Sometimes I’m a cranky Westporter complaining about the rudeness and dangerous drivers at 4-way stops, especially along Cross Highway.
But the other night I was gobsmacked by a young man at McDonald’s. He kept waiting to hold the door for me — and then insisted on paying for my burger when I realized I had to run back to my car for my forgotten credit card.
I patted him on the back and asked, “What made you the nicest person in the world?”
I am elated to see such kindness and generosity from a Gen Z-er. It’s a generation I study for business, and don’t always give a good rap to.
Pay it forward!
(To nominate an Unsung Hero, email 06880blog@gmail.com)
(“Unsung Hero” is a weekly feature. If you enjoy it — or anything else on “06880” — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
The Long Lots Elementary School project took one small step forward last night.
The Board of Finance discussed the project, in the first of 3 expected meetings.
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker laid out the rest of the timetable, at Town Hall.
The Parks & Recreation Commission meets Monday (October 30, 7 p.m., Town Hall auditorium; click here for livestream), and will follow up with at least one more meeting.
The Planning & Zoning Commission will then hear an 8-24 (land use) application — most likely, not before December.
Then, a request for design specs will go to the Board of Finance and Representative Town Meeting, beginning with relevant committees.
Despite being behind schedule, Tooker still aims for for construction to begin a year from now, in the fall of 2024.
The current plan for a new building at Long Lots Elementary School must be heard — and approved — by several town bodies.
This Saturday (October 28, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Aspetuck Health District, 180 Bayberry Lane), the Westport Police Department partners with the US Drug Enforcement Administration, for the 25th annual Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
Residents are asked to look in medicine cabinets and drawers for medications that are no longer needed, or out of date. The service is free and anonymous, with no questions asked.
Take Back Day has removed more than 8,300 tons of medication from circulation since its inception.
Collection sites cannot accept illicit drugs, needles or sharps; only pills or patches.
Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container, with caps tightly sealed.
Vape pens with removable batteries can be disposed of at the take-back site. Vape pens without removable batteries are not accepted.
A year-round collection bin is available in the lobby of Westport police headquarters. Prescription drugs can be disposed of any time there. Click here for more information.
As tensions mount internationally, domestically and locally, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation hopes residents can come together.
“All of us are spiritual people, no matter our personal faith traditions or religious affiliations,” the UU says. “We can find solace in community … in peace, in meditation, and in reflection.”
This Saturday (October 28, 4 to 5 p.m., the sanctuary, 10 Lyons Plains Road), Rev. Alan Tayler and others will lead attendees through a meditative experience.
“It will be a time to just be, in quiet, with one another, with a very few readings and with cellist Gunnar Sahlin offering some lovely cello pieces,” the UU adds.
For over 100 years, the 1917 home at 44 Compo Mill Cove — one of the most distinctive, and most photographed homes i Westport — has weathered hurricanes and nor’easters.
It’s seen the Old Mill neighborhood change from summer shacks to multi-million-dollar properties.
Several experts thought it was too fragile to work with. But new owners Lance and Anne Lonergan wanted to preserve it.
With the help of Michael Greenberg & Associates, and a firm in Pennsylvania, they’re lifting it, renovating it, and adding on some modern features — while retaining its bones and beauty.
Here’s to another century, as the “Queen of Compo Cove.”
The effort — involving the state Department of Transportation, property owner, restaurant owner, Earthplace and Eversource.
Town officials, including Representative Town Meeting members, were key parts of the negotiations.
Representative Town Meeting members in front of the Sakura trees (from left): Don O’Day, Claudia Shaum, Andrew Colabella, Matthew Mandell, Chris Tait, Jay Keenan, Seth Braunstein.
“While walking on Burying Hill beach twice last weekend, I saw huge numbers of golf balls in the water. They come from golfers practicing their chipping, into the Sound.
“From an environmental point of view, I imagine these break down eventually and pose any number of hazards. In the meantime, it is unsightly litter.
“I took over 100 golf balls out of the water. The current pulls them out and around Frost Point back towards Burying Hill Beach. The density is always thickest toward Southport.
“I know there are many many greater issues in our town, country and world, but this seems like an easy one to fix. Perhaps the person watching the sunset and ceaselessly chipping balls from their yard into the water is unaware of potential issues with the practice, or perhaps they just don’t care.
This sign — spotted on Post Road West, near what may be the worst 4-way intersection in town — sums up many residents’ feelings about the ongoing I-95 Saugatuck Avenue bridge rehabilitation project:
Speaking of the VFW: If you bought tickets to Jon Gailmor’s “First Folk Sunday” appearance November 5 at the VFW, you’re in luck. As noted last weekend on “06880,” the 1966 Staples High School graduate is a special performer.
If you did not get tickets, you’re out of luck: The show is sold out.
Keep reading our Roundup, though, for future shows in this very cool monthly series.
Jon Gailmor
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So — still looking for something to do November 5?
The Westport School of Music offers “An Afternoon of Hot Jazz & Cool Classics” (4 p.m., MoCA Westport).
