayed.
Remote learning has been offered to students who don’t feel comfortable going to class.
A friend told Josh that one of his Hispanic employees has been pulled over 8 times, because of his dark skin.
It’s not only immigrants. The Black employee of another friend was detained. “This is like 1960s Mississippi,” Josh says.
Between the George Floyd protests in 2020, and this, “We’ve been through a lot here,” Josh notes. “People are shaken.”
Josh believes that President Trump has targeted the city and state.
“He wants violence, to prove the need for ICE. They say ‘if you follow orders, there won’t be a problem.’ But this is so purposefully provocative. The agents arrived here in force, with minimal training.”
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz have urged protestors to be peaceful. “Don’t fall into ICE’s trap,” they say.
Throughout the Twin Cities, people like Josh Resnik continue to do whatever they can, in ways large and small.
On Saturday, Josh and some friends gathered to watch a football game.
Instead of wings, they ate takeout from a Somali restaurant.
Helping Somali immigrants, one meal at a time. (Photos/Josh Resnik)
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