Category Archives: Real estate

Roundup: Kowalsky Farm, Westport 10, P&Z …

Posted on September 10, 2022 | 8 comments

Most teardowns in Westport are quick wrecking ball affairs.

The demise of 117 Morningside Drive South — the famed Kowalsky property — seems to be going more slowly. It looks like some of the original construction — the beams, perhaps? — are being saved.

(Photo/David Squires)

It’s the end of an era. “Thousands of kids enjoyed our little local farm,” Greens Farms resident David Squires says.

“But alas, no more. If the walls could speak, I’m certain they’d have tails/tales to tell. Let’s hope the future of this plot retains some of its original beauty and charm.”

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Westport10 is a thriving social community for people of color. Adults attend cultural events, and dine out together; they organize beach parties and other events for their kids.

Once a month, some of the men get together for lunch.

They had a great time yesterday at La Plage. Check out the photo:

Clockwise from far left: Harold Bailey Jr., Rod Simmelkjaer, Craig Melvin, Roy Adams, Kevin Christie, Vincent Spencer, Jay Norris. Harold Bailey III arrived just after the picture was taken. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Saugatuck Harbor Yacht Club is one of Westport’s best-kept secrets.

The 63-year-old club near Saugatuck Shores, with slips for 160 sailboats and powerboats, usually hums with maritime activity.

It’s also a very social place. Members are all ages, and from all different walks of life (“yacht” club is really a misnomer). They gather often in the clubhouse (a former horse stable and carriage house, dating to the 1890s).

They build all their own docks; clean up their own grounds every fall and spring, and invite the marine police to store their boats there.

Last night was something different: an art show highlighting members’ talents. Watercolors, photographs, woodcarvings, sculptures, jewelry, pottery, knitwear and more — all were on display.

It was a great event. Plus, a raffle raised funds for Westport’s Volunteer Emergency Medical Services, and Save the Sound.

PS: The food and drinks were great too!

Glen Heller created these wood carvings. Eva Rosenblatt helped organize last night’s Saugatuck Harbor Yacht Club event. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Saugatuck Harbor Yacht Club wasn’t the only organization paying tribute to EMTs last night.

DNR — the ghoulishly named, (almost) all-physician rock band — played their annual Levitt Pavilion concert tribute to Westport EMS, and first responders.

A large crowd danced all night.

And if anyone got too excited, and had a medical emergency — well, that was the place to have it.

Dr. Bob Albtaum, without his stethoscope. (Photo copyright by Ted Horowitz)

DNR rocks the Levitt. (Photo copyright by Ted Horowitz)

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Meanwhile, a few yards away across the parking lot t the Westport Library, StoryFest 2022 got underway.

The largest literary festival in Connecticut attracts authors from across the U.S. The event kicked off with readings and a conversation between best-selling authors (and best friends) Isaac Fitzgerald and Saeed Jones.

The celebration of reading, writing, ideas and community began in 2018. It continues all day today. Click here for workshops, other sessions, and tonight’s final event. (Hat tip: Dave Matlow)

Isaac Fitzgerald (left) and Saeed Jones. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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Last night’s full moon brought out many Westporters’ cameras (and cell phones).

I received tons of photos. Among the best: this one from Steven Rothenberg.

(Photo/Steven Rothenberg)

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Among the items on Monday’s Planning & Zoning Commission meeting: discussions of the proposed Hamlet at Saugatuck project, and the redevelopment of the Westport Inn.

The meeting will be held via Zoom, livestreamed on www.westportct.gov,  and shown on Optimum Channel 79 and Frontier Channel 6020. Public comments may be emailed to PandZ@westportct.gov by noon Monday. Click here for the full agenda.

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There’s a full (and healthful) schedule of events next Saturday (September 17), at Downtown Fitness & Health Day.

The Westport Downtown Association event supports local health and exercise businesses, and promotes a healthy lifestyle for all Westporters.

Fleet Feet kicks off the day with a 5k and kids runs at (9 a.m.). Registration is required; click here.

WDA has partnered with many fitness studios, including TAP Strength, Club Sweat, Pure Barre, Row House, Pause + Purpose, Kaia Yoga Centers and Body Shock. They’ll give participants fun, rigorous outdoor exercise classes between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., all along Main Street. To register for a free class, contact the individual providers.

