Traffic. The environment. Parks & Recreation. Enforcement of regulations.
Those were some of the topics that came up frequently yesterday, at the Select Board’s first “community conversation.”
But the idea voiced most frequently was a simple “thank you” to 1st Selectman Kevin Christie, for convening the meeting in the first place.
He and fellow selectpersons Amy Wistreich and Don O’Day listened patiently, as a dozen attendees listed items of concern.
1st Selectman Kevin Christie, with 2nd selectwoman Amy Wistreich and 3rd selectman Don O’Day, at yesterday’s community conversation. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Transparency was raised often. There was applause when Christie said that all town meetings will be recorded and put on the town website.
Valerie Seiling Jacobs and Wendy Batteau spoke about sustainability. Issues included the Parks & Rec Department’s use of pesticides and battery-powered leaf blowers, and the ongoing discussion about synthetic turf athletic fields.
The Parks & Rec Commission was criticized for canceling recent meetings, and not taking sea level rise at Compo Beach more seriously.
Christie — who said his administration is in the early phases of looking at the makeup of, and “refreshing,” all appointed boards and commissions — called Parks & Rec “a top priority.”
In response to Sal Liccione’s concerns about downtown, Christie pledged “holistic thinking. We’ll move away from the chessboard idea of finding 40 spots. There will be a more creative solution.”
Westport has studied downtown extensively. 1st Selectman Kevin Christie hopes to move forward “holistically.”
A business owner urged Christie to “reject partisanship and cronyism,” in favor of a meeting with all stakeholders to determine the future of downtown parking.
Jennifer Johnson reiterated the ongoing topic of traffic. She asked Christie to consider “a more holistic and systematic approach.”
Other issues included the upcoming loss of police officers and firefighters, due in part to the lack of a pension; the need for enforcement of teen drinking parties, and the possibility of cameras to catch motor vehicle violations.
Christie promised more community conversations in the future.
And, he said, they will be at many different times of day, so all Westporters will have a chance to attend.
Almost exactly 9 years ago — on December 14, 2016 — “06880” published a story by “historic-minded” Wendy Crowther. The subject was the William F. Cribari Bridge.
I called it a “perfect holiday/Westport piece.” It still is.
And — with a Connecticut Department of Transportation “consulting meeting” set for this Thursday (December 18, 6 p.m., Town Hall) — this is a perfect time to re-post her thoughts.
The span over the Saugatuck River is now 141 years old. But little has changed in the near-decade since Wendy first wrote:
A few days ago, my TV remote dropped me into the last half of the 1946 holiday classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” I entered the story just as George Bailey ran onto the Bedford Falls Bridge and contemplated suicide. Luckily George’s guardian angel, Clarence, showed up just in time to help George see the value of his life, and its impact on his town and loved ones.
Though I’ve seen the movie a bazillion times, this time I noticed something I hadn’t seen before. George Bailey’s bridge was very similar to our own Saugatuck swing bridge (the William F. Cribari Bridge).
George Bailey on the Bedford Falls bridge (1946).
Due to my involvement over the last year and a half in efforts to not only document the history of our 132-year old span, but also save it from the impending doom of the state Department of Transportation’s scrap heap, I’ve become sensitized to old bridges in general — particularly truss bridges like ours (and George’s).
Seeing the movie from this new perspective, I became intrigued by the film’s use of the bridge as a symbol. Sixty years ago, when “It’s a Wonderful Life” was first released, plenty of small truss bridges still existed. Clearly, it was one of many elements used by the filmmakers to convey the quaint, homey feel of a small, American town — towns like Westport, and thousands of others across the country.
George Bailey’s bridge, set in fictional Bedford Falls, plays a pivotal role in the story. The 2 most transformative moments occur as George stands upon it: the first as he prepares to jump from it, the second when he returns to the bridge and desperately pleads, “I want to live.”
It’s believed that the town of Seneca Falls, New York was director Frank Capra’s inspiration for “It’s a Wonderful Life.” He supposedly visited Seneca Falls during the time the screenplay was being developed. Seneca Falls has a real bridge that looks much like the one depicted in the movie.
It also looks a lot like our Saugatuck swing bridge.
George Bailey on the Bedford Falls bridge (left); the actual Seneca Falls bridge (right). (Photos/Ottawarewind.com)
Though the Seneca Falls bridge and Westport’s are similar in many ways, Seneca’s can’t hold a candle to our own.