The law firm of Nguyen Lefft sponsors this chamber music concert. They’ll honor all Westport non-profit and public school music educators, and have invited them to attend.
Eleven musicians will present jazz favorites, light French classics, 2 Strauss songs, and piano 4-hands works.
Afterwards, audience members can greet the artists, and enjoy wine, hors d’oeuvres, pizza and juice.
Speaking of MoCA: 2 important events have been added to their calendar.
On November 18 (7 p.m.), 2022 Heida Hermanns Competition laureate Artem Kuznetsov returns, after performing around the world.
November 21 (7 p.m.) brings the Django Festival Allstars. They’ve played top festivals and concert halls across the US, including Newport Jazz, the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, and 24 years at Birdland in New York.
Longtime Westporter Russell Sherman discussed his varied and interesting career yesterday, at the Westport Rotary Club’s weekly meeting.
The Staples High School graduate started out in television sports broadcasting, then was head of corporate public relations at Bear Stearns when it collapsed in 2008.
He launched his own consulting firm, which was acquired by Prosek Partners.
Sherman also hosts a podcast, “Press Profiles,” where he interviews leading business reporters, anchors and editors.
Russell Sherman (Photo/Ellin Curley)
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Claudia Sherwood Servidio captured today’s gorgeous “Westport … Naturally” image, o a recent late afternoon off Cross Highway.
(Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)
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And finally … following up on the Unitarian Universalist Congregation’s “come together” invitation for this Saturday (story above):
(Another day, another jam-packed “06880” Roundup. If you enjoy, learn from or otherwise appreciate this daily feature, please support our work. Click here — and thank you!)
Westport Police offer this update on the vessel that sank near Cockenoe Island on Sunday:
Just before noon yesterday, they located the boat near buoy #2. The search for 2 missing boaters continued all day — even as the WPD was dealing with a major incident involving 2 stolen vehicles, and the arrests of 9 suspects.
At 4:30 p.m., the Westport Police Marine Division was notified of a body in the water approximately 3 miles northeast of the sunken boat. A Bridgeport Fire boat was first on scene, and recovered the body from the Sound.
At Bridgeport Harbor they were met by Westport Police, Connecticut Medical Examiner’s Office, and the family of the victim. He is 38-year-old Juan Gabriel Valle Pineda of Spring Valley, New York.
His body was taken to the office of the chief medical examiner for an autopsy. Westport Police extend their sympathies to this family, and hope to recover the second missing person. That search was suspended last night, at 9 p.m.
It’s been a while since the weeping cherry blossom trees in front of Sakura were in the news.
No news is good news.
After being slated for destruction during the Post Road renovation project, it appears they’ve been saved.
Sakura blossoms (Photo/Bob Mitchell)
Andrew Colabella — the Representative Town Meeting member whose initial involvement helped draw attention to the plight of the beloved cherry blossoms — passes along word from Joseph Sorcinelli, construction project engineer for the state Department of Transportation.
The trees may still be pruned, for utility clearance. There is also a concern involving the planned sidewalk elevation, and the pine tree on the property just west of the Sakura driveway.
But it does appear that — as noted during discussions in March, with town officials, the property owner and restaurant owner, Earthplace, Connecticut DOT and Eversource — the icons will remain.
That’s good news indeed.
And next spring, the only weeping will be the trees’.
The long-anticipated traffic-opalypse — resulting from the “bridge slide” replacement on I-95 over Saugatuck Avenue — did not take place until Sunday afternoon.
Here’s what it looked like at dusk:
(Photo/Ward French)
The new span sat lonely and still unopened. Meanwhile, southbound drivers sat.
Meanwhile, kudos to all who made the “slide” happen.
AI Engineers (who probably named their firm long before ChatGPT was a thing) posted this on LinkedIn:
“Major milestone on I-95 [sic] in Norwalk, CT! This past weekend, our talented team oversaw the first successful Accelerated Bridge Slide for the project. As the prime consultant, AI Engineers is not only committed to the safety and efficiency of the construction, but we’re also keen on sharing our knowledge. Our engineers have crafted an animation to demonstrate this innovative slide in action.
“Balancing the bustling traffic of I-95 in Norwalk, minimizing the impact to neighboring communities in Norwalk and Westport, and adhering to precise schedules – notably the season-specific bridge slide – demands careful planning and flexibility.
“Proud to be at the forefront of innovation, ensuring better and safer roads for everyone!
Stew Leonard’s 32nd annual Hanukkah menorah lighting celebration is set for Thursday, December 7 (5 p.m.).
Rabbi Yehoshua Hecht of Beth Israel Chabad will light an 18-foot menorah. Everyone is invited to enjoy live music, holiday songs and pre-packaged kosher refreshments. Hot potato latkes, dreidels and chocolate gelt will be distributed to all.
The 2021 menorah lighting at Stew Leonard’s
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David Berkman sold out his first “Jazz at the Post” shows.
