Greens Farms Academy head of school Bob Whelan is well-known for his whimsical snow closing videos.
Now he’s branched out.
Looking completely at ease in a super-sized elf costume, the school’s top dog offers a unique holiday video.
Click below to see. Ho ho ho!
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One of the hottest toys this holiday season are Jellycats.
The whimsical, creative creatures have flown off most store shelves. Late-shopping Westport parents are desperate to find any.
And if they’re online, it’s getting late to ship them.
Attention, Westport shoppers! Savvy + Grace — the store that seems to cram everything into its funky Main Street space — has a great supply.
At least, they did up until this announcement …
Bartholomew Bear — one of the very popular Jellycats.
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Speaking still of the holidays: The Selectwomen’s office celebrated yesterday with festive sweaters (and more).
Taking a moment out from another busy day are (below, from right) 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, office manager Eileen Francis, operations director Tom Kiely and administrative assistant Sara Amaro.
The wreath is courtesy of Wreathing for Community. It was made by a member of Neighbors and Newcomers of Westport.
Also yesterday: It was hardly a blue Christmas at VFW Post 399.
The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll lit up a large crowd of veterand and friends at the Riverside Avenue club, with music, camaraderie and holiday cheer,
Everyone — from Elvis to you — is always welcome at the VFW. It’s one of Westport’s best (and least expensive) event spaces. For more information, email quartermaster Phil Delgado: delgadopa@icloud.com.
Elvis was in the building.
From left: VFW bartender/radio personality/actor Matt Zako, Elvis, and VFW auxiliary vice president Patty Kondub.
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Speaking yet again of Christmas: Santa Claus is a very busy man.
But he’s still gotta eat.
Before making his rounds, he’ll stop by for brunch at Zucca Gastrobar.
Between bites, he’ll pose for pictures.
The Big Guy will be at the popular Saugatuck restaurant tomorrow (Sunday, December 22), from 12:30 to 2 p.m.
Guests are invited to wear PJs, or their favorite ugly Christmas sweater.
Seating is limited. Click here for reservations, or call 203-349-5227.
Santa is on his way tomorrow.
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With temperatures expected to drop — tomorrow’s high will only be 24, with a low of 10 overnight — local warming centers will be open. Sunday times include the Westport Library (1 to 5 p.m.), Westport Museum for History & Culture (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.), Westport Weston Family YMCA (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.), and MoCA Westport (noon to 4 p.m.).
And finally … Michael Brewer — half of Brewer & Shipley — died Tuesday at his home in Branson, Missouri. He was 80.
Their biggest hit was “One Toke Over the Line.” The catchy tune’s weed-touting lyrics went high over the head of Lawrence Welk, who featured it on his show because it had a line about “sweet Jesus.”
But this overlooked song of theirs is at least as good, and far more meaningful:
(From Greens Farms Academy to the VFW — and from Elvis to Lawrence Welk — “06880”‘ is your 24/7/365 source of information, news, and random stuff. Please click here to support us. Thanks!)
Westport’s Department of Public Works says, “snow season is here.”
We’ve had only a few flakes so far. But in preparation for when it comes, they offer this information.
Plow routes: There are 124 miles of roads in Westport, and only a small team of drivers to clear them of snow and ice. Main roads are plowed first, with special attention given to steep hills and difficult intersections. Then come side streets, followed by dead-end streets. Plow drivers make a single pass on side streets to keep them open, but their primary focus is to keep the main roads open for emergency vehicles and the safety of all Westport residents.
Do not pass snow plows: Never pass or follow a plow too closely. Snow plows are massive vehicles, with wide blind spots that cannot maneuver easily or stop quickly. Plowing can create a cloud of snow around the truck, limiting visibility and creating whiteout conditions for passing motorists. It can also create a ridge of snow between lanes that makes passing inadvisable. Reducing speeds when clearing and treating roads allows plow drivers to better control road salt treatments, saving taxpayer money and minimizing environmental impact.
Plow drivers:Driving a plow is challenging. It requires hours of intense concentration to navigate massive vehicles in dark, cold and difficult weather conditions. DPW thanks you for driving with caution.
Blocked driveways: Plows angle plow blades to the driver’s right. This allows drivers to direct snow off the road and onto the shoulder. Plow drivers are not able to prevent snow from accumulating in front of individual driveways while safely and efficiently clearing snow from roads. Snow that accumulates on, or at the base of, private driveways is the responsibility of the homeowner to clear.
Private plowing:The town prohibits snowplow contractors from leaving snow from driveways or parking lots on town streets. If there is no alternative to pushing snow into the street, the private driver must re-plow the street until it is safe for residents to drive. This may not mean bare pavement, but should be no worse than before the snowplow driver began plowing.
Business sidewalks: Per town ordinance, businesses are responsible for keeping all sidewalks along their property clear of snow and ice.
