We look back 50 years ago this holiday season — by reposting one of our most commented-on Friday Flashbacks. This one originally ran in 2020. Ho ho ho — enjoy!
When Fred Cantor graduated from Yale University in May of 1975, his parents gave him a 35mm Nikkormat camera. He’d always enjoyed taking photos, with an inexpensive Kodak.
In December he returned to Westport for break, from the University of Connecticut School of Law.
There was a beautiful snowfall. On Christmas Day, Fred knew that downtown would be empty. He’d always enjoyed the “Norman Rockwell-esque” feeling there. He hoped to capture it, without interference.
After 50 years — almost to the day — parts of downtown look very different. Parts look much the same.
After 50 years too, the photos have faded.
But the memories have not.
Gorham Island. The Victorian house has been replaced by a large office building.
Main Street, without any holiday decorations. Gene Hallowell’s Mobil station is now the site of Vineyard Vines.
Further up (undecorated) Main Street, we see Achorn’s Pharmacy on the left (now in Playhouse Square); Oscar’s across the street on the right (soon to be Luya restaurant), and the large furniture store (now, after burning down a couple of years later), The Gap.
The much-loved Remarkable Book Shop has been reimagined as Eleish Van Breems.
Westport Bank & Trust was most recently Patagonia. Soon it will be home to Compass Real Estate. The YMCA building on the left is now Anthropologie.
Ice on the Saugatuck River still looks the same.
Fairfield Furniture has been transformed into National Hall — the original name for the 1800s building. It’s being repurposed for AIG.
Before the Wright Street building rose up behind it — and, later, an architectural firm took over the space — a popular liquor store occupied the busy Wilton Road/Post Road West corner. A decade ago, David Waldman offered to buy this building and move it, creating a right-turn lane from Wilton Road. The town refused. We live with the consequences every day.
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Revaluation assessment reviews for Westport properties can be made today or Friday.
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Two Staples High School graduates — both Pulitzer Prize winners — have 4 photos, in the New York Times‘ annual “Year in Photos” section.
Tyler Hicks (SHS ’88) contributed 3 images, all from Ukraine (February 9, May 18, October 8).
He describes this one (below): “A volunteer with the Platsdarm group collecting the remains of soldiers and civilians killed in the Ukraine war. The recovery of the dead was not always possible as fighting raged along the front, sometimes for weeks or months.”
(Photo/Tyler Hicks for the New York Times)
Lynsey Addario (SHS ’91) took this haunting image in Syria (February 15):
(Photo/Lynsey Addario for the New York Times)
It shows a mother tending to her 15-year-old son, who had stepped on a landmine while herding sheep.
Lynsey says: “Many people think of war as the dangers during active combat, but there are so many casualties after a war finishes. These are the quiet stories that speak volumes about how war has tentacles everywhere.”
And while you’re at it, consider a donation to WVEMS. Many residents don’t realize they pay for everything — from ambulances to Band-Aids — themselves.
There are many worthy causes and organizations in Westport. Few are as life-changing — and life-saving — as this.
“Building Bridges Through Storytelling” — a quilting exhibition — is on display in 3 Westport Library galleries, through March 17.
Like a patchwork quilt itself, the show weaves together 3 distinct yet interconnected exhibits. Each explores how art, memory and narrative bind communities across generations and geographies.
Receptions and talks are set for January 15 (6 p.m.) and January 31 (1 p.m.).
“Covid Quilt” by Maybeth Wirz (left); “Green and Orange” by the Southern Connecticut Modern Quilt Guild.
For more information, including details on each exhibition, click here and here.
Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between December 17 and 22.
A 34-year-old Stamford man was charged with larceny, payment card theft, 6 counts of stolen card theft, 12 counts of identity theft, and criminal impersonation, following investigation into a July 2923 report that credit cards and identity documents had been stolen from a wallet in an unlocked vehicle at Birchwood Country Club. He was unable to post $10,000 bond.
Police also issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 3 citations
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 3
Failure to renew registration: 2
Texting while driving: 1
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
Falsification of markers: 1
Failure to insure a motor vehicle: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Illegal display of a handicap plate: 1
Failure to comply with handicap parking regulations: 1
Tinted glass infraction: 1
Following too closely: 1
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 1
And finally … Jerry Kasenetz, a record producer who was one of the kings of bubblegum music, died this month in Florida, from complications of a fall. He was 82. Click here for a full obituary.
