It’s a tossup which is more popular in Westport: Mrs. London’s Bakery, or Champagne.
Both were part of last week’s Photo Challenge. Seth Schachter’s image showed the unique beverage vending machine, at the Church Lane café. (Click here to see.)
That combination made this one of our easiest Photo Challenges ever.
Robyn Levy, Linda Gates, Eileen Flug, Joelle Berger, Andrew Colabella, Marjolijn Baxendale, Molly Alger, Jeri Silverman, Claudia Sherwood, Cindy Zuckerbrod, Brian Schwartz, Joelle Malec, Lynn Untermeyer Miller, Lisa Hayes, Micheal Simso, Neil Cohn, Tom Felley, Wendy Schaefer, Seth Braunstein, Sal Liccione, Amy Saperstein, Micil Ryan, Karen Como, Paul Edward Cahill, Linda Vita Velez, Rachel Sara Halperin, Marina Levin-Berman, Todd Ehrlich, Tanaz Mody, John Lisée and Ivy Gosseen all correctly (and quickly) identified the spot.
We’ll drink to that!
But as slam-dunk as last week’s challenge was, here’s are 2 tough questions: Has anyone ever actually used that vending machine, to buy a bottle? Or seen anyone do it?
Who cares? It’s a cool thing to have in town.
And now on to this week’s Photo Challenge. If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Pat Saviano)
(Every Sunday, “06880” hosts this Photo Challenge. We challenge you too to support your hyper-local blog. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
It’s a bit early, but save the date — for the event, and for ticket sales. They always sell out.
It’s “Taste of Westport, ” CLASP Homes’ annual (and very tasty) fundraiser.
This year’s event is June 5 (6 p.m., The Inn at Longshore). As always, there will be a spectacular array of food and drinks. This year’s theme is “A Night at Studio 54.”
100% of the proceeds fund CLASP’s mission: to care, support and inspire people with autism and developmental disabilities.
The Saugatuck Rowing Club’s junior women’s team is heading to the Henley.
This summer’s Royal Regattas is one of the most prestigious in the world. “We promise to make Westport proud,” says rower Charlotte Seymout.
Click below (or here) to see their video, meet the athletes, and help with fundraising.
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A rally is planned for April 5 (11 a.m.), on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Brdige.
The theme is “Hands Off.” According to one of the organizers, Bean Corcoran, that refers to many things: “Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, our bodies, etc.”
A sign from the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge rally earlier this month.
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Easter comes a day early, to the Weston History & Culture Center.
On April 12 (2 p.m.), they host a concert-reading of the play “An Easter on Mulberry Street.”
The bittersweet comedy is about an Italian-American family preparing for the holiday on the home front during World War II. The reading is followed by a talkback with the writer/director and cast.
Advance tickets are $15 for members, $20 for non-members. The price at the door is $25. Click here to reserve, and for more information.
Linda Hall — a 1987 Staples High School graduate, and associate professor of English at Skidmore College — has written a fascinating article in New York magazine, on Cynthia Ozick. The writer turns 97 next month.
Fred Cantor — who sent along the piece — says, “The starting point is the publication of a 700+-page collection of Ozick’s stories and essays. But the piece is so much more. It covers a lot of ground with respect to her life and work, including Hall’s own interactions with the legendary writer over the years.
The piece includes another Staples connection. Noted writer Cathleen Schine — a 1971 grad — calls Ozick’s “Puttermesser Papers” perhaps “the best book about (New York City) since Robert Caro’s ‘The Power Broker.’”
Wildfires in California — and now Long Island. Hurricanes in inland North Carolina. Floods in Connecticut.
No place is safe from sudden, catastrophic weather events.
Center Street, last year. (Photo/Andrew Colabella)
As realtors, KMS Team at Compass highlight the many advantages of life in Westport.
But they advise clients about other things clients may not want to think about.
Like home insurance.
Our KMS friends pass along a recent report from the US Department of Treasury Federal Insurance Office. It says:
Home insurance is becoming more costly and harder to procure for millions of Americans. The costs of climate-related events pose growing challenges to insurers and their customers alike.
