Category Archives: Totally random

Roundup: $$$: Donated, Found, And Plunged For …

Posted on January 2, 2024 | 8 comments

Sustainable Westport says:

“We did it! We have reached our goal of inspiring (over) 150 Westporters to make a gift in support of Sustainable Westport.

“We deeply appreciate every individual who participated in our first-ever Community Giving Challenge.

“Your support helped us raise money to expand our programming in 2024, demonstrated our community’s continued commitment to sustainability, and helped us unlock an additional $10,000 challenge grant from a generous Sustainable Westport donor. When we come together, even small actions have an incredible impact! Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

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More fundraising:

While you were sleeping in on New Year’s Day, dozens of others were performing a mitzvah.

They headed to Compo Beach, and took a polar plunge.

Which they paid for.

Proceeds from the event — sponsored by Temple Israel and the Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County — went to the Israel Emergency Fund.

Despite the winter temperatures, that will warm many hearts. (Hat tip: Bryan Bierman)

These Polar Plungers were freezin’ for a reason. 

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This is not a proverb, but perhaps it should be: “If you find money in a tree on New Year’s Day, you will have a very prosperous year.”

And if there was such a saying, then one Westporter — out for a stroll yesterday downtown — would be in for a very lucky 2024 indeed.

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Jake Thaw is going to the College Football Playoff championship.

His University of Michigan Wolverines edged Alabama 27-20 in overtime yesterday, at the Rose Bowl. They’ll face the University of Washington next Monday in Houston (January 8, 8:15 p.m., ESPN).

It almost didn’t happen, though. The only punt that came the 2020 Staples High School graduate’s way was muffed, at the 5-yard line. Thaw did a great job of avoiding a safety, under intense pressure.

Jay Harbaugh — the UM special teams coordinator, and son of head coach Jim Harbaugh — was heavily criticized on social media for allowing Thaw to attempt the catch inside the 10, and not simply letting it bounce.

Jake Thaw, moments before the last-minute punt.

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Bridgewater Associates — the Westport-based world’s largest hedge fund, and the object of so much interest and mystery in that world — is under the media microscope again.

Not long after the publication of Rob Copeland’s tell-almost-all book “The Fund,” a Bloomberg story examines charges against the company of favoritism, age and sex discrimination.

The article includes this description of what goes on inside the office:

Because many employees at Bridgewater are in their 20s and 30s and work long hours in the Connecticut suburbs far outside New York City, romantic relationships are common, people who have worked there said….

And the togetherness extends beyond work. There are almost 100 clubs where employees can do everything from play softball to rescue pets.

Click here for the full story. (Hat tip: Allan Siegert)

Bridgewater’s Nyala Farm headquarters, where romance blooms. (Photo/Nico Eisenberger)

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Bassist/composer/producer Harvie S and guitarist Sheryl Bailey kick off the 2024 Jazz at the Post year this Thursday (January 4, VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 6:30 p.m. on).

The two highly regarded musicians will be joined by saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall and drummer Steve Johns.

Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image shows 4 very lucky creatures.

All survived Thanksgiving and Christmas. They’re now free to stroll leisurely on Salem Road.

(Photo/Molly Alger)

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And finally … today is the birthday of Roger Miller. He was born in 1936.

He died of lung and throat cancer, at 56. But not before he wrote and recorded these classics:

(Congratulations to Sustainable Westport. To sustain “06880” with a tax-deductible contribution, please click here.)

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Posted in Entertainment, Environment, Local business, religion, Sports, Staples HS, Totally random

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Roundup: ‘Twas The Day After Christmas …

Posted on December 26, 2023 | 7 comments

So there’s no such thing as Santa?

Well, how do you explain this:

For the past 4 years, Santa has posted on a Westport Facebook page. Parents can request him to come to their home. He visits as many as possible — greeting kids personally — on Christmas Eve (presumably before he does his chimney thing).

It’s amazing how much this Santa resembles Josh Philip — the Westport dad who volunteers his time as a PAL football commissioner.

Come to think of it, the Santa who appeared at the WestportMoms holiday event at The Porch at Christie’s looked a lot like Josh too.

But … nah.

Just a remarkable coincidence.

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So there’s no such thing as Santa (Part 2):

Well, how do you explain this scene yesterday, on Compo Hill at Sterling Drive?

(Photo/Richard Fogel)

Clearly, the Big Guy was in the midst of work. Looks like his sleigh broke down, and he had to transfer all his toys to an auxiliary one.

Either that, or he saw the big blue Tyvek-wrapped house on Hillspoint, and just gave up.

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After all the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping, this was the Main Street scene yesterday morning:

(Photo/Sal Liccione)

Today — 24 hours later — downtown is back to normal.

Just think of all those wrong size, wrong color, wrong style gifts to exchange!

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A few hours later, Compo Beach was packed.