If you dine in Saugatuck this Saturday, don’t be surprised if carolers come to your table.
You can even book a reservation, to make sure your evening is merry and bright.
The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce’s annual Saugatuck Caroling Crawl is set for December 20 (6 to 8 p.m.).
Staples High School’s elite Orphenians will sing a medley of songs, at 14 venues.
They begin at the Boathouse (Saugatuck Rowing Club), before heading to The Bridge, Kawa Ni, The Whelk, Tutti’s and the Black Duck.
Then it’s off to the train station, and Tarantino, Blu Olive and Romanacci. The final destinations are Riko’s Pizza, Zucca Gastrobar, Rizzuto’s, Viva Zapata and Little Pub @Dunville’s.
Joyeux Noël. And bon appétit!
Staples Orphenians: stars of the Saugatuck Caroling Crawl.
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Meanwhile, what will you do after Christmas?
Specifically, how will you get rid of that beautiful (but dried-out) tree — in an environmentally responsible way?
Scout Troops 39 and 139 will do it for you. It’s a win-win-win: convenient and affordable pick-up for residents; free mulch and conservation material for the town — and the only fundraiser of the year for the Scouts.
The event is all day, on January 10. Troops will pick up over 800 trees, in every neighborhood.
The suggested donation of $25 per tree — less than most services — helps fund a full year of Scout meetings, experiences and gear.
At Staples High School, the 1976 graduate was very involved with Players. He then co-founded a theater company in Massachusetts, and produced, directed and acted in an Equity troupe before retiring a year ago.
Mark Shanahan — now the Westport Country Playhouse artistic director — was a good friend of Kopko’s company; he directed, wrote and acted in many productions.
Kopko worked at the Playhouse while growing up. He always dreamed of performing on the legendary stage, but never got the chance.
His daughter is now an actor. She lives in Los Angeles, and over the years has worked with Shanahan.
Kopko was in the audience Sunday — proud of his daughter Alexandra, his friend Mark Shanahan, and the Playhouse where it all began.
Michael and Alexandra Kopko, at her Playhouse dressing room.
But that’s not all.
Kopko’s nostalgic weekend began the night before. He attended a caroling party — an annual tradition for over 40 years — hosted by Staples grads and musicians Brad Peterson (SHS ’75) and his wife Abby Anderson Peterson (’76).
A number of former Players and Orphenians were there — including the Petersons’ children Katie, Sarah and Scott. All are Staples grads too (2000, ’04 and ’12, respectively).
“Old” Orphenians. Brad Peterson is front right; Abby Peterson holds the candle.
Also this past weekend: the first snowfall of the season.
Did you notice how quickly and well the streets were plowed?
Maybe not. But Wendy Kleros and Claudia Coplen — co-chairs of the Westport Commission for Senior Services — did. They write:
“We extend our gratitude and appreciation to the entire Department of Public Works eam for their outstanding work clearing the roads and public parking lots.
“Their diligence and responsiveness make a meaningful difference for our community each and every day, particularly at the Senior Center, where safe and timely access is essential.
“Because of their efforts, older adults, staff, and visitors arrived safely and continued their daily routines without disruption. That kind of reliability brings real peace of mind, and reflects a deep commitment to public service.
“Their behind-the-scenes work often goes unnoticed. But its impact is felt by everyone, especially our senior residents who depend on clear, accessible pathways.
“We thank them for their professionalism, teamwork, and dedication to keeping Westport safe and moving forward, no matter the conditions.”
The next Veterans Benefits Luncheon is Thursday (December 18, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.), VFW Post 399).
It’s open to all veterans as part of an ongoing effort to check in on all veterans’ welfare, and connect them with the benefits and support they earned.
Representatives will answer questions, and provide information on services and assistance available to veterans.
RSVPs are encouraged (but not required). Email vfw399ct@gmail.com, and include the number of attendees, or call (203) 227-6796.
PS: If you’re not a veteran, but know one: Please pass the word!
Also at the VFW (as it is every Thursday): Jazz at the Post.
This week, guitarist Kenny Wessel — for years a key member of Ornette Coleman’s band, and now a Westport favorite and frequent collaborator with saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall — headlines the 2 shows (7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; click here for tickets and more information).
Also sitting in: bassist Boots Maleson and drummer Mike Campenni.
Longtime Westport resident Margery Silk died peacefully on Friday, at home. She turned 101 just 3 days earlier.