This Thursday (October 26, 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7 p.m.; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; $15 cover charge), he’s back for more.
He’s joined by Dayna Stephens, an exciting saxophonist and one of Greg Wall’s favorites. (“The Jazz Rabbi” — who will play too — is no slouch on sax himself.)
Rounding out the quintet are bassist Marty Kenney and drummer Curtis Nowosad.
Reservations are strongly encouraged: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
Lynn Flint’s special 1-day estate show, to benefit Bridgeport artists in need of help with rent, food, fuel and materials, is this Thursday (October 26, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 1 Belaire Drive on Saugatuck Avenue near the Norwalk border).
A few of the many items available at the estate sale to benefit Bridgeport artists.
And finally … in honor of the good news from Sakura (story above):
(Let “06880” be the first to wish you a Happy Hanukkah! And let us remind you for the umpteenth time: Westport’s hyper-local blog relies on reader support. Please click here to help. Thank you!)
At least, that’s what I figure after readers responded quickly to last week’s Photo Challenge.
Ed Simek’s shot showed tables, chairs, umbrellas and potted plants. One person thought it was Terrain, another the Black Duck. But everyone else knew it was the outdoor dining area at the popular restaurant across from Coffee An’. (Click here to see.)
Congratulations to Rachel Halperin-Zibelman, Susan Iseman, Kate Caputo Squyres, Andrew Colabella, Janice Strizever, Susan Yules, Marjolin Baxendale and Meredieth Messing.
If’ “06880” gave out prizes to winners, you’d get gift cards to the restaurant.
But we don’t.
Still, we hope you’ll play this week too. If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.
In a lightning-quick meeting last night, the Long Lots School Building Committee voted formally to do what it had previously discussed: send to 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker the recommendation to build “Concept C,” an entirely new elementary school next to the present one.
However, the LLSBC added another recommendation: that the Westport Community Gardens (which will be displaced by a new baseball field) be relocated to Baron’s South, the town-owned property between Compo Road South and Imperial Avenue.
Meeting later last night in a long session, the Board of Education agreed 5-1 that plans for the new school follow from the educational specifications they approved last April.
Member Robert Harrington offered an amendment that would keep the Gardens at their present location, just south of the school. That motion failed 4-2, with Dorie Hordon joining Harrington.
The majority said that the gardens’ future is up to other bodies in town. The Board of Ed’s focus, they said, is on the school only, and moving ahead is imperative.
The Long Lots project must still be approved by several town bodies, including the Board of Finance, Conservation Commission and Representative Town Meeting.
The Baron’s South property, recommended by the Long Lots School Building Committee as the new site for the Westport Community Gardens. (Photo/Morley Boyd)
That’s what WestportMoms banks on. Their twice-postponed 3rd annual Fall Festival is set for this Sunday (October 22), at the fields across from the Compo Beach playground.
Painters, sports, pumpkin decorating, hair tinsel, a magic show, bracelet making and more are all in store. All kids and families are welcome.
Bring layers, WestportMoms advise. It may be windy.
Town-wide curbside leaf collection begins November 6.
All leaves must be placed in biodegradable paper bags near the curb of a town street by December 4 to guarantee pick-up. Residents on private streets must place their leaves behind the curb of an intersecting town roadway. Leaves placed in plastic bags will not be picked up,
Crews will complete pick-ups as schedules allow. For further information, call the Department of Public Works 203-341-1120), or click here.
The 180 Bayberry Lane yard waste site (behind the Aspetuck Health District) will extend its Saturday hours, from October 28 through December 4.
The extended Saturday hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Westport residents with proof of residency may dump up to 6 30-gallon bags or containers full of leaves without a fee. Plastic bags are prohibited.
Any van, pickup or tag-along trailer exceeding the 6-bag limit will be charged $40 per load. Any vehicle or trailer larger than a conventional pickup with a 4-foot by 8-foot bed will be charged $90 per ton.
Any vehicles with a 9-foot body, or vehicles changed to significantly enlarge their factory design size, will be charged $90 per ton, estimated at 2 tons without weigh slip ($180).
Dump tickets must be purchased at Town Hall’s Public Works office weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or by writing the Department of Public Works, 110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport, CT 06880.
Yard waste at 180 Bayberry Lane.
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It’s pretty impressive for a high school golfer to shoot a 73.
It’s even more so when 2 do it.
Harrison Browne and Sawyer Dalzell tied for the individual title at yesterday’s FCIAC (Fairfield County Conference) championship, at Tashua Knolls in Trumbull.
Their 1-over-par rounds helped the Wreckers to a 1-stroke team title over Fairfield Warde.
Congratulations to them, teammates Gus Palmer (79), Philip Sullivan (82) and Chris Taylor (83), and coach Pete Caligiure. On to states!
FCIAC champion Staples High School boys golf team. (Hat tip and photo/The Ruden Report)
Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between October 11 and 18.
A woman was arrested for shoplifting at HomeGoods. A man was arrested for criminal trespass and disorderly conduct, after a domestic violence incident.
