The Inn at Longshore has closed for renovations. It will reopen later this year.
Work is moving steadily along at the Delamar Hotel. The plan is to open in the spring, on the site of the former Westport Inn.
Until then, there is not one hotel room to be had in our entire town.
A century ago, there were plenty.
The Westport Hotel — at the corner of State Street (Post Road East) and Main Street — was a handsome building. It included a saloon and pool tables.
Decades earlier, Edward T. Bedford was too young to enter.
After becoming wealthy — as a broker of lubricating oils for railroads, helping chemist Robert Chesebrough sell his new product Vaseline, and a director of Standard Oil, among other things — he wanted the boys of Westport to have a place to gather.
Bedford bought the Westport Hotel, and demolished it. In its place, he built a $150,000 Tudor-style YMCA. It had reading and writing rooms, a bowling alley — and of course, pool tables.
For 90 years, the Y stood on the site of the old Westport Hotel. Since then — after the YMCA moved to its Mahackeno property on Wilton Road — the building has been leased to Anthropologie.
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Posted onDecember 15, 2024|Comments Off on Roundup: YMCA’s Bedford Fund $$, Veterans’ Wreaths, South Korea’s “Feliz Navidad” …
When Ruth Bedford died in 2014, at 99, the last surviving grandchild of Westport Weston Family YMCA founder Edward T. Bedford left the organization a giant — and unexpected — $40 million bequest.
Part of the money funded the new Bedford Family Social Responsibility Fund. Grants go to groups in Fairfield County that support a wide range of educational programs that empower children and young adults.
On Monday, the Y honored 33 non-profits, with checks totaling $315,000.
Recipients include:
A Better Chance of Westport
Achievement First Bridgeport
Adam J Lewis Academy
Bridgeport Youth Caribe
Cardinal Shehan Center
Carver Foundation
CCC YMCA – Bridgeport
Covenant School of Bridgeport
CT Institute for Refugees and Immigrants
Family & Children’s Agency
Greater Connecticut Youth Orchestras
Hall Neighborhood House
Homes with Hope
Horizons at Sacred Heart/Notre Dame
Horizons Greens Farms Academy
Housatonic Community College Foundation
Kids Empowered By Your Support
Klein Memorial
Lifebridge Community Services
McGivney Community Center
Mercy Learning Center
Neighborhood Studios of Fairfield County
New Beginnings
Norwalk Community College
Norwalk Housing Foundation
Project Morry
Shepard’s Mentors
Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities
Staples Tuition Grants
Under One Roof
Urban Impact of Black Rock
Wakeman Boys and Girls Club
The scholars of A Better Chance of Westport are among the recipients of this year’s Westport Y Bedford Family Social Responsibility Fund.
100 volunteers — members of VFW Post 399, American Legion Post 63 and their Auxiliaries; Sons of American Legion, Scouts from Troops 39 and 139, and Westporters who just wanted to help — gathered yesterday at Assumption Cemetery on Greens Farms Road.
As part of the national Wreaths Across America program, they laid wreaths on the graves of dozens of servicemembers. Each time, they thanked that veteran for their service.
More wreaths will be placed at veterans’ graves, at other cemeteries in town.
Volunteers, at yesterday’s Wreaths Across America event.
In America this holiday season, “Feliz Navidad” is everywhere. We’ve loved the jangly, catchy song by our Weston neighbor for over 50 years.
Now it’s all over South Korea now too.
In rallies calling for President Yoon Suk Yeol’s removal, protesters have danced to a song with its melody. Like “Feliz,” the verse is repeated often: “Impeachment is the answer.”
The New York Times says: “Mr. Feliciano did not comment directly on the latest adaptation. Susan Feliciano, his wife, said in a statement that the lyrics have been repurposed often and that it was gratifying to see the melody endure.” (Hat tip: Amy Katz)
The Westport Library’s 3 new art exhibits are on display, from now through February 4.
The Sheffer Gallery brings the idea of transcendence to life with Claudia Mengel’s “Alchemy of Light,”paintings inspired by the mysticism at the heart of alchemy’s expression in the Middle Ages.