The Alzheimer’s Association and Circle of Care for Families of Children with Cancer will be there too.

You don’t have to participate in a class to enjoy the day. Strolling all around downtown is healthy too!

The 2020 Downtown Fitness Fair.

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Whenever some dude — and you know it’s a guy — parks his car like this (behind CVS) …

(Photo/Matt Murray)

… he’s saying, “My car is special. Stay away!”

Hey: Everyone cares about their car.

And if everyone parked this way, there would be half the number of available spots anywhere.

You’re not special. And neither, really. is an Alfa Romeo.

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Never been to Cuba? Wondering what that island just 90 miles off Florida is like?

On Tuesday (September 13, Saugatuck Congregational Church Hoskins Hall; $10 admission). World traveler/adventurer/photographer/local resident Darryl Hawk presents a collection of spectacular photos, from his 6 (!) recent trips there.

He’s tell great stories about them too.

The event is sponsored by the Appalachian Mountain Club, and marks their first in-person gathering since COVID struck.

There are appetizers, drinks and dinner at 6:15 p.m.; the presentation begins at 7:30. RSVP: easasso7@icloud.com.

Street scene, Cuba (Photo/Darryl Hawk)

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Everyone is invited to a Japanese Fall Festival next Saturday (September 17, 1:30 to 4 p.m., Jesup Green).

The family-friendly event includes taiko drum performances, a martial arts demonstration, Seiza meditation sessions, traditional Bon dancing, a Japanese water yoyo game, children’s origami, demonstrations of the traditional Japanese Go and Sushi GO card games, and a Japanese language table.

Other features: displays of Japanese tenugui (colorful hand-dyed traditional Japanese), ceramics and kimonos.

Japanese snacks and drinks will be available too.

Click here for more information.

Taiko drums, at the Japanese Fall Festival.

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The Y’s Men of Westport and Weston sponsor a very active tennis group. They play every Tuesday and Friday morning, throughout the summer at Longshore.

Former Y’s Men president Dewey Loselle does the organizing. Here’s a shot (pun intended) after the final session:

(Photo courtesy of Scott Broder)

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I’m batting about .100 identifying Sherwood Mill Pond wildlife lately. So I’ll just say that this handsome bird was spotted just off shore the other day, posing handsomely for Matt Murray and “Westport … Naturally.”

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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And finally … in honor of Darryl Hawk’s very cool Cuba presentation (story above):

=======================================================(“06880” is “where Westport meets the world” — including Cuba. To help support us, please click here.) 

 

 

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Posted in Library, Local politics, Real estate, Saugatuck

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Roundup: Club 203, Native Plants, Cohl Katz …

Posted on September 9, 2022 | 2 comments

Club 203 — the new Westport organization providing social and fun activities for adults with disabilities — launched with a bang Wednesday night.

Over 100 people gathered at MoCA for the kickoff event. DJ Joe’s great playlist got everyone on the dance floor from the moment they arrived.

The dance floor was filled.

Participants came from as far as Middlebury, Connecticut. DJ Joe rocked the night! Everyone was in on the dance floor. MoCA, The Porch at Christie’s, CVS for providing the venue and snacks. We would also like to thank all the volunteers from our community who helped us last night. We could not have done it with out them!

Hanging with the DJ …

Club 203 organizers Stacie Curran, Kathryn Sonne, Joe Anastasi and Sharuna Mahesh thank MoCA, The Porch @ Christie’s and CVS for providing the venue and snacks — as well as the many volunteers who made the night special.

Next up: a Halloween celebration (October 23, Remarkable Theater). For more information, click here.

,,, and hanging out.

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One of the most well-known houses in Westport (the Kowalsky home) sat for years on one of the last large open residential spaces in Westport.

Now the home — officially, 117 Morningside Drive South — has joined the list of notable town teardowns.

A recent photo …

… and an even more recent one. (Photo/Alan Phillips)

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Though all eyes were on the UK yesterday, after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, viewers watching Yahoo! Finance got a double dose of Westport.

Dave Briggs — one of the platform’s anchors — interviewed internationally best-selling author Jane Green, a British native. Both now live here.