Average premiums increased 8.7% faster than the rate of inflation from 2018 to 2022. Some premium increases were much larger.
People living in the top 20% of ZIP codes, with the highest expected annual losses from climate-related perils, paid 82% more than those in the 20% lowest climate-risk ZIP codes.
Consumers in the highest risk ZIP codes faced 80% higher policy nonrenewal rates than those in the lowest risk ones.
Connecticut is in a high-risk zone:
The good news: While policy non-renewal rates sound ominous, during the study period they affected just 1.6% of policy holders in high risk areas.
As real estate advisors, KMS Team members talk often with insurance professionals. They learn how to avoid insurer obstacles during the selling, buying and closing process.
Tom Ayres and his team from Cross Insurance recently visited the Compass office.
To start, they said, buyers should have a trusted insurance broker run a “CLUE” (Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange). A database can show claims reports, to understand what went on with a home and property over the last 7 years.
This includes loss history on structures near water — for example, claims because of water damage.
Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in the United States.
Insurers keep a close eye on water damage. They offer discounts to homeowners for being proactive, taking precautions like installing water leak devices, lightning rods, low temperature alerts, flood venting, sprinkler systems with alerts, and automatic shut-off capabilities.
Flood guidelines will be updated again in November. All homeowners should review the updates with their insurance agent. (The Cross Insurance team believes that coverages and zones will not change too drastically.)
Grove Point flooding. (Photo/John Kantor)
Many homeowners do not have flood insurance. KMS Team emphasizes: Check with your agent!
The second most common concern is the roof.
It’s all about the age, condition, material and shape, KMS says. Those elements impact the overall integrity or eligibility for coverage.
What works in certain parts of the country may not work in another. For example, cedar/wood roofs are okay in Connecticut, but not Colorado. Metal is fine in Vermont, but not Texas.
Insurers and inspectors now use “roof scores,” determined through drone photos.
These also help determine replacement costs. If a roof is 15 years old, coverage may include 100% replacement. But as the roof ages, replacement coverage may drop.
Other home and property issues include:
Electrical system (knob and tube wires, cloth wiring)
Exterior insulation and finishing of the residence.
Renovations are an important insurance topic too. Will the work be minor or major? “Will you raze (or raise) your home?
Renovating and/or raising a home can affect insurance rates.
Coverage rates can vary, based on the use of the home and property. Is it occuped full time? Rented? Or are the owners rarely there?
The best way to keep insurance rates in check, KMS says, is to be proactive. Take steps to remedy aging elements of your home.
And keep in touch with your insurance experts. Let them know if you put on a new roof or add safeguards.
Insurance agencies work with a variety of insurance companies. They can match your home’s condition and needs with the best one.
(“06880” regularly covers Westport’s real estate scene. If you enjoy this — or any other feature on your hyper-local blog — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Major League Baseball’s opening day is Tuesday, March 18 — in Tokyo. (Don’t ask.)
Westport Little Leaguers have already started practicing. Their season starts March 31 (weather permitting).
Jeff Mitchell has been a Westport resident for over 30 years, and a Westport Baseball and Softball volunteer for more than 20. Today, he shares his thoughts on what makes Westport Little League special.
In an era when “travel ball” dominates youth sports, Little League Baseball remains a cherished tradition. It is a rite of passage for young athletes experiencing their first team sport.
Despite the allure of high-level competition, town-based Little League continues to thrive, offering an experience that is as much about community as it is about competition.
Playing baseball, having fun with friends.
Unlike many other team sports, baseball ensures every player gets their moment in the spotlight at the plate, making for great photo opportunities and proud family memories. The game’s pace also creates natural pauses, allowing parents to connect, share advice, and organize playdates.
Baseball has a role for every child, whether they have speed, power, strong hand-eye coordination, or even just the advantage of being left-handed. Additionally the sport is highly adaptable for children with disabilities, which is why Westport’s Challenger Program continues to thrive.