Our bridge, built in 1884, is 132 years old — the oldest active bridge of its type in the nation. Seneca’s, built in 1915, is a mere 101. Both are truss bridges, though ours is longer and made of iron; theirs is made of steel. Our bridge swings open for boat traffic; theirs doesn’t. The roads over both bridges are known as Bridge Street — but ours has the additional honor of being designated a State Scenic Road.
Our bridge crosses the Saugatuck River; theirs crosses the Seneca. Both bridges are still in use and open to traffic. Neither is tall enough to allow semi-tractor trailers to cross.
But here’s where Seneca’s bridge has it over ours. It was rehabilitated in 1997. Ours may meet the wrecking ball within the next few years — if the state has its druthers. DOT wants to make room for big rigs.
Original plans for the 1884 Saugatuck River bridge. (Image courtesy of Westport Historical Society)
In the fictional town of Bedford Falls, and in the real-life towns of Seneca Falls and Westport, bridges are iconic symbols that tell a story, provide a sense of place, and teach us about our history. They span rivers and time. They connect what separates us, and they can deter what we prefer to fend off.
In “It’s a Wonderful Life,” the critical moment occurs as George stands for the 2nd time on the Bedford Falls Bridge and begs to have his old life back again. Suddenly, snow begins to fall. He is transported from his alternate reality and returned to the present. His gratitude sends him jubilantly running through the streets of Bedford Falls, shouting greetings to all the buildings and friends he cherishes.
As the film ends, all is well in Bedford Falls. Goodness triumphs over selfishness and greed, bells ring and the angel Clarence gets his wings.
The William Cribari (Saugatuck River) Bridge, Christmas Eve 2015. (Photo/Wendy Crowther)
Having newly seen “It’s a Wonderful Life” from the bridge’s perspective, I realize that it offers Westporters valuable insights and inspiration.
Will we fight hard to keep what many of us cherish — our Saugatuck swing bridge? What powerful forces will try to overcome valiant efforts to keep it just the way it is? What changes to the bridge could transform (or devastate) portions of our community forever? If we lose it, will we wish we had better understood the wisdom of its ways?
The film ends with 4 important words. The entire cast sings “Auld Lang Syne.” Loosely translated from Scottish, the phrase means “for the sake of old times.” Let’s remember those words.
(Wendy is a founding member of the Westport Preservation Alliance. For more information about the history of the Saugatuck Swing Bridge and the efforts to save it, click here.)
(“06880” was founded in 2009. We’re not as old as the Cribari Bridge, but we humbly think we play a nice role in this town too. If you enjoy our work, please click here to help. Thank you!)
Last night — barely 24 hours after a mass shooting at an Australian Hanukkah celebration — Westporters gathered for the first night of the Festival of Lights.
Rabbi Yehuda Kantor told the crowd: “We must not be pulled down — only up. Light your candles to bring warmth to your home, and light to the world.”
Rabbi Yehuda Kantor, with Chabad’s ice menorah. (Hat tip and photo/Matthew Mandell)
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If you hoped for a resolution of the “Blue House” — aka 233 Hillspoint Road — saga by the end of the year: You’ll have to wait (quite a bit) longer.
This is one wish not even Santa can grant.
Any closing or progress on the completion of the years-long eyesore diagonally opposite Old Mill Deli has been postponed again.
The reason: new litigation.
Unknown to either the seller or buyer at the October auction, the underlying borrower filed 4 liens less than 24 hours before the auction.
Two were against Summit Westport LLC, who owned the property. Two were mechanic’s liens against the property.
The lender — GLP 2206 LLC — initiated foreclosure action on December 2, to clear title. Any Stamford-Norwalk court action will happen in 2026.
The primary defendants are Summit Westport, LLC and James Pendry personally.
233 Hillspoint Road, in July. Not much has changed since then — except the weather.
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The Connecticut Department of Transportation hosts a “consulting meeting” on how its plan for the William F. Cribari Bridge will affect the landmark properties of the National Historic Bridge Street District.
The session is this Thursday (December 18, 6 p.m., Town Hall).
The Cribari Bridge is on the National Register of Historic Places. (Photo/Ferdinand Jahnel)
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Westporters were out in droves yesterday, photographing the very New England holiday season-ish snow.