Click here for the full interview.

Screenshot of yesterday’s interview.

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Speaking of Her Majesty … on Monday (September 12), the Remarkable Theater honors her life and legacy with a special showing of “The Queen.”

Helen Mirren stars in the 2006 film, which examines Queen Elizabeth II n the aftermath of the death of Princess Diana.

The lot opens at 6:15 p.m. for tailgating. The movie starts at 7;15 p.m. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Who was Sigrid Schultz, for whom part of the newly designed Elm Street parking lot is named?

She was a pioneering female reporter, social justice activist — and longtime Westporer — who played an important role in exposing the growing Nazi threat during the lead-up to World War II, and beyond.

Last night, the Westport Museum for Culture & History hosted Professor Dr. David Milne of the University of East Anglia. He is writing her biography, and shared fascinating details of her life. The “Dragon Lady” exhibit is open to the public at the museum through the end of the year. (Hat tip: Dave Matlow)

Dr. James Milne, at the Westport Museum for History & Culture. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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Wondering about all those yellow ribbons downtown?

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The ribbons create awareness too: for Circle of Care, a Wilton-based organization that helps families deal with the diagnosis of a child with cancer.

Click here to learn more about Circle of Care. Then click below, for a local video:

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With autumn around the corner, it’s time for Aspetuck Land Trust’s fall native plant sale.

Hard-to-find plants, trees, shrubs and perennials can be ordered online, and picked up September 30 to October 2 at the Caryl & Edna Haskins Preserve off Green Acre Lane. Click here for details.

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Aarti Khosla believes that teachers are the backbone of our society. In these unprecedented times, she says, they need our love more than ever.

Aarti owns Le Rouge Chocolates, on Main Street. So she’s in a position to make it happen. Sweeeeet!

Her “Give a Little Love” chocolate heart campaign works like this: For $8 each, customers can sponsor a heart for one Westport teacher. Aarti hand-delivers the treats to each school.

This is the third year in a row for “Give a Little Love.” Teachers have been very touched by this small gesture, she says.

To donate one or more chocolate hearts online, click here.

“Give a Little Love” with chocolate hearts.

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MoCA’s next show — the premiere of the From The Pen To The Knife exhibition, featuring close to 300 watercolor paintings by Marian Christy, who creates watercolors using only palette knives and puddles of paint — is on view from October 15 to November 27.

An opening reception is set for October 15 (5 to 7 p.m.).

Christy was a Pulitzer Prize-winning Boston Globe journalist, covering fashion and celebrities, for the first chapter of her life.

In the second chapter, she pivoted from “the pen to the knife.” Christy, now 90, had no formal training. She has worked for the last 15 years in her basement at an easel, held firm by used bricks to sustain her forceful palette knife strokes. For more information, click here.

One of Marian Christy’s nearly 300 works, exhibited soon at MoCA Westport.

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Cohl Katz’s clients have included Al Pacino, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Barbara Bush, Bob Dylan, Cal Ripken, Cindy Crawford, Ellen DeGeneres, Hillary Clinton, Hilary Swank, Jerry Seinfeld, John McEnroe, Johnny Depp, Katie Couric, Keith Richards, Leonardo DiCaprio, Martha Stewart, Mary Tyler Moore, Mel Gibson, Mick Jagger, Muhammad Ali, Nicole Kidman, Phil Donohue, Ray Charles, Robert Redford, Robin Williams, Rod Stewart, Rosie O’Donnell, Sting and Tom Cruise,

The hair stylist and makeup artist recently moved back to Westport. She’s offering a back-to-school special for new clients (of all ages): a 50% first-appointment discount. Call 917-848-9596 — and mention “06880”!

Three of Cohl Katz’s clients.

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Several Westport chefs will prepare 4-course tableside meals at Greenwich Wine + Food. The fundraiser for the Jacques Pépin Foundation and Wholesome Wae is set for October 7 (at Abigail Kirsch The Loading Dock, Stamford).

The local contingent includes Jes Bengtson (Terrain Garden Café. Amis Trattoria); Debra Ponzek (Aux Delices), Matt Storch (Match Burger Lobster) and Bill Taibe (The Whelk, Kawa Ni, Don Memo).

