David Pogue’s “CBS Sunday Morning” reports are always entertaining — and informative. If you’re not a regular viewer — you should be.
Yesterday’s was particularly educational. It was also quite local.
Our Westport neighbor explained the supply chain crisis — why so many goods are not on shelves, despite gluts — with an opening and closing at the Southport Diner.
Owner Tony Pertesis explains — in clear, direct diner-speak exactly why his customers can’t always count on things as basic as Gatorade and whipped butter. Pogue adds the rest.
Bottom line: Toilet paper hoarding is back. Just in time for the holidays. Click below to see:
Air-cooled cars stopped traffic along Myrtle Avenue yesterday. They vehicles were parked — and exhibited — on Veterans Green. Sponsored by the Small Car Company, the show raised money for Person-to-Person in Norwalk.
Westport-based Small Car Company — a club for air-cool aficionados — is loosely connected to the car dealership of the same name. It was located on Post Road West, diagonally across from Kings Highway Elementary School. Today we know it as Carvana.
Speaking of cars downtown: “06880’s” Entitled Parking feature has very high standards. We now only post photos of cars that take up 3 spaces (or more). Two spots is waaaaay too common.
But today is an exception. This is a true “2-fer”: a pair of cars, each hogging two parkin spaces in the Baldwin lot.
(Photo/Molly Alger)
Not too bad, you say?
Look at it this way. If everyone parked like that, the lot would have exactly half the capacity it does now.
It’s always important to give blood. Tomorrow (Tuesday, October 12, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., VFW, 465 Riverside Avenue) you can donate in honor of a Westporter.
The Charley with a Y Foundation is sponsoring the event. “Charley” was Marine LCPL Charles Rochlin. The 2003 Staples High School graduate spent 7 months in Iraq. He was on leave in Westport when he died in an automobile accident.
Click here for an appointment (use sponsor code VFWWestport), or call 1-800-733-2767.
Genevieve Bouchard — owner of Scout & Molly’s, the women’s clothing boutique in Playhouse Square — recently lost her mother, Chantal Haskew.
At her death, the frequent Westport visitor and talented artist was one of the longest living liver transplant patients in the US. She lived one-third of her life because in 1995 a stranger donated organs. Thanks to her liver, Chantal enjoyed the weddings of her 5 children, and the joys of her 8 grandchildren.
In honor of her mom — and all the organ donors out there — Scout & Molly’s is hosting a special shopping day. This Thursday (October 14, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), a portion of all sales will be donated to Donate Life America.
Transplant recipients will be there, telling stories of their second chances at life.
A few tickets remain for this Friday’s (October 15, Fairfield Theater Company) “Evening of Motown” benefit for CLASP Homes.
Band Central — “music with a purpose” — will perform America’s favorite hits. Proceeds support CLASP’s work. The Westport non-profit supports adults with autism and other intellectual disabilities, through group homes and enrichment programs.
$40 tickets include a pre-party with lite bites. Art by CLASP residents will be on display. Click here to purchase.
Congratulations to the Westport Soccer Association’s U-11 blue team. They played 4 games in one day, and won the Bethel Columbus Day tournament.
Top row (left to right): head coach Bardhl Limani, James Tansley, Luke Shiel, John Walker, Peter Shakos, Lochlann Treanor, Nicolas Barreto, assistant coach Jeffery Holl, Bottom: Mason Holl, Atticus Lavergne, Andrew Floto, Matthew Alfaro, Zylan Wang.
Nearly every holiday, “06880” runs a photo of Jolantha the Pig. For 20 years, the figure has sat — visibly and beloved — on Weston’s Kellogg Hill Road.
Of course, there’s a great back story. To learn more, click below:
Alert — and concerned — “06880” reader Liz Blasko writes:
On Tuesday morning I was standing on the corner waiting for the school bus with my granddaughter, 4 other children and 3 other adults.
We watched the bus approach down the hill on the right as it does every morning, flashing its red lights before it stopped.
Suddenly a car came around the corner from the other direction. making no attempt to stop. The children moved toward the bus, but the car still kept coming.
I ran to it and screamed, ‘You have to stop!” Seeing me, the driver finally stopped. Her window was right next to the bus driver’s window.