An opening reception celebrates Mengel’s work on December 18 (6 p.m.). A conversation between Mengel and Artists Collective of Westport co-founder Miggs Burroughs follows at 7.
In the South Gallery, Jason Pritchard’s “Westport Skies” is a love letter to his New England home. Paintings like “Compo Beach” and “Riverside Park” invite viewers to connect to their own experiences.
Pritchard will showcase his exhibit, along with fellow artist Christine Timmons, at their shared reception (January 9, 6 p.m.), followed by an artist conversation with Pritchard, Timmons and Burroughs at 7.
Timmons’ “Journeys in Collage“, in the Jesup Gallery, offers mixed media collage composed of papers, vintage buttons, dead leaves, wire, and ticket stubs on wood panels.
But the 400+-person organization has plenty of other activites.
Willie Salmond reports on his regulat tennis game. Three members of the foursome are 99, 91 and 89 years old. Willie is the baby, at 79.
“Arguing about the score, line calls, etc.. plus coffee and banter after the games keeps us going!” he says.
Roger Federer: You’ve got something to look forward to!
378 years young. From left: Willie Salmond (79 years old), Keith Brooks (99), Neil Coleman (89), Peter Kolbrenner (91).
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Okay, it’s not exactly growing in the wilds of Westport.
But the poinsettias at this weekend’s Candlelight Concert were gorgeous.
And they were “natural” at some point, hopefully in a local greenhouse.
That’s good enough to qualify for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
Enjoy!
(Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)
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And finally …Antonín Dvořák’s “Symphony No. 9” premiered in a public afternoon rehearsal at Carnegie Hall. Neil Armstrong took a recording along during the first moon landing, in 1969.
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Comments Off on Roundup: YMCA’s Bedford Fund $$, Veterans’ Wreaths, South Korea’s “Feliz Navidad” …
With a countdown by little kids (and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker), some blasts from the Westport Fire Department’s trucks, and the flick of a switch, the Town Hall holiday tree was officially lit yesterday.
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, and her helpers.
The Staples High School Orphenians provided music. The Westport Museum for History & Culture added hot chocolate.
Choral director Lauren Pine leads the Staples Orphenians.
The ceremony was quick, fun — and cold.
The tree will shine brightly, throughout New Year’s.
The tree — and the fire trucks that salute it. (All photos/Dan Woog)
At the start of the ceremony, Westport poet laureate Donna Disch offered this special poem, called “Lights Up”:
We spar with darkness in December. The day’s light fed and put to bed by four. We resist with hymns and gingerbread,
wreathes and songs, Dancer, Prancer,
Cupid, Vixen and that soul who steers the sleigh.
Tonight we gather to sing and illuminate our living tree.
No chainsaw teeth, for us, nothing felled, hoisted or hauled.
We affirm the ever of living and green and spatter our spruce with stars.
And so our noble tree reminds us to trust the truth we know.
There is living. And there is loving.
And there is no more light than that.
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The Westport Human Services Department’s annual Holiday Giving Program is in full swing.
And it’s important.
The department is seeing more families in need. Parents are dealing with unemployment, underemployment, rising costs, and other stresses.
With multiple jobs and tight budgets, there is little or no money left over for gifts.
100% of donations go directly to families in need.
Click here for the “Family to Family Seasonal Holiday Giving Program,” or mail a check to Department of Human Services, 110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport, CT 06880.
Westport residents facing financial difficulties can contact Human Services for free, confidential consultation and assistance. Call 203-341-1050, or humansrv@westportct.gov.
Westporters will be out in force this weekend, buying Christmas trees and gifts.
But don’t forget holiday wreaths!
Scout Troop 36 is selling wreaths Saturday (December 7, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and Sunday (December 8, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Saugatuck Congregational Church.
Wreaths are $30 and $45. Baked goods are also available.
Funds will help projects like the installation of Eastern bluebird houses and bat boxes at Earthplace. The troop also partners with Sustainable Westport each year, for a mattress recycling drive.
As the story above shows, Westporters help neighbors.
They also help strangers — who have become friends — thousands of miles away.