The evening includes honors for the Serendipity’s 2022 Most Innovative Chefs. Among them: Will Friedman of Kawa Ni.

Click here for the full schedule, and ticket information.

Bill Taibe and Jes Bengtson will cook at Greenwich Wine + Food.

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The girls are gone from Compo. Now — as seen in today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo — the gulls take over.

(Photo/Tracy Porosoff)

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And finally … as we remember the remarkable life of Queen Elizabeth II, the United States mourns with our British friends.

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Posted in Entertainment, Environment, Real estate, Restaurants

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Westfair Village: Westport’s Hidden Neighborhood Gem

Posted on September 8, 2022 | 13 comments

In 2010, Anna and Shawn Rycenga went house hunting. She was the land use director in Oxford, Connecticut; he worked in New York City.

Westport was in between. It had all the amenities: excellent schools, great children’s activities, beaches. But something else attracted the couple too.

As they drove through Westfair Village, they saw kids riding bikes, and adults walking dogs. It had a true neighborhood feel.

The Rycengas bought a home on Westfair Drive. Twelve years later, they’re still there.

And still very happy.

Westfair Village — nestled between Post Road East and North Bulkley Avenue — is little known outside of the area. Its profile is as low-key as the Westfair Center strip mall it sits behind, across the Post Road from Stop & Shop.

A home on Fairport Drive.

But with over 100 homes, a couple hundred children, and a year-long calendar of fun events, it’s one of Westport’s last true “neighborhoods,” in all the community-minded, hometown senses of the word.

It’s had a long time to create traditions. Westfair Village was built right after World War II by developer B.V. Brooks Sr., for beneficiaries of the GI bill.

Located on an old onion farm, the circular streets featured modest Capes on 1/3-acre lots. He named the roads “Westfair” and “Fairport” (combinations of Westport and nearby Fairfield) as well as “Dexter” (the nickname of his son, B.V. Jr.) and “Brook” (presumably short for his own last name). It’s not clear what the 5th street — Hunting Lane — is named for.

In the nearly 80 years since then, Westfair Village has seen many changes. Homeowners added 2nd floors to the original Capes, rebuilt their interiors, and enlarged their small houses. Some became teardowns, replaced by bigger homes. Large trees provide shade, on once-open lots.

Anna Rycenga estimates 14 or 15 original homes remain.

This home in Westfair Village started out as a Cape. The 2nd floor was added later, and the floor plan — the same in every home — was reworked.

As younger families like hers moved in, Anna wanted to make sure they felt welcome. She created a neighborhood directory.

That made organizing a block party easy. The first, in 2013, included a live band. Anna — who loves to cook — provided the food. It’s now become one of the highlights of the year.

Tables laden with food sit on lawns. People dance in the streets.

The block party has become an annual end-of-September tradition.

Westfair girls …  (Photo/Anna Rycenga)

But the block party is just one part of a full year of fun. There are holiday parties, chili cook-offs, Easter egg hunts.

On the first day of school, mothers enjoy a “MOMosa” bar. On the last day, dozens of boys and girls ride their bikes to Long Lots Elementary.

… and guys. (Photo/Anna Rycenga)

Friday ice cream trucks are a much-loved new tradition. Westport’s Police and Fire Departments and Emergency Medical Services are all invited (and eat free). Children clamber in and out of police cars and fire trucks.

If Stevan Dohanos was alive, he’d paint the scene for the Saturday Evening Post (if it was alive too).

Friday ice cream: a neighborhood tradition. (Photo/Anna Rycenga)

The pandemic accelerated the influx of families with young children.

It also made social connections harder. But parents organized a socially distant Halloween parade. And people set out lawn chairs by their driveways, and chatted with their neighbors and passersby.

“I feel blessed to live in Westport as a town, and in this neighborhood especially,” Anna Rycenga says.

Police and kids hang together. (Photo/Anna Rycenga)

Peggy Lehn agrees. She’s lived there for 30 years. She’s thrilled at the energy and sense of community the young families have brought.

“”I was sad to see some of the older residents move on,” Peggy says. “But the new residents have embraced this wonderful neighborhood. There is a real sense of community here: kids riding bikes, people walking dogs.