“06880” posted more than a dozen great photos. This one from downtown came in later — and it’s a bit more whimsical than all those shots of back yards, fences and (of course) the Minute Man:
Friday’s first-ever Holiday Craft & Gift Sale at the Westport Senior Center was a hit!. A large crowd enjoyed — and bought — items from local artisans.
Senior Center director Wendy Petty, and her staff and volunteers, organized every detail. It was one more special offering, from a center that continually delivers them, to seniors — and many others too. (Hat tip: Linda Doyle)
The Senior Center welcomes the holidays. (Photo/Ed Simek)
A gentle reminder: As you plan year-end giving, please keep “06880” in mind.
We’re a non-profit dedicating to educating the public and creating community, so all contributions are tax-deductible. Corporate matching grants are welcome too!
You can donate online, or by Venmo, Zelle or old-school check. Click here for details. And thank you!
And finally … on this date in 1893, Antonín Dvořák’s “Symphony No. 9” — the “New World Symphony” — premiered at Carnegie Hall.
(From the blue house to the Cribari Bridge — and everywhere in between — “06880” brings you all the Westport news. And we do it 24/7/365. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Public language is coarser. Dress codes for Broadway shows are looser.
And dogs are having their day.
We see them everywhere: Stores. Supermarkets. Even restaurants.
(And no — they are not all service animals.)
Most are on the small side.
Some are not.
This was the scene yesterday, at Barnes & Noble:
Let’s crowd source this.
What’s the appropriate etiquette for dogs in public indoor spaces? Does it vary by size, or type of establishment? Why do owners want to bring their dogs everywhere? Why would others object? And who should make the call?
Click “Comments” below. Please use your full, real name — and let us know whether you own a dog, or not.
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Speaking of dogs: Cat Malkin writes, “Yogi Bear enjoyed seeing Santa and eating delicious treats at Earth Animal yesterday. He (Yogi) supported supported their holiday wreath sale — with 100% of the proceeds going to CT Foodshare.
“Yogi wants all pet-loving Westporters know they can bring pet food — and old towels and blankets — to Earth Animal. They’ll make sure it goes to pets in need.
“You can also bring dog and cat food to the Homes with Hope food pantry (Gillespie Center on Jesup Road, behind Barnes & Noble) and the Connecticut Humane Society (now at 863 Danbury Road, Wilton).
“Yogi says, ‘Woof, woof, woof. Happy Holidays to all!'”
Yogi and Santa. (Photo/Cat Malkin)
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Speaking of Santa: The transition from Thanksgiving to Christmas occurs smoothly.
And everywhere.
This was the scene yesterday, at Compo Beach:
(Photo/Regi Kendig)
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Last month marked the 5th anniversary of Wheels2U service.
From its beginning in 2020 during the early months of the COVID pandemic — serving a handful of riders in a portion of Westport — it has grown to cover the entire town, providing a record 3,069 rides in October alone.
Wheels2U is projected to book over 31,000 rides in the fiscal year ending June 30.
Commuters to and from Westport, seniors and families across Westport rely on it every weekday.
For just $2, the service offers curb-to-curb and curb-to-platform transportation to destinations including the Saugatuck and Greens Farms train stations, Senior Center, Jesup Green and Imperial Avenue Farmers’ Market.
Key features include:
Seamless technology: An app-based booking system allows riders to schedule trips and track vehicles in real time.
Sustainability impact: Transitioned in November to more comfortable and fuel-efficient vehicles, saving an estimated 4,100 gallons of fuel and reducing 80,000 pouds of CO₂ emissions annually (equivalent to the yearly energy use of 5 homes). A switch to electric vehicles this spring will further reduce emissions
Expanded service hours: Extended morning service to and from the 2 train stations to 10:30 a.m., and evening service to 9:30 pm. Added service Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to downtown locations.
Exceptional rider satisfaction: Maintains a 4.9/5 average ride rating, with 95% of all reviews at 5 stars. The average wait time for a pickup is under 12 minutes.
And finally … you may have guessed this was coming:
(Yogi Bear says, “You don’t need to be smarter than the average bear to help ‘06880.’ You just need to click here, to support the hyper-local blog that every person and dog loves. Arf!”
The “06880”/Westport Downtown Association Holiday Stroll is less than 2 weeks away.
