We can send a telescope squintillions of miles into space, and receive images back showing the birth of the universe.
We can ask Google how many zeroes are in a googolplex, and get481,000 answers in 0.38 seconds.
But we cannot make a yoga towel that doesn’t slip when we sweat.
At least, we couldn’t until recently.
Finally, that problem — one that has, presumably, bedeviled yoga practitioners for 5,000 years (thanks, Google!) — has been solved.
It took a Staples High School graduate to do it.
Nicole Rothschild, with her mat and invention.
Nicole Rothschild grew up here. A Wrecker soccer star, she went on to Cornell University. She was hired by Goldman Sachs as an investment banking analyst, and associate in the urban investment group.
But Wall Street wasn’t for her. Nicole joined a startup, then started on a backpacking trip in Japan and Patagonia.
When COVID hit, she returned to Westport. Doing yoga at home — instead of her favorite spot, Kaia — she had time to wonder about something.
Why did her towel always move around under her hands and feet? Wasn’t there some way to secure it?
Google did not provide an answer.
Surprised there was nothing in the vast yoga marketplace, she began tinkering. She talked to people who had created products, and found Ran Lerner, an industrial engineer in Israel. (He had helped a friend’s mother with her own problem: how to keep guacamole from turning brown.)
Nicole’s requirements: a clip had to be flat, so it wouldn’t disturb the yoga practice.
It had to be heat resistant (hot yoga rooms get hot).
It had to be small, and unobtrusive.
Working together — well, on different continents — he helped Nicole devise a clip to hold the towel in place on the mat.
It may not rank up there with sliced bread. But for yoga practitioners, it takes the cake.
So does the name.
It wasn’t easy. Finally, Nicole came up with perhaps the greatest name since Wonder Bread.
At the end of a yoga session, the teacher often says “namaste.” The Sanskrit phrase means “I bow to you.”
So … Nicole calls her product “Namastay.” Pronounced the same, it gives the clear idea: This yoga towel will stay.
Nicole trademarked the name Her utility and design patents are pending.
She hoped to manufacture Namastay in the US. Despite scouring the internet, she could not find a company here that could do it reasonably.
So she’s worked with a firm in Hong Kong. They went through several prototypes, and now have one they like.
A Kickstarter campaign raised $25,000. That was enough for tooling, and an initial order of 2,500. The first shipment arrived in November.
Nicole also worked with a design firm on branding (colors, fonts, a website and more).
“Every step is a new challenge,” she says. “But a lot of kind people gave me 30 minutes of their time to help get me where I am.”
Kaia Yoga bought the first 50 clips, for their 8 locations.
She’s figuring out now how to get the word out to yoga studios, and home practitioners.
After coming this far — figuratively and literally (from Japan and Patagonia), Nicole should be able to solve that one too.
Win Headley — one of the most storied athletes in Staples High School history — died last Wednesday in Naples, Florida. He was 73 years old. His family says:
Born on the Fourth of July 1949, Winthrop (Win) Sargent Headley was a real-life Yankee Doodle Dandy.
He became an All-American football player, a lifelong football coach, a successful Wall Streeter, a loving family man, a passionate volunteer, an avid golfer, a loyal friend and a man of faith.
Win was born in California and raised in Westport. He starred as a Staples football player, and state champion heavyweight wrestler.
Win attended Wake Forest University, where he was a football All-American, captain and MVP on its ACC championship team. He received WFU’s first annual prestigious Arnold Palmer and Brian Piccolo Awards as an outstanding athlete, and is in the university’s Hall of Fame.
Win Headley at Wake Forest University.
He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers, and played for the Montreal Alouettes in the Canadian Football League. His career was shortened by injury.
He found a true calling as a coach. Over the years, Win coached at 3 universities (Winston-Salem State, Wake Forest and Princeton) and several high schools.
While in Princeton, New Jersey Win married Patty Cashill. They raised a family, and he had a long, successful career as a financial advisor for institutional investments.
In retirement in Naples Win continued to coach. He also volunteered in libraries, animal shelters and with the Knights of Columbus.
