Only a few spots remain for one of the greatest offers of the new (or any) year: Scout Troops 39 and 139’s pick-up and (sustainable) removal of your once-beautiful, now dried-out Christmas tree.
It’s a win-win-win: convenient and affordable pick-up for residents; free mulch and conservation material for the town — and the only fundraiser of the year for the Scouts.
The event is all day, on January 10. Troops will pick up over 800 trees, in every neighborhood.
The suggested donation of $25 per tree — less than most services — helps fund a full year of Scout meetings, experiences and gear.
Sure, it’s New Year’s Day. There’s snow on the ground. We’ve got 79 days left till spring arrives.
But it’s not too early to think about golf.
The waitlist for the Longshore Ladies 9 Hole Golf Association opens tomorrow (Friday, January 2).
Membership offers access to league play, tournaments and skill‑building opportunities. This year, the League expands from 130 members to 135. Information for the waitlist and the forms can be found on the League’s website
Actress/dancer/choreographer/Kennedy Center Honors winner for lifetime achievement and contributions to American culture Carmen de Lavallade died Monday in New Jersey. She was 94.
For many years, she was associated with and married to Tony Award-winning actor/dancer/director Geoffrey Holder.
Yesterday, “06880” reader Karen Brailsford learned that the couple were married on June 26, 1955 at Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. A reception followed at the Westport estate of actress/producer Lucille Lortel.
Geoffrey Holder and Carmen de Lavallade, after their wedding at Christ & Holy Trinity Church. (Photos/Saul Mauriber via the Beinecke digital collection /Yale University)
================================================
Westport Police made 3 custodial arrests between December 23 and 30.
A 30-year-old Norwalk man was charged with larceny, attempt to commit larceny, payment of less than $500 using a revoked/stolen credit card, and failure to appear, following an investigation into a March credit card fraud report, with multiple purchases made at Home Depots in multiple states. The suspect was someone the victim previously employed as a contractor. He was unable to post bonds of $240,000.
A 29-year-old New York City man was charged with failure to appear, after being arrested on an unrelated matter in New York. He was unable to post bond of $150,000.
A 21-year-old Westport man was charged with disorderly conduct and threatening, after a verbal disturbance. He was unable to post $5,000 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Disorderly conduct: 1 citation
Breach of peace: 1
Texting while driving: 1
Traveling unreasonably fast: 1
Failure to obey stop sign: 1
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1.
===========================================
Canada geese often act like they own our beach.
Not in the summer, guys.
But in winter — when no one is watching, except “Westport … Naturally” photographer David Cross — well, maybe they do.
And finally … January is named after Janus. The Roman god of beginnings is often depicted with two faces. One looks back to the past; the other, forward to the future.
Meanwhile — unknown to Charlotte — Dan is helping raise funds for her retirement gift. The store will close in February.
Click here to contribute, and say “thank you” for 50 years of service to customers, who quickly became friends.
=================================================
As noted in Monday’s Roundup, “Today Show” co-anchor Craig Melvin chatted the other day with his minister, Rev. Jeff Rider of Green’s Farms Church — and an NBC crew.
The segment has aired a couple of times this week. Now the entire country can hear Rev. Rider’s holiday message.
As Ukraine’s war against Russia nears its 4th year, Gray McGuinness sends harrowing news about Westport’s sister city, Lyman.
The town in the Donetsk region has been covered by drones. The unmanned aerial vehicles use a thin, physical fiber optic cable instead of radio waves for control and data, making them immune to electronic jamming and interference. (Click here for a video.)
Gray writes, “Lyman is now under constant attack by air and land, and has been partially occupied by the Russian army.”
Westporters can help. Ukraine Aid International — founded by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer — is a boots-on-the-ground non-profit that ensures donations go directly Lyman.
Click here to contribute. Then click the “I want to support” box; select “Support for the City of Lyman.” Scroll down on that page for other donation options (mail, wire transfer and Venmo.
