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Roundup: Salmon Trees, Orphenians’ Ole, Shakos Podcast …

Posted on March 31, 2025 | Comments Off

The park named for Grace Salmon is one of Westport’s most popular.

Easily accessible on Imperial Avenue, with an expansive view of the Saugatuck River and beyond, it’s a place for solitude and quiet contemplation.

It’s also educational.

The Tree Board has affixed small informational plaques to each tree.

They’re unobtrusive …

… but when you look closely, they offer information about the species. Complete with (of course) a QR code, to learn more.

(Photos/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

Other species with signs at Grace Salmon Park include red maple and river birch.

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If the Staples High School Orphenians’ trip to Spain this summer is half as successful as last night’s “Cabaret Olé,” it will be one of the famed a cappella group’s most legendary events ever.

Christ & Holy Trinity Church was filled for the fundraiser. They got their money’s worth.

Mary Kate Morrissey starred in “Wicked” on Broadway.

All-star entertainment — including the Orphs together and as solo acts; Broadway’s “Wicked” star Mary Kate Morrissey and music director Dan Micciche; future Broadway “Stranger Things” star Jamie Mann (Staples ’21), and world-renowned VOCES8 (just off a plane from California), accompanied by super-talented keyboardist Andrew Maskoff (Staples ’25) — were on stage for nearly 4 hours.

Orphenians conductor Lauren Pine (left) leads her singers, in a combined number with Mary Kate Morrissey (back row, right).

Students from chef Cecily Gans’ Staples culinary classes provided fantastic Spanish tapas, desserts and more.

Staples grad Jamie Mann makes his Broadway debut next month in “Stranger Things.” The show is in previews now.

NOTE: Silent auction bidding remains open until 9 p.m. tonight. Click here to see the many great items, or to donate to the fundraiser itself.

¡Bravo! ¡Felicidades! ¡Olé!

Staples senior Andrew Maskoff, at the keyboard. (All photos/Dan Woog)

Orphenians and VOCES8 (Photo/Nataliya Lalor)

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The other day, “06880” highlighted Westporter Bill Shakos’ informative, behind-the-scenes new podcast “What Do I Know.”

We won’t be mentioning every episode. But the fourth one — which dropped this morning — features a guest dear to our hearts.

Me.

Titled (a bit grandly) “Legacy of the People: One Man’s Generational Advocacy Shaped Our Town’s Culture and Identity,” it’s a look — led by Bill’s gentle but crisp questioning — into my “06880” blog, life in Westport, LGBTQ advocacy and more.

The podcast is available on Spotify, Apple, Amazon and the web, all from this handy link. Click below for the trailer.

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The Westport Book Shop’s Short Story Club meets April 24 (6 p.m.). They’ll discuss “The Elephant Vanishes” by Haruki Murakami, and “Patriotism” by Yukio Mishima.

Registration is required. Call 203-349-5141, or email RSVP@westportbooksaleventures.org.

Also next month at the Westport Book Shop:

Puzzle Night (April 3)
Book signing and conversation with Chef Alison Milwe Grace, author of “Savor: Recipes to Celebrate” (April 10)
Book reading and signing with Marsha Temlock, author of “Tuesday’s Mah Jong” (April 16).
Book reading and signing with Ira Joe Fisher, author of “The Birth of Snow’ (April 17).

All events are 6 to 7:30 p.m.

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Last week, Staples High School Class of 1991 graduate Lynsey Addario’s photo from Ukraine ran on page 1 of the New York Times.

Yesterday, her fellow Pulitzer Prize-winning Times photographer Tyler Hicks contributed his own image, in the same upper-left page 1 corner.

The 1988 Staples alum’s shot showed Ukrainian soldiers.

It — and others inside — illustrated a major Times story on America’s efforts in the war against Russia. (Hat tip: Arthur Hayes)

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There will probably be a large crowd Saturday, for a “Hands Off!” anti-Trump rally on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge downtown.

This past Saturday, one Westporter got a jump on the event. He exercised his First Amendment rights, and showed his patriotism with a large American flag.

(Photo/Bean Corcoran)

He was a lone figure.

But he may have been a familiar one.

More than 50 years ago, Rex Fowler co-founded Aztec Two-Step, the legendary folk-rock duo.

He’s still playing and singing — this time in Aztec Two-Step 2.0 — with his wife, Dodie Petit.

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It was almost 80 degrees Saturday.

It was not anywhere near that yesterday.

But a sailboat race was full speed ahead, off Compo Beach.

Laurie Sorensen captured the chilly scene:

(Photo/Laurie Sorensen)

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Today, dogs are allowed on Compo Beach.

Tomorrow, they’re not. The ban is in effect through September 30.

This guy — the star of today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo — is not, technically, on the beach. He’s on the Soundview Drive wall next to the beach.

(Photo/June Rose Whittaker)

Is he okay?

Probably. But a leash would help.

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And finally … speaking of what we learn about trees (story above):

(As you start another week of Roundups, did you ever think: “Wow, I really should pay for this stuff?” If so, it’s your lucky day. Just click here to support our work. Thanks for keeping this blog alive!)

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Posted in Beach, Entertainment, Environment, Media, Politics

Tagged Bill Shakos, Dan Woog, Grace Salmon Park, New York Times, Rex Fowler, Staples Orphenians, Tyler Hicks, Westport Tree Board

Eleish Van Breems: Downtown’s New Remarkable Store

Posted on March 31, 2025 | 7 comments

New Westporters know it as Talbots.

Those with longer memories lovingly recall Esther Kramer’s Remarkable Book Shop.

But in the 1950s Edie Van Breems’ aunt actually lived in the 1775 home, at the very visible Main Street/Parker Harding Plaza corner