As Arnold Palmer would say, Win “played on through” when he peacefully passed away in his sleep on January 18.
Win Headley
Win is survived by his wife Patty; children Summer and Jonathan; sister Lynn Kelly (Michael); 2 nieces, 1 nephew; stepdaughter-in-law Rachel Y. Watlington, and step-grandson Christopher T. Watlington. He was predeceased by his stepson, Thomas Watlington III.
As Win would say, “The long and short of it”: Winthrop Sargent Headley was a man of passion and faith. He was a loving father and husband, and a devoted friend.
There will be a celebration of his life at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, Win would have appreciated your support for the Deacon Club (499 Deacon Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27105) and the Humane Society of Naples (370 Airport-Pulling Road, North Naples, FL 34104).
As half of the well-known multi-platform WestportMoms duo, Megan Rutstein is used to publicizing important causes.
This one is personal. She encouraged her sister Kimberly Greenberg — also a Westporter — to reach out to “06880” readers. I’m honored to pass Kimberly’s message along:
When our daughter Parker was born on January 2, 2016 we instantly knew something was not right. She was born with a very rare genetic condition, HIST1H1E Syndrome that leaves her with severe special needs.
She was the 8th case diagnosed worldwide, a week before her second birthday.
Parker has taught us so much about ourselves and life since day one. We have learned not to take anything for granted. The coveted milestones become “inchstones” as we look to move forward every day, even if it’s just a little progress.
Parker Greenberg and her mom,, Kimberly.
Parker continues to impress us daily. She is the hardest working little girl we know. Since 2 months old she has been in every therapy imaginable: PT, OT, speech, special education, aqua and equine.
She conquers everything with such a positive attitude, and it pays off. Parker started walking right after her 4th birthday. She has limited words and language, but she continues to grow in this area. She is starting to put 4-word sentences together, and even read.
Daily life for Parker and our family can be challenging. She is seen by a large team of medical specialists. She has faced multiple surgeries and procedures, while putting us through some scary medical emergencies. Our determined little girl has never given up. She continues to teach us new things daily, including how to stay positive.
We are beyond fortune to live in Westport and Fairfield County. From early intervention through Star Rubino Family Center to Stepping Stones preschool and now kindergarten at Coleytown Elementary, these programs and schools have been instrumental to her continued success.
Most importantly are the people and this community. They stand behind Parker and our family, while continuing to be our biggest cheerleaders and supporters.
Since Parker’s syndrome is very rare, there is limited information and research. It is considered an orphan disease, which rarely get funding from the government or National Institutes of Health.
Most research funding comes from private foundations. This is the main reason our family set up a 501 (c)(3) foundation for families who have loved ones with HIST1H1E Syndrome.
The foundation raises money for clinicians who study this syndrome. In 2019 we connected with the chief of medical genetics at Yale, Dr. Yong-Hui Jiang. He taken an interest in Parker’s syndrome, and focused much of his time researching a cure.
Between our family setting up the foundation and working very closely with Dr. Jiang, Parker’s Cure was born. It has raised over $200,000 in the past 5 years, thanks to our friends, family and the local community.
The Greenberg family.
Next Friday (January 27, 8 p.m.) we are hosting the first Parker’s Cure Bowling and Booze Bash at Bowlero Lanes in Norwalk, to fund the Parker’s Cure and HIST1H1E Syndrome Foundation. We have already sold over 170 tickets, and raised over $25,000.
Click here for tickets. They include 2 1/2 hours of bowling, a premium open bar and heavy appetizers.
In addition to bowling, there will be an auction with sports tickets, autographed memorabilia, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, JL Rocks jewelry, Jessie Rubin artwork and many more local goodies.
Bidding begins on Thursday, January 26 (10 a.m.), and ends at 11 p.m. Friday, January 27. Click here to see all items.
By an overwhelming majority last night, the Representative Town Meeting affirmed the Planning & Zoning Commission’s recent decisions to allow text and map amendments in Saugatuck.
There were 33 RTM members in favor, 1 against (Sal Liccione) and 1 abstention (Matthew Mandell). The vote — following similar margins in the RTM’s Transit and Planning & Zoning Committees — means that planning can proceed for the Hamlet at Saugatuck.