“And always, a wave and a smile.”

(“06880” is all about building community too. Please click here to help us do that.) 

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Posted in Police, Real estate, Westport life

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Roundup: Dads’ Survival Guide, Outdoor Dining, Aliens …

Posted on September 7, 2022 | 2 comments

An incorrect email was posted in this morning’s story on “Dads’ Survival Guide”: David Smith’s weekly blog for fathers.

Dads interested in subscribing should email davidosmith7777@gmail.com.

Dave and Jeanne Smith, and their 4 children.

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Summer outdoor dining is almost over.

Autumn outdoor dining arrives soon.

Westport’s dining scene — which has been hot for a while — will be enhanced by the arrival of 3 new restaurants.

Mexicue adds to its 3 New York City, 2 Washington DC-area and 1 Stamford location when it opens at 38 Main Street, the site of the former Bobby Q’s and Onion Alley.

Casa Mi takes over from the old Le Penguin, in Sconset Square.

Further east, Tacombi moves into the property that for many years was AJ’s Farm Stand, near Stop & Shop.

All 3 will feature outdoor dining.

Casa Me opens soon, with tables fronting Sconset Square. Previous restaurants there had outdoor tables in an enclosed space, closer to the Post Road. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Lynsey Addario is usually behind a camera.

This month, the 1991 Staples High School graduate — and New York Times, Time and National Geographic photojournalist/Pulitzer Prize and MacArthur “genius grant” winner — is herself the focus of a well-deserved feature story.

Vanity Fair posts some of her most compelling photos, from Ukraine, Darfur, a US military hospital and more. Her insights into each make for riveting reading. Click here to see and read. (Hat tip: Bonnie Erickson)

Lynsey Addario captured this dramatic shot, of desperate Libyan refugees in a boat off the coast of Italy. (Photo/Lynsey Addario)

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Yesterday’s heavy — and long-awaited — rain may have contributed to downed wires on Wilton Road. A large tree took down power lines and a transformer between River Lane and Rices Lane, around 8 p.m. Crews worked through the night to restore power.

Wilton Road, last night. (Photo copyright by Ted Horowitz)Dave Matlow reports that according to Eversource this morning, power had been restored to approximately 30 of the 144 customers affected by the outage.

Utility work continued this morning on Wilton Road. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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Some real estate figures, from August 2022:

  • Median sales price: $1,949,500 (up 11% from August 2021)
  • Median sales price per square foot: $484 (up 17%)
  • Number of sales: 48 (down 36%)
  • Inventory: 114 (down 28%)
  • Days on market: 44 (up 16%)

(Hat tip: Michelle Cohen)

This 8-bedroom,, 8 1/2-bath house at 5 Hedley Farms Road is listed for $12,500,000. It is 13,128 square feet, and sits on a 7.27-acre lot.

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In June, the Staples boys lacrosse team beat Darien 12-3, winning their first-ever state championship.

This month, 12 congratulatory banners — one for each goal — are displayed on a dozen businesses around town.

You can see them at Angelina’s, ASF Sports & Outdoors, Baker Graphics, Calise’s, Cushman & Wakefield (Loft space, Main Street), Gaetano’s, Gold’s Deli, Layla’s Falafel, Parker Mansion, Redi-Cut Carpet & Rugs, The Porch @ Christie’s and Westport Hardware.

When the banners come down, they won’t be tossed or forgotten. On October 3, they’ll be raffled off at the Staples Lacrosse Association’s golf fundraiser. To learn more, call Willis Gay: 203-216-4937.

Calise’s Carmine Cenatiempo points proudly to the banner.

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Trombone master Steve Davis headlines tomorrow’s Jazz at the Post.

The Grammy Award winner will be joined by New York musicians Jason Cottler, Rick Germanson and Jason Tiemann, plus Westport’s own “Jazz Rabbi” Greg Wall.

Shows on Thursday, September 8 (VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399, 465 Saugatuck Avenue) at 7 and 8:30 p.m. Dinner service begins at 6:30. There’s a $10 cover. Reservations are strongly recommended: jazzatthepost@gmail.com.

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Where are all the aliens?