The driver did not apologize. Instead she blamed the bus driver, saying, “She didn’t have the stop sign out!” The driver further excused herself, saying, “I was just trying to get out of the way.” She was trying to get past the stopped school bus, with its flashing red lights, before the driver put the stop sign out.
I was aghast that anyone could think that way. Was she thinking about her own children, or the toddler in her back seat when she tried to speed between the stopped school bus with flashing red lights and the group of elementary school children beginning to cross the road to their bus?
I don’t think so. She was thinking about her own agenda.
As a reminder to all drivers, Connecticut law:
Requires a driver meeting or overtaking any school bus from either direction to stop 10 feet before reaching the school bus when the flashing red lights are actuated. Drivers may proceed when the bus resumes moving or the lights are turned off. (Violators are subject to a $450 fine.)
I spoke with the bus driver this morning. She was shaken by the incident. At least 2 equally frightening incidents have occurred since the one I experienced, the driver told me. A high schooler was crossing to reach the bus and was almost hit. In another instance, the police caught a driver passing a stopped school bus and hopefully imposed the $450 fine…all 3 in one day!
My granddaughter, her friends at the bus stop, your children and the children of the driver of the car who passed the bus are too precious. STOP when you see the flashing lights!
No matter who is crossing — children or deer — STOP when you see the school bus’ flashing lights. (Photo/Paul Delano)
Yesterday, “06880” reported that Adam Goldberg’s pop-up bagel store — the one behind Cycle Dynamics that draws dozens of devoted customers every Saturday — was entering the Brooklyn Bagelfest contest.
Sure, Westporters love them. But — as the only out-of-state entrant in the bunch — Adam was sure that others had a home borough advantage.
Well whaddayouknow: The boys from the ‘burbs won it all!
Congratulations to Adam. Now all of New York knows whose bagels are the best.
“At the Y this morning, we were shocked to see a very big wild cat walk by on the paved path outside the fitness center. This is an area used frequently by children and adults. I called 911 because in my experience, coming from California, large wild cats are dangerous. They should not be seen in urban areas alongside humans, as this indicates a lack of fear or illness that is even more dangerous.
The big cat.
Animal control assistant Peter Reid responded by email. He wrote:
“That is a decent-sized bobcat, and he is certainly walking around like he owns the place!
“That YMCA property used to be a summer camp, and was mostly woods. Now they have developed almost all of it, and with reduced cover, animal sightings have increased. We had a bear move through that property on several occasions this past summer.
“I will talk to the YMCA about some signage. I know there was at least one previous sighting earlier this week.
To celebrate, Westport Pride is sponsoring a virtual panel discussion. From 7 to 8:30 p.m. that day, an “A team” of LGBTQ area residents will answer “When did you know?” They’ll tell their own personal stories of self-realization, acceptance and coming out.
Panelists include
John Dodig, former Staples High School principal
Zac Mathias, Weston High School senior and media influencer
Samantha Webster, Staples High graduate and former Staples Player
Luke Foreman, Staples grad and varsity tennis captain
Jen DeLoyd and Bethany Eppner, Westport parents
Kayla Iannetta, Staples teacher and founder of the Westport Public Schools’ Pride Coalition
Brian McGunagle, Westport parent and founder of Westport Pride.
Halloween is all about dressing up. And what better place for a costume than the Westport Country Playhouse.
On the day before the holiday — October 30, noon to 4 p.m. — the historic theater hosts an outdoor family event. On tap: activities for kids, food trucks, a food drive for the community, beer tasting, scavenger hunt, raffle, and a costume parade (dogs welcome!).
One of last month’s Photo Challenges showed “Onyx Perpetual” — the sculpture by Sally Mttikow that stands near the Riverwalk downtown. It’s part of the Westport Public Art Collections.
It was also — as JC Martin’s image showed — overgrown with weeds and brush.
That’s been removed. Passersby can see the artwork as originally intended.
Except for one thing. As Werner Liepolt noted, it is now heavily damaged.
This was the scene Tuesday on Post Road West, at 3:30 p.m. Cars lined up from Burr Street to the light by Kings Highway North. It looked like Cape Cod on a summer Friday. Or Woodstock in 1969.
(Photo/Dick Lowenstein)
Dick Lowenstein thought it was remarkable enough to send to “06880.”