That project could bring new retail, restaurants, residences, and a hotel and marina to the area near the train station.
The RTM vote was required, based on a petition from voters. Twenty-four members had to vote to overturn the P&Z decision — but only 1 did.
Next up: A site plan for the Hamlet project, and approval from the P&Z.
Artists’ rendering of an interior courtyard of The Hamlet at Saugatuck.
What’s the newest hot place in town for teenagers?
The Westport Library.
It’s been filled all week long, with Staples High School students studying for midterms.
The Trefz Forum — and the rest of the building — has been a place where friends can work together, but where others can find space to be alone. It’s serious, but also social — perfect for teens’ needs.
The other night, library officials surprised the students with 25 pizzas.
They were gone quicker than you could say “good luck with exams!”
Where do Westport teenagers head at night? The Westport Library. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)
Speaking of the Westport Library: The Trefz Forum will be packed tomorrow morning too (Thursday, January 19, 10 a.m.).
Local attorney (and Staples High graduate) Josh Koskoff will discuss his latest victory: the largest verdict in history in a defamation suit. Koskoff led the case against Alex Jones, who used his Infowars website and daily radio show to present counter-factual information about issues including the Sandy Hook school shooting.
Koskoff’s talk will also be livestreamed. Click here for the link.
The event is co-sponsored by the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston.
It was packed in November, for the Board of Education’s first “Community Conversation.”
Plenty of topics were discussed — but others, like challenges to books in the high school library, and diversity, equity and inclusion planning — did not have time for exploration.
A second open discussion — picking up where last fall’s left off — is set for next Tuesday (January 24, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Westport Library). All residents are invited, for a “back-and-forth exchange) with Board of Education members, and school administrators.
Speaking of Saugatuck: Mackenzie Winner Berman has a question that’s on the minds of many other Westporters. She writes:
“On Saugatuck Avenue, roughly across the street from the old Westport Chinese/ new Lomito restaurant, is a home with a small storefront on street level.
“The home is being renovated. I assumed the storefront would go, but recently it has been improved with new windows, among other things.
“Does anyone know the plans for that space? It has always interested me. Every time I drive by, I try to imagine what sort of activity used to take to place there.”
Sacred Heart University’s beautiful new Martire Family Arena is drawing raves. And fans.
Those spectators are helping the Pioneers’ men’s ice hockey program raise funds for great causes.
The January 21 game (7 p.m., vs. Holy Cross) will benefit the Chad Jacobs Hockey Foundation — run by Westporter Karen Jacobs — and the CT Hockey Foundation. The Jacobs fund was a major supporter of education for Charlie and Will Capalbo, grandsons of Westport writer Ina Chadwick. Charlie fought a long, courageous battle against several cancers.
A February 4 game (7 p.m., vs. American International) for CapalboStrong will benefit Dana Farber Cancer Institute, specifically pediatric research. That date is the anniversary of Charlie’s life-saving bone marrow transplant from his brother Will, in 2019.
“Surface Alchemy” — a new exhibition featuring Donald Martiny and Stuart Disston — opens this Saturday (January 21; reception from 5 to 7 p.m.) at Amy Simon Fine Art (123 Post Road East).
The exhibit runs through February 25.
“The Picnic” — Acrylics, encaustic and photo transfer on canvas mounted on panel (Stuart Disston)
And finally … today is the birthday of David Ruffin.
One of the lead singers of the Temptations from 1964-68, and later a solo star, was born on this date in 1941. He died in 1991, from an accidental overdose of crack cocaine.
(“06880” ain’t too proud to beg. Please support your hyper-local blog! Just click here — and thank you!)
Westporters worried that the tennis/squash/fitness/dance center just over the Norwalk line would close.
Racquet sports are still there. But the health and fitness component is changing.
Clair Mason, owner of Elliptica, and co-owner of Intensity — says that the health and fitness industry has changed. COVID, and the rise of paddle and pickleball, provided an opportunity to remodel both businesses.