Dr. Stephen Webb of the University of Portsmouth answers that question on September 20 (8 p.m.). It’s part of the Westport Astronomical Society’s free online science lecture series. Click here for the Zoom link; click here for the YouTube link.

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CLASP Homes provides housing and support for people with autism and developmental disabilities.

On October 14 (Fairfield Theater Company, 7:30 p.m.), Band Central — a philanthropic organization that gives back to local charities through live musical events — headlines a CLASP fundraiser. “Flower Power: Music From the Generation of Love” features covers of songs from Buffalo Springfield, The Band, the Youngbloods, Doors, Sly & the Family  Stone, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, CSN&Y and more.

The pre-arty starts at 6:30 p.m., with light bites and the chance to win cool stuff. Click here for tickets and more information.

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“Connectalent” is a bit of a mouthful.

So the full-service recruiting agency focused on “female and mom talent, has changed its name to FoundHer.

Co-founders Runa Knapp and Jasmine Silver — both Westport residents — say the name more accurately reflects their mission of “recruiting with purpose.” So far this year, 85% of placements have been of mothers returning to work.

For more information, click here.

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John Hanley died peacefully Saturday, surrounded by his family. He was 31 years old.

Born in Norwalk to Terry and Dianne Hanley, he grew up in Shelton. He moved to his parents’ hometown of Westport for high school.

John played football for Shelton Pop Warner. He spent summers in Westport working with his father playing in the dirt, and learning how to run machines. As he grew older, he found his passion operating machinery of all types.

He worked as a heavy equipment operator with Burns Construction. He took great pride in his work, and joined Heavy Equipment Operators Local Union 478.

John enjoyed spending time with his family on his father’s boat, and at Longshore. He loved going to New York Giants games.

He also enjoyed discussing history and world issues, and never shied away from a good debate.

John’s family says, “his smile and charm lit up the room. He was always the life of the party.”

John’s survivors include his mother Dianne and stepfather Craig; father Terry and stepmother Marcy; sisters Celeste, Noelle and Hailey; brother Shawn; brothers-in-law Rene and Luis; nieces Jocelyn, Eyda and Stella; many aunts, uncles and cousins, and best friends Jack and Matt.

The family will receive friends tomorrow (Thursday, September 8, 4 to 8 p.m., Harding Funeral Home). John’s funeral is Friday (September 9, 10 a.m., Assumption Church). Interment will follow in Assumption Cemetery on Greens Farms Road.

Click here to leave online condolences. In lieu of flowers, contributions in John’s memory may be made to a charity of choice.

John Hanley

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Molly Alger has a keen eye for nature. The other day she spotted a monarch butterfly, developing on milkweed. It’s one more example of our wonderful “Westport … Naturally” world.

(Photo/Molly Alger)

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And finally … in honor of the Westport Astronomical Society’s webinar about aliens (story above):

(“06880” is Earth’s most hyper-local Westport local blog. Please click here to support us.)

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Posted in Obituaries, Real estate, Restaurants, Sports

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“06880” Podcast: Rob Haroun

Posted on September 5, 2022 | 7 comments

If there’s one thing that gets all of Westport talking, it’s real estate development.

And there’s no one better to talk about it than Rob Haroun.

The other day, the president of SIR Development joined me on the Westport Library stage. He’s been a local builder for over 25 years — though that is actually his second career.

Rob and I chatted about everything home construction-related — zoning, architecture, trees — and about his community involvement too. It was a very informative half hour.

Click below for the full interview:

7 Comments

Posted in Local business, Media, Real estate

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Roundup: Teardowns, Trees, Artists …

Posted on September 5, 2022 | 5 comments

The streetscape of Compo Road South near the beach will soon change.

Demolition permits have been issues for 2 homes between the Minute Man monument and Soundview Drive.

This house at 330 Compo Road South will soon be gone:

So will this one, at #296. It’s set back from the road, behind a thicket of trees and bushes.

A third Compo Beach South house — though north of the Greens Farms/Bridge Street intersection — will also be torn down. It’s #162, though the driveway is on Ivanhoe Lane:

(Photos/Dan Woog)

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Speaking of removals … Bob Weingarten writes:

“In the last few years, I’ve seen ribbons placed around trees that are to be cut-down by the town. Recently I noticed a more modern, effective and imaginative notice: one that’s written. Thank you to the tree warden and his staff.”

