And “06880” is proud to partner with the Drew Friedman Community Arts Center to help the next generation of artists develop their talents.
To the tune of $5,000 worth of scholarships.
The grants will go to current high school seniors with financial need who want to pursue an arts education at any level — university, community college or an arts school. All Westport 12th graders are eligible, no matter where they currently attend school.
The DFCAC is funding the scholarships. It was founded by Friedman — the downtown property owner, restauranteur (Onion Alley, Cobb’s Mill Inn, Stonehenge Inn) and philanthropist whose first wife Bobbie was an accomplished artist.
The Drew Friedman Community Arts Center also sponsors workshops and projects for students. The center is administered by Nick Visconti, Friedman’s longtime business partner. (Click here to learn more about the DFCAC.)
To apply, students who currently participate in art classes or art activities should send up to 8 digital images (JPEGs) of their work. It can be any medium — photography, painting, sculpture, drawing, digital art, or other.
Applicants should also submit a statement of up to 300 words describing the value of art in their life, and the world at large.
Send images and the statement (or any questions) to info@DrewFriedmanCommunityArtsCenter.org (subject line: “2024 Scholarship”). The deadline is February 29.
Submissions will be evaluated by an independent panel of professional artists. Awards will be announced by the end of March, with the winners’ work posted on “06880.”
Drew Friedman Community Arts Center representatives Miggs Burroughs and Nick Visconti (far right) and then-1st Selectman Jim Marpe congratulate previous arts scholarship winners.
After a holiday break, Y’s Men of Westport and Weston’s “Westport … What’s Happening” podcast is back.
This week, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker looks at the year ahead. She offers updates on new and continuing projects and programs, along with her vision for 2024. Click below to listen:
Click on the links above for details, and ordering information. Click here for the Staples High School graduate’s website.
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Yesterday’s storm skirted Westport. But it dumped just enough snow for sledding at Winslow Park.
And that was enough to send a News12 crew. We have no idea what kinds of questions were asked, but the kids look like they’d rather be on the slope.
(Photo/Jonathan Alloy)
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On a beautiful day, the Trader Joe’s parking lot has issues.
Saturday — between panic buying before an inch of snow, and the opening of Cobs Bread — was not a beautiful day.
Dozens of drivers jockeyed for spots. But this driver — either slyly or sloppily — managed to snag 4 spots him (probably not her) self.
The front 2 are clearly taken. The back 2 were unavailable to any vehicle except a Mini Cooper; otherwise, your stick out too far in the already too-narrow 2 lanes by the store.
Theresa Zapata, a 25-year resident of Westport, died Friday. She was 82.
She served Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department guest services department for 12 years, with devotion.
Her family says, “Terry was a force of nature, a true spitfire who captivated those around her with a unique blend of sarcasm and unfiltered honesty. Her sharp wit and infectious laughter brought joy to countless hearts, leaving a lasting imprint on everyone fortunate enough to be part of her life.”
She was an excellent cook, and a devoted grandmother for sporting events and school performances.
Terry opened her home to countless stray dogs, providing them with love and care.
She is survived by her children Debbie (Charlie), Michael (Doreen), Barbara (Robert) and Lynn (Paul); grandchildren Dillon, Michael (Megan), Bobby, Lindsey (Eddie), Mathew, Ian, Paul and Trevor, and great-grandson Killian.
A memorial service is set for Saturday (January 13, 1:30 p.m., St. Luke Church). The service will be followed by a celebration of life, at a site to be determined. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Humane Society.
Terry Zapata
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Here’s a “Westport … Naturally” first: an animal photo without any animals.
But they let us know they stopped by, in Sunday’s snow.
And finally … on this date in 1815, during the 3rd year of the War of 1812, Andrew Jackson led American forces to victory over the British in the Battle of New Orleans.
The event made the brevet major general a national hero. In 1829 he was elected 7th president of the United States.
(Whether it’s weather, the arts, politics or parking, “06880” has Westport covered. Please consider a tax-deductible contribution, to help our work. Just click here. Thank you!)
As the first snowstorm in a couple of years headed to Westport yesterday, residents took to the grocery stores as if preparing for the Blizzard of ’88, Hurricane Katrina and The End of the World As We Know It, simultaneously.
This was the scene at Trader Joe’s:
If you survived this meteorological disaster, click “Comments” below.
In the wake of yesterday’s story about unleased dogs at Winslow Park, an alert “06880” reader writes about another favorite spot:
“On a walk through Longshore this morning, I encountered no less than half a dozen cases of dog owners leaving their pet’s droppings in little plastic bags, some prominently decorating the posts supporting the wooden roadside guard-rails. Quite pleasant.