Elliptica developed a virtual offering, with a class and partnership with a machine manufacturer.
And all Intensity fitness classes are now under the Elliptica brand at a new (and nearby) location: 345 Post Road West, Westport. They include barre, Herman Walker Body Design System, dance fitness, bodypump, Pilates, bootcamps and more. For more information on Elliptica, click here.
On January 1, Intensity became a racquets-only club. There are 6 indoor tennis courts, 4 squash courts, 4 pickleball courts and 2 new paddle courts. A warming hut opens soon. For more information on Intensity racquets, click here.
Speaking of fitness: For Peloton, COVID was just what the doctor ordered.
The stationary bike company’s sales surged during the pandemic. With gyms closed, home workouts — which Peloton delivered, via its equipment and streaming platforms — were the only game in town (or anywhere else).
Since 2018, Peloton had a retail presence here. The Main Street store — one of the few of its 80-plus outlets not in a mall — closed temporarily, along with nearly every other retailer.
It reopened (though supply chain issues made it difficult to meet the enormous demand for bikes and treadmills).
This coming Sunday, it will close for good. The decision is part of an “aggressive” reduction in retail stores (and, last summer, the elimination of roughly 780 employees.
Peloton’s fortunes crashed as quickly as they rose. As COVID eased, people returned to the gym.
The Main Street tenant before Peloton sold Sperry boat shoes. There is no word on what kind of business — sports and leisure-related, or not — will replace it.
Speaking still of fitness: Longevity Westport — the center offering non-invasive, quick and very sophisticated testing of muscle mass, bone density, metabolism, cardiovascular health, oxygen consumption and more — opened on Post Road East in 2021.
But — true to their name — they may be the business with the longest time before hosting an official ribbon-cutting.
It’s set for this Saturday (January 21, 1835 Post Road East). First Selectwoman Jen Tooker does the honors at 1 p.m.
She’ll be followed by 3 speakers: Ralph Esposito, a naturopathic physician and head of nutrition at Athletic Greens; Atlas Nutrition chiropractic physician Dr. Beth Atlas, and Sherpa Westport’s Jean Paul Desrosiers.
All will offer specials for customers. In addition, Longevity will provide 50% off a second test, with the purchase of a full price test (and 20% off a bundle package).
There’s food too. Healthy, of course.
Inside Longevity. The DEXA scan machine is at left.
Hard to believe, but Westport Book Shop is 2 years old.
The used book store (and much more) honors the milestone with several community events.
A Volunteer Appreciation Celebration is set for January 28 (10:30 a.m. to noon), at the Westport Library across Jesup Green from the shop.
A “Show Your Love” competition offers a $50 Westport Book Shop gift card. Just film a short video showing why you love the Book Shop, then post it on social media.
Every entrant receives a free vinyl record, CD or book of their choice from the current inventory ($6 or less). The deadline is 6 p.m. January 27. Click here for details, and the entry form.
Meanwhile, story time for kids at the Book Shop runs on Saturday and Sunday, January 28-29. Call for details: 203-952-0070.
Westport favorite Melissa Newman — one of our own — headlines this week’s Jazz at the Post (Thursday, January 19; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7 p.m.; $15 cover; reservations strongly suggested: JazzatthePost@gmail.com).
Joining Melissa: guitarist Tony Lombardozzi, bassist Phil Bowler and drummer Arti Dixson.
On this week’s “What’s Next in Weston?” podcast, 1st Selectwoman Sam Nestor describes how her town has addressed the issue, with remediation and clean water for every family.
The bi-weekly series is produced by the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston. Click below to listen:
Aspetuck Land Trust’s first “Lunch and Learn” webinar of 2023 is called “Landscapes for Better Living.”
On January 27 (noon to 1 p.m.), Jay Archer of Green Jay Landscape Design will discuss how ecological landscape design, organic horticulture and land stewardship can improve human health (and save the planet).
In addition to designing, building, managing and maintaining beautiful, natural ecosystems and plantscapes, Archer has taught, lectured and consulted with organizations from NYBG and The Institute for Ecosystem Studies to the Native Plant Center, Nature Conservancy and Audubon International.