Police also issued these citations:
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 10 citations
Traveling unreasonably fast: 5
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 4
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 3
Speeding: 2
Passing a standing school bus: 1
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
Following too closely: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
Failure to insure a motor vehicle: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Improper use of marker plates: 1
Possession of a vicious/barking dog: 1
Permitting a dog to roam: 1
Failure to comply with dog ownership regulations: 1
A Westport woman was charged with 3 dog violations. This is not that dog.
“Commuting seems to have leveled off. Is there consideration to opening up some daily spaces in the railroad parking permit areas? Not to mention the boats parked there!”
Westport Police are in charge of railroad parking (among many other things). Chief Foti Koskinas notes that while Monday and Friday usage of lots is lower than pre-COVID, they are fairly full Tuesdays through Thursdays.
Deputy Chief Dave Farrell adds:
“The lot that stores the winterized boats is privately owned, and is not managed by the railroad parking division of the PD.
“Meanwhile, we constantly monito our lots and make changes as necessary. At this time, we will not be adding daily spots to permit lots.
“I encourage daily spot users to check out Lot 7 on Franklin Street. It’s a convenient lot that does not fill up, and has direct access to Riverside Avenue.
“Also, Lot 8 will soon be available for our daily spots as the I-95 project will wrap up within a month or so.”
Click on or hover over to enlarge this railroad station parking map.
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Still speaking of driving:
David Meth waited yesterday patiently, with other drivers, in the southbound lane of Compo Road North by Winslow Park. As everyone knows, it can take a while to get to the Post Road.
One person couldn’t wait. This driver attempted to jump the line — with predictable results.
But wait! There’s more!
This very same driver — after finally reaching the Post Road (along with everyone else), and making a right turn — zoomed into Playhouse Square.
And — feeling entitled after waiting all that time — promptly grabbed not one but two parking spots, in the always-crowded lot.
(Photos/David Meth)
“Driving in this town is out of control, supplanted by entitlement, arrogance, rudeness, and unrelenting stupidity,” David observes.
Where do you go if your dad writes a new will right before he dies, leaving a sizeable fortune to the dog walker he met 3 months ago?
Where do you go if you want a schizophrenic family member committed to a hospital for treatment, or put under conservatorship to protect him from himself?
The answer to both questions is “Probate Court.” At this week’s lunch meeting, the Westport Rotary Club heard Lisa Wexler, Probate Court judge for Westport and Weston, discuss how she deals with issues like those every day.
Wexler called Probate Court “Family Court without the divorce.” She decides over 3,300 matters a year, many involving family members at each other’s throats. She noted that if her life was made into a TV show, it would be “’Parks and Recreation’ meets ‘Blue Bloods.’”
Probate Court Judge Lisa Wexler, at the Westport Rotary Club. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
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More than 6 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s. Next Friday (October 27 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.), the Westport Weston Family YMCA hosts a discussion by the Alzheimer’s Association’s Connecticut chapter.
The presentation will speak cover the Association’s resources, ways to get involved. healthy behaviors, Alzheimer’s impact on the workplace, its effects on caregivers, and more.
Say She She closed out the 2023 Levitt Pavilion concert season last night.
That’s a wrap: About 60 nights of free entertainment, under the stars.
The stars — well, the air — was a bit chilly last night. But it’s only a few months until the air will be warm again, and music will be back on the banks of the Saugatuck.
Say She She, at the Levitt Pavilion. (Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)
But the weather this week was pretty good. Tracy Porosoff was in her garden, photographing beautiful sights like this for our “Westport … Naturally” daily feature.
And finally … as the colors change, and the foliage blazes (though perhaps not this week), it’s time to remember Simon & Garfunkel’s classic tune:
Today, as always, “06880”‘s Roundup delivers a broad array of Westport-specific news and notes. If you rely on this coverage, please support our work. Click here — and thank you!)
Last Sunday — just 24 hours after Hamas’ brutal attack on Israel — 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker released a strong statement.
She said then:
The attack on Israel and its citizens is horrifying. There is no justification for senseless acts of violence.
I as the 1st Selectwoman of Wesetport, along with our residents, stand with the people of Israel as they defend their country in the face of unspeakable terrorist acts.
Many Westporters have family and friends in Israel. Our community is profoundly affected by this tragedy. I extend my deepest condolences for the lives lost.
We are with you, Israel.
She reiterated her words yesterday. In a joint statement, Tooker and TEAM Westport chair Harold Bailey said:
TEAM Westport joins the Town of Westport and our First Selectwoman in offering its deepest solidarity and sorrow to the people of Israel for the unspeakable and unfathomable acts of inhumanity they have suffered at the hands of Hamas. As such, we also decry any attempts to justify or celebrate those atrocities. While there is much to be done to ensure stability over the long-term, in whatever is done, we urge the unrelenting focus on the humanity of all potential victims involved.
On the home front, we fully support the increased protection of the Jewish community within Westport and the greater U.S. against the rising scourge of antisemitism. Overall, we encourage all segments of our community to join as one in this support with the full understanding that when one of us is harmed, we are all harmed.