Mailbox damage: The town will only repair or replace mailboxes and posts struck by a plow blade. Mailboxes and posts must be able to withstand the rigors of snow removal, including the force of snow directed from the street onto the roadside. The town will not repair or replace mailboxes and posts damaged by the force of projected snow. Damage from private plowing contractors is not the town’s responsibility.
Three members of the Westport Fire Department, and one from the Westport Police Department, have deployed to western North Carolina to assist with relief efforts after the devastation of Hurricane Helene.
The group includes Deputy Fire Chief Matt Cohen, Firefighters Patrick Dailey and Michael Durette, and Police Officer Gregory Gunter.
The 4 will provide critical communication and data restoration support to the hard-hit area.
The Westport team will use a mobile command unit equipped with cutting-edge communication and coordination technology. Field-Comm 1 functions as an on-site command center, offering satellite communication, radio interoperability, and internet access.
Ready to deploy (from left): Fire Chief Nick Marsan, 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore, Firefighter Michael Durette, Police Officer Gregory Gunter, Firefighter Patrick Dailey, Deputy Fire Chief Matt Cohen, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker.
The unit also has onboard power and climate control systems, ensuring continuous operation in all conditions.
“This vehicle allows our team to operate independently and maintain essential communication links between local responders, state agencies and federal resources,” says Fire Chief Nick Marsan. “Field-Comm 1 is a critical asset in managing large-scale incidents, making sure that communities get the help they need quickly and efficiently.”
All costs associated with the deployment of personnel, equipment and resources will be fully reimbursed toWestport through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, in collaboration with the State of North Carolina.
“Westport is proud to answer the call to help our neighbors in North Carolina during this challenging time,” says First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker.
“Our highly skilled first responders are well-equipped to provide vital assistance in restoring essential communication infrastructure.”
First “rain.” Then “heavy rain.” Then “Flash floods.” And the blaring alert: “Possible life-threatening flooding.”
It wasn’t that bad — mostly. Other parts of Connecticut got whacked worse, including a bridge collapse on Route 34 in Monroe.
But there was some intense flooding around town, particularly around the Saugatuck River in the northern sections. The photos below were shared on social media.
NOTE: The rain has eased, but the flooding may not be over. The next high tide is 11:05 p.m. — and it’s a full moon.
Geralyn Rella Brieg has lived here since 1998. She said this was the worst flooding in her yard since 2007.
Jack Whittle wrote: “The Saugatuck is high at Lees Pond. Those are swans enjoying my lower yard, next to my Adirondack chairs. The pond has an overspill dam. It must be roaring down there.”
Anandi Subramanian Wimmer posted this image, of the west branch of the Saugatuck River.
As of yesterday, the 2 pedestrians struck by a car Wednesday evening on Imperial Avenue are still in Norwalk Hospital.
The 33-year old Easton man is improving, and in stable condition. The 29-year- old Fairfield woman remains in critical condition.
The driver was released from the hospital, and is cooperating with police. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
Spray paint marks part of the police investigation into Wednesday’s accident. Two pedestrians were struck on Imperial Avenue, near Post Road East. (Screenshot courtesy of News 12).
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If it’s mid-August, it’s time to be alert for LobsterFest tickets.
Very alert. The Westport Rotary Club’s 13th annual fundraiser always sells out in just a couple of days.
So make a note: LobsterFest sales begin at noon on August 15, at westportrotary.org.
The event is Saturday, September 21 (3 to 7 p.m.). As usual, it’s more than just lobster.
There’s steak, a raw bar, children’s meals, ice cream, free drinks, music, and kids’ entertainment.
Plus, of course, a community-wide vibe. Everyone smiles, all afternoon long.
All net proceeds go to charitable causes. Last year, the club gave $275,000 to local non-profits, and several international development projects.
Get your bibs on! (Photo/Dan Woog)
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“06880” was flooded (ho ho) with photos of yesterday’s Compo Beach surf yesterday — the remnants of Hurricane Debby.
These 3 say it all:
(Photo/Sunil Hirani)
(Photo/JD Dworkow)
Owenoke house, as seen from Compo’s South Beach (Photo/Nathan Greenbaum)
Today’s forecast is for plenty of sunshine, with a high around 85. Winds will die down too.
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The Levitt Pavilion is one of a handful of dates on Ollabelle’s 20th anniversary tour. An extra cache of free tickets has just been released for tonight’s show (Saturday, August 10, 7:30 p.m.).
The early American gospel/folk/mountain music band was just at the Kennedy Center (see video below) and Caramoor. Click here for free tickets.
Tomorrow, the Levitt welcomes back the Grammy Award-winning American Patchwork Quartet.
They’re known for American folk songs infused with jazz, country twang, West African hypnotics and East Asian ornamentation.
Year 1 was great. Year 2 was even better. Now, Club203 gets ready for the best one yet.