After viewing 4 or 5 such transgressions, I came across this egregious scene. One or more selfish and inconsiderate dog owners designated this intersection as their official dog-doo drop off place.
In addition the half dozen doo bags I witnessed, I saw 3 or 4 unbagged transgressions along the way.
Winslow Park has long since gone to the dogs, and Compo Beach is a doggie domain for most of the spring, fall and winter.
We know that dogs are forbidden from the Longshore golf course at all times, so why not make Longshore a dog-free zone entirely?
The dog-culture aesthetic pictured above represents a strong argument for reserving Longshore as strictly human-friendly haven.
We should also consider the possibility of carving out a portion of Winslow Park as a “human only,” zone because is not a very welcome place for us non-dog-owning taxpayers!
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A couple of days before Snowmageddon, Les Dinkin captured this Compo Beach view, for our “Westport … Naturally” feature:
And finally … in 1955, Marian Anderson becomes the first Black artist to perform at the Metropolitan Opera, in Giuseppe Verdi’s “Un Ballo in Maschera.”
A decade and a half earlier, the Daughters of the American Revolution refused to let her sing to an integrated audience in Constitution Hall. Thanks to First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, Anderson performed on Easter Sunday on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, before an integrated crowd of more than 75,000. Millions more listened by radio.
(What to do on a snowy day? Help support “06880.” Just click here — and thank you!)
One of the first compelling events of the new year is set for next Wednesday (January 10, 7:30 p.m.).
Chabad of Westport sponsors an evening of hope and inspiration. Esther Basch — the Honey Girl of Auschwitz — will tell her gripping story of survival and resilience. At 95, she is one of the world’s few remaining Auschwitz survivors.
Esther was transported to the death camp on her 16th birthday in a cattle car. she later faced a death march to the Salzwedel concentration Camp, where she was liberated by American soldiers in April 1945.
Despite the horrors she experienced, Esther’s unshakable faith and universal love for humankind helped her survive, then motivated her to share her story globally.
The event is part of Chabad’s new “Critical Conversation Series,” addressing contemporary Jewish and timely issues.
The RTM Long Range Planning Committee takes its charge seriously.
On the agenda for its next meeting (January 11, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall Room 201): “Overview of climate change and how it will affect Westport.”
In the past few years we’ve seen heavier rains and stronger winds than usual. That leads to greater flooding.
Still to come: rising sea levels. And who knows what else.
Hopefully, the RTM — and other town bodies — will help us be ready.
Parker Harding Plaza, in October. (Photo/Eliza Barr)
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Speaking of climate: Whatever snow we get this weekend probably won’t be enough to snowshoe in. The 3 sets that Earthplace rents ($10 an hour) will have to wait.
But the non-profit science, conservation and education center offers plenty more too, for children, teenagers, adults and families.
Their seasonal program guide includes information on their naturalist programs and events, plus camp offerings. Click here to view and register. Some sessions start next week.
A muffed punt with less than a minute to go almost cost Michigan its College Football Playoff semifinal game against Alabama on New Year’s Day.
But the play — involving Wolverine punt returner Jake Thaw, the 2020 Staples High School graduate who made the most of his walk-on success at UM — was described this way in yesterday’s Detroit Free Press: “Those on the outside saw a senior making a near-catastrophic play.
“Those on the inside saw a game-saving play that propelled U-M to the national championship game.”
In a conference call previewing next Monday’s title clash with Washington (January 8, 7:30 p.m., ESPN), quarterback J.J. McCarthy said: “I think it was tremendous the way (Thaw) handled the situation.
“The way he handled it and not freaking out once the ball was going towards the end zone and accidentally kicking it or muffing it again and making sure he didn’t fumble it when he got hit by those three guys.
“There’s a lot of good that he did in that scary situation that I feel like needs to be appreciated, and that’s just a testament to our training and the mindset that we’ve forged over the last year.” (Click here for the full Free Press story. Hat tip: Pete Wolgast)
Jake Thaw, just before fielding Alabama’s punt on Monday.
Lifelong Westporter Mary Ann Andronaco died December 31 at Yale New Haven Hospital. She was 76.
A graduate of Central Catholic High School in Norwalk, she worked at Morehouse Barlow in Norwalk, where she met her husband Joseph of 46 years.
She also enjoyed teaching religious education for many years at Assumption parish.
Mary Ann was a breast cancer survivor for over 30 years, and supported the Sherwood Island walk.
She is survived by her husband; daughters Toni-Ann, Tracey, Meghan Terwilliger (Christopher), and beloved dogs Molly and Cammie.
She was preceded by aunts, uncles, and pets Tabby, Rory and Maggie.
A funeral will be held Monday, January 8 (Assumption Church, 11 a.m. for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will follow in Assumption Cemetery on Greens Farms Road.