Fiber-optic cables blanket Ukraine.
================================================
Singing and strolling through Saugatuck on Saturday, 8 Staples Orphenians serenaded diners at 14 restaurants with holiday songs.
The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce-sponsored “Caroling Crawl” brought smiles — and applause — from patrons at The Boathouse, The Bridge, Kawa Ni, The Whelk, Tutti’s, The Black Duck, Tarantino, Blu Olive, Romanacci, Riko’s Pizza, Zucca Gastrobar, Rizzuto’s, Viva Zapata, and Little Pub @ Dunville’s.
Staples Orphenians: a menu special on Saturday night.
The First Amendment and the importance of a free, independent press are topics for the first “Nancy on Norwalk” talk (January 20, 7 p.m., Norwalk Conservatory of the Arts).
Attendees will hear from 2 people deeply involved in the subject: Westporter Alisyn Camerota, a 2-time Emmy Award-winning journalist and author formerly with CNN and Fox News, and Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas, who oversees elections and civic processes across Connecticut.
Click here to RSVP. Registrants will have a chance to receive a signed copy of Camerota’s most recent book, “Combat Love.”
Aliysn Camerota
=================================================
We’ve posted plenty of photos of entitled parkers in large vehicles.
And plenty of drivers who park as closetothebuilding as possible.
Today, we feature one guy — it has to be a male — who combined both, at Whole Foods.
And finally … in honor of Wheels2U’s upcoming holiday gift — and with a tip of Santa’s hat to onetime Westporters Edgar Winter and Dan Hartman:
(You may enjoy a free ride. And you may think “06880” is free. But we rely on the support of readers like you. Please click here to send a few bucks our way. Thank you — and happy holidays!
The Westport Woman’s Club Ruegg Grants are generous gifts, to non-profits that (like the WWC itself) provide important community services.
On Thursday, they honored VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399, with a $10,000 check.
The VFW will use the funds for its monthly free Veteran Benefits and Welfare Check luncheon program.
It reaches veterans facing challenges like PTSD, aging concerns or financial hardship. Many veterans are unaware of the benefits and support services available to them.
In addition to this outreach, Post 399 recently hosted its 66th consecutive monthly American Red Cross Blood Drive, and the Wreaths Across America program that placed American flags on the graves of over 1,200 local veterans.
Other VFW projects include Veterans Day and Memorial Day ceremonies. The post is also helping plan 250th birthday events for the USA.
VFW quartermaster Phil Delgado (2nd from left), and VFW and Westport Woman’s Club representatives, with the $10,000 “check.”
Building on its Thanksgiving meals for students at Capital Prep Harbor School, A&S Westport and Conlon Amendola did the same for Christmas.
Twenty families received a full meal, each serving 6 people: ham with glaze, macaroni and cheese, lasagna, chocolate and red velvet bûches de Noë
Many Westporters helped with donations. Once again, Dr. John Corino of Norwalk Dental Arts gave a significant gift.
Dr. Joan Miller of Capital Prep Harbor School (center), with honor students who helped distribute the meals.
=================================================
Sunrise Rotary Club’s Friday morning speakers are always interesting.
But Rachel Precious — well, aw, shucks.
The 2006 Staples High School graduate, and conservation biology major at the University of Massachusetts, now owns Precious Oysters (I know, right?).
She told the Rotarians (nearly) everything there is to know about oysters.
Then she gave a shucking demonstration. And — at a time when most Westporters are drinking coffee and eating breakfast — the members sampled some.
Rachel spent 5 years farming oysters in the area, including Sherwood Mill Pond.
Today she runs her own oyster catering business, and is building her own oyster restaurant. She also serves as chair of the Connecticut chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, sits on Senator Murphy’s Long Island Sound Advisory Council, and leads an adaptive climbing club at a rock climbing gym.