A third generation Californian — her great-grandparents founded the railroad and lumber town of Truckee in 1863 — she was valedictorian of her 1941 class at South Pasadena/San Marino High School.
Margery began her studies at Stanford University, then earned an undergraduate degree from UCLA and a master’s in art history from NYU.
She met her future husband — New Zealander and Life magazine photographer George Silk — while skiing at Stowe, Vermont.
Margery traveled the world pursuing her interests in art, architecture, birds and other animals, music and culinary pursuits.
Margery was a member of the Westport Garden Club, Bronx Botanical Gardens, the Bronx Zoo, and local tennis and bridge groups. At Cedar Point Yacht Club she crewed for her husband.
She was also active in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Aspetuck Land Trust (founding member), Friends of Sherwood Island, and Connecticut Audubon Society.
Her family calls Margery “that lady in tennis shoes and tennis skirt who came of age in the 1960s and ’70s, and who championed the ‘good fights’ by writing letters in many directions.” She helped lead the charge to defeat a plan to build a nuclear power plant on Cockenoe Island, in the 1960s.
Margery is survived by her children Stuart Silk, Georgiana Silk, and Shelley Silk
Wehrly and their spouses; grandchildren: Michael and Alexis Silk; Bryan, Kate
and Alexander Liggett, and Stuart Wehrly, Liza Wehrly Andrews and Christopher Wehrly and their spouses, and 12 great-grandchildren.
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)
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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!)
Basso — the tapas-and-more restaurant that moved to Westport from Norwalk in the middle of the pandemic — is closing.
An email sent yesterday from the Jesup Road spot that replaced Matsu Sushi says: “After nearly 19 wonderful years of serving our community, it is with mixed emotions that we announce the closing of Basso on Thursday, December 18.
“This decision was not made lightly; we have truly cherished every moment shared with you, our loyal guests and friends.
“We want to express our deepest gratitude for your unwavering support, kindness, and the many memories we’ve created together. It has been an honor to be part of your lives—celebrating milestones, hosting your special occasions, and sharing countless meals and conversations.
“As we prepare to close this chapter, we warmly invite you to visit us one last time to reminisce and enjoy your favorite dishes. Thank you for being such an essential part of our story. You will always hold a special place in our hearts.”
I’ve long held a special place in my heart for Basso. The food has been delicious and creative; the hospitality is warm and genuine; the vibe has been great for the town.
Thank you, Renato, Ela, and all who made Basso a favorite destination.
Along with tapas, Basso featured pizzas, from its great wood-fired oven (rear).
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One (restaurant) door closes, and another opens: Westport will soon have another fast-casual, create-your-own-bowl-or-salad dining spot.
Naya arrives Wednesday (December 17), in the Gold’s half of Compo Shopping Center.
The offerings are similar to Sweetgreen, Just Salad, and the very similarly named Cava (click here for the menu). Naya, though, positions itself as “Middle Eastern.”
They’ve got more than a dozen locations in New York City and Long Island. This will be Naya’s second restaurant in Connecticut, after Darien — and its northernmost and easternmost site.
Sticking with today’s food theme, there’s news from Pop-Up Bagels.
Like Basso, they popped up in Westport during the pandemic. In just a few years, Adam Goldberg turned his COVID hobby into a full-blown, award-winning business.
Outlets sprouted in Fairfield, Greenwich and Newtown. Then came New York — a bold (and winning) move — followed by Massachusetts, North Carolina, Florida and California.
The latest Pop-up Bagels is in Portland, Maine. Chip Stephens — a 1973 Staples High School graduate and former Planning & Zoning commissioner, now chief enforcement officer for two Maine towns — spotted this on yesterday’s news:
They’re not stopping now. The next Pop-Up Bagels is planned for Wailea-Makena, Hawaii.
Which means they may need to rethink their motto: “Not famous, but known.”
From coast to coast — and beyond — everyone is learning about (and loving) Pop-Up Bagels.
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Also on the move — though this one is up, not out: a house on Danbury Avenue, near Soundview Drive.
(Photo/Matt Murray)
Like many in the oft-flooded neighborhood, it is being raised to become FEMA-compliant.
Which is a lot better than being razed, to become bigger, taller and broader.
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The first snowfall of the season was perfect: overnight, not overpowering, light and lovely.
Westport celebrated National Wreaths Across America Day yesterday.
VFW Post 399 quartermaster Phil Delgado, Post 399 Auxiliary vice commander Patty Kondub, Joan Polayes, and Scout Troops 39 and 139 honored veterans with a tribute at Assumption Church’s Greens Farms Cemetery.