But anyone who passes by Kings Highway Elementary at the end of school — or any other one in Westport — knows it’s a daily occurrence.
Bus ridership is down. Personal transportation is way, way up.
“Is it because of parents’ fear of COVID?” Dick asks. “Or are there not enough bus drivers?”
It’s a great question.
So, “06880” readers: Have at it.
Do you drive your kids to school? If so, why? If not, why not?
What are the upsides — and downsides — to all these one-kid-per-car trips? Are there alternatives?
How long will it last? Any solutions? What can schools — and parents, and everyone else — do to ease the crunch?
Click “Comments” below. And please: Be objective and constructive!
Bedford Middle School traffic. (Photo/Adam Vengrow)
Dr. Scott Gottlieb’s new book will not be released until tomorrow. But — based on pre-orders — Uncontrolled Spread: Why COVID-19 Crushed Us and How We Can Defeat the Next Pandemic — is already a best-seller.
The book by the former FDA commissioner (and our Westport neighbor) describes how the coronavirus raced through our nation. Gottlieb had a front row seat: he was in regular contact with President Trump, key players in Congress, and the drug industry.
Meanwhile, new dangers lurk around every corner. Gottlieb addresses our preparations for the next virus. Are we ready?
Click here for more information, and to order his book.
Connectalent is a Westport-founded firm that connects skilled employees with employers who value work/life balance.
They’re partnering with Indeed to sponsor a workshop and networking event for mothers — “Returning to Work with Confidence” — on October 5 (6:30 p.m., Westport Library).
Among the topics: positioning yourself for jobs, how to fill in any resume gaps, and helpful interviewing and networking tips.
There will be time to network — and enjoy light refreshments and cocktails. Click here to register.
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. To raise awareness, Kings Highway Elementary School was filled recently with gold ribbons.Staff and students wore gold, and donated funds.
“KHS” means more than the school’s initials. You could also say: “Kind Hearts Shine.”
Staff members support Kings Highway School’s Childhood Cancer Awareness drive.
Speaking of kids doing good: In August 2020, 10-year-old Suzuki violin students Isabella and Alexander Mariani — with help from their mom, Carole Chinn Mariani — created “Make Music Feed.” The small, socially distanced concert raised money for the Connecticut Food Bank. The young musicians are products of Westport’s Suzuki School of Music.
A year later — with food insecurity still rampant — Isabella and Alexander once again gathered friends. On Saturday, a second concert was held on the Marianis’ front lawn. The beneficiary was Connecticut Foodshare.
Joel Pitkin accompanied his children Mia and Noah Jung-Pitkin, and Grant Zimmerman.
A special guest was Staples High School sophomore Janna Moore. She was Alexander’s “Practice Buddies” partner. The program pairs Staples musicians with 5th grade orchestra students.
Contributions are still being accepted. Click here to help.
Suzuki concert musicians (from left): Alexander Mariani, Noah Jung-Pitkin, Isabella Mariani, Mia Jung-Pitkin, Grant Zimmerman, James McNamara, Julie McNamara and Janna Moore.(Photo: Carole Chinn Mariani)
Quietly — just like an electric vehicle — the EV Club of CT is getting pumped for National Drive Electric Week. (It’s September 25 through October 3, if you’re celebrating.)
A Green Wheels EV Parade and Showcase is set for Saturday, October 2 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.).
The parade begins at the Westport train station, and ends at Bob’s plaza lot in Fairfield.
When COVID canceled Emory University’s varsity soccer season last fall, former Staples High School captain Josh Berman decided to stay on for one more semester. He will graduate this winter.
His team is glad he did. Berman scored with just 14 seconds remaining Saturday night, lifting the Eagles to a 1- victory over the University of Lynchburg.
After playing a great match as a defender, Berman raced up the left side on the attack. then blasted a shot past the diving Hornet keeper. It was his first goal of the season.
It was as exciting as it sounds. Click here, then scroll down for the video.
And finally … the Harvest Moon rose last night. It’s called that because its bright early evening light was very helpful to farmers harvesting late summer crops.
Of course you know what that means for today’s song …
Both occurred in broad daylight. But thanks to collaborative work with area law enforcement agencies experiencing similar crimes, on Thursday Westport Police arrested Shawn Oliphant, 39, of Greenwich.