Over 50 merchants and vendors have already signed up for giveaways, promotions and more.
The 5th annual event (December 6, 4 to 7 p.m., Main Street and beyond) features all kinds of family fun, from Orphenians caroling to photos with Santa Claus, face painting, and much more.
Nômade returns with their much-loved s’mores. Savvy + Grace will again be North Pole center, for kids’ letters to Santa (all get answered!).
Toy Post offers small gifts for children. Adults will enjoy holiday cheer at Clarendon Fine Art and Lux Bond & Green; $50 off $150 or more at Southern Tide; up to 75% off at Shoe-Inn — and those are just a few.
Here’s the list — as of now. New specials are added daily.
Bartaco:Hot chocolate table
Bella Bridesmaids: $25 off per dress
Bloom Salon:Holiday treats, and discounted hair tinsel
Bridgewater Chocolate:Raffle for $50 gift card, with purchase
Candle Caboodle: TBD
Chait Gallery/Photography Studio: 20% off all artwork, portraits in studio; $200 for 1-hour session, includes 8×10 print
Clarendon Fine Art: Holiday cheer; live music by Warren Bloom
Cold Fusion: Free wrapped chocolates
Core Burn Pilates:Discounted group class and private sessions (booked on day of Stroll)
Courtgirl:15-30% off storewide
Eleish Van Breems:Raffles; cider in courtyard
Faherty: Refreshments and cool vibes
Fred: Gift with purchase
Gabriele’s: Buy $500 worth of gift cards; get $100 extra
J. McLaughlin: Handbag raffle 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; cookies and Prosecco in the afternoon
Naturino Kids Shoes: 25% off single pair
Nômade:S’mores, and free Advent calendar
Offline by Aerie: 10% off purchase; $25 off $125 if booking an appointment
Paper Source:Buy one; get 50% off holiday boxed cards
Rhone:Beverages; 15% off first purchase
Rowan: Buy 2 non-piercing pairs of earrings; 2nd is 15% off
Savvy + Grace:North Pole mailbox for letters to Santa
Shoe-Inn:Up to 75% off
Sorelle Gallery:20% off original artwork and prints all day; Champagne and holiday treats
Southern Tide:$50 off $150 or more
Splash of Pink:Gift with purchase over $200
Swarovski:TBD
Theory: Holiday sip and shop
Toy Post:Small gifts for children
Vince Westport: 25% off
W Hair & Color: Raffle for package of 3 blowouts
Walrus Alley:Happy hour, featuring Glüwein
West Elm: General promotions
West Out East: 15% off all accessories
Westport Book Shop: Gift with purchase of children’s picture books
Westport Centerpiece:Holiday gifts
Westport Country Playhouse:Raffle for prizes; discounts on tickets
Zoomin Groomin: 25% off any mobile grooming booked the day of the Stroll.
The Staples Orphenians return for the 5th annual Holiday Stroll.
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This weekend, with the strong support of the Westport community, Homes with Hope ensured that no family in the area goes without a Thanksgiving meal.
Supported by hundreds of volunteers of all ages, the non-profit provided 475 full Thanksgiving meals to individuals and families facing food insecurity
As the managing partner of Basket Brigade, Homes with Hope oversaw the preparation of 300 Thanksgiving baskets on Saturday. The CT Basket Brigade — which provides Thanksgiving meals to vulnerable families for many years — has expanded its reach beyond the greater Bridgeport and Norwalk areas. Each basket feeds a family of 6.
A few of the many turkey baskets …
On Sunday, 175 clients of the Gillespie Center Food Pantry picked up their own Thanksgiving meals.
Together, the effort will provide Thanksgiving dinner to more than 2,500 local residents. The meals include turkeys, pies, fresh potatoes and carrots, vegetables, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce and more.
Homes with Hope thanks the volunteers, donors, Staples Service League of Boys, Builders Beyond Borders, Girls Scouts and other organizations at the Basket Brigade, and community partners whose generosity made the weekend possible.
… and the volunteers who helped prepare and distribute them.
If you were one of those who reserved them early: congratulations.
If you were among the many who scrambled (the action on social media was insane), or arrived early, hoping a seat would open up, you dealt with Players’ box office.
With their quick response time and professionalism, you may have thought you were dealing with a full-scale operation.
Nope. Despite the show’s professionalism, this is not Ticketmaster or TKTS. It’s high school.