A reader who lives nearby writes: “I saw these giant birds in the dumpsters behind Gaetano’s.
“The dumpsters are open, and so is the door on one side. There were others in a tree, walking nearby, and sitting on the roof of a house, all waiting their turn. Apparently they are black buzzards.
“I called Gaetano’s. The woman who answered said, ‘yeah, it’s been like that all week.’ I said, ‘just close the dumpsters.’ She thanked me.”
And finally … today is the birthday of Muhammad Ali. “The Greatest” boxer — and an important political activist was born in 1942. He died in 2016, age 74.
This story has become a Martin Luther King Day tradition on “06880.” After the events of the past couple of years, today — more than ever — we should think about the history of our nation before Dr. King was born.
And where we are, more than half a century after his death.
Today is Martin Luther King Day. Westporters will celebrate with a day off from school or work. Some will sleep in; others will shop, or go for a walk. Few will give any thought to Martin Luther King.
Twice, though, his life intersected this town in important ways.
The first was Friday night, May 22, 1964. According to Woody Klein’s book Westport, Connecticut, King had been invited to speak at Temple Israel by synagogue member Jerry Kaiser.
King arrived in the afternoon. Kaiser and his wife Roslyn sat on their porch that afternoon, and talked with King and 2 of his aides. She was impressed with his “sincerity, warmth, intelligence and genuine concern for those about him — our children, for instance. He seemed very young to bear such a burden of leadership.”
Martin Luther King, with Sarah and Tema Kaiser at their home on Brooklawn Drive, before his Temple Israel appearance. Their brother Michael had a cold, and was not allowed near Dr. King.
King’s sermon — to a packed audience — was titled “Remaining Awake Through a Great Revolution.” He analogized his America to the time of Rip Van Winkle — who also “slept through a revolution. The greatest liability of history is that people fail to see a revolution taking place in our world today. We must support the social movement of the Negro.”
Westport artist Roe Halper presented King with 3 woodcarvings, representing the civil rights struggle. He hung them proudly in the front hallway of his Atlanta home.
Artist Roe Halper (left) presents Coretta Scott King with civil rights-themed wood carvings.
Within a month Temple Israel’s rabbi, Byron Rubenstein, traveled south to take place in a nonviolent march. He was arrested — along with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King.
In jail, the rabbi said, “I came to know the greatness of Dr. King. I never heard a word of hate or bitterness from that man, only worship of faith, joy and determination.”
King touched Westport again less than 4 years later. On April 5, 1968 — the day after the civil rights leader’s assassination in Memphis — 600 Staples students gathered for a lunchtime vigil in the courtyard. Nearby, the flag flew at half-staff.
A small portion of the large crowd listens intently to Fermino Spencer, in the Staples courtyard.
Vice principal Fermino Spencer addressed the crowd. Movingly, he spoke about his own experience as an African American. Hearing the words “my people” made a deep impression on the almost all-white audience. For many, it was the 1st time they had heard a black perspective on white America.
No one knew what lay ahead for their country. But student Jim Sadler spoke for many when he said: “I’m really frightened. Something is going to happen.”
Dr. Martin Luther King
Something did — and it was good. A few hundred students soon met in the cafeteria. Urged by a minister and several anti-poverty workers to help bridge the chasm between Westport and nearby cities, Staples teachers and students vowed to create a camp.
Within 2 months, it was a reality. That summer 120 elementary and junior high youngsters from Westport, Weston, Norwalk and Bridgeport participated in the Intercommunity Camp. Led by over 100 Staples students and many teachers, they enjoyed swimming, gymnastics, dance, sports, field trips, overnight camping, creative writing, filmmaking, photography, art and reading.
It wasn’t easy — some in Westport opposed bringing underprivileged children to their town — but for over a decade the Intercommunity Camp flourished.
Eventually, enthusiasm for and interest in the camp waned. Fewer Staples students and staff members wanted to devote their summer to such a project. The number of Westporters willing to donate their pools dwindled. Today the Intercommunity Camp is a long-forgotten memory.