Challenger baseball is a hit! (Photo collage/Beth Cody)
Many families trace their longest-lasting friendships back to their child’s first pre-K/kindergarten team, reinforcing the sense of community that makes Little League special. To help maintain these connections, we encourage parents to send us their friend requests to help keep existing playgroups intact.
For players, dugout time is bonding time. With half the game spent on offense, teammates have plenty of time to talk, cheer each other on, and build friendships that last beyond the field.
Westport Little League is organized by grade level: pre-K/K, Grade 1, Grade 2, A (Grade 3), AA (Grade 4), AAA (Grade 5), and Majors (Grades 6/7).
This allows kids to play with their peers, rather than being placed strictly on skill, as is often the case in travel ball.
Since the top Little League players frequently also play travel, aspiring athletes — especially developing pitchers — get ample opportunities to take the mound and gain valuable experience. Additionally, every player is included in the batting order, unlike travel ball, where lineups can be selective.
Westport takes pride in having one of the most unique umpiring programs in the country. Most of our officials are middle and high school students.
The discipline and understanding required to officiate the game often translate to a deeper baseball IQ, giving these Westport players an edge when competing at higher levels.
Our umpires are trained by certified professionals, ensuring they develop skills that benefit them both on and off the field.
Our Little League teams have won many district and state championships, even reaching the Little League World Series final game in 2013.
Staples Baseball has won multiple FCIAC and state championships, and produced 3 Connecticut Gatorade Players of the Year. All went on to be drafted by the pros. One now wears a World Series championship ring.
Westport Little League players learned from Staples athletes, at a recent clinic in the fieldhouse.
Westport Little League isn’t just about baseball. It’s about building friendships, developing skills, and fostering a love for the game that lasts a lifetime. Whether a child dreams of making it to the big leagues or simply wants to be part of a team, Little League is where it all begins.
After months of renovations, Susie’s House reopens April 1.
The 124 Compo Road North residence is run by Homes with Hope. Named for former director Susie Basler, it provides stable, affordable living for 6 young women ages 18 to 26 who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness.
At Susie’s House they’ll get back on their feet through education and employment, eventually moving on to independent living. Each woman will have a mentor, community support and case management.
Community members are invited to a pre-opening tour next Saturday (March 22, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.). To RSVP, email events@hwhct.org.
For nearly 25 years, A Better Chance of Westport has provided education, a home, mentors, and opportunities for a powerful future to smart, self-motivated, creative and very cool young men of color, from around the country.
It’s one of our town’s best non-profits. Hundreds of Westporters have volunteered, in a variety of important roles. And they’ve gotten as much from the ABC scholars as they’ve given.
The “Dream Event” is A Better Chance’s annual fundraising gala. Along with the food, drinks and auction items, there’s something more: inspiring speeches, from the current scholars, and those who have graduated and gone on to great success.
This year’s event is April 26 (6:30 p.m., Westport Library). Click here for tickets, and more information.
Then-current and past A Better Chance scholars, at a previous Dream Event.
The renovation of the Compo Beach playground is just a few weeks away.
Just like during its construction in 1989, and first renovation in 2006, it’s a community project.
Whether you’re a parent whose kids use it, or used to when they were younger — or even if you have no kids’ connection to this great Westport attraction — organizers are looking for volunteers to help.
Professional builders, skilled volunteers, unskilled hands — all are welcome to sign up for slots.
All volunteers will receive a playground t-shirt! Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be served by community vendors.
There’s a “KidZone” on site for children (potty-trained, please!). 12- and 13-year- olds can help out there.
14-17-year-olds are welcome on the build site. They cannot handle tools, but there are many other ways to help.
Earthplace’s 4th annual Beer Garden (April 26, 4 p.m.) has something for everyone — of all ages.
Adults enjoy a self-guided trail walk with craft beer tastings, while kids sample sparkling drinks, and participate in arts and crafts.
The beer garden includes food trucks, s’mores, lawn games, and a selection of full-size beers available for separate purchase. Click here for tickets, and more information.