Rachel Precious, and an oyster. (Photo/Katie Augustyn)
They’re in other places too. Charles Rosoff says, “I would love it if I had a nickel for every time I saw a dog in a grocery store, ice cream store and restaurant. What is wrong with people?”
And finally … on this date in 1915, he last Australian troops were evacuated from Gallipoli. It was one of the most significant — and consequential — battles of World War I.
After 38 years of nourishing Westport, Organic Market owners Maggie and Charles Vosgueritchian are retiring.
But the Playhouse Square mainstay’s many fans should not worry. The new owners — chef Talin and her partner Mary — share the same values, and commitment to quality and wellness.
They will continue the Organic Market’s mission, while bringing fresh ideas to the new chapter.
“We’re honored to continue the legacy that Maggie and Charles built,” Talin and Mary say.
“Our goal is to preserve everything the community loves about The Organic Market, while expanding on its vision of healthy, sustainable living.”
The health food store and café specializes in organic groceries, fresh juices and homemade meals.
The Vosgueritchians — who are retiring — bought the business in 1987. The transition takes place January 2.
“We are deeply grateful for the support of our loyal customers, our wonderful staff, and the Westport community that has grown with us through the years,” Maggie says.
“It has been an honor to serve this town, and to share in so many moments of connection, nourishment and joy.”
She and Charles look forward to sharing memories with customers through the holidays.
In a dark time, the third annual event for Jewish women to celebrate Hanukkah together was, like the Festival of Lights itself, a warm, bright spot.
Over 70 women gathered at The Blondinit on Tuesday. Rabbi Shira Sklar led the candle lighting. A raffle of an Israeli wine tasting, donated by Blondinit owner Inda Sale, raised funds for Enosh, the largest mental health organization in Israel supporting the hostages, families and victims of the October 7 massacre.
The event — organized by Charlene Zeiberg, Carolyn Cohen and Stephanie Feingold — grew out of an anonymous post on social media 2 years ago, asking how to make connections with other Jewish women. The result was a Hanukkah gathering: a space to connect, find comfort, and share the hope of the holiday.
Hanukkah gathering. Blondinit owner Inda Sale is in front, 2nd from right.
Green’s Farms Church celebrates the seasons of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany with a special artist’s reception this Friday (December 19, 6 to 7:30 p.m.).
The evening features “The Light Shines in the Darkness.” Katie Nelson Troyer’s paintings explore “illumination, movement, and the quiet power of spiritual encounter.”
The reception includes refreshments and live music from Katie and her husband Scott.
Paintings by Katie Nelson Troyer
=================================================
Westport Police did not make any custodial arrests between December 10 and 16.
They issued these citations:
Texting while driving: 10 citations
Failure to grant right of way: 3
Failure to renew registration: 3
Traveling unreasonably fast: 2
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 2
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
Failure to register a commercial vehicle: 1
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension (alcohol): 1
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 1
Improper use of markers: 1
Texting while driving is illegal — even at a red light.
And finally … on this date in 1892 — just in time for Christmas — Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker” premiered in St. Petersburg, Russia.
(“06880” has not been around as long as the Organic Market. But — like the beloved business — we’re part of this town, and rely on you for support. If you appreciate our work, please click here. Thanks!)
Last night — barely 24 hours after a mass shooting at an Australian Hanukkah celebration — Westporters gathered for the first night of the Festival of Lights.
Rabbi Yehuda Kantor told the crowd: “We must not be pulled down — only up. Light your candles to bring warmth to your home, and light to the world.”
Rabbi Yehuda Kantor, with Chabad’s ice menorah. (Hat tip and photo/Matthew Mandell)
=================================================
If you hoped for a resolution of the “Blue House” — aka 233 Hillspoint Road — saga by the end of the year: You’ll have to wait (quite a bit) longer.
This is one wish not even Santa can grant.
Any closing or progress on the completion of the years-long eyesore diagonally opposite Old Mill Deli has been postponed again.