Luca Caniato is a senior at Staples High School, and president of Il Circolo Italiano (the Italian Club). He writes:
“For many children in Rione Sanità, Naples, the holiday season doesn’t come with the joy and celebration it should. This year, we have the opportunity to bring a little extra Christmas magic into their lives.
“Centro La Tenda, a beacon of hope in this community, provides a safe haven for these children, offering them education, support, and the chance to dream beyond their circumstances. With your help, we’re raising funds to buy Christmas gifts for these children. It’s a simple but meaningful way to spread holiday cheer and show them they are cared for.
“Every donation, no matter the size, will go directly toward purchasing gifts that will bring smiles and joy to these kids.
“Let’s come together to create a Christmas full of hope, happiness and community for the children of Centro La Tenda. Thank you for your generosity, and for helping make the holidays a little brighter for those who need it most!”
You may be tired of hearing “Jingle Bells” (and/or “Jingle Bell Rock”) everywhere you turn.
But the Westport Weston Family Y’MCA’s Jingle Bells Jamboree is well worth checking out.
The Saturday, December 14 family event (5:30 to 7 p.m.) includes ornament decorating, face painting, a bouncy house, and a bus ride/light show to the “North Pole” (Mahackeno Outdoor Center).
Once at Beck Lodge, children will meet Santa, explore his holiday workshop, enjoy free hot cocoa and snacks, and create a special ornament for display in the Y lobby.
A pizza truck will be on-site, serving food.
Tickets for the Jingle Bells Jamboree are $10 for Y members, $20 for non-members (admission is for children only; adults go free). Parents are required to accompany their children. Click here to purchase.
Jingle Bell Jamboree, at the Y.
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The curtain rises tonight on the Bedford Acting Group’s production of “Shrek: The Musical.”
The young actors and tech crew have worked hard on their comedic timing, beloved music, fun costumes, great puppetry and spectacular sets (with help from a “Saturday Night Live” designer).
the beloved fairytale to life with stunning performances, hilarious comedic timing, and unforgettable music.
Shows are tonight (Friday, 7 p.m.); tomorrow (Saturday, 3 and 7 p.m.), and Sunday (3 p.m.). Click here for tickets, and cast lists.
And finally … in honor of the YMCA’s Jingle Bell Jamboree (story above), here is the song you hoped I wouldn’t post.
Fortunately, it’s not the ubiquitous Bobby Helms version. This is one you may not have heard.
Plus, it’s not the song you always hear from this group, either. Party on!
(“06880” is your hyper-local source for everything Westport-related. If you enjoy learning about our community — and don’t mind the occasional song like this — please click here. Thank you!)
The Westport Representative Town Meeting celebrates the 75th anniversary of its first meeting this coming Tuesday (December 3, 7 p.m., Town Hall).
The public is invited. The legislative body’s regular monthly meeting follows in the Town Hall auditorium, at 7:30.
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Sponsors have flocked to the new PAL/YMCA Westport travel basketball program.
And it’s not just local busineses and services. In addition to orthodontists, a cleaning company and restaurants, 3 families sponsored teams.
But their names on not on the young players’ jerseys. Instead, thanks to donations from the McCalisters, Liz Hauer and Groves, the causes they believe in — Adrienne Flemming fitness program, Hearts in Harmony and CT Children’s Hospital, respectively — are emblazoned on the back.
Sponsorship includes game jerseys and shorts, practice jerseys, a shooting shirt and backpack, at no cost to players.
The 8th grade (oldest) jerseys were sponsored by PAL. Both teams chose a message that reflects the core belief of the Staples High School program.
On the boys’ jerseys is “STANCE,” an acronym the Wreckers boys live by. The girls’ jersey say “DRIVE,” which this year’s captains and new coach Tommy Sparks chose to reflect the program’s beliefs.
This year’s travel basketball program involves 11 boys and 9 girls teams, plus a 3rd grade girls developmental squad.
Sponsors include Electric Symphony, Fairfield Dermatology, CT ENT, Purple Cow Cleaners, The Bridge at Saugatuck, Outpost Pizza, Academy Camps, The O’Dell Group, Embrace Orthodontics, Metta Management, Heartlent and The Cal Group.