S’mores at the Beer Garden.
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Weston Field Club has reopened.
The private club closed in November, after “financial irregularities” caused what the board president called an “existential crisis.”
With a new general manager, there’s an open house today (Saturday, 1 to 3 p.m., 38 Ladder Hill Road South, Weston). They’ll show off their facilities, and describe their programs like aquatics, racquet sports, trap shooting and camps.
Weston Field Club is also offering summer trial memberships, for $3,000 and $5,000. Click here for the website. Click here for more details, from Weston Today.
The Aspetuck Land Trust is ready for an active spring, both live and online.
Lunch & Learn: “Assisted Plant Migration Helps to Expand Our Native Plant Palette for Climate Change” (March 28, 12 noon, Zoom webinar). How can we help plant species move north as temperatures rise? Explore the role humans play in helping move plants, as well as helping animals move more freely to aid in seed dispersal.
Plant Sale (Opens for Members April 4). ALT’s spring and fall native plant sales feature hard-to-find native plants, trees, shrubs and perennials. Plants are ordered online, and picked on weekends at the Caryl & Edna Haskins Preserve. Click here to join or renew membership.
Vernal Pool Walk with Edward Pawlak (April 12, 10 a.m., Trout Brook Valley Jump Hill Preserve; click here to register).
Earth Day Weekend Ephemeral Wildflower Walk with Vernal Pool Expert Anthony Zemba (April 19, 10 a.m., Trout Brook Valley Jump Hill Preserve; click here to register).
Anthony Zemba leads a wildflower walk.
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It may be a (sub)urban legend, but I’ve heard that Violet Lane is named not for the flower, but for someone whose last name was Violet.
On the other hand, today’s “Westport … Naturally” image shows that there indeed are violets on the small road off Myrtle Avenue.
(Photo/Sal Liccione)
Which raises these important questions: Is there myrtle on Myrtle Avenue? And was it named for the plant, or a woman called Myrtle?
And finally … in honor of Westport’s violets (story above):
(There’s a mystery about Violet Lane. But there’s none regarding “06880.” We’re your hyper-local blog, here for you 24/7/365 — and we rely on you for support. Please click here to help. Thanks!)
Home is where this week’s heart is. We lead off our online art gallery with a couple of intriguing visions of “home.”
Of course as always, we invited submissions from all “06880” readers. No matter what style or subject you choose — and whether you’re a first-timer or old-timer — we welcome your submissions. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, digital, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — we want whatever you’ve got.
This feature is open to all. Age, level of experience, subject matter — there are no restrictions. Everyone is invited to contribute.
Just email a jpeg to 06880blog@gmail.com. And please include the medium you’re working in — art lovers want to know.
“Weir Farm National Park” — watercolor (Kathleen Burke)
“There’s a Red House Over Yonder” (Patricia McMahon)
“Spring Has Sprung” (Dorothy Robertshaw)
Untitled — acrylic paint and pastels on watercolor paper (Carol D’Amico)
Untitled (Duane Cohen)
“Little Vigilant” — Photographer Peter Barlow describes it as “a 70-foot steel-hulled motor sailer, said to have the lines of a Maine sardine carrier. Note: ‘sailer’ is spelled with an ‘e’ when it’s a boat.”
“Mother and Child” — Carrera marble (Alan Goldberg)
“More of Those Dang Drones!” (Mike Hibbard)
“Gentoo and Chinstrap Porpoising” (William Strittmatter)
Tickets are selling quickly for Staples Orphenians’ “Cabaret Olé” fundraiser.
The March 30 event (6 p.m., Christ & Holy Trinity Church) is a fundraiser for the elite high school choral group’s upcoming trip to the Spain Choral Festival.
In addition to hearing the talented teenagers sing, Westporters are happy to help the group raise money to ensure that every member can make the trip.
But there’s another, longer-lasting reason to support Cabaret Olé.
Some of the funds will help establish an educational music hub here.
That’s the goal of the VOCES8 Foundation. The non-profit uses workshops, concerts and more to educate and uplift students and communities — including providing opportunities for singers after high school and college.