Co-director Kerry Long offers this look behind the scenes:
“Dianna Betit and Sloan Jamali are our volunteer box office chairs.
Dianna Bettit (left) and Sloan Jamali, taking a quick break.
“They spent countless hours dealing with ticketing software; setting up seating charts; organizing ticket sales for cast and crew families; filling ticket requests from teachers, administrators and town officials; filling ticket requests from Players staff — and then creating ‘ticket magic,’ to squeeze as many people into the auditorium as possible when our show was not only sold out, but oversold as well.
“If you’ve been on Westport Front Porch the past couple of weeks, or shopped at Trader Joe’s or Walgreens or any number of places, you heard the scuttlebutt about getting tickets for ‘Les Mis.’
“Dianna and Sloan were the ones who handled all the requests, changes, etc. They have a great team of volunteers, but they were our intrepid (and totally volunteer) leaders.”
Thanks to Dianna, Sloan and all who helped — far from the stage lights!
With Thanksgiving guests ready to arrive — and plenty of tasks on the to-do list — Wheels2U reminds Westporters: They can bring company right to your house, then back again to return home.
Just download the Wheels2U app, then book a ride as the train approaches the station.
Wheels2U goes between the Saugatuck and Greens Farms train stations, and anywhere in Westport, from 5:30 to 10:30 am, and 4 to 9:30 p.m. this Wednesday and Friday. (Sorry — there’s no service on Thanksgiving day).
Veterinarian and Weston resident Jeff Feinman is about to publish “Path to Pet Wellness: The Holistic Vet’s Guide to Thriving Pets and Empowered Pet Parents.”
The guide is for “pet lovers who want their furry friends to live happier, healthier lives, to support their pet’s health naturally and confidently.
He explains how to:
Interpret your pet’s symptoms, especially ones that keep coming back, and respond to them meaningfully
Support healing with both conventional medicine and holistic traditions
Apply a “love-centered” approach to your pet that unlocks their natural healing ability
Make informed health decisions based on your pet’s physical and spiritual well-being
Whatever you did — getting ready for Thanksgiving, stringing Christmas lights, lighting a fire — odds are high it was not what these folks did, at Compo Beach:
(Wild horses may not drag you to the “Donate” button. But this simple plea might: “06880” relies on reader support. We need your help. Please click here. Thank you!)
Staples Players’ astonishing production of “Les Misérables” concludes its 10-show run this afternoon (Sunday, 2:30 p.m.; click here for information).
Before the (spectacular) set is struck, however, it’s worth praising Players once again.
Today, kudos go to the tech crew: the young men and women who seldom get the credit they deserve, but without whom there would be no show at all.
These very talented, tremendously hard working, incredibly dedicated students build sets, oversee lighting and sound, create costumes, and do much, much more.
Once the play begins, it’s run entirely by students. They are responsible for keeping things moving smoothly — even when they go awry.
Colin Walker says, “I have the fortunate privilege of being the technical director. I get to be with these students on a daily basis. I see how hard they work. They make invaluable contributions to the success of the show.”
They sure do. Take a bow, “Les Mis” tech crew!
Staples Players tech crew, on set. (Photo/Colin Walker)
Jillian Elder’s Westport Holiday Lights Collection features local landmarks like the Cribari Bridge, Minute Man monument and Compo Beach cannons. Each piece is available on shirts, prints, mugs and totes.
New at the online shop: Westport Is my Happy Place. It’s a tribute to the town’s charm and creative spirit.
Esterina D’Amico, who was born in her parents’ Westport home, and was a lifelong resident, died Thursday, in Norwalk Hospital. She was 95.
Ester spent more than 40 years as an administrative secretary for PerkinElmer in Norwalk. She was a faithful parishioner of Assumption Church. She loved traveling the world, and was an accomplished skier.
She is survived by her brothers Anthony and Peter D’Amico; sister Geraldine Stauss; 17 nieces and nephews; and many grandnieces and grandnephews.
She was predeceased by her brothers Edward, Rudolph and Anthony, and sisters Adeline Coviello, Margaret Incerto, Mary Aldrich and Josephine D’Amico.
A funeral Mass of Christian Burial is set for Tuesday (November 25, 11 a.m., Assumption Church). Interment will follow in Assumption Cemetery on Greens Farms Road.