Honoring a favorite non-profit.
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The Westport Farmers’ Market is beloved for its home-grown produce, baked goods, cheese mongers and more. Savvy shoppers know it’s the place to be, every Thursday.
Once a year — on a Saturday — the WFM hosts a special Holiday Artists’ Market. This time, the fare is courtesy of local artists.
This year’s event is Saturday, December 7 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center).
Over 40 artists will show and sell their wares. The Bubble & Brew mobile café will be there; carolers, too, plus a photo booth.
Among the attractions: Ms President US‘s Clara Scotto, of Westport, will showcase upcycled, upmarket teen fashion. All proceeds from t-thrift sales will be donated to Person to Person in Darien.
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What’s so funny about Walrus Alley?
Once a month — usually the last Tuesday — the downtown restaurants hosts 3 comics.
This week’s headliner was Chris Clarke.
Chris Clarke, at Walrus Alley on Tuesday night. (Hat tip and photo/Matthew Mandell)
Yesterday’s story about the return of lights to the William F. Cribari Bridge — we’ll have them after all! — reminded readers of the joys of crossing the 135-year-old span during the holidays.
And it reminded Westport artist Michael Chait of this video he produced, illustating the dazzling colors over the Saugatuck River.
“Fifteen Cents on the Dollar: How Americans Made the Black-White Wealth Gap” is the subject of a special Westport Library conversation.
The December 4 (7 p.m.) event exploring inequality with authors Louise Story and Ebony Reed. It’s part of Fairfield County’s Community Foundation’s “In Community Conversation” series, in partnership with TEAM Westport.
“Fifteen Cents” authors Louise Story and Ebony Reed join FCCF president and CEO Mendi Blue Paca for a panel discussion with local community leaders, followed by an audience Q & A. Click here for more information.
Westport Police made 4 custodial arrests between November 20 and 27.
A 22-year-old Astoria, New York woman was charged with larceny, identity theft, and conspiracy to commiti thosoe crimes, after an investigation into a complaint about a stolen IRS refund check that had been stolen and deposited. She was held on a $150,000 bond.
A 30-year-old Cos Cob man was arrested for larceny and identity theft, based on $5,500 in fraudulent charges. He posted a $10,000 bond.
A 22-year-old Waterbury man was charged with violation of probation. He was held on a $20,000 bond.
A 59-year-old Stamford man was arrested for failure to appear.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 9 citations
Failure to comply with traffic control signals: 5
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 4
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 4
Failure to obey stop sign: 4
Traveling unreasonably fast: 3
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 3
Failure to renew registration: 2
Passing a standing school bus: 1
Speeding: 1
Driving while texting: 1
Failure to yield to a pedestrian: 1
Failure to insure a motor vehicle: 1
Improper marker lamps: 1
Improper number of headlamps: 1
Be sure you have the right number of headlights!
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Jolantha — Weston’s favorite pig — is all dolled up for Thanksgiving.
She is also very glad that the meal of choice on this holiday is turkey, not pork.
And finally … it’s amazing the things I remember from my childhood, decades back. (Just as amazing: how easily I forget things from seconds ago, like why did I just walk into this room?).
Every Thanksgiving at Burr Farms Elementary School, we sang this song:
I thought it was a nice holiday tune. Not until decades later did I realize it was a hymn.
But that wasn’t the only religious component of my Westport public school education. In first and second grade — until the Supreme Court outlawed it — every day began with the Lord’s Prayer.
That’s right. Just after the Pledge of Allegiance, our entire class — Catholics, Protestants, Jews, and everyone else — bowed our heads, and said, “Our Father, who art in heaven …”
(Happy Thanksgiving! Today, I am thankful for the chance to share my love of Westport with our wonderful online community. Enjoy the day!)
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
And Westport wants to make everyone aware.
A “Let’s Talk About Disability” forum (October 22, 12 p.m., Westport Library) highlights the 2024 theme of “Access to Good Jobs for All.”
Local businesses, employers and community members are invited to the noontime event, to explore and improve their capacity to hire and support the local workforce.