And they’ve chosen Westport as one of their centers for that work.
VOCES8 musicians have worked with Orphenians in the past, including at the Westport Library.
VOCES8 high school workshop, at the Westport Library.
It’s no surprise that VOCES8 will take part in the March 30 cabaret.
But — surprise! — they and Orphenians will be joined by Broadway stars, including Mary Kate Morrissey (lead in Broadway’s “Wicked”) and Dan Micciche, the show’s music director and conductor.
Morrissey spent a decade touring 92 cities with “Wicked,” “Mean Girls” and “Hair,” before making her Broadway debut in “Wicked” in 2023. Micciche has been with the show for over a decade, including national and international tours.He will coach the Orphenians on their song with Morrissey.
One more surprise: former Orphenian Jamie Mann will perform too. The 2021 Staples grad — currently a senior at the University of Michigan — will be just days away from his Broadway debut in “Stranger Things: The First Shadow.”
Jamie Mann
Orphenians’ set will include part of their repertoire for Spain. They’ll join VOCES8 for at least one number. Exceptionally talented pianist Andrew Maskoff — a Staples senior — will accompany the singers.
“Everyone in Orphenians is helping with fundraising, and performing” says Staples choral director Lauren Pine. “This is a great team-building experience.”
The trip to Spain involves more than just singing in centuries-old cathedrals. Orphenians will also work with guest artists, and learn from some of the world’s top educators.
The young musicians “definitely understand and appreciate where we’re going and what we’re doing,” Pine says.
Cabaret Olé includes tapas and other light bites, and a silent auction.
And of course, plenty of music. The Christ & Holy Trinity sanctuary has wonderful acoustics — perfect for Orphenians, VOCES8, and Broadway stars.
In the wake of several recent fires, fire marshal Terry Dunn urges homeowners to take extra precautions as they begin spring cleaning and home renovations.
He says, “With the change in seasons, we often see an increase in home improvement projects and decluttering efforts. Improper storage of flammable materials, overloaded electrical outlets, and spontaneous combustion of oily rags can all lead to devastating fires.”
The recent structure fires have been linked to common hazards, including improperly discarded chemicals, electrical malfunctions, and combustible materials being stored too close to heat sources.
No serious injuries were reported, but the fires caused significant property damage.
The Westport Fire Department urges residents to follow these safety measures:
Store flammable liquids properly: Keep gasoline, paint thinners, and other combustibles in approved containers, away from heat sources.
Dispose of oily rags safely:Never pile up rags used with oil-based stains or paints. Store them in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid or lay them out to dry in a well-ventilated area.
Check electrical wiring:Avoid using extension cords as permanent wiring. Do not overload outlets. Inspect cords for fraying or damage.
Keep combustibles away from heat sources: Do not store cardboard boxes, wood or paper products near water heaters, furnaces or other heat-producing appliances.
Ensure proper ventilation: When using flammable chemicals or conducting renovation work, maintain good airflow to reduce fire risks.
It is important too to have working smoke detectors, and multiple exit plans.
Proper disposal of hazardous materials is critical in preventing fires. Westport’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day is an opportunity to dispose of items like oil-based paints, solvents, and chemicals.
The Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day is Saturday, April 5 (9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Greens Farms railroad station).
The event is free for residents of Westport, Norwalk, New Canaan, Darien, Stamford and Greenwich. For more details, click here.
For more fire safety information, visit click here, or contact the fire marshal’s office: (203) 341-5020.
(Among many other services, “06880” helps readers stay safe. We rely on reader support to keep us financially healthy. Please click here to help. Thank you!)
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Since the top Little League players frequently also play travel, aspiring athletes — especially developing pitchers — get ample opportunities to take the mound and gain valuable experience. Additionally, every player is included in the batting order, unlike travel ball, where lineups can be selective.
The recent structure fires have been linked to common hazards, including improperly discarded chemicals, electrical malfunctions, and combustible materials being stored too close to heat sources.