Sort of like the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King. Even on his birthday.
Martin Luther King Day bonus feature:In the late 1950s, Westporter Tracy Sugarman took his son Dickie, and Dickie’s friend Miggs Burroughs, to a picnic in Stamford.
Rev. Martin Luther King was there, at the invitation of the host: Jackie Robinson.
Sugarman — a noted illustrator – was also a civil rights activist.
Miggs — a junior high student — took the Minox “spy” camera he’d bought earlier that summer.
He still has those photos. Here are the 2 pioneering Black Americans: Martin Luther King and Jackie Robinson.
Tuesday night’s Staples High School boys basketball game was filled with drama.
The Wreckers won a 68-67 overtime nail-biter over New Canaan.
But that wasn’t the half of it.
Halftime included a chance for a young player named Trey got a chance to hit a 3-point shot. The prize: a free session at the new Academy basketball camp.
News 12 Connecticut is working on a story about the 1989 Joan Wertkin cold case murder.
They want to speak with anyone who knew Joan, the family, or has information on the case. Even a small piece of information might help produce a clearer understanding of the events leading up to the killing.
In preparation for their June trip to Hawaii, Staples’ Orphenians are hosting an “Aloha Cabaret.” The January 22 event (6:30 p.m., Westport Library) features Tony Award winner (and Westporter) Kelli O’Hara; the Orphenians (of course),, and as emcee, the incomparable David Pogue.
There are also Hawaiian-themed light bites, and an exciting silent auction. Fundraising will ensure that all 42 members can make the trip.
Orphenians — the elite singing group — have traveled across the US, and internationally, since shortly after their founding in 1958. This will be the third trip for conductor Luke Rosenberg.
Georgia Wrighth traveled with Orphenians to Australia in July 2018.
“It was one of the best experiences, with some of my best friends,” she recalls. “Some others I didn’t know too well. But we became so close on that trip.
“We were making music, and meeting people from all over the world who shared our passion. We sang for 8 hours a day, and learned so much working with a master composer.”
Georgia went on to earn a BFA in musical theater from the Boston Conservatory.
Three years earlier, Jack Baylis joined Orphenians on a trip to San Francisco. They worked with the famed Chanticleer choral group,
“It was one of my first exposures to high-level professionals,” Jack recalls. “They were so intense, but they showed us attainable goals.”
Jack appreciates the opportunities Orphenians had — and have now, again — to experience such a trip.
“Whether you pursue the arts as a career or not, this is a chance to impact your life,” Jack says. “In hindsight, I realize how important that is.”
Jack will perform with Kelli O’Hara at the Aloha Cabaret.
Tickets are $150 per person for general admission and $225 per person for VIP. For tickets and more information, click here.
Last night, MoCA Westport’s opening reception introduced their winter exhibition. “Paul Camacho: Rhythm and Unity” features selected works primarily drawn from the Westport Public Art Collections. The exhibition is on view through February 26.
Simultaneously, the annual high school exhibition — Who Are You When You Are Dreaming — includes nearly 200 student works from across the region.
Docented gallery tours are available on Thursdays at 1 p.m. An associated Cocktails and Conversation series will be held on Thursday evenings, including a talk about Camacho, a curator talk, and a panel featuring local designers and entrepreneurs on fashion, art and design.
Staples High School will soon have a new athletic director.
Vincent J. “VJ” Sarullo succeeds Marty Lisevick on February 1.
Sarullo has spent the past 17 years as athletic director at Jonathan Law High School in Milford. Before that he was AD at Sheehan High-Wallingford and Notre Dame of Fairfield.
Sarullo currently serves as president of the Connecticut Association of Athletic Directors.
Lisevick retires on January 31, after more than 2 decades in the post. The other finalist for the position, Colin Devine, spent 15 years as Staples’ boys basketball coach.
With 3 Starbuckses, 3 Dunkin’ Donuts, and many more places to buy coffee, Westporters use plenty of cups.
We don’t have to.
Sustainable Westport has just launched “Refill Not Landfill.”
The program encourages residents to use reusable cups and mugs at participating coffee shops to reduce waste, combat climate change, and help support small businesses.