Post 399 members and volunteers lay remembrance wreaths on over 400 graves. Each wreath symbolized the community’s gratitude, respect and commitment to never forget those who served.
Scouts participating in National Wreaths Across America day (from left): Blake Schuler Ashley Charise, Preston DeRosa, Austin Charise, Will Bernard, Will Manes, Sam Pollack and Alec Mraz. Not pictured: Jacob Luna and Ian Curran.
“A Sherlock Carol” — the family-friendly holiday show written and directed by Mark Shanahan, Westport Country Playhouse artistic director, opened last night for its third annual run there. Click here for tickets, and more information.
The cast of “A Sherlock Carol” takes their bows …
… and writer/director Mark Shanahan is thanked by audience members, after the show. (Photos/Dave Matlow)
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Hanukkah begins tonight, at sundown.
Steve Stein welcomed some early visitors yesterday:
More times than not, I’ve had good interactions with Optimum’s customer service.
Yesterday was one of those “not” times.
The (very) short version: I called the “retention” department to ask for a lower rate. I’ve been a customer since 1993 — I was one of the first dozen or so in Westport to sign up for a cable modem — and this is a ritual I now go through every few months.
The first question — after giving the same information twice, to a bot and a human — was “if we get disconnected, what’s the best callback number?”
(I’ve always found it odd that a company that provides phone service worries about disconnected calls, but whatever.)
I provided my cell number. She read it back to me. On we went.
She spent 15 minutes (supposedly) researching the best retention option. I’m sure she was juggling 3 or 4 other calls at the same time.
Then we got disconnected.
I expected a call back.
It never came.
I finally called again. This time, the customer service representative may have asked again for a callback number. I could not tell though, because whatever language he was speaking, it was not English.
Finally — a full 1 hour and 12 minutes after I began — I got a (middling) retention offer. I’m saving about $30 a month, and will have to go through the same dance again next year.
Was it worth it? I bill my writing clients $200 an hour, so 12 months to save $360 is a bit of a savings.
Weighing in the agita factor, though … probably not.
PS: If anyone at Cablevision is reading this and wants to contact me — well, someone there has my number.
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Years ago, the group below would spend weekday mornings teaching, writing lesson plans, meeting with students, and dealing with administrators and parents.
These days, they do none of that.
And every so often, these ROMEOs — Retired Old Men Eating Out, all of whom spend decades in the Westport schools — get together for breakfast at the Monroe Diner.
How many can you name? Answers below the photo.
From left: Jim Wheeler, Al Jolley, Jim Honeycutt, Bruce McFadden, Toby Watson, Steve Rexford, Bob Selverstone, Werner Liepolt, Ed Bludnicki, Pete Van Hagen, Stan Rhodes.
Yesterday’ Roundup story on the Eartha Kitt/”Santa Baby” composer connection left out one key detail: That it happened at WEST, the Post Road East store owned by the singer’s daughter, Kitt Shapiro.
Here it is again. Hopefully it makes more sense this time:
More than 70 years after its release, “Santa Baby” remains one of the most popular Christmas songs of all time.
Eartha Kitt sang it in 1953. She later moved to Weston, where she died of colon cancer on — coincidentally — Christmas Day, in 2008.
Her daughter Kitt Shapiro now owns WEST, a very popular women’s shop, on Post Road East.
An older woman came into the store on Thursday. Her name was Joan Javits — and she co-wrote “Santa Baby,” all those years ago. (She’s 97 years old — though she sure doesn’t look it!)
Kitt Shapiro and Joan Javits, at WEST.
It may not be the Christmas miracle of 2,000 years ago.
But it’s still pretty amazing.
PS: Among the lyrics Eartha Kitt sang were:
Come and trim my Christmas tree
With some decorations bought at Tiffany’s.
I wonder if after leaving WEST, Joan Javits crossed the street and walked a few yards west.
To buy some decorations at — you know the rest.
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Nancy Vener was up early yesterday. She photographed the fiery sunrise over Burritt Cove, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature:
And finally … to all the customer service agents at Optimum (story above):
(Your favorite restaurant may be closing. Your internet service provider may drop your call. But “06880” will always be here for you — so long as you click here to support our work. Thanks!)
But Westport’s Department of Public Works is ready. They say:
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.
Questions: Call Public Works: 203-341-1120.
(Photo/Luke Hammerman)
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