Many town officials — including 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, in the front row directly in front of Senator Richard Blumenthal — were at Monday’s solidarity gathering at Temple Israel. (Photo/Allison Wachstein)
The I-95 northbound entrance ramp at Exit 17 will be closed beginning Monday, October 16 through Friday, October 31. The closure is part of the ongoing bridge rehabilitation project. Traffic will be detoured to Riverside Avenue, then to the Post Road, Sherwood Island Connector, and onto Exit 18.
In addition, parts of I-95 itself will be closed — as will the northbound Exit 17 entrance and exit ramps, and the southbound exit ramp — along with nearby Saugatuck Avenue, from 8 p.m. Friday, October 20, through 6 a.m. Monday, October 23.
The closures are necessary for the new I-95 northbound bridge to be placed using Accelerated Bridge Construction techniques. While I-95 northbound is closed, 2 lanes of I-95 northbound traffic will be crossed over on the I-95 southbound bridge. Traffic flow in both directions will be severely impacted all weekend.
For additional information on the project, including detours, click here.
The I-95 Exit 17 entrance and exit ramps were closed intermittently last week. Blasting helped prepare the site for the “bridge slide” coming soon.
For several years, James Naughton has been a passionate, articulate advocate for proposed medical aid in dying state legislation.
On Monday (October 16, 7 p.m., Westport Library) the Tony-winning actor and Weston resident — whose wife died after a long battle with pancreatic cancer — leads an important discussion.
“Medical Aid in Dying: Connecticut Wants It; Why Isn’t It the Law?” includes State Representative Jonathan Steinberg (former co-chair of the Public Health Committee); State Senator Ceci Maher; filmmaker Maribeth Abrams, who is producing a documentary about advocate Kim Hoffman, who died in 2022, and Tim Appleton, campaign director of Compassion & Choices.
“Houdini” (Jackson) and well over 100 other Club 203 guests packed the Senior Center Thursday, for the social club for adults disabilities monthly get-together.
Houdini (aka Jackson) at the Club 203 Halloween party.
This one was (of course) Halloween-themed. Attendees enjoyed Spooky Bingo, a barbecue, baked goods, candy (of course) and more.
Senior Center staff helped facilitate the event. Sweet P Bakery, Fresh Market, Stop & Shop and CVS provided donations, while MOCA led “frightening” art projects. Club 203 co-founders Stacie Curran and Sharuna Mahesh also thanked the many volunteers who helped.
Good times at the Senior Center, for Club 203 members and friends.
In what has become an annual tradition, RTM members celebrated Restaurant Week with a lunch last yesterday. This year’s site: Zucca, which has replaced Tarry Lodge in Saugatuck.
On hand were 24 of the 36 representatives, plus 2 former moderators (assistant town attorney Eileen Lavigne Flug and Velma Heller), plus Town Clerk Jeffrey Dunkerton and Tatiana Plachi of the town clerk’s office.
Pro tip: Restaurant Week is actually two weeks. The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce event ends tomorrow (Sunday). For a list of restaurants and their special deals, click here.
RTM members and friends celebrate Restaurant Week at Zucca.
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Amidst a gaggle of signs — for political candidates, upcoming galas, sports registration, driveway paving companies and everything else — there is a new, official looking one, in the rear of Compo Acres Shopping Center, by Compo Road South:
That’s a sign we can all agree belongs there. 988 is the new, important, easy-to-remember 24-hour hotline for people in crisis, including those considering suicide.
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Fred Cantor and his wife Debbie Silberstein recently visited their former neighbors, Gordon and Dot Hall.
They’ve lived in the same house near Hillspoint Road since 1955.
Dot recently celebrated her 92nd birthday. Gordon will soon be 96.
This fall marks the 70th anniversary of the beginning of their Westport teaching careers.
Fred wonders if there are any other married teaching couples around from the 1950s?
To which I’ll add: Are there any other teachers — period — from that decade still in Westport?
Westport was not the only artists’ colony in these parts.
Weston had a robust arts history too. On November 15 and 16 (6:30 p.m.), the Weston History & Cultural Center offers a look into their lives — along with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and insights from curator Laurie Weiss.
It’s called “Weston Illustrated: Penned, Painted and Sculpted.” Among the featured artists, who lived and/or worked in Weston during the first half of the 20th century: Wood Cowan, Charles and James Daugherty, Stevan Dohanos, John Held Jr., Ada “Johnny” Held, William Meade Prince, Laura Gardin Fraser and Stuart Benson
The event is limited to 12 people per night. Tickets $30 for members, $40 for non-members) include a signature cocktail and light appetizers. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
Aspetuck Land Trust’s next “Lunch & Learn” webinar is Friday (October 20, noon to 1:15 p.m.).
The topic is “Cultivating Backyard Habitat for Pollinators in Every Season.” It will be led by Desiree Narango, conservation scientist at the Vermont Center for Ecostudies.