The family will receive visitors at Harding Funeral Home from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Condolences may be left online at www.hardingfuneral.com. Contributions in Ester’s memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
(While someone’s been working on the railroad, we’ve been working on “06880.” Our daily Roundup — and everything else — doesn’t fall from the sky! Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
One of Westport’s best-loved holiday traditions — the Wakeman Town Farm tree lighting — is set for Friday, December 5 (4 p.m.).
Families enjoy treats and hot chocolate; musicians from Greens Farms and Saugatuck Elementary schools, plus a few Staples High School band members and a student jazz duo.
In the spirit of the season, WTF offers 3 ways to give back to neighbors in need.
Bring new or unused diapers of all sizes. Help for Kids will stock the Stamford Health and the Diaper Bank of Connecticut.
Bring canned goods for Hall Neighborhood House in Bridgeport.
Bring unwrapped toys for children of all ages, for the annual Al’s Angels drive.
Another great holiday tradition — Staples High School’s 85th annual Candlelight Concert — returns December 12 (8 p.m.) and December 13 (3 and 8 p.m.). Free ticket information will be available soon.
Meanwhile, advertising space in the concert program is available now. Ads will be seen by 3,000 people — and will support the spectacular Staples music department. The deadline is December 1.
Speaking still of the holidays: 3 special “Nordic Market” events makem special at Eleish Van Breems.
Everyone of all ages is invited to:
Glögg vs. Cider(December 12 and 14, 2:30 p.m.). A talk on American cider and Swedish glögg. Taste both holiday drink. Limited to 20; RSVP: events@evbhem.com.
Scandinavian Fairy Tales(December 13, 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.): Reading of “The Tomten.” He helps with the farm and animals — though no one has ever seen him.
Swedish Stars Workshop (December 13, 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.): A demonstration for the whole family on making Swedish hanging stars. Limit 12 per session; RSVP: events@evbhem.com.
A fundraiser hosted by the Westport Firefighters Charitable Foundation helped raise funds to replace outdated Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).
Now, the Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service has purchased 50 state-of-the-art Philips units for Westport’s first responders.
The total project cost is $62,020.
$25,000 raised by the Westport Firefighters Charitable Foundation will be transferred to Westport EMS to fund the Fire Department’s portion.
Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service covered the remaining balance.
Fire Chief Nick Marsan says, “These new AEDs significantly strengthen our emergency response capabilities. When someone is in cardiac arrest, every second counts. Ensuring our first responders have the most reliable tools available is a commitment to the safety and well-being of our community.”
Of course, donations to WVEMS — who are responsible for raising funds for everything from ambulances to Band-Aids — are always welcome. Click here to help.
Michael Diggin writes: “For the first time, I (plus another dozen cars) was driving around Saugatuck this morning just before 8 a.m., futilely seeking permit parking between the north railroad station platform and Riko’s Pizza.
“I never had reason to know about permit parking lot #7, located north of I-95. It’s off the one-way Franklin Street, just before Ketchum Street.
“You have likely previously let folks know about it. But perhaps this map may help other people know where park when unexpectedly pressed. Clearly folks are now back in their offices.”
Just in time for cold weather — and Hanukkah — The Blondiniit has enclosed their outdoor pergola.
Church Lane may no longer be closed to traffic. But outside dining is still available.
And fun.
The Blondinit’s “Hannukah Holiday Winter Wonderland.”
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There was an interesting juxtaposition yesterday, between the notification on a Coastal Link bus, and the advertisement below it.
(Photo/DinkinESH Fotografix)
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Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between November 12 and 18.
A 38-year-old Stratford man was charged with burglary, larceny and criminal mischief, after an investigation into a burglary in January. He posted a $150,000 bond.
A 20-year-old Bridgeport man was charged with operating under the influence (under 21 years old), operating a motor vehicle without a license, and traveling too fast for conditions, after an officer observed him traveling at a high rate of speed on Post Road East, in rainy conditions.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 10 citations
Texting while driving: 7
Traveling unreasonably fast: 7
Speeding: 4
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 4
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 3
Failure to obey stop sign: 3
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
Failure to halt possession of alcohol by a minor: 1
Improper passing: 1
Improper turns: 1
Following too closely: 1
Failure to grant right of way: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Failure to carry insurance card: 1
Texting while driving is illegal — even at a red light.