The program is a “shame-free exploration of attitudinal barriers, and creates a new perspective on the unique abilities and advantages of working with persons with disabilities.”
The Porch at Christie’s is a local leader in hiring people with disabilities.
This is hardly a one-off event.
Westport’s Commission on People with Disabilities sponsors an ongoing “Employment is for Everyone” initiative.
The goal is to provide education and awareness, through tools and guidance, to employers and employees, to find circumstances where both can thrive.
Westport Human Services director Elaine Daignault notes, “too often employers are hesitant to hire due to self-limiting perceptions, and fear or concerns over their capacity to provide ongoing support for employees with disabilities within their organizations.”
The Porch at Christie’s, Stop & Shop and Westport Book Shop are 3 local businesses that employ people with disabilities, and embrace an inclusive culture. That is part of Old Mill Grocery & Deli’s mission statement too.
According to an Accenture study, “companies that embrace best practices for employing and supporting more persons with disabilities in the workforce have outperformed their peers, improved productivity and increased innovation while enhancing their business’ reputation.”
Daignault adds, “people with disabilities are capable, creative, and eager to work, adding value, promoting teamwork, and spreading joy to employees and customers.”
The October 22 Library workshop is “a great first step in opening doors of opportunity for businesses and potential employees with disabilities who will enhance the vibe in any place of business.”
Everyone has fun at Club 203’s Thanksgiving party.
Employment is not the only area in which Westport addresses the needs and opportunities of people with disabilities.
Non-profits like CLASP, STAR Lighting the Way and Abilis provide assistance for a wide range of ages.
The Westport Weston Family YMCA and Westport Little League Challenger program offer recreational programs.
Club203 is Westport’s social club for people with disabilities. Their monthly events are enthusiastically supported by many businesses and non-profits.
There is housing at, among other sites, a recently converted home on Riverside Avenue, and transportation alternatives through the Westport Transit District.
Of course, there is also the town’s Commission on People with Disabilities. For more information, click here or call the Department of Human Services: 203-341-1050.
When Jen Fava resigned as Parks & Recreation Department director this spring, deputy director Rick Giunta — a native Westporter — took over as interim director. The transition was smooth and productive.
Giunta tells “06880”: “It has been both an honor and a privilege to serve as the interim director over the past 5 months. However, due to personal reasons, I have chosen to step back into my role of deputy director.
“I’ll continue to support the department to the best of my ability, as the search for a permanent director continues. I’m looking forward to working with and supporting the future leadership of the department as we move forward.”
A new director has not yet been named.
Rick Giunta
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Westport 10 — the town’s networking and social organization for Black men and their families — met yesterday, at Jay Norris and Chirag Shah’s Content Studio in Saugatuck.
Guests includes State Representative Jonathan Steinberg, and Police Chief Foti Koskinas.
Westport 10 — whose numbers are far more than that — has an active fall planned.
Among the activities: a meeting with merchants through the Westport Downtown Association (October 23), Halloween masquerade ball (October 30), holiday party and more.
At yesterday’s Westport 10 meeting (from left): Ted Parker, Adam Moore, Trey Ellis, Gene Massie, Jay Norris, Chirag Shah, CD Glin, Rene Hart, Anil Nair, Police Chief Foti Koskinas.
“Westport Uncorked” — the Sunrise Rotary Club wine tasting event (with great food, and non-alcoholic beverages) that has become one of our town’s most popular events, returns to The Inn at Longshore on October 24 (6 to 9 p.m.).
Attendees can taste 100 wines, curated by The Fine Wine Company of Westport. (Well, there will be 100 wines available, anyway.)
Fine Wine Company experts will be on hand to answer questions. Any of the wines can be ordered for delivery.
Every dollar raised goes to charities supported by Westport Sunrise Rotary. Tickets are limited. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
In other Sunrise Rotary news, the club hosted 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker yesterday morning.
She asked members what issues they were most interested in hearing updates about. Among them: affordable housing, traffic, downtown plan, schools, handicapped access, Longshore upgrades, the Community Gardens and Long Lots Preserve, Cribari Bridge, Saugatuck River dredging, and road and sidewalk construction in town.
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, at the Sunrise Rotary Club.