And finally … on this day in 1933, construction began on the Golden Gate Bridge.
When it was completed 4 years later, it was both the longest and tallest suspension bridge in the world,
Local connection: Richie Havens gave several concerts here, in venues like the Westport Country Playhouse and Westport Arts Center. Memorably, he filled in for the Blues Project at Staples High School, when the band was tied up for several extra hours in a New York recording studio.
(Every day, “06880” offers an intriguing mix of stories of our town’s past, present and future. Please click here to support our efforts. Thank you!)
Our “06880” tagline is “Where Westport meets the world.”
I’ll post pretty much any story, so long as there is a Westport (Connecticut — not New York, Massachusetts or Ireland) connection.
I do not, however, post clickbait-type stories — those that includes Westport in a list of “Best Beaches in New England,” say, or Westporters in “Top White Collar Criminal Lawyers.”
Usually, that is.
Once in a while, readers send something so bizarre it just screams to be posted.
That’s the case with a story from the website Only In Your State, in the categories “Connecticut/Trips/Winter.”
I don’t know how or why Ann Sheffer and Larry Bartimer found that website and/or article, but both forwarded it to me.
“The Cozy Town in Connecticut That Comes Alive Under a Blanket of Snow” is the torturous headline that would normally have caused me to stop reading right there.
Except, of course, that the cozy-yet-alive-in-winter town is ours.
Here’s a sample of the Westport that writer Lisa Sammons — or the AI-generated robot pretending to be her — offers up to the world:
Winter getaways in the Nutmeg State don’t get much better than a trip to Westport. This affluent Fairfield County town has the most ocean and river waterfront in the state, and there’s a lot to do here. We love it in the wintertime!
Directly under “We love it in the wintertime!,” this photo lacked both a caption and even one snowflake.
I’m not sure what our miles of “ocean” and river waterfront (a claim from the Discover Westport website) has to do with winter fun, but let’s plow on.
The downtown area has a great variety of shops and restaurants.
Of course, the river itself offers amazingly scenic views.
There’s something so peaceful about walking alongside a body of water, isn’t there?
Um, yes.
Westport receives an average of 28 inches of snowfall a year.
This isn’t as much as the state’s snowier areas, but it is in line with the national average, and means you’ll have at least a few days of white winter wonderland life here each year.
It’s a Westport custom to wear colorful clothes while shoveling.
Unfortunately, last year’s snowfall was about 27 inches below average.
There are dozens of historic properties here, and a few officially-designated historic districts.
Now we’re getting somewhere.
The Taylortown Salt Marsh is such a scenic place for a stroll, and wonderful for bird-watching.
Ah, yes! The Taylortown Salt Marsh — located just inches from the new 16-unit apartment complex rising at the Wilton Road/Kings Highway North intersection.
I don’t know about you, but the Taylortown Salt Marsh is the first place I take out-of-town friends who visit. Nothing beats strolling and bird-watching on that famous Kings Highway bridge.
Taylortown Salt marsh, as seen on Only In Your State. Come for the strolling and bird-watching; stay for the Invasive Plant Removal Wildlife Restoration Project.
After noting that Sherwood Island State Park is “most popular now as a summertime destination thanks to its wonderful beach,” Only In Your State adds “it’s an excellent place for a walk or jog at any time of year. Visiting a beach in winter is a great way to beat the crowds.”
Channeling my inner 16-year-old, I say, “whatever.”
Perhaps you’re wondering where to stay, when visiting Westport’s winter wonderland. Lisa suggests:
If you need a perfect place to stay in Westport, CT, I love the look of this sunny apartment that’s just minutes from the beach.
The VRBO listing of that property — Sasco Mill on the Post Road, at the Southport town line — promises “panoramic views and breathtaking surroundings, including endless flora and fauna.”
There is 1 bedroom, with a queen bed. Miraculously, it “sleeps 4.”
The kitchen is described as “small and quaint.” One can only imagine.
The “small and quaint” kitchen.
So there you have it. “The Cozy Town in Connecticut That Comes Alive Under a Blanket of Snow.”
Now all we need is that blanket.
(“06880” is “where Westport meets the world.” If you enjoy this hyper-local, 24/7/365 coverage of our town, please support our work. Just click here — and thank you!)
Many organizations are sending please-help, end-of-the-year fundraising appeals.
All are worthy of consideration.
One is especially important for Westporters.
Most residents have no idea that Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service relies almost entirely on donations.
That’s right: The men, women (and teenagers!) who respond to over 2,300 calls a year, providing outstanding care to people who live here, work here, visit here and pass through here (that’s you, accident victims on I-95 and the Merritt), must also spend time raising nearly every penny they need.
What do your dollars pay for?