The reason: new litigation.
Unknown to either the seller or buyer at the October auction, the underlying borrower filed 4 liens less than 24 hours before the auction.
Two were against Summit Westport LLC, who owned the property. Two were mechanic’s liens against the property.
The lender — GLP 2206 LLC — initiated foreclosure action on December 2, to clear title. Any Stamford-Norwalk court action will happen in 2026.
The primary defendants are Summit Westport, LLC and James Pendry personally.
233 Hillspoint Road, in July. Not much has changed since then — except the weather.
=================================================
The Connecticut Department of Transportation hosts a “consulting meeting” on how its plan for the William F. Cribari Bridge will affect the landmark properties of the National Historic Bridge Street District.
The session is this Thursday (December 18, 6 p.m., Town Hall).
The Cribari Bridge is on the National Register of Historic Places. (Photo/Ferdinand Jahnel)
================================================
Westporters were out in droves yesterday, photographing the very New England holiday season-ish snow.
“06880” posted more than a dozen great photos. This one from downtown came in later — and it’s a bit more whimsical than all those shots of back yards, fences and (of course) the Minute Man:
Friday’s first-ever Holiday Craft & Gift Sale at the Westport Senior Center was a hit!. A large crowd enjoyed — and bought — items from local artisans.
Senior Center director Wendy Petty, and her staff and volunteers, organized every detail. It was one more special offering, from a center that continually delivers them, to seniors — and many others too. (Hat tip: Linda Doyle)
The Senior Center welcomes the holidays. (Photo/Ed Simek)
A gentle reminder: As you plan year-end giving, please keep “06880” in mind.
We’re a non-profit dedicating to educating the public and creating community, so all contributions are tax-deductible. Corporate matching grants are welcome too!
You can donate online, or by Venmo, Zelle or old-school check. Click here for details. And thank you!
And finally … on this date in 1893, Antonín Dvořák’s “Symphony No. 9” — the “New World Symphony” — premiered at Carnegie Hall.
(From the blue house to the Cribari Bridge — and everywhere in between — “06880” brings you all the Westport news. And we do it 24/7/365. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
In the aftermath of the shooting of 11 Jewish Hanukkah celebrants at Bondi Beach in Australia, Chabad of Westport Rabbi Yehuda Kantor and his wife Dina say:
The news out of Sydney has us shocked to the core.
As you may know I was born in Sydney, in the Bondi region. I’m personally familiar with many of those who were injured, and the Chabad rabbi to boot. It’s truly shocking. A very dark day.
Yet whilst it’s a dark day — tonight we usher in a night of light. The Festival of Light.
At times, it’s difficult to reconcile the evil that exists in this world with the inherent good that underpins this world. The heaviness and despondency that accompanies evil acts shatters our sense of security and balance which leaves us reeling.
Ironically, yet not so ironic, the very message of Chanukah is the counterbalance — setting the record straight. Eight days that imparts and empowers the truth of life. Light prevails over darkness. Goodness trounces every element of darkness at the core.
Tonight we will gather to light the menorah. We must do it with even greater strength. We must do so with a sense of purpose and mission. We must recognize that evil has no place and the only way to confront it is with strength, joy and determination.
Effectively, we are the ambassadors of this message to the world, and Chanukah is the headquarters of this message. It’s therefore imperative to stand tall and proud, resolute and fearless with a message to the world — light and goodness will always prevail!!
If you’re available come out, join us tonight as we light a 6-foot ice menorah and celebrate, dance, cry and laugh (5:30 p.m. ice carving will take place; 6 p.m. will be the lighting).
But if you’re up to it, let’s go even one step further: join our car menorah parade (5 p.m. around Westport, with police accompaniment) — telling the message in a proud and loud manner.
Please let us know you’ll be joining — email mendel@chabadofwestport.com, or click here and scroll down.
Together we shall prevail, and we shall prosper!