Westport’s social group for adults with disabilities kicks off fall on September 4 (6:30 p.m., Sherwood Island State Park pavilion) with a Hawaiian-themed evening. There’s music by DJ Rob, dancing, and tropical treats.
Then comes Halloween bingo (October 16), Turkey bowling at Nutmeg Bowl (November 21), a holiday party at the VFW (December 11), a new year’s specail at the Westport Academy of Dance (January 3), Valentine’s Day mini-golf (February 4), karaoke at the Westport Library (March 18), “Spring Into Fitness” at the Westport Weston Family Y (April 26), a springtime gathering at Earthplace (May 14), and a June celebration at Compo Beach.
For just $100, members can attend all 10 events (and get a Club203 magnet). Non-members pay $20 per event.
B3 — the non-profit that engages middle schoolers in local community service, and offers nearby and international projects to high school students — is hosting a pair of informational open houses.
They’re August 22 and September 11, 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the BC office (66 Fort Point Street, Norwalk).
This year’s high school trips are to Costa Rica, over February, March and April breaks.
Click here to RSVP. Questions? Email b3news@buildersbeyondborders.org.
In 1986, Bette Davis spent a month at the Weston home of writers John and Elizabeth Fuller.
The actress and a young Chris Fuller had a putting contest. She won, but graciously autographed a kiddy putter for him.
She was the first person ever to give him a golf lesson.
Plenty of pros followed. Chris was hooked (though his drives were true).
His dream was to play on the PGA Tour — despite living with bipolar disorder.
A gifted performer as well, he developed a one-man show. “Cheese Fries & Chili Dips” details the difficulties of competing in tournaments while his mind raced out of control with sudden mood swings. He tells his tale with insights, clarity, and plenty of humor.
The show is at the Westport Country Playhouse Sheffer Barn on August 22 and 23 (7:30 p.m.). Fittingly, it’s a benefit for the International Mental Health Foundation.
All tickets are $25. The include a pre-show party (6:30 p.m.) with music, complimentary margaritas and nachos, and tips from Golf Performance Center pros. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
Oh, yeah: Fuller will give a copy of his book (“Goodnight, Golf!”) to an audience participant, after an onstage putting contest during the show.
And guess which putter they’ll use?!
Chris Fuller’s Bette Davis-autographed putter.
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Speaking of sports: Play pickleball. Help make it, and tennis, greener. Win $150.
That’s what’s on tap next Saturday (August 17, noon to 2 p.m., Intensity Racquet Club, 490 Westport Avenue, Norwalk).
Serve2Sustain is running a pickleball tournament. The cost is $20 per person. There’s a maximum of 32 teams (64 players); each team is guaranteed 3 games. Click here to register.
All proceeds go to Serve2Sustain. They’ll add tennis ball and pickleball recycling bins to public courts in Westport. Additional donations to Serve2Sustain can be made here, by Venmo (@serve2sustain), or in cash the day of the event.
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Ever wish you could do something good for kids?
Make-A-Wish Connecticut — the non-profit that brightens the lives of children with critical illnesses — has asked some of the area’s best chefs to create a great evening.
“Taste of Wishes” (September 26, Aitoro Appliance, 401 Westport Avenue, Norwalk) includes fantastic food appetizers, main dishes and desserts, prepared and served by local celebrity chefs. And their “wish kid sous chefs.”
The lineup includes Jes Bengtson (Terrain Garden Café), Matt Storch (Match restaurant, Match Burger Lobster), Adam Goldberg (Pop-up Bagels), a featured chef from The Whelk, Robin Selden (Marcia Selden Catering), Dan Kardos (Café Melba), and John Nealon (Crust Issues).
It’s a very tasty event, plus a chance to meet youngsters and families who have been impacted by Make-A-Wish.
Early bird pricing is available until August 22. Click here for tickets, and more information.
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Startup Westport — the public/private tech and innovation networking group — starts the fall with a pair of intriguing events
“Sustainable Success: B Corps & Impact Driven Investing” (September 24) focuses on how the world’s best companies lead by example to help foster a socially conscious approach to business. Click here to register, and for more information.
On November 25, Startup Westport celebrate recent Staples High School graduates who have created game-changing technologies and startup businesses that are altering the competitive landscape.
A panel will be led by 2014 alum Molly O’Shea, a leading ventures capitalist and reporter. Registration will open next month.
And finally … Bette Davis was a great neighbor, for many years.
Chris Fuller remembers her golf lesson (story above). And some of us remember this 1981 hit:
Bette Davis said that when the song came out, suddenly her grandson looked up to her.
After it won Grammy Awards for Song and Record of the Year (don’t ask me the difference), singer Kim Carnes gave gold and platinum records to Bette Davis. She hung them proudly on the wall of her Crooked Mile Road home.
(It’s a summer weekend, but “06880” is — as always — on the job. If you appreciate our work, please click here to support us with a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
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