Most paper cups used for hot coffee, tea or hot chocolate are coated with plastic to prevent leaks, so they can’t be recycled. Plastic cups used for iced coffee, tea and other drinks, often end up in the trash. It is estimated that only 5% of plastic is ever recycled.
By committing to bring their own reusable mug or cup to participating locations, residents can help reduce waste — and be entered to win monthly prizes.
Beginning this Sunday (January 15), bring a clean, reusable cup or mug to a participating location. (NOTE: They do not wash cups or mugs.)
Order a drink that’s eligible to be filled (some, like smoothies, are not).
At checkout, scan a QR code. Submit your name and email address for each drink you purchased using a reusable cup, to receive credit for your visit.
To be eligible for the monthly raffle, you must participate at least 5 times within a month.
Each month through July 15, Sustainable Westport will draw one winner, for a prize from a local business.
Don’t have a mug?Purchase a Sustainable Westport “Refill Not Landfill” travel mug Thursdays at the Westport Farmers’ Market, or the Earthplace gift shop.
DeTAPAS celebrates its 1-year anniversary this weekend with a complimentary glass of Cava.
Carlos Pia’s Spanish gastrobar has become one of Westport’s hottest spots. A native of Barcelona, he’s brought the flavors of his native country here — and the culture and the colors too.
Pia’s Flamenco Nights, Jamon Jamoon Iberico and wine tasting, and other events have added to DeTAPAS’ allure.
Club 203 — Westport’s social group for adults with disabilities — held its January event at the Westport Weston Family YMCA on Saturday.
A huge turnout of enjoyed basketball, line dancing, stretching and yoga, crafts (hosted by MoCA Westport), a photo booth and snacks. Among the volunteers: Staples High School’s Service League of Boys (SLOBs).
The next event will is at the Westport Playhouse (February 2). It’s a Valentine’s dance — details soon.
Stressed-out parents, take note: S4 Study Skills is hosting a free webinar.
In “Why Course Selection is Important to the College Application Process” (January 17, 7 p.m.), college admissions counselor and Westport resident Amy Chatterjee explains what course selection reveals about motivation and focus, and how it impacts college admissions. Click here to register.
Jazz vespers comes to the United Methodist Church of Westport & Weston.
The service combines liturgical traditions with the soulful sounds of the John Collinge Quartet.
The worship — for all ages and denominations (and a great introduction to jazz for young audiences) is Sunday, January 22 (4 p.m., United Methodist Church sanctuary).
And finally … Jeff Beck died yesterday of bacterial meningitis, in England. He was 78.
Though never as flashy or well-known as Eric Clapton or Jimmy Page, he was a member of the Yardbirds and other very important blues-based groups.
Westport has a couple of ties to the legendary guitarist. When the Yardbirds played at Staples High School in 1966, he was part of the band.
A young photographer in New York heard they would be in Westport. She came here, and photographed Beck and a very young Jimmy Page tuning up backstage, in the choral room.
The photographer’s name? Linda Eastman.
Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck, in the Staples High School choral room. (Photo/Linda Eastman)
And the offices of Connoisseur Media in Westport — owner of some of the most successful radio stations in the area — contain plenty of music memorabilia.
One of the most prized possessions hangs on the wall by CEO Jeff Warshaw’s desk. It’s a guitar, signed by Beck.
On the wall in Jeff Warshaw’s office: a guitar signed by Jeff Beck. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Yesterday’s “06880” Roundup gave an incorrect date for the next trash clean-up, at the Sherwood Island Connector I-95 Exit 18 commuter parking lot.
It’s this Sunday — not Saturday — at 11 a.m.
Bring trash bags and work gloves. There’s plenty to do!
Westporters picked up tons of trash last weekend at the Greens Farms train station. This Sunday at 11 a.m.: the commuter parking lot on the Sherwood Island connector.
The Westport Transit District and Steam again team up to offer free coffee to people who take Wheels2U to the Saugatuck train station. The offer is good this Friday (January 13) and next Tuesday, (January 17).