The tree with the notice is at Hillandale Road and Morningside Drive South:

(Photos/Bob Weingarten)

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Hey, artists! Do you want your work to be seen by hundreds of people every day?

The Westport Arts Advisory Committee and Westport Public Art Collections seek submissions from Fairfield County artists for 9-month loans of large-scale art. They’ll be displayed at Bedford and Coleytown Middle Schools.

Paintings, photography, textiles and other 2-dimensional media suitable for hanging will be considered. Proposals are  due September 23. To learn more, email westpac@westportps.org.

“A History of Civilizations” by Westport artist Eric Chiang hangs at Coleytown Middle School.

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Tip jars have become ubiquitous.

Whether you regularly donate, merely tolerate them or despite the idea, you have to admit: This one, at Superior Seafood inside  Stiles Market, is totally on brand:

(Photo/John Karrel)

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Tracy Porosoff was not thrilled to see this woodchuck tunnel near her plants. But she was impressed with how wide and deep it is — and sent it along, for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Tracy Porosoff)

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And finally … Happy Labor Day!

(“06880” does not even take Labor Day off. If you’d like to leave a tip, please click here.) 

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Posted in Arts, Education, Environment, Local business, Real estate

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Roundup: New Apartments, Paul Newman, TAP Sleep …

Posted on September 4, 2022 | 8 comments

In October 2016, “06880” ran a story about 785 Post Road East.

A developer hoped to tear down the apartment building between the Toyota dealer and what was then Westport Wash & Wax. He’d clean up the land, and build a new office/retail/food store complex, plus residential units.

The structure was dilapidated. But the 16 units were some of the most affordable in Westport.

Because they were built before 1990, they did not count toward the number of Westport’s affordable units, to satisfy the 8-30g formula.

The former apartment building at 785 Post Road East.

Finally — nearly 5 years later — the building was demolished last month.

In its place will be 14 luxury apartments: 8 townhouse units with garages underneath, and 6 flat-style units. Ten are 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom units; the other 4 will have 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom.

The complex will also include a 5,000-square foot retail/office building, in front of the apartments. There will be 4 buildings, in total.

Artist’s rendering of 785 Post Road East.

The new structures are reminiscent of other recent construction at 793 Post Road East, at the foot of Long Lots Road. That complex replaced a small building that had been both a stationery store and a residence.

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Paul Newman sometimes broke the Westport speed limits.

Then he took his cars to the race track. Lime Rock Park was one of his favorites.

Now, the upstate raceway has named the not-quite-straight (but very fast back stretch) “Paul Newman Straight.”

Lime Rock also announced a partnership with the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, the non-profit that helps over 20,000 seriously ill children and family members each year, free of charge. Click here for the full story. (Hat tip: Frank Rosen)

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Having trouble sleeping? Never feel fully rested?

TAP Strength can help your ZZZs.

The wellness center is sponsoring a talk with Sarah Swanberg, doctor of acupuncture and Chinese medicine. She’ll discuss natural sleep solutions.

It’s September 27 (7 p.m., TAP Strength, 180 Post Road East). It’s free, but space is limited. Email nancy@tapstrength.com to reserve a spot.

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I’m not sure whether this photo is more appropriate for “the dog days of summer” or “taking a rest on Labor Day weekend.” Either way, it’s a perfect Sunday shot for our “Westport … Naturally” series.

(Photo/Ellen Wentworth)

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And finally … on this day in 1781, 44 Spanish settlers founded El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora La Reina de los Ángeles (The Village of Our Lady, the Queen of the Angels). Today, the name of the city is simply “Los Angeles.”

 

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Roundup: Harvest Fest, Deer Plants, CraftWestport …

Posted on September 2, 2022 | Comments Off on Roundup: Harvest Fest, Deer Plants, CraftWestport …

The Wakeman Town Farm Harvest Fest fundraiser is September 10.

The online auction — a key part of the event — opens September 6.

But you can preview all the items now.