Diva Showstoppers — featuring a Glinda and Elphaba from the Broadway company of “Wicked” — flies into Westport for two shows on one day this winter: January 20.
“Good Witch/Bad Witch” has entertained audiences across the US, with its vocals and banter.
It’s recommended for ages 7 and up — including parents. All tickets are $40. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
Former Staples High School assistant coach Ty Matthew Guarente died Wednesday, surrounded by his family. He was 28.
His obituary says: “the son of the late Lisa Marie Guarente and Gary Guarente faced life’s challenges with remarkable bravery, inspiring all who knew him. Despite the obstacles he encountered, his spirit remained unbreakable. He touched the lives of many with his kindness, resilience, infectious smile and sense of humor.”
Ty was a 2012 graduate of Brien McMahon High School, where he was a varsity letterman in football, wrestling and lacrosse. He earned a bachelor of science in sports management from West Virginia University. He was treasurer and head of recruiting for Theta Chi fraternity.
After graduating Ty returned home to Norwalk and began a career in coaching, impacting the lives of student-athletes at several local high schools across many different sports, including football, wrestling and lacrosse.
“Despite being involved in a car accident in 2019 that deprived him of the ability to walk, Ty endured, continuing his coaching career and remaining a fixture in the local sports community. His family and many friends from both near and far made sure that Ty was never without love and support, and he cherished every call, text, and visit.”
In addition to his father, Ty is survived by his brother Michael (Luz), sisters Jessica Guarente and Jessica Wilchfort (William), brother John Andresen (Jennifer), 8 nieces and nephews, and grandmother Ginger Sollazzo Raymond.
A celebration of Ty’s life will be held tomorrow (Sunday, October 15, 3 to 7 p.m., Collins Funeral Home, Norwalk). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday (October 16, 10 a.m., St. Matthew Church, Norwalk).
Ty Guarente
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Today is not much of a beach day.
But yesterday was. Lauri Weiser spotted this scene — just right for “Westport … Naturally.”
(Photo/Lauri Weiser)
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And finally … Rudolph Isley, one of the Isley Brothers as well as a co-writer of many of their hits during their decades-long (and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame) career, died Wednesday in his sleep, at his Chicago home. He was 84.
The Isley Brothers pre-dated the Beatles (who had a hit with their cover of the group’s “Twist and Shout”), and lasted long after the Fab 4 disbanded. Click here for a full obituary.
Here are just 3 of their classics:
(It’s your thing … do what you want to do! But please consider a contribution to “06880.” Just click here. Thank you!)
Remember those 9 neighborhood meetings held last year about traffic?
And the report that followed, this past February?
On October 26 (7 p.m., Town Hal auditorium), the town hosts a “Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Update Session.”
On hand will be staff members knowledgeable about traffic management, roadway conditions, engineering, possible speed calming solutions, and the regulations and oversight authority of the town.
Public Works, Planning & Zoning and Public Safety Departments will update the public on progress made. Residents can also provide input on areas of concern.
RTM member Kristin Schneeman addressed a 2022 traffic and safety meeting. Next to her were fellow RTM reps Lori Church, Nancy Kail and Sal Liccione.
Westport Sunrise Rotary has 2 signature events each year.
The Great Duck Race is for kids and families.
The Westport Uncorked wine tasting is for adults.
The 21-plus (mostly a bit older) crowd turned out in force last night. The Inn at Longshore was filled with wines of a wide variety of vintages and vineyards. There was plenty of tasting, plenty of buying — and plenty of money raised for the many good works Sunrise Rotary does, locally and much further afield.
Everything, in other words, was ducky.
A small portion of the large crowd at Sunrise Rotary’s Inn at Westport “Uncorked” wine tasting. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Saturday’s “Stand Up For Homes with Hope” benefit at Fairfield University’s Quick Center is sold out.
But the headliner — comedian Roy Wood Jr. — is still working hard to make it a success.
He came to Westport yesterday to see what the fundraiser is all about. He toured the Gillespie men’s shelter, the Hoskins Place women’s shelter, met the clients and staff, and had lunch with the board.
Roy Wood Jr.’s job is to make people laugh. He’s done it as a correspondent on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, and as MC of last spring’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
But he saw first-hand the very serious, even life-changing work that everyone associated with Homes with Hope does, 24/7/365.
He’s sure to give a shout-out to them all Saturday night.
Along with plenty of jokes.
Roy Wood Jr. (back row, center) with Homes with Hope board and staff.
Westport Police made no custodial arrests between October 4 and 11.
They issued these citations:
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 9 citations
Traveling unreasonably fast: 7
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 3
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
Operating a motor vehicle while texting: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
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An incorrect date was given yesterday for Lynn Flint’s 1-day art show, to benefit Bridgeport artists in need of help with rent, food, fuel and materials.
.It’s Thursday, October 26 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), on Belaire Drive. A sign on Saugatuck Avenue (near the Norwalk border) will direct art lovers to the sale.