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The Westport Library has launched its 2024-25 annual appeal. The fundraising goal of $325,000 would secure full funding for the Library’s operations, and allow it to continue to provide the vast majority of programming for free or low cost.
The town of Westport funds 77% of the Library’s operating budget. The remaining 23% is raised through special events and private donations, like those provided during the annual appeal.
The Library welcomes 350,000 visitors a year. The theme for this year’s appeal is “Invest in Lifelong Learning.”
Click here to donate to the appeal, and for more information.
The 1st anniversary of Hamas’ terrorist attack on Israel will be honored with a community gathering tomorrow (Sunday, October 6, 12 to 3 p.m., Compo Beach).
The event includes words and songs (1:30 p.m.). 101 chairs will represent the hostages still held in Gaza.
The public is invited.
These chairs at Compo Beach represented the hostages held last November, a month after the Hamas attack. (Photo/Mia Bomback)
Long time resident Jo Ann Miller has put away her paint brushes and is pounding away at the keyboard.
Her initial novella. “Terrorist Vengeance,” is doing so well that she is out with another short story. “Eulogy” describes the passing of a wannabe billionaire who is hardly praised by his 4 wives and 4 children at his funeral.
“Funny, witty and a super read,” praises the Houston Chronicle. It will be available on Amazon soon.
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Today (Saturday, 11 a.m to 1 p.m.), the Westport Weston Family YMCA celebrates its 10th anniversary of the Bedford Family Center at its Mahackeno site.
The family event includes bounce houses, crafts, live entertainment with a magician, refreshments including birthday cake, and giveaways.
Now that the presidential and vice presidential debates are over, you can watch another one, live and in person, right here at Town Hall.
On Thursday (October 10, 7 p.m),, Westport’s League of Women Voters hosts candidates for State Senate District 26, and State Representative District 136.
Questions can be sent in advance to lwvwestportct@yahoo.com.
The debate is co-sponsored by the PTA Council, Westport Sunshine Rotary Club, Y’s Men, Y’s Women and Westport Rotary Club.
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The Joggers Club has moved back to Compo Beach.
All members are welcome; no beach sticker is needed.
The group meets every Saturday at 8 a.m. Weekly runs can be found on their Strava, Facebook and Instagram pages.
Dues are $50 a year. New members get a free Lululemon shirt ($68 retail). Click here for more information.
Longtime Westport resident Barbara Macieski died peacefully at home on Wednesday. She was 89.
The Bronx native earned a degree in history at the University of Bridgeport, where she met her future husband Ford Macieski.
They were great dance partners. Barbara was also known for her excellent taste in shows to stream and books to read.
Barbara had a career in commercial lending, but her true joy were her 6 children, 10 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
Her family says, “She guided us, nurtured us, healed us, admonished us, and cheered with us our individual and collective good fortune. A confidante, a therapist, a financial advisor, and an ear to hear our trials and tribulations. We all checked in with her daily.”
Barbara was predeceased by her husband Ford and daughter Katy. She is survived by her children Lisa Mann (Russ), Robert, Daniel (Karen), Joanne Carpenter (husband Rick) and Jessica Aysseh (Alex); grandchildren Katy Mann (Ben Bien-Kahn), Samuel Macieski, Kevin Carpenter (Maggie Rogers), Benjamin Macieski, Becky Wiezik (Don), Maggie DelPresto (Jeff), Ellie Mann, Maddy Mann, Coco Aysseh and Lilly Aysseh, and great-grandchildren Ford Wiezik, Leo Mann, Theo DelPresto and Ford Carpenter.
Memorial contributions may be made to LIV IT UP, which provides support services and programming for neuro-diverse adults.
Barbara Macieski (4th from left), with her children.
And finally … in honor of Westport Sunrise Rotary’s “Uncorked” fundraiser October 24 at The Inn at Longshore (story above):
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There are 5 items on the Zoning Board of Appeals’ meeting next Tuesday (October 8, 6 p.m.; www.westportct.gov; Zoom link here; also Optimum channel 79 and Frontier channel 6020).