They include destination travel, private dinners at WTF, kids’ cooking parties, sunset cruises, and great sporting events.

All proceeds — and those from the live auction at Harvest Fest — help fund youth programs, adult classes, scholarships, the farm stand, family events and more.

Click here for a preview.

Those alpacas didn’t pay for themselves. (Photo/Cathy Malkin)

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Oh, deer!

Aspetuck Land Trust’s next “Lunch & Learn” webinar should appeal to just about every homeowner in Fairfield County.

Called “Designing With Native Plants in Deer County,” it’s set for next Wednesday (September 7, noon to 1 p.m.).

Landscape designer Brid Craddock will discuss deer-proof plants, and the techniques that will actually keep Bambi at bay. Click here to register.

(Gorgeous. Now get off my lawn! Photo/Karen Weingarten)

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CraftWestport — the monster pre-holiday show with over 175 vendors selling handmade fashions, accessories, jewelry, home décor and furniture, plus photography, ceramics, glass, metal, wood, mixed media and other artworks — returns to the Staples High School fieldhouse November 5 and 6.

Also on sale: gourmet specialties like bourbon-barrel aged maple syrup, hand-painted chocolates, teas and honey, cheese spreads and curds, baked goods,  skincare products, soaps and candles.

It’s the first time in 3 years for the popular Westport Young Woman’s League show, following 2 COVID cancellations.

Net proceeds from Connecticut’s largest indoor fine crafts festival go to charitable agencies in lower Fairfield County.

Click here for more details.  

One of 175+ booths at CraftWestport.

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The deadline for comments on the proposed cell tower at 92 Greens Farms Road is September 7.

The email address is sitingcouncil@ct.gov; the snail mail address is Connecticut Siting Council, 10 Franklin Square, New Britain, CT 06051.

A cell tower been proposed for the property on the left: 92 Greens Farms Road. (Photo courtesy of Google Maps)

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There’s a back story to today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo. Lauri Weiser writes:

“I was at Compo yesterday, under the South Beach trees that provide a little bit of shade. The crow that’s been here all summer was there.

“Anyone who spent  time under these trees knows that this crow lives here and never shuts up. There were many threats on its life today🤣😳”

(Photo/Lauri Weiser)

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And finally … in honor of the Compo Beach crow (story above) … “it’s the same story the crow told me …”

(“06880” is your hyper-local, reader-support blog. Please click here to contribute.)

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[OPINION] Brown Is The New Green

Posted on September 2, 2022 | 15 comments

In his lifetime in Westport — as a youngster, a Staples High School Class of 1979 student, and now an author and homeowner — Tom Greenwald has seen a lot.

Right now, green lawns have him seeing red. Tom writes:

Green usually means good. But this summer, it means bad.

Setting aside my leaf-blower obsession for a minute (though I’m sure that will be back in full bloom in the fall), my newest fixation is lawns.

(Who would have thought I would become all about yardwork? Certainly not me, and most certainly not my wife.)

Anyone who’s conscious knows that there is a drought on. A pretty big, pretty bad one.

Yet there as still gorgeous green lawns all over Westport. When I see sprinklers sprinkling (which is often), it makes me a little mad.

Green lawn during a brown drought. (Photo/Tom Greenwald)

I get it: Everyone wants a nice property. And most people who live in Westport have made it here because they’re not used to settling for less than what they want. But the time has come to allow our lawns to look a little bad, for the greater good.

I also get that the rules are murky, and not everyone knows them. (In case you don’t, here they are.

But if you do know them, and you’re ignoring them — well, that’s just not cool.

So come on, fellow Westporters: Embrace the brown.

Let’s let whatever water is out there be used for things like cooking, showers and hydration for humans and animals.

By next spring you’ll be showing off your gorgeous lawns. This stretch will be a dry, distant memory.

But for now: No more Lawns Of Shame in our town!

Tom Greenwald enjoys his (brown) lawn.

(“06880” covers the drought — and everything else going on in Westport. Please click here to support your local blog.)

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Posted in Environment, Real estate

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Pic Of The Day #1959

Posted on August 28, 2022 | 10 comments

Bankside House sunrise, Wilton Road (Photo/David Waldman)

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Posted in Pic of the Day, Real estate

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