● Replacing their 10-year-old ambulances with state-of-the-art vehicles — and stocking it with crucial medical equipment. It’s true: EMS pays not only for ambulances, but for everything from the heart monitors and gurneys to the Band-Aids in them.
● Continuing to educate thousands of citizens in CPR – and certifying them as Emergency Medical Responders/Emergency Medical Technicians.
● Ensuring that EMS is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year (366, in 2024).
Westporters are very generous to EMS. Many (though certainly not all) donate after appreciating the calm, compassionate — and extremely professional — care they receive after a 911 call. Others contribute, knowing that if they ever do need EMS, their dollars will help.
But despite that support, EMS is still short of its goal.
That’s why they’re appealing for tax-deductible funds before the end of the year. They welcome one-time contributions, or monthly sustaining gifts. Click here to help.
It’s a cliché to say “have a happy, safe and healthy new year.” EMS wishes that for all Westport residents, visitors and passing through persons.
But if you don’t have one, they’ll be there for you.
Providing, that is, that you help provide for them.
Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service pays for all the equipment in their ambulances — and the vehicles themselves.
And finally … Tom Smothers, the older, seemingly ditzier but actually more politically minded half of the Smothers Brothers comedy duo, died Tuesday at his home in Santa Rosa, California. He was 86, and had recently been diagnosed with cancer. Click here for a full obituary.
Click below for a typical routine:
Click below for Pete Seeger’s 1968 performance of “Waist Deep in the Big Muddy,” on the “Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour” — in the midst of the Vietnam War — that got them canceled by CBS:
A few days earlier, she’d reported a dangerously leaning tree on Apache Trail to town authorities, and Eversource.
Sure enough, it toppled in last week’s wind storm. It took down power lines, just as she’d feared.
Trouble on Apache Trail.
After a couple of days, things got brighter.
Under the cover of darkness — and after testing the wires to see if they were live — her husband and their longtime landscaper, Tarsis Ramos of Tarsis Lawn Care, removed and cut up the tree.
Finally, residents of the private road off Bayberry Lane could get out of their houses.
Westport Police were “super lovely,” Stephanie says. They put in another call to Eversouce on residents’ behalf.
Eversource finally restored the power. But after many attempts to switch over to regular power from their generator, Stephanie and her husband realized that either their power was not actually on, or something was wrong with their electrical system.
They called Eversource at midnight, and left a message reporting the outage. They also called their electrician.
The next morning, Eversource arrived before the electrician. Technician Anthony Tucker not only found and fixed the problem at the pole, but also tested the panel in the basement, switched the generator off, then reset the switch back over to regular power.
“Well done, team!” Stephanie says.
“Many, many thanks to Tarsis ‘The Miracle Worker’ Ramos, and Anthony Tucker from Eversource.”
Tarsis Ramos to the rescue.
(Unsung Heroes is a regular “06880” feature. If you enjoy it — or any other part of Westport’s hyper-local blog — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)
For the second time since the Nov. 7 municipal election, the Planning and Zoning Commission is poised to appoint a new member to an open seat.
Amie Tesler, who was elected to a new, four-year term on the P&Z last month, has decided to step down.
The Republican told Westport Journal: “Family first, always. I have an amazing but demanding job. I respect my fellow commissioners and love this town but, alas, kids and work.”
According to LinkedIn, she is director of business development for Zebra.
The Republican Town Committee will recommend a replacement. the full P&Z will vote on that recommendation at tonight’s Zoom meeting.
Amie Tesler
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Here’s the scoop:
Yesterday marked the end of Saugatuck Sweets. The Riverside Avenue ice cream shop closed, after a 10-year run.
(Photo/Jason Stiber)
It will be replaced this spring by MOMU — another ice cream place. The name comes from the initials of the owners. They know the site well: They also own Kneads Bakery Café, across the street.
MOMU will make their ice cream fresh, in the store.
The “06880” tagline is “Where Westport Meets the World.”
The other day, Westport met Tokyo.
Staples High School Class of 2008 graduate — and current resident — Galen Blumenthal recently returned from a business trip to Japan. He reports:
“On my first day in Tokyo, I met the local interpreters hired to support our discussions. It didn’t take long to realize one of the interpreters and I had something in common: We both attended Kings Highway Elementary School.
“Chie Sugano lived in Westport for a few years while her dad worked for IBM. She attended KHS ‘around first and second grades,’ lived on Rice’s Lane, and remembers the town fondly.
“She has lived in Tokyo since. She was excited to hear about the ‘06880’ tagline, and agreed we should share this story.”
Galen Blumenthal and Chie Sugano
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As traffic worsens this week — and you’re stuck at the Playhouse Square Post Road light (heading west) or the one at Compo Road (going east), look over at Winslow Park Animal Hospital.
As always, they offer a whimsical welcome to the holidays.
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