“Light the World With Hope” (Diane Yormark’s handmade ceramic menorah).
Basso — the tapas-and-more restaurant that moved to Westport from Norwalk in the middle of the pandemic — is closing.
An email sent yesterday from the Jesup Road spot that replaced Matsu Sushi says: “After nearly 19 wonderful years of serving our community, it is with mixed emotions that we announce the closing of Basso on Thursday, December 18.
“This decision was not made lightly; we have truly cherished every moment shared with you, our loyal guests and friends.
“We want to express our deepest gratitude for your unwavering support, kindness, and the many memories we’ve created together. It has been an honor to be part of your lives—celebrating milestones, hosting your special occasions, and sharing countless meals and conversations.
“As we prepare to close this chapter, we warmly invite you to visit us one last time to reminisce and enjoy your favorite dishes. Thank you for being such an essential part of our story. You will always hold a special place in our hearts.”
I’ve long held a special place in my heart for Basso. The food has been delicious and creative; the hospitality is warm and genuine; the vibe has been great for the town.
Thank you, Renato, Ela, and all who made Basso a favorite destination.
Along with tapas, Basso featured pizzas, from its great wood-fired oven (rear).
================================================
One (restaurant) door closes, and another opens: Westport will soon have another fast-casual, create-your-own-bowl-or-salad dining spot.
Naya arrives Wednesday (December 17), in the Gold’s half of Compo Shopping Center.
The offerings are similar to Sweetgreen, Just Salad, and the very similarly named Cava (click here for the menu). Naya, though, positions itself as “Middle Eastern.”
They’ve got more than a dozen locations in New York City and Long Island. This will be Naya’s second restaurant in Connecticut, after Darien — and its northernmost and easternmost site.
Sticking with today’s food theme, there’s news from Pop-Up Bagels.
Like Basso, they popped up in Westport during the pandemic. In just a few years, Adam Goldberg turned his COVID hobby into a full-blown, award-winning business.
Outlets sprouted in Fairfield, Greenwich and Newtown. Then came New York — a bold (and winning) move — followed by Massachusetts, North Carolina, Florida and California.
The latest Pop-up Bagels is in Portland, Maine. Chip Stephens — a 1973 Staples High School graduate and former Planning & Zoning commissioner, now chief enforcement officer for two Maine towns — spotted this on yesterday’s news:
They’re not stopping now. The next Pop-Up Bagels is planned for Wailea-Makena, Hawaii.
Which means they may need to rethink their motto: “Not famous, but known.”
From coast to coast — and beyond — everyone is learning about (and loving) Pop-Up Bagels.
=================================================
Also on the move — though this one is up, not out: a house on Danbury Avenue, near Soundview Drive.
(Photo/Matt Murray)
Like many in the oft-flooded neighborhood, it is being raised to become FEMA-compliant.
Which is a lot better than being razed, to become bigger, taller and broader.
=================================================
The first snowfall of the season was perfect: overnight, not overpowering, light and lovely.
Westport celebrated National Wreaths Across America Day yesterday.
VFW Post 399 quartermaster Phil Delgado, Post 399 Auxiliary vice commander Patty Kondub, Joan Polayes, and Scout Troops 39 and 139 honored veterans with a tribute at Assumption Church’s Greens Farms Cemetery.
Post 399 members and volunteers lay remembrance wreaths on over 400 graves. Each wreath symbolized the community’s gratitude, respect and commitment to never forget those who served.
Scouts participating in National Wreaths Across America day (from left): Blake Schuler Ashley Charise, Preston DeRosa, Austin Charise, Will Bernard, Will Manes, Sam Pollack and Alec Mraz. Not pictured: Jacob Luna and Ian Curran.
“A Sherlock Carol” — the family-friendly holiday show written and directed by Mark Shanahan, Westport Country Playhouse artistic director, opened last night for its third annual run there. Click here for tickets, and more information.