(Photo/Molly Alger)

The temperature was in the mid-50s. There was not a snowflake in sight.

Merry Climate Change Christmas!

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Sorry to get all grinchy, just the day after the holiday.

But this was a “gift” someone left yesterday  at Winslow Park:

(Photo/Mark Mathias)

Really, someone? This is what you think of your park, your town, and everyone in it?

Too bad there are 364 days left until Christmas. Santa really needs to bring you some decent human values, and the basic concept of understanding that the world does not revolve around you alone.

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image is a study in, well, nature, from Lansdowne Condominiums:

(Photo/Lauri Weiser)

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And finally …Laura Lynch, a founding member of the Dixie Chicks, died in an automobile accident in Texas on Friday. She was 65.

Click here for a full obituary.

(Looking for a way to celebrate Boxing Day? Please click here to support “06880,” your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

 

7 Comments

Posted in Beach, Downtown, Environment, Totally random

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Roundup: Cemetery Wreaths, Old Westport, $2.99 Gas …

Posted on December 17, 2023 | 11 comments

Dozens of volunteers headed to Assumption Cemetery on Greens Farms Road yesterday, to lay wreaths on 400 veterans’ graves.

The event — part of the national Wreaths Across America program — was organized by the indefatigable Patty Kondub. She’s vice president of the VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 Auxiliary — and her father John, a World War II veteran and VFW Post 399 member, is buried in that cemetery.

Scouts from Troops 39 and 139 aided the effort.

Volunteer Johanna Keyser Rossi reports, “As we placed our wreaths, we thanked each veteran personally.”

Volunteers carefully lay wreaths, at Assumption Cemetery. (Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

Adult volunteers …

… and members of Scout Troops 39 and 139.

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How old is Westport?

Our median age is 45.2. That’s older than the median for all of Connecticut: 40.9. Overall, the American Community Survey says, our state is the 7th oldest in the country. (Maine is the oldest, with a median age of 44.8. Utah is the youngest: 31.4).

As for the Land of Steady Habits, the oldest town in Connecticut is Sherman. Its median age is 58.2. The youngest is Mansfield: 21.1. Of course, Storrs — where the University of Connecticut is located — is part of Mansfield.

Click here for the full story.

Ben Pepper — the grand marshal of last May’s Memorial Day parade — is 100 years old. That’s 55 years older than our town’s median age.

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Here’s something we haven’t seen in a while: gas below $3 a gallon.

Bob Weingarten spotted this sign at the Cumberland Farms near Stop & Shop:

(Photo/Bob Weingarten)

Of course, what’s good for the consumer is not always good for the planet. The cheaper it is to fill our tanks, the more we drive.

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Ed Gerber is one of Westport’s most noted preservationists. From his 93 Cross Highway home to his work with local homeowners, he’s a gem at keeping local gems.

But he’s well known in the larger resetoration world too, for his work with Preservation Connecticut and as a trustee of Historic New England,

Now he’s gotten national recognition. The Woodrow Wilson House Museum recently presented him with a medallion from President Biden, as thanks for Gerber’s 50 years of volunteer service.

The Washington, DC home where the 28th president lived after leaving office, and where he died in an upstairs bedroom, is a National Historic Landmark. It is owned and operated by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Ed Gerber and his president medallion, with Woodrow Wilson House Museum director Elizabeth Karcher.

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This hawk found a home in Rick Benson’s chimney. He poses proudly for his “Westport … Naturally” close-up.

(Photo/Richard Fogel)

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And finally … in honor of how old Westport is (story above):

(Where else but “06880” would you find out Westport’s median age? Click here to support us, and keep all this stuff coming. Thank you!)

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Posted in Economy, Local business, Totally random

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Roundup: Staples Football, Santa Claus, Positive Directions …

Posted on December 11, 2023 | 1 comment

Whether you missed Saturday’s “LL” (extra large schools) championship football game, or were in the stands at Central Connecticut State University and want to relive the highlights: Here’s your chance.

GametimeCT created this highlight reel, including interviews. Click below. And even though you know the result — Staples High School won, 21-20 — it’s worth watching.

And re-watching.

On a related note, Staples super-fan Dan Orlovsky — the former NFL quarterback and current ESPN football analyst, as well as a Westport resident — tweeted a clip of Max Maurillo’s game-saving tackle on West Haven’s 2-point conversion attempt with 1:15 left, along with an approving comment.

It has received 2.2 million views — undoubtedly another landmark for Staples football.

As usual with Twitter X, comments were all over the place. (Hat tip: Jeff Mitchell)

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A reader writes:

“I’m looking for a service or person in Westport or Weston who can check on a house as needed — perhaps deal with an alarm, make sure there is no water leak, or pick up a package. Even when we try to stop packages, they slip through. I’m in Lower Weston.

“This might be an ideal role for a senior who is still driving. This person wouldn’t need handyman skills — just come over, bring a flashlight if the power is out, and check on the house. 

“We don’t have an ideal neighbor for this, and the neighborhood children are either too young or off at college.

“I could pay someone a small fee every month ($50? — so that’s $600 a year, even if they have to do nothing), plus a fee every time they had to come over to the house ($50?).”

If you’re interested, and around all the time, email 06880blog@gmail.com. I’ll connect you with the homeowner.

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The weather turned nasty yesterday.

But before the rain, Santa Claus forsook his sleigh for a different mode of transportation, on the not-yet-frosty streets of Westport:

(Photo/Cindy Nigro)

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The Westport Woman’s Club recently awarded a $6,000 Ruegg Grant to Positive Directions, the Westport non-profit behavioral health organization.

Ruegg Grants — established in 1995 by an endowment from former member Lea Ruegg — are awarded to projects that enhance social services, health, safety, the arts or education.

From left: Robin Clark, Westport Woman’s Club president; Vanessa Wilson, Positive Directions executive director; Hallie Preskill, WWC community services chair; Susan Loselle and Donna Richardson, WWC committee members.

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Good morning! Reeds and leafless trees frame a recent “Westport … Naturally” sunrise at Ned Dimes Marina:

(Photo/Katherine Jacob)

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And finally … in honor of the Fat Guy’s appearance in Westport yesterday (story above), here are 3 versions of this timeless tune:

(If you’ve been naughty — no problem. There’s still time to be nice! Just click here to support “06880.” Thank you!)

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Posted in Media, Sports, Staples HS, Totally random

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Have A Holly Jolly Johnny Marks Christmas

Posted on November 30, 2023 | 9 comments

The list of famous Westporters is vast and well-known. Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward, Shonda Rhimes, Rodney Dangerfield, Bette Davis, Michael Douglas, Rod Serling, Martha Stewart, Harvey Weinstein, Michael Bolton, Marilyn Monroe, Liz Taylor, Robert Ludlum, Jim Nantz, Harry Reasoner, Meat Loaf, Nile Rodgers, Neil Sedaka, Frank Deford, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Charles Lindbergh, Fiorello La Guardia, James Comey — and those are only a few.

So why do we never mention Johnny Marks?

This Christmas, it’s appropriate to remember the man who for many years had a home on Green Acre Lane, off South Compo.

He died in 1985 from complications of diabetes. His son continued to live there.

Johnny Marks

Marks wrote “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer” — the classic tune that, since its first release by Gene Autry in 1949, has sold nearly 200 million records.

That was just the start. Marks formed his own publishing company — St. Nicholas Music — and churned out a slew of other Christmas classics: “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day,” “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” “Run, Rudolph, Run” and “Have a Holly Jolly Christmas” among them.

Not bad for a Jewish kid from Mount Vernon, New York.

A few years ago, I wrote about Johnny Marks. I said I didn’t know much about his life in Westport. I asked readers to chime in.

Jim Rodebush wrote: “Johnny Marks was a daily Compo Beach guy. He sat in the same spot with the same group of people. I worked at Compo from 1972 until 1977 and got to know him just to say hello.

“Fast forward a couple of years and I was working in New York. Having lunch one day in Washington Square; Johnny was playing speed chess.

“He saw me, but my hair was short and I was in a suit and tie. He came over and asked how he knew me. I replied, ‘Compo Beach.’ He laughed, and we had a nice conversation about Westport and Compo.”

Sherri Daley noted, “Decades ago. I was drinking at a local bar with the man I loved. We chatted with a handsome older gentleman about everything from Schopenhauer to antique cars. When the bartender announced he was closing up, the old gent invited us over to his house.

“We followed him. It was December and the roads were icy and black, but we managed to get to his house and struggle up the icy stone walk. He told us to get some champagne out of the fridge. That was all there was in it: 6 bottles of Dom Perignon. I got one and we followed him into the living room.

“The room was huge, with very little furniture and a grand piano. The parquet floors were polished to a high gloss; the moon and the piano reflected in the wood. We could see snow falling out the large windows

“Of course I asked the old gent if he played, and of course he said he did. He played us everything from Beethoven to old show tunes. Then, around dawn, with a wink at me, he said, ‘Let me play you a little something I wrote.’
And he played ‘Rudolph, the Red-nosed Reindeer.’

“Three years later, I read the old gent’s obituary in the Wall Street Journal. It was the first time I knew his name.”

Jon Nicholson added, “In the late ’70s, Andy Rothman and I played 9 holes of golf with a much older man that we were teamed up with by the starter. The gentleman was very patient with us, as Andy and I hacked our way around Longshore.

“He continued on when we stopped at the halfway house. The woman running the snack shack informed us who he was, which was of course exciting to a couple of teenagers. Oh, the inane questions we could have asked!”

Ann Chernow said, “We met Mr. Marks at several Westport parties. He and his son were always charming, and fun to be with. I think of him every Christmas when his songs play often.”

Let’s not forget Johnny Marks. He’ll go down in history!

ENCORE! The character of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was created 10 years before Marks wrote the song by his brother-in-law, Robert L. May, as an assignment for Montgomery Ward. 

May’s granddaughter Margie lived in Westport. She attended Saugatuck Elementary School, Bedford Junior High, and Staples High (Class of 1966).

It’s a small world. But Rudolph made sure Santa covered it all!

(“06880” is truly “Where Westport meets the world. If you enjoy stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

9 Comments

Posted in Entertainment, Looking back, Totally random

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Roundup: Stats: Real Estate, Police, PopUp Bagels …

Posted on October 26, 2023 | 4 comments

The hot real estate market has cooled a bit. Several indicators are down during the first 3 quarters of 2023, compared to last year.

But the median sale price is up 2.4% from January-September 2022. The current median is $2.1 million, according to KMS Team at Compass.

Other statistics, for the first 9 months of 2023 compared to ’22:

  • Number of sales: 257 (down 29%)
  • Total dollar value: $627,258,757 (down 29%)
  • Number of new listings: 379 (down 18%)
  • Average percentage over asking price: 1.67% (down 2.4%)
  • Number of days on market: 29 (down 5%).

This 8,246-square foot, 4-bedroom, 5.5-bathroom on 1.35 acres on Saugatuck Avenue is listed at $13.9 million.

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Westport Police had a busy week.

There were 5 custodial arrests of adults, between October 18 and 25.

Three were charged in connection with Monday’s chase on I-95 and the Greens Farms area, ending at the Sherwood Island Connector.

Two 20-year-olds from Ansonia, and a 19-year-old from Seymour, were all charged with the same crimes: reckless driving, engaging police in a pursuit, larceny of a motor vehicle, interfering with police officers/resisting arrest, assault on a public safety officer, and reckless endangerment.

The day before (Sunday, October 22), an attempted motor vehicle theft at 4:20 a.m. led to police pursuit onto I-95, where the vehicle’s tires were deflated after stop sticks were deployed.

Two juveniles were caught at the scene. A Westport K-9 officer found an 18-yar-old from Meriden in nearby bushes. He was charged with reckless driving, improper use of marker plates, operating a motor vehicle without a valid license, larceny of a motor vehicle, larceny 6th degree, conspiracy to commit larceny 6th degree, and interfering with an officer. He was turned then over to New Haven police, where he had outstanding warrants.

In addition, a 20-year-old Waterbury man was arrested in connection with last month’s carjacking inside a Bayberry Lane garage. He was charged with home invasion, burglary 1st degree, larceny 1st degree, conspiracy to commit larceny, robbery 1st degree, robbery by carjacking, assault 3rd degree, and reckless endangerment.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 9 citations
  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 9
  • Failure to comply with state traffic control signals: 5
  • Disorderly conduct: 1
  • Larceny 5th degree: 1
  • Passing a standing school bus: 1
  • Speeding: 1
  • Traveling too fast for conditions: 1
  • Following too closely: 1
  • Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
  • Failure to insure a motor vehice: 1
  • Improper use of markers: 1

The aftermath of Monday’s pursuit of stolen vehicles. (Photo/Andrew Colabella)

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The “pop” in PopUp Bagels first referred to its peripatetic appearance — an underused location in Westport, then a few nearby towns, eventually New York.

It could also mean “popular.” The Westport-based bagels (and schmears) always sell out. Block-long lines waited in the city. They won 2 straight “Best Bagel” awards at the very prestigious Brooklyn Bagelfest.

Now, Adam Goldberg’s 3-year-old business has closed on an $8 million capital raise. The funding will enable future growth, and an expansion of the executive team.

The round was led by New York equity firm Stripes. Click here for the delicious details.

Adam Goldberg, with the gold.

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The private garages at Sherwood Mill Pond — behind the Old Mill homes, on the way to the pedestrian walkways to Compo Cove — are an object of fascination.

They’re old — a throwback to perhaps the 1920s.

One owner has decorated hers with seashells and baubles.

Then there is this one:

(Photo/Karen Como)

There must be a back story. Perhaps a wife said to her husband, “Honey, that is not going in the house. It belongs in the garage!”

Click “Comments,” to share your own bathroom humor.

But keep it clean. No potty mouths.

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Amy Schneider spotted these pumpkins yesterday, at the Compo brick pavilion.

(Photo/Amy Schneider)

Perhaps someone heard that the beach was a favorite spot for trick-or-treaters.

Let’s clarify: It’s the homes in the very walkable Compo neighborhood, not the beach itself.

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Longtime Westporter Paul Hammond, more recently of Fairfield, died  peacefully at home earlier this month, with his family and rector at his side. He was 82.

Paul grew up in Darien, where he was an acolyte at St Luke Church, acting in theater, and played baseball and football. His summers were spent in Chatham, Massachusetts, where his family had 300 years of history.

.After graduating from Darien High School in 1959, Paul took a gap year to work as head doorman at Hawaii’s Waikiki Hilton. He graduated from Brown University in 1965, then earned his masters degree at New York University in international development.

In 1966 he joined the Army. Paul served for 3 years as a 1st Lieutenant and executive officer of his training battalion, receiving a Commendation Medal.

He began his business career at International Paper, then worked at Emery Air Freight and All Transport. Paul started his own company, US Trade and Transport, and traveled the world selling heavy construction equipment.

He later entered market research, working for Teeton Group, Yankelovich and TRC, where he was an executive vice president and principal shareholder.

Paul met the love of his life, Paige, in 1979. They were married the next year. They settled on Saugatuck Shores, where they lived for 35 years.  Paul enjoyed lobstering, fishing, waterskiing, and spending time with Paige’s children.

The couple traveled extensively. Treasure Cay, Abaco Bahamas became their home away from home.

In retirement, Paul wrote novels and researched. He published 4 books aboutthe American Revolution.

Paul was active at Christ & Holy Church on the vestry, Fundraising Committee, and as building project manager for the renovation project. He served as a president and board member of the Saugatuck Island Owners Association.  He was also chair of the Treasure Cay Golf Club, commodore of the Yacht Club, and a board member of the Treasure Cay Medical Clinic. Recently, he served as Grounds chair and a board member at the Meadows in Fairfield.

Paul fully encouraged all his grandchildren, and rarely missed an event.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Paige Hammond; stepchildren Connie (Jamie) Widmann of Newtown, and David (Andrea) Moore of Westport; grandchildren Jimmy and Sarah Widmann, and Tessa, Janna and Ella Moore;  sister-in-law Suzanne Hammond. and many cousins, nieces and nephew.

A celebration of Paul’s life will be held November 17 (noon, Christ & Holy Trinity Church).

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Paul’s name to Regional Hospice, 30 Milestone Road, Danbury, CT 06810.

Paul Hammond

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Many “Westport … Naturally” photos feature an animal, plant or flower.

This one shows a much bigger scene, at Sherwood Mill Pond. It’s one of the reasons we love this part of New England so much.

Enjoy it now. It won’t last forever — or even a couple of weeks.

(Photo/Andrew Colabella)

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And finally … (and speaking of Sherwood Mill Pond): today’s song honors a certain garage on the way to Compo Cove:

(Where else but “06880” do you get real estate, police, business and  beach news — and much more — every day? We rely on reader support to do it all. Please click here to help. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Local business, Obituaries, Police, Real estate, Totally random

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Roundup: Linxweiler Stone Wall, Citizens’ Police Academy, Stolen Mail …

Posted on September 4, 2023 | 12 comments

Drivers weaving carefully (and not so carefully) through the Post Road East construction zone just west of McDonald’s have mourned the loss of a dozen or so old trees by the Linxweiler house.

They wonder too what will become of the many large rocks that made up a now-dismantled stone wall, near the trees.

Former stone wall in front of the Linxweiler house.

For once, the news is good.

A Planning & Zoning Commission site plan shows that the original stone wall will be replaced with a new one, continuing around the radius into Crescent Road.

The original was drywall. Hopefully, the next will be the same traditional type.

Congratulations are due town officials, who secured the replacement of the wall. (Hat tip: Michael Calise)

Site plans for Linxweiler house stone wall.

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One of the coolest opportunities anywhere is the Westport Police Department’s 8-week Citizens’ Police Academy.

Participants gain a first-hand understanding of what our officers do, how they do it, and how the WPD fits into our community.

At the same time, residents and officers get to know each other much better.

25 community members participate in classes on law enforcement, and get hands-on experience with equipment. They also join a “ride-along” with an officer — and receive CPR/AED certification.

The program runs from 7 to 9:30 p.m. on Thursdays from October 5 through November 30 (except before Veterans Day and on Thanksgiving), and Wednesday, December 6.

The academy is open to Westport residents age 21 and older. Applications can also be picked up at police headquarters, and are due by September 18.

Westport’s Citizens Police Academy offers an inside look into every aspect of the department.

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Seen on social media yesterday:

“If you’re like me and all of your mail was stolen from your mailbox on Cross Highway, North Compo or Weston Rd (Friday) night, apparently some of it is floating around near the Willowbrook cemetery.

“With crime the way it’s been around here lately, I guess we should feel lucky our cars weren’t stolen or smashed. It’s just our personal information compromised.”

What a shame — and a hassle. (And for those whose checks are stolen and “whitewashed,” even worse.)

But among the responses was this, which is news to me: “Sign up for ‘USPS Informed Delivery’ free service. You get a daily email, with pictures of every piece of correspondence arriving in your mailbox.”

Not a good idea. It’s an invitation to thieves that there is mail — often a check — inside.

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Yesterday’s Saugatuck Congregational Church service honoring the late Rev. Ted Hoskins was a chance for old friends to remember the longtime senior and youth minister.

It was a chance too for people who never knew him to learn more about one of the founders of Westport’s homeless shelter and food pantry. Today the Gillespie Center for men — and Hoskins Center for women, named for him — and other supportive housing and food projects are run by Homes with Hope.

Rev. Hoskins — who died last month — spent the last couple of decades of his life in Maine. But — as the turnout at his remembrance proved — his mark on Westport is profound, and indelible.

Homes with Hope representatives at Saugatuck Church yesterday (from left): Pete Powell, first president; Rev. Willie Salmond, who initiated the service for Rev. Hoskins; John Walsh, board chair; Helen McAlinden, president; Jeff Wieser, past president.

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If you’re wondering what Dattco is doing, now that they’ve lost the Westport school bus contract …

Yesterday, at Compo Beach. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Last winter, dozens of bagels sat for more than 2 weeks, on High Gate Road of Maple Avenue South.

No one knew where they came from. No one claimed them. No one cleaned them up. (Click here, then scroll down for a Roundup story.)

That was weird.

What’s even weirder is: They’re back.

Chris Grimm — who reported on the first outbreak — sent along this photo:

(Photo/Chris Grimm)

It looks very similar to several months ago.

Except this time, there is a large, unopened bag of bagels too, on the grass.

Very, very weird.

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Dermatologists Dr. Nina Antonov and Dr. Marc Beuttler of Modern Dermatology will provide free full body skin cancer screenings, and/or spot checks, at the Aspetuck Health District (180 Bayberry Lane) on September 26.

Appointments are available between 9 a.m. and noon, and 1-4 p.m. Call 203-227-9571, ext. 235, and ask for Judy. Limited to residents of Westport, Weston and Easton only.

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Speaking of health: Overdose awareness and Narcan training will be held September 26 (7 to 8 p.m., Town Hall Room C201).

It’s sponsored by members of the Westport Prevention Coalition and Westport RTM.

To register and for more information, call 203-227-7644.

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It’s never too early to think about beer.

Wakeman Town Farm’s annual family Beer Garden event is Sunday October 15 (noon to 4 p.m.).

The afternoon features live music by Hitch and the Giddy-Up + Rob Morton, lawn games, bubbles, face painting, photos with mini ponies, and pumpkin crafts for the littles — and a surprise craft by LaurelRock.

Also for adults: Eco Evolution, and a massage therapist for the adults.

Lunch options include pizza by Tony Pizza Napolitano, Food Truck Refinery and Oronoque Farms.

Local beer is sponsored by Greens Farms Spirits, with ice cream from Saugatuck Sweets and Landtech. Ccider donuts and refreshments are courtesy of KMS Team at Compass.

Tickets are $10 for adults; kids are free. Click here to purchase, and for more information. Food and beverage purchases are a la carte. Proceeds benefit Wakeman Town Farm educational programs.

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Two butterflies flitted around the Westport Library yesterday.

As great a photographer as Rowene Weems is, she could not get them together in the same shot.

But even one is wonderful enough for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Rowene Weems)

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And finally … Happy Labor Day!

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

 

12 Comments

Posted in Beach, Environment, Police, religion, Totally random

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Roundup: First School Day, First Student Buses, Long Lots Meeting …

Posted on August 29, 2023 | 6 comments

Today is the first day of school.

On Sylvan Road North, motorcycle officer/PAL president/all-around good guy Craig Bergamo rode by.

He was doing a check of bus routes. But he took the time to stop, chat, and wish Dylan Rosen a great start to the year, as he begins 6th grade at Coleytown Middle School.

Dylan Rosen, his mom Barrie and Officer Craig Bergamo. (Photo/Frank Rosen)

And, in what has become one of our favorite “06880” traditions, Pam Long sends this photo of the first day, waiting for the bus at Juniper Road and Caccamo Lane.

(Photo/Pam Long)

Each year the faces change. Kids get older. They move on to a new school; younger ones take their place. But always, there are lots of them.

Meanwhile, this was the scene at Grouse Path and Woodcock Lane, off Newtown Turnpike:

(Photo/Elizabeth DeVoll)

All over town, kids are eager, excited, energetic — and perhaps a bit nervous too.

It’s all natural. For decades in Westport — and across the country — those emotions have not changed.

Good luck to all. Here’s to the best school year ever!

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Speaking of buses: Today also marks the first day of a contract with a new company: aptly named First Student.

The first couple of weeks back are an adjustment in every area — including transportation.

Here’s wishing all good things to First Student. Fortunately, many of the best drivers have been hired by the new company.

Managerially, many Westporters hope for an improvement over the previous provider.

The bar certainly is set low.

School buses, in the Imperial Avenue lot. (Photo/Amy Schneider)

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The Long Lots School Building Committee holds a special meeting this Thursday (August 31, 6 p.m., Town Hall Room 201). The agenda includes:

  • Public Comment and/or questions regarding the project (15 minutes)
  • Work session with the design team for project status updates and review. The public is welcome to attend the work session, but may not participate.
  • Additional Public comment and/or questions regarding the project.

The Long Lots School Building Committee meets Thursday, at 6 p.m.

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Meanwhile, up in Weston Jolantha warns everyone that with school back in session: Drive carefully!

That sure is one “ham-some” guy behind the wheel.

(Photo/Hans Wilhelm)

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The package had a false return address. The letter inside was signed “Sam Elliott (not really, but you’ll get the 1976 movie reference).” The only clue to the sender is slim: It was mailed from Zip code 06376 (Old Lyme, Connecticut).

The note said: “A few years back you wrote about a lifeguard reunion, and that a former lifeguard brought along a vintage red jacket.” (Click here for that story.)

He was a lifeguard “50-plus years ago,” he said. And he too “forgot” to turn in his jacket.

He worked 6 days a week, 8 hours a day, for $1.25 an hour. (Shifts ran from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and noon to 8 p.m.)

It was a great job — especially uncrowded early mornings and late evenings. The sun rising or setting, with the waves lapping quietly, were “idyllic.”

Even today, the former guard wrote, hearing certain songs — “Black is Black,” “Summer in the City,” “See You in September” — brought him back to those days.

He’d kept his guard jacket for over 5 decades. Now, he said: “I entrust it to you for appropriate disposition — to the Recreation Department, the guard shack, a lifeguard groupie, etc.”

There — folded neatly underneath the note — was his vintage jacket.

The note ended:

“I just couldn’t put it in the textile recycling bin without giving it the possibility of one last trip to Compo Beach before summer’s end.”

Thank you, whoever you are. This weekend — the last of the season for the guards — I’ll bring it down to the shack you remember so well.

PS: That “Sam Elliott 1976 movie” comment? He starred in “Lifeguard.”

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Jazz at the Post has taken five this summer.

The Thursday night series resumes September 7.

But there’s a warmup act.

This Thursday (August 31, 6:30 p.m.), the Fairfield Museum hosts a free concert. Pianist (and Fairfield native) Jamie Saft headlines the show, with Steve LaSpina and Tim Horner.

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Speaking of music: Every picture tells a story.

But I sure can’t figure out the tale behind this photo.

I took it in the back parking lot at Saugatuck Congregation Church.

At any rate, if you are praying that someone found you’re music stand: You know where to find it.

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Recently, Bob Weingarten noticed many varieties of mushrooms on the lawn at Hillandale Road and Morningside Drive South.

He assembled some favorites for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature:

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And finally … in honor of the songs that — nearly 60 years later — still remind a former lifeguard of his idyllic days at Compo Beach (story above):

(Today the kids are back in class! Celebrate with a donation to “06880” — a great source for local education news. And, of course, lots else. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Education, Entertainment, Local politics, Police, Totally random

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Voting Machine Found In Westport Home

Posted on August 9, 2023 | 5 comments

Long-time Westporters Jeff Mayer and Nancy Diamond are downsizing.

Like many residents, they see a smaller home as an opportunity to “Marie Kondo”-ize their lives.

It’s one thing to get rid of the tchotchkes.

But move the voting machine? That’s a different story.

And one they’re sharing with “06880.”

It begins to 2011, when Westport changed from traditional voting booths to electronic cards.

For 50 years voters had stepped into a private booth, pulled a giant lever to close the curtain, slid down tiny levers for candidates or penciled in write-ins, then pulled the big lever again to hide the votes and open the curtain.

Jeffrey Mayer and Nancy Diamond’s voting booth.

The voting machines were made by Sequoia. They were bought by now-famous Dominion Voting Systems in 2010.

In 2011, most of Westport’s voting machines were hauled to the dump.

Except one.

Jeff had been snoozing a few years earlier, when the Westport Library tossed its card catalogues.

He was not about to miss out on another piece of local history.

Kids! Ask your parents how to use this.

Jeff had served on the Board of Finance for 12 years, the last 4 as chairman. For him, voting was personal.

He called the Town Clerk. With the help of Jim Ezzes, chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals, and Jim’s brother Steve, also a former BOF member, one machine found a new home.

A dozen years later, Jeff and Nancy’s new Westport home is not big enough for the voting machine.

They contacted the Connecticut Museum of Culture & History in Hartford. They don’t have enough space.

A Westport friend has offered to store the machine while it awaits a new owner.  Jeff and Nancy hope a passionate history buff will step forward.

“At a time when our country is focused on voting rights,” Jeff says, “we can’t bear the thought of the booth ending up in a dump.”

“It would be too ironic,” Nancy adds.

(Interested in Jeff and Nancy’s voting booth? Email jamayer01@gmail.com)

(Here’s a bipartisan cause: supporting “06880.” Please click here to donate. Thank you!)

Today’s machines look much less cool.

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Roundup: Tom Lowrie, Lifeguard Olympics, Vinny Penna …

Posted on July 24, 2023 | 3 comments

Most people celebrate their 90th birthday with cake.

Tom Lowrie went skydiving.

That was 5 years ago.

He liked it so much, he did the same this year, for his 95th.

Last time, Tom was joined by fellow Rotarians. This year, he celebrated with Y’s Men of Westport & Weston friends Bob Mitchell and Peter Donovan.

(Tom is an active member of both groups. He is also Westport’s leading pickleball ambassador.)

The jump took place Saturday, at the CT Parachutists’ airstrip in Ellington.

“It was the first time for Peter and me. We loved it!” Bob reports.

“We went up in a small plane to 15,000 feet and jumped. Each of us was harnessed to an instructor, so we didn’t have to work the parachutes ourselves,

“It was a free fall for about 8,000 feet, then a gentle parachute glide around the countryside, with a soft landing in a field back at the airport.

“The weather was beautiful. The personnel at the facility were wonderful. It was the adventure of a lifetime.”

It sounds fantastic. I just have one question:

Tom, what are you planning for your 100th?

From left: Peter Donovan, Tom Lowrie, Bob Mitchell.

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Today’s lead “06880” story features Westport’s Compo Beach lifeguards.

Here’s an update:

Yesterday morning, bright and early at 8 a.m., the Parks & Recreation Department sponsored their annual Compo and Longshore Lifeguard Olympics.

Waterfront foreman of waterfront operations Michael Giunta and director Danilo Sierra-Giraldo organized the event.

It’s great for team-building, enhancing skills — and, as seen in the photo below, everyone had fun.

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Vinny Penna — the longtime Westport police officer and deputy chief whose death in 2021, at 51 from a heart attack, stunned the town — was honored yesterday.

A statue in his honor was dedicated at Assumption Church. Members of the Penna family were joined by law enforcement members from across the Northeast, as well as Westport Police officials, the Westport Police Athletic League, and other residents whose lives he touched.

Funds came from the PAL, Assumption Church, and Vinny’s many friends.

Vinny Penna statue at Assumption Church. (Photo and hat tip/ Andrew Colabella)

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The Levitt Pavilion has added a new ticketed event.

Billy Prine & the Prine Time Band play “Songs of John Prine” on Saturday, September 30. Scarlett Egan is the opening act.

Meanwhile, this week is filled with free shows. They include:

  • Tuesday, 7 p.m.: Sona Jobarteh, Africa’s first female griot kora virtuoso.
  • Wednesday, 7 p.m.: Divinity Roxx (Children’s Series)
  • Thursday, 7 p.m.: Theo Kandel, artist/songwriter/producer, with Michael Cantor (Westporter; rising senior at Berklee College of Music, and his band)
  • Friday, 7:30 p.m.: Julie Williams, “CMT Next Women of Country Class of 2023.”

Click here for tickets, and more nformation.

Sona Jobarteh, Tuesday’s Levitt headliner.

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Westport’s 12U Little League team continues its winning ways. They captured the sectional championship, beating Wilton 5-0.

Next up: the state championship, beginning Wednesday (6 p.m. vs Shelton, at Unity Park, Trumbull).

Westport has not won the 12U state title since 2013. That year, they went all the way to the Little League World Series final in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

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The subject line of Elle= Bowen’s email said “I ❤️ Westport.”

And what’s not to ❤️ , with a photo like this?

(Photo/Elle Bowen)

She spotted it just past Cockenoe Island.

“What a wonderful sentiment, on a gorgeous summer day,” Ellen says. “Does anyone know who owns this boat?”

If you’ve got any info about the “love boat,” click Comments below.

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The Phillips 66 gas station on Post Road East — between the Connecticut Humane Society and Fire Department headquarters — has reverted back to Exxon.

I’m no petroleum engineer but I bet — despite the bunting — that the gas you get there now is exactly the same as before.

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It’s hard to capture lightning (with a camera).

And you shouldn’t do it standing beneath a tree.

Nancy Lewis was at Compo Beach Friday night — presumably somewhere safe — when she shot this, for our “Westport … Naturally” feature:

(Photo/Nancy Lewis)

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And finally … in honor of that boat Elle Bowen spotted off Cockenoe (story above):

(“06880” ❤️s contributions from readers. Please click here. Thank you!”)

 

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Posted in Beach, Entertainment, Local business, Longshore, Police, Sports, Totally random

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