The item — continued from September 24 — is an appeal by two neighbors ofo the decision by Planning & Zoning director Mary Young to sign a liquor permit for Old Mill Grocery & Deli by Romanacci.
Click here, then scroll down for all meeting materials (listed as 222 Hillspoint Road).
Public testimony may be offered by joining the meeting. Written comments may also be sent to ZBA@westportct.gov by noon on the day of the meeting to be distributed to ZBA members. Written comments received after noon on the day of the meeting will be entered into the record.
Artie DiRocco writes: “Four years ago I lost my otherwise healthy, athletic and full-of-energy 16-year-old son, a student at Wilton High School, to sudden cardiac arrest. There were no warning signs.
“He would be alive today if we had his heart screened. We had no idea this was something we should do. He looked fine, and acted like there was nothing wrong.
“This Saturday (October 5, noon, Westport Weston Family YMCA), our organization, More George, is teaming up with In A Heartbeat to offer a free heart screening for children (ages 8-25).
“I can’t stress how important this is. I don’t want anyone to feel the things I feel, or cry the way I still cry. You have the opportunity to put this worry behind you. Please take advantage of this!”
Click here to register. Walk-ups are accepted, but pre-registration speeds the process.
Yesterday — October 1 — was the first day since summer that dogs were allowed on Compo Beach.
Several readers emailed “06880,” noting/complaining that more than a few dogs — well, their owners — did not exactly follow the rules for leashed/unleashed areas.
This guy seemed to know what was expected.
(Photo/Mary Minard)
Just a reminder: Obey the rules. It’s our beach. It belongs to everyone. But everyone has a place.
Making new friends, on the first day back. (Photo/Cat Malkin)
Elsewhere at the beach, there’s a new poem in the poetry box, at the end of Soundview Drive near Schlaet’s Point.
Appropriately, it’s about the time of year just past:
(Photo/Matt Murray)
The poetry box is a project of Westport’s poet laureate, Donna Disch.
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It’s that time of the year: Pippa’s Pots at the Westport Farmers Market.
All year long, the Westport sustainability advocate makes ceramic pots, bowls, mugs, vases and more, at Silvermine Arts Center.
Every fall, she sells them at the Imperial Avenue market. She’ll be there tomorrow (Thursday, October 3, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.).
This year, she’ll include pots from some of her generous classmates.
All proceeds go to Green Village Initiative. Their mission is to grow food, knowledge, leadership and community, through urban gardening and farming, to create a more just food system in Bridgeport.
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Kids of all ages are invited to Westport Book Shop’s 4th annual Pumpkin Painting Project this Saturday (October 5, 10:30 a.m. to noon, Jesup Green).
The morning includes pumpkin painting, surprise critters from Earthplace, tattoos, snacks and a free Tree Board giveaway. Costumes are encouraged.
Pumpkin decorating on Jesup Green. (Photo/Frank Rosen)
Last September, when TAP Strength sponsored the Sound on Sound music festival in Bridgeport, they connected with the members of Mt. Joy. I
(If you don’t know: They’re a hugely popular indie band. Last weekend, they played at Madison Square Garden).
TAP Strength founder EJ Zebro stayed in touch with lead singer/guitarist Matt Quinn, bonding over their mutual love for the Arsenal soccer team.
Last Thursday, Mt. Joy invited TAP Strength to be their personal hands-on manual therapists backstage, at the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater.
The team helped alleviate the repetitive stress the band experiences from performing and playing instruments, ensuring they felt great for the Bridgeport show.
EJ Zebro works on Matt Quinn (foreground); TAP therapist Colleen Morley (rear) takes care of bassist Michael Byrnes.
Plenty of Westporters enjoyed the concert. Some were TAP Strength clients.
Probably none of them knew the connection between the band’s easy movements on stage, and their own Post Road wellness center.
From left: Colleen Morley, Michael Byrnes, Matt Quinn, TAP Strength’s EJ Zebro and Lauren Leppla.
Bespoke Designs — Shari Lebowitz’s custom invitations/printing/engraving/and more shop in Sconset Square has closed.
She built a devoted clientele, since opening there in 2017. She’ll continue to serve them online. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)
Shari Lebowitz, in her Sconset Square doorway.