He was charged with larceny in the 3rd and 4th degrees, and held on a $50,000 bond.
And finally … Jimi Hendrix died on this date in 1970. The groundbreaking guitarist was 27 years old — the same age as Brian Jones, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Kurt Cobain and Amy Winehouse when they died.
Master Sergeant Clayton Jensen planned to speak in Westport long before the announcement that American troops would leave Afghanistan.
But his appearance Friday (September 10, 5 p.m., Compo Beach), as part of Catch a Lift’s annual (and inspirational) fundraiser is now especially timely.
During his 15-year military career, Jensen was deployed numerous times to Afghanistan and Iran. He suffered several serious injuries
He holds graduate degrees in international relations and organizational leadership, and is working toward his third master’s in international public policy.
Jensen will talk about his work in the military, what he’s learned about Afghanistan, and how to find hope amid devastation.
Catch-A-Lift is a national organization supporting combat-wounded veterans through physical fitness, nutrition, mental support and community.
It has strong roots in Westport. This weekend — the 20th anniversary of 9/11 — will be special. Over a dozen vets will be hosted here, in our town’s 7th annual gathering of camaraderie and hope.
Click here for tickets to Friday’s ceremony, including a sunset celebration.
The Catch a Lift weekend also includes a community workout (Saturday, September 11, 3 p.m., Westport Police station, Jesup Road; click here to register), and a family bike tour (Sunday, September 12, 9 a.m., beginning and ending in Ridgefield; click here to register).
Speaking of Afghanistan: The Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants is preparing to welcome and resettle up to 150 men, women and children from that war-torn land.
That’s an unexpected addition to the 180 refugees CIRI had already planned to help, from countries across the globe.
Individual Westporters have long supported the non-profit. In addition, Christ & Holy Trinity and the Unitarian Church are part of a larger group of faith-based organizations that help set up apartments when refugees arrive in Bridgeport.
They create fully furnished homes, with beds, linens, bath needs, kitchen items and culturally appropriate food. Children receive school items, toys and diapers.
Some of the refugees have lived in camps for 15 years. Many of the children have never had a home. CIRI provides ongoing services for all families.
CIRI hosts a crucial fundraising gala this Sunday (September 12, 4:30 p.m., 80 Grovers Avenue, Bridgeport). For more information on the cocktails, live auction and more, click here. To learn more about CIRI, and donate, click here.
Yesterday was the last day for lifeguards at Compo Beach. Of course, Westporters will continue to visit their favorite spot.
Reflecting on the end of the “season,” though, Eve Potts realized something was missing this year: trash.
She writes: “As a daily Compo Beach walker, I rarely see traces of garbage. Everyone is very careful to deposit trash in the conveniently placed cans. And the Parks & Rec Department does an incredible job of hauling it away regularly. You rarely see overflowing trash cans.Hooray for the public, and Parks & Rec!”
Wheels2U Westport, the on-demand, group ride, door-to-train shuttle service, is extending its service hours.
Effective today, Wheels2U Westport will operate an hour and half longer each weekday afternoon: 4 to 9:30 p.m.
The 5:45 to 9:45 a.m. morning service is unchanged.
The longer hours should help commuters and others who work late, or want to meet friends for a drink or dinner after work.
The service area covers nearly all of Westport. Residents use the “Wheels2U Westport” app to request a pickup for trains leaving Grand Central as late as 8:07 p.m. Riders are taken from the Saugatuck or Greens Farms station to their front door.
Pickup areas at Saugatuck are on the westbound side of the platform (corner of Franklin Street) or Railroad Place (near the elevator). Pickup at Greens Farms is in the large commuter parking lot just west of New Creek Road.
The fare is $2 when paid with the Wheels2U app. A Metro-North Uniticket rail/bus pass can also be used.
For more information, click here. For more information about the Westport Transit District’s services for the elderly and people with disabilities, click here.
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: dwoog@optonline.net. Thanks!)
GET THE “06880” APP
The “06880” app (search for it on the Apple or Android store) is the easiest way to get “06880.” Choose notifications: whenever a new post is published, or once or twice a day. Click here for details.