A wrong location was posted yesterday for this week’s candidate debates. Here’s the correct info:
Planning & Zoning Commission candidates take the Town Hall auditorium stage tomorrow (Wednesday, October 11, 7 p.m.). They’re followed by a double-header on Thursday, October 12: the Board of Education at 7 p.m., Board of Finance at 8:15.
Questions must be submitted in advance. They will not be taken from the floor. Email: lwvwestportct@yahoo.com.
The debates are sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Westport.
An overflow crowd of 1,000 — including Governor Ned Lamont and Senator Richard Blumenthal, local officials and many clergy — packed Temple Israel last night, for a “We Stand With Israel” solidarity gathering.
Representatives from nearly 2 dozen area synagogues and other organizations hosted the event, which was organized in just 48 hours by the Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County.
Senator Richard Blumenthal (bottom center), at last night’s “We Stand With Israel” gathering.
Religious leaders and others, at Temple Israel. (Photos/Allison Wachstein)
Westporters Arthur and Lisa Hayes are in Paris this week.
On a boat in the Seine yesterday night, they saw from a distance that the Eiffel Tower was not lit in white, as usual. One half seemed to be dark; the other was very dark blue.
As they got closer, they all understood. The tour boat grew very quiet, as they passed by.
In this week’s timely “Westport … What’s Happening” podcast, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker discusses a recent study on the growing lack of civility in small towns, and her own public comments on the issue.
The podcasts are sponsored by the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston. Click below to listen:
Owner/chef Federico Perandin will appear on Guy Fieri’s legendary “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” Food Network show. The episode airs this Friday (October 13, 9 p.m.).
Westport’s own David Briggs will conduct an Instagram interview tonight (Tuesday, October 10, 7:30 p.m., @westportlibrary) with Rhone co-founder and CEO Nate Checketts. They’ll talk about how the men’s wellness brand — which opened on Main Street this summer — is committed to men’s mental health issues.
From left: ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky and Nate Checketts at Rhone’s Westport store.
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Longtime Westporter Marty Yellen offered a presentation on aging — and a cancer treatment update — at yesterday’s Y’s Women meeting.
Yellen was an engineer on the Hubble Space Telescope. He then earned a doctorate in medical biology engineering. He works now with Yale scientists, biologists and engineers on diseases that come with aging, researching techniques and treatments to alleviate them.
Yellen warned the large audience to stay away from beef (particularly grilling), processed meats that can stand at room temperature like salami, and animal fats.
He suggested instead lamb, chicken, fish, plenty of fiber and vegetables, nuts, yogurt, beans — and most importantly, virgin olive oil rather than butter.
Daily exercise daily — for example, 30 minutes of walking — is especially important.
“You are your own doctor,” Yellen said. “Take care of your body, eat right, exercise daily — and don’t smoke!”
Speaking of health: The 29th annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Fairfield County event is always a celebration of courage and hope
Over 5,000 participants will gather this Sunday (October 15, 9 a.m. to noon), at Sherwood Island State Park.
Over 3 decades, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer’s 3- to 5-mile walks have provided a supportive community for survivors, caregivers and families. The event funds breast cancer research, programs and services.
From Azerbaijan to Westport: Amina Figarova has moved from her upbringing behind the Iron Curtain to become a celebrated jazz pianist and composer.
On Thursday (October 12, VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399) she makes her “Jazz at the Post” debut. Rudy Royston, Boots Maleson, Bart Platteau and Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall join her for two shows: 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. Dinner starts at 7.
Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
Their first-ever dance performance this Saturday (October 14, 7 p.m.) features the East Coast Contemporary Ballet Company, in collaboration with Alturas Duo and Yale University’s Calllisto Quartet.
“Strings and Asymmetry” offers a fusion of styles, instruments and artistic
expressions.
Tickets include admission to the current exhibit. For details and tickets, click here or call (203) 222-7070.
And finally … on this day in 1845, the Naval School opened with 50 students in Annapolis, Maryland.
Today it’s known as the United States Naval Academy. Its enrollment is about 4,450.
(Another Roundup filled with political, entertainment, restaurant and health news — and another reminder that “06880” relies entirely on reader support. Please click here to help. Thank you!)
Some people never make it past the Black Duck dining room (or bar).
But those who venture further know there are alligators (crocodiles?) on the dock in back.
The seldom-seen-unless-you’re-there reptiles were the subject of last week’s Photo Challenge (click here to see).
Richard Stein, Howard Potter, Mark Soboslai, Andrew Colabella, Jamie Walsh, Jonathan McClure, Martha Witte, Nathan Greenbaum and Lisa Hayes have all spent time there.
We won’t ask for stories. But we will over congratulations on identifying the Challenge.
Here is this week’s. If you know where in Westport you’d see it, click “Comments” below.
The Long Lots School Building Committee meets tomorrow (Thursday, October 5, 6 p.m.). In anticipation of a large crowd — and the expectation of a vote on which recommendation to submit to 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker — the session will be held in the Town Hall auditorium.