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Yesterday’s Roundup story about the Jewish Federation of Fairfield County’s interfaith “As One We Come Together” gathering on October 7 (7:30 p.m.) did not include a registration link.
(Since 2009, “06880” has brought you news and information you can use — and we’ve never missed a day. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
If you haven’t seen “Below Surface” — the inspiring 20-minute documentary that “reveals the extraordinary power of community through an unlikely subject: a YMCA Aquafit class” — now’s your chance.
In fact, even if you have seen it, you should see it again.
After all, the film is not just about any Aquafit class.
This one was shot at the Westport Weston Family YMCA.
Thanks to YMCA USA and Pfizer, “Below Surface” will be shown — for free — today (Thursday, September 26, 7 p.m.).
The livestream will be followed by a panel discussion. Among the participants: Patty Kondub, the Westport Y Aquafit instructor whose special talents — as a teacher and community builder — form the heart of the film.
After the live broadcast, viewers can an access an on-demand recording any time, through October 31.
You may have missed International Dot Day last week.
But Greens Farms Elementary didn’t.
The entire school participated in a read-aloud of “The Dot.” Peter Reynolds’ book emphasizes that everyone has creative potential, and small acts of encouragement can lead to great personal growth.
It also celebrates the ideas that creativity can be nurtured, and every person has something unique to contribute to their community.
After the reading. the entire school gathered on the field to create a large “GFS.”
The act symbolized the value each unique individual — or “tiny dot” — plays in the fabric of the Green’s Farms School community.
Due to incorrect information provided, “06880” reported the wrong time for the Artists Collective of Westport trunk show at Jesup Green on Sunday, October 6.
The correct time is 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Art of all styles and genres will be on sale. Artists will talk about their inspiration, creative process (and future commissions). There is music and food, too.
Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between September 18 and 25.
A 36-year-old Bronx man was arrested for criminal attempt to commit larceny, illegal possession of personal identifying information, illegal reproduction of a payment card, identity theft, forgery and interfering with an officer, following an report that a man was attempting to cash a fraudulent check at TD Bank on Main Street. The suspect attempted to flee. He was found with fraudulent checks, and forged debit and credit cards.
Police also issued these citations:
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 5 citations
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 3
Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 3
Traveling unreasonably fast: 2
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 2
Larceny: 1
Distracted driving: 1
Improper use of markers: 1
Driving with a foreign license after 60 days: 1
Failure to renew registration: 1
Violation of motor vehicle license class: 1
After 60 days, a foreign driver’s license is verboten.
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Kemp Harris brings his special combination of blues, soul, folk and jazz to Voices Café on October 5 (8 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport).
He is a singer, songwriter, an expert weaver of American musical styles — and an actor, activist, author, storyteller, and award-winning educator who has instructed public school students for more than 40 years.
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature is the first of what I expect will be many similar ones this fall: trees (already) turning, at the Westport Weston Family YMCA.
And finally … today in 1969, the Beatles released “Abbey Road.” The songs were as iconic as its cover. 55 years later, it remains a classic.
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Every year on September 11, Westport Representative Town Meeting member Andrew Colabella attends the memorial service at Ground Zero.
He was there today with John Ryan. In 2002 the New York detective found Andrew’s cousin’s headstone — a memorial to the 1993 World Trade Center bombing victims — while cleaning the grounds. Andrew and John have been friends ever since.
The Ground Zero ceremony is always intensely moving.
This morning’s event was particularly poignant.
At the site were a number of dignitaries, from both parties. In the midst of a heated campaign — and just 12 hours after last night’s debate — the mood was “peaceful, cordial, friendly and respectful,” Andrew reports.
At Ground Zero this morning (from left): Governor Kathy Hochul, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Senator Chuck Schumer, Vice President Kamala Harris, President Joe Biden, former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, former President Donald Trump, Senator JD Vance (Photo/Andrew Colabella)
Connecticut’s 9/11 Memorial, Sherwood Island State Park, on September 11, 2024. (Photo/Ted Horowitz)
Westport Weston Family YMCA, today … (Photo/Dan Woog)
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