Staples High School Class of 2022 graduate Hector Emmanuelli died last Friday. He was 25.
His obituary says, “Since birth, Hector was a guerrero, a fighter. He defied the odds after being born, weighing just 413 grams at 24 weeks, alongside his quadruplet siblings: Jimena, Chantal and Michelle. Fearless and resilient, he lived every day to the fullest.
“Hector loved to travel to see family in Mexico and Costa Rica. He was quite a comelón, loving all kinds of food, especially plátano, corn bread, and ice cream. He filled the house with music (like Ricky Martin and Baby Einstein), as he carried his iPad around to be wherever we gathered.”
His funeral was yesterday. Online condolences can be left here.
Former Westporter Hal Fass died Saturday, from a rare form of multiple myeloma. He was 68.
He graduated from Harpur College with a political science degree. He was active in the school’s radio station, and formed band (the Killer Tomatores). He met his wife Carole in college, when both were covering a Talking Heads show.
The family lived in Westport for nearly 25 years, before moving to the water in South Norwalk.
After earning an MBA at Baruch College, Hal worked in advertising and marketing. He traveled the globe for business, but spent every winter weekend in Vermont. He taught snowboarding at Okemo Mountain for almost 20 years.
Despite living for 5 years with cancer, Hal continued to travel, rode his Vespa and Triumph, wrote a screenplay, and formed a new band (The Clams).
Hal Fass
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Bob Weingarten sends today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo — and an explanation.
He writes: “You posted my article years ago on how to prevent deer on your property.
“This morning I saw a deer on my lawn next to an owl figure. In my piece I said they would not stay near an owl, even a statue.
“But this deer stayed for hours near it. So my prior statement was incorrect!”
In 2023, Mandy Patinkin sold out the Westport Country Playhouse.
His November 21 show is sure to do the same.
The Tony- and Emmy-winning star (“The Princess Pride,” “Yentl,” “Dick Tracy”) returns to the Westport stage in “Jukebox.” The show features classic musical numbers, hand-picked by Patinkin and presented in his own special style.
A powerful documentary about dyslexia will be shown tonight (Monday, 6:30 p.m.) at Wakeman Town Farm.
“Left Behind” tells the story of a group of passionate mothers who unite to create the first public dyslexic school in New York City.
After the screening Ilse Werther, a dyslexia learning specialist and parent of a dyslexic child, will lead a discussion on how families can find support. Click here to register, and for more information.
This Wednesday (October 29, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., VFW Post 399, 465 Riverside Avenue), you’ll leave with even more: a $10 e-gift card, and a chance at one of 3 $5,000 prizes.
To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-733-2767, or click here, then enter VFWWestport.
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The Compo Beach neighborhood is all in for Halloween decorations.
For good reason: It’s one of the most popular trick-or-treating destinations in town. (Gone, apparently, are the days when kids roamed their own, less dense neighborhoods.)
This was the scene — a treat for passersby — Saturday, on Bradley Street:
(Photo/Carrie Kuhn)
But Mother Nature — or someone — pulled a trick.
The ginormous pumpkin lost its mooring, and skittered down Fairfield Avenue. It almost reached the water.
Neighbors came to the rescue, and helped the Great Pumpkin home.
(Photos/Lana Diggin)
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This video will come as no surprise to anyone who has spent more than 12 seconds in Westport: Drivers run red lights.
But it’s a good reminder to heed the old “Hill Street Blues” warning: “Be careful out there.”
And — as Matt Murray, who sent the video to “06880” notes — it’s also a good reason to have a dash cam. If he had hit the driver cruising blithely through on Post Road East at Compo Road South, the evidence would have been clear.
Speaking of entitled drivers: There was a party this weekend on a street off Roseville Road.
This guy (or gal) parked on someone else’s lawn — not pulling a few inches on the lawn, but this way:
The non-party host says: “This person drove in between the reflector poles we put up, to deter cars from parking on our lawn (it breaks the sprinkler heads).”
But it beats parking behind another car, probably 20 yards down the road. Because yeah, the weather looks really nasty.
But hey: It’s not only drivers who don’t give a s— about other people.
This was the scene yesterday at Compo Beach:
Diane Lowman — who spotted the droppings — says, “There was a trash can 10 yards away. And 3 within tossing distance.”
She placed the poop carefully in the closest one. Amazingly, it was not too difficult.