The cast of “A Sherlock Carol” takes their bows …
… and writer/director Mark Shanahan is thanked by audience members, after the show. (Photos/Dave Matlow)
=================================================
Hanukkah begins tonight, at sundown.
Steve Stein welcomed some early visitors yesterday:
More times than not, I’ve had good interactions with Optimum’s customer service.
Yesterday was one of those “not” times.
The (very) short version: I called the “retention” department to ask for a lower rate. I’ve been a customer since 1993 — I was one of the first dozen or so in Westport to sign up for a cable modem — and this is a ritual I now go through every few months.
The first question — after giving the same information twice, to a bot and a human — was “if we get disconnected, what’s the best callback number?”
(I’ve always found it odd that a company that provides phone service worries about disconnected calls, but whatever.)
I provided my cell number. She read it back to me. On we went.
She spent 15 minutes (supposedly) researching the best retention option. I’m sure she was juggling 3 or 4 other calls at the same time.
Then we got disconnected.
I expected a call back.
It never came.
I finally called again. This time, the customer service representative may have asked again for a callback number. I could not tell though, because whatever language he was speaking, it was not English.
Finally — a full 1 hour and 12 minutes after I began — I got a (middling) retention offer. I’m saving about $30 a month, and will have to go through the same dance again next year.
Was it worth it? I bill my writing clients $200 an hour, so 12 months to save $360 is a bit of a savings.
Weighing in the agita factor, though … probably not.
PS: If anyone at Cablevision is reading this and wants to contact me — well, someone there has my number.
================================================
Years ago, the group below would spend weekday mornings teaching, writing lesson plans, meeting with students, and dealing with administrators and parents.
These days, they do none of that.
And every so often, these ROMEOs — Retired Old Men Eating Out, all of whom spend decades in the Westport schools — get together for breakfast at the Monroe Diner.
How many can you name? Answers below the photo.
From left: Jim Wheeler, Al Jolley, Jim Honeycutt, Bruce McFadden, Toby Watson, Steve Rexford, Bob Selverstone, Werner Liepolt, Ed Bludnicki, Pete Van Hagen, Stan Rhodes.
Yesterday’ Roundup story on the Eartha Kitt/”Santa Baby” composer connection left out one key detail: That it happened at WEST, the Post Road East store owned by the singer’s daughter, Kitt Shapiro.
Here it is again. Hopefully it makes more sense this time:
More than 70 years after its release, “Santa Baby” remains one of the most popular Christmas songs of all time.
Eartha Kitt sang it in 1953. She later moved to Weston, where she died of colon cancer on — coincidentally — Christmas Day, in 2008.
Her daughter Kitt Shapiro now owns WEST, a very popular women’s shop, on Post Road East.
An older woman came into the store on Thursday. Her name was Joan Javits — and she co-wrote “Santa Baby,” all those years ago. (She’s 97 years old — though she sure doesn’t look it!)
Kitt Shapiro and Joan Javits, at WEST.
It may not be the Christmas miracle of 2,000 years ago.
But it’s still pretty amazing.
PS: Among the lyrics Eartha Kitt sang were:
Come and trim my Christmas tree
With some decorations bought at Tiffany’s.
I wonder if after leaving WEST, Joan Javits crossed the street and walked a few yards west.
To buy some decorations at — you know the rest.
============================================
Nancy Vener was up early yesterday. She photographed the fiery sunrise over Burritt Cove, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature:
And finally … to all the customer service agents at Optimum (story above):
(Your favorite restaurant may be closing. Your internet service provider may drop your call. But “06880” will always be here for you — so long as you click here to support our work. Thanks!)
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: dwoog@optonline.net. Thanks!)
GET THE “06880” APP
The “06880” app (search for it on the Apple or Android store) is the easiest way to get “06880.” Choose notifications: whenever a new post is published, or once or twice a day. Click here for details.