The agenda includes:
Update from committee
Public comment and/or questions regarding the feasibility study project (15 minutes)
Committee discussion regarding report and recommendation.
Previous meetings of the Long Lots School Building Committee have been held in a small room. Tomorrow’s is set for the Town Hall auditorium. (Photo/Karen Mather)
With all that’s going on in town– the Slice of Saugatuck, Earthplace and YMCA fundraisers, the Long Lots/Community Gardens kerfuffle, lanternflies — you’re forgiven for not realizing that Restaurant Week started on Sunday.
But foodies: Fear not. This is Westport. We do things differently.
Our Restaurant Week is actually 2. It runs all the way through October 15.
The annual Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce event is part of its ongoing “Eat Local” campaign, to promote area restaurants.
This year Restaurant Week(s) features 21 places, offering prix fixe meals in a variety of cuisines, and for all price points. They cover all of Westport, from Saugatuck to just over the Southport line.
Each restaurant sets its ow prix fixe price. Some offer just lunch, others dinner only; many provide both.
Here are the participating restaurants, with “Lunch” and/or “Dinner” noted. Click each restaurant to see each menu.
In addition to the occasional, “15-minute only” closures of I-95 between Exits 17 and 18 through October 27, the state Department of Transportation has just announced lengthier, more involved work.
From 8 p.m. on Friday, October 20 through 6 a.m. Monday, October 23, I-95 northbound will be closed, and “traffic will be detoured on the southbound bride, severely restricting traffic flow.” Traffic will be detoured onto Saugatuck and Riverside Avenue, the Post Road and Sherwood Island connector.
From Friday, November 3 (8 p.m.) until Monday, November 6 (6 a.m.), I-95 southbound will be closed, and “traffic will be detoured on the I-95 NB bridge thus severely restricting traffic flow.” The Saugatuck Avenue detour will also be in place.
But the Levitt Pavilion — known for its 60 or so nights of summer entertainment — is still going strong.
On stage this month:
“Max Weinberg’s Jukebox” (tomorrow: Thursday, October 5, 7:30 p.m.): The longtime drummer for Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band brings his own group – and 300 songs that the audience can pick from. Click here for tickets ($35, $75 and $125), and more information.
Caleb Caudle(Friday, October 6, 7:30 p.m.): A full band show featuring Americana and folk from the his “Forsythia” album. Click here for free tickets, and more information.
Say She She (October 19, 7:30 p.m.): The female-led 7-piece outfit from London and Brooklyn brings its disco-pop sound to the shores of the Saugatuck River. Click here for free tickets, and more information.
Sure, yesterday’s weather was more like the 4th of July than Halloween.
But this group of women were busy carving pumpkins. At Compo Beach, sure, but can trick-or-treating be far behind?
(Photo/Cohl Katz)
Cohl Katz — the great hair stylist who was out for a walk in between clients — was so intrigued, she did not ask whether this was an organized group working on a project, or just a random assortment of friends.
When the Westport Library sponsors a staged reading of “Gentle Hacksaw” — the new drama combining religion, identity and violence (October 21, 8 p.m.; part of Story Fest) — there will be a strong local tie.
Matthew Van Gessel plays one of the lead roles. In Staples Players, the 2011 graduate played some of the most challenging roles seen on a high school stage. (The dentist in “Little Shop of Horrors” was typical.)
Described as “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” meets “God of Carnage,” the psychological thriller follows 2 high-profile gay men in a verbal cat-and-mouse game of utter cruelty when an unpleasant bargain goes awry.
As social graces are discarded and basic human decency is abandoned, both men discover shocking truths about themselves and one another.
A 7 p.m. reception with StoryFest authors precedes the show. A talkback with the playwright and cast, moderated by author Clay Mcleod Chapman, follows it. Click here for tickets.
Matthew Van Gessel
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During World War II, Westporters took turns scanning the skies and waters, looking for Nazi planes and boats.
In the 1950s and ’60s, one Nike site with missiles on North Avenue — and another launch site on Bayberry Lane — were part of the US defense system. The goal was to protect Bridgeport — an important manufacturing city — from a Russian attack
The Norwalk Historical Society on East Avenue has an exhibit on Norden, the Norwalk manufacturer of radar systems and bombsights. The company — located a few yards from the Westport border, and visible from I-95 just before Exit 17 — was later home to Tauck Tours. (Hat tip: Lynn Flint)
A typical Nike site — much like the North Avenue one. Missiles were buried underground.
Half of the prison population ends up back in jail following release.
In Bridgeport, Homebridge Ventures provides a re-entry program to help break the cycle of recidivism.
Yesterday, the Westport Rotary Club heard from David Stubbs. The co-founder and executive director of the non-profit escribed their programs addressing mental health issues, substance abuse and educational deficiencies, including teaching computer and job skills.
David Stubbs addresses the Westport Rotary Club.
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Art was not the only thing Mark Mathias noticed yesterday on his ramble through Winslow Park (story above).
He also snapped this photo, for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.
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