Just ride Wheels2U to the station between 6 and 10:30 a.m., and show proof of the ride at the Steam counter.
For more information on Wheels2U — the home-to-the-station ride service — click here.
David Pogue got a note from his neighborhood association treasurer. It said:
As many of you know, the cost of electricity spiked at the beginning of this year. If you look at your utility bill, it will be divided into two sections: (1) supplier costs and (2) delivery costs.
Supplier costs are the cost to generate the electricity, which has been ~12 cents per kWh. Starting in January, this rate doubled for Eversource —to 24 cents per kWh. Since supply is about half your bill, and this has doubled, your bill went up about 50% in total starting January 1.
You have the option in CT to choose a third-party supplier, which often come at hefty discounts to Eversource.
David adds: “He pointed out that customers can compare rates at EnergizeCT.com. At the moment, Town Square Energy’s rates are about 38% less expensive. I switched today!”
A return of another sort: Kyle Martino, to the airwaves.
The Staples High School Class of 1999 graduate — and former Staples soccer star, who was named Gatorade High School Player of the Year — has just been named to the TNT and HBO Max broadcast team for US men’s and women’s national team matches.
Martino spent 8 years as a Premier League analyst with NBC Sports. He is also a soccer entrepreneur. He founded the Goalpher system for turning basketball courts into small soccer fields, and also developed the OverUnder Initiative, to bring soccer to under-resourced communities.
Martino was MLS Rookie of the Year with the Columbus Crew in 2002. He also played with the Los Angeles Galaxy, and has 8 caps with the US men’s national team.
His announcing partner on TNT and HBO Max is former women’s national team star Julie Foudy.
There were 3 custodial arrests last week, by Westport Police.
One person was arrested for shoplifting, conspiracy to commit a crime, and failure to appear.
Another person was arrested for shoplifting.
The shoplifting incidents occurred at Whole Foods (over $300 worth of items), Walgreens (over $1250) and Stop & Shop (over $1350).
A third person was arrested for reckless driving, failure to carry a license, and failure to drive in the proper lane. That happened when a jogger said he was struck by a vehicle turning left from Greens Farms Road onto Hillspoint Road. The driver allegedly left the scene. A witness then told police that the suspected offender was inside Cumberland Farms, making statements about “hitting a jogger.”
The following citations were issued:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 9
Failure to obey control signal: 2
Following too closely: 1
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
Driving with out of state plates: 1
Violation of traffic commission regulation: 1
Breach of peace: 1
Assault 3rd degree, risk of injury to a minor: 1
When you move to Connecticut, you must register your car here.
It’s mid-winter. Time to get a jump on spring – and attract pollinators to your garden this summer.
University of Connecticut advanced master gardener Alice Ely leads a Wakeman Town Farm “Winter Sowing Demonstration” on January 23 (7 p.m.).
Attendees will learn how to make mini-greenhouses (in bottles) to start seedlings. Left outside until spring, they’ll turn into milkweed plants that attract hummingbirds, bees and butterflies.
Click here for more information, and registration.
The 2 portable classrooms for Long Lots Elementary School approved Tuesday by the Board of Education hit a roadblock yesterday.
The Board of Finance declined to vote on the $600,000 request. They want to make sure that other options — including moving some students to other schools with more space — are considered.
It was another quiet week — mostly — for the Westport Police Department.
There were 3 custodial arrests.
One man was charged with enticing/inducing/coercing a minor with computer service for sex. Another was arrested for criminal trespass.
A third was charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, evading responsibility, and failure to drive in the proper lane.
Gorjana will open this summer, at #74 — the current location of Sunglass Hut.
Gorjana — a high-end jewelry boutique based in California — opened its first Connecticut location on Greenwich Avenue early last year. They operate 40 boutiques in “lifestyle centers and high street locations in affluent markets nationwide.”
Meanwhile, Courtgirl will lease their first bricks and mortar location: 2,350 square feet on the upper level of 125 Main Street (the Gap building).
The line of gift and related products for tennis and golf launched in 2019. Courtgirl products are now sold in over 500 private clubs, pro shops and sports stores.
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