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Yesterday’s 10th annual Westport Arts Advisory Committee’s 10th annual TEA Talk — the acronym stands for “Thinkers, Educators, Artists” — was called “Seeing is Deceiving: A Search for Visual Perspective.”
Pulitzer Prize-winning (and Staples High graduate) Spencer Platt, Westport Police detective (and drone photographer) Rachel Hall, and Norwalk street photographer Butch Quick offered insights into their work.
It took Hall 4 years to get a Compo Beach photo, she said. Then she demonstrated the drone she used.
Famed lenticular photographer Miggs Burroughs delivered the keynote address.
Through the first 7 days of early voting, 5.41% of eligible Westport voters have cast ballots.
The breakdown:
Democrats: 630 of 7,953 eligible voters (7.92%)
Republicans: 150 of 3,338 eligible voters (4.49%)
Unaffiliated: 245 of 7,581 eligible voters (3.23%)
Early voting continues this week, also at Town Hall:
Monday, October 27 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tuesday, October 28 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Wednesday, October 29 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Thursday, October 30 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday, October 31 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, November 1 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, November 2 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Speaking of the election: All 3 candidates for first selectman, and the 2 second selectwoman candidates, recently took rides on Wheels2U.
All also praised the Westport Transit District’s on-demand, door-to-door service to the train stations, Senior Center, Farmers’ Market and Library at Jesup Green.
Each posted a complimentary video on their campaign websites.
Don O’Day calls Wheels2U “a very convenient thing to use. It is designed to really help reduce congestion and traffic in town. It is definitely something you should check out.” Running mate Andrea Moore adds, “It’s super easy to use!”
David Rosenwaks says, “I really hope people start using the service more and more. We can accomplish a lot of things with programs like Wheels2U.“
Kevin Christie notes, “With the stop at the Library there’s so much access to the Levitt, Main Street and more.” Running mate Amy Wistreich points out, “It’s not just for commuters. You can take this to go to Saugatuck for dinner. I love this idea!”
A super (and super-special) networking event takes place November 6 (United Methodist Church of Westport and Weston, 7 to 9 a.m.).
The Westport chapter of Business Network International is looking for new members, in select categories. There are already 50 members — but only one is allowed per profession.
There are openings for general contractor, commercial builder, architect (renovations/additions), painter, HVAC, roofer/gutters, security system provider, estate planning attorney, family lawyer/divorce mediator, physical therapist, occupational therapist, acupuncturist,personal trainer, commercial real estate, elder care consultant, event/wedding planner, travel/tour operator, and other categories.
For years, the Fairfield County Story Lab has built a collaborative environment for writers of all backgrounds and experience levels. They provide scholarships, mentorships and workshops to help all writers connect through storytelling, on the page, the stage and beyond.
They are hosting a fundraiser — a women-only dance party to benefit a new non-profit, Stories Connect Fairfield County — on November 14 (6-9 p.m., 85 Mill Plain Road, Fairfield). Click here for tickets, and more information.
Sandra Wagenfeld died peacefully from cardiac arrest at her Westport home last Monday. She was 85.
The Dallas native graduated from North Texas State University with a degree in English. She was a proud member of Delta Gamma sorority.
After joining American Airlines as a flight attendant Sandra moved to the New York area in the early 1960s, where she met her future husband, lawyer Robert Wagenfeld.
They were devoted supporters of the arts, particularly opera. Sandra worked in management at the Staten Island Council on the Arts, and for the Erick Hawkins Dance Company. She then founded Swing Shift, an administrative employment agency with offices in New York and Greenwich.
After moving to Westport in 1988 Sandra became active in politics, lending her time and fundraising expertise to local and national campaigns. After her husband’s death in 1996, she continued to pursue many philanthropic activities.
She was pre-deceased by her brother, Duron Alvin Dainwood.
There will be a graveside ceremony on November 1 (10:30 a.m., Willowbrook Cemetery).
In lieu of flowers, consider a gift to the Sandra Wagenfeld Fund at the Campaign School at Yale. It will be used for tuition scholarship support, and to sponsor 1-day candidate training programs throughout the US.
And finally … based on the photo above, you probably knew this was coming:
(Another Monday, the start of another week of Roundups. If you learn anything about our town — including an event you would have missed — on this blog, please click here to support us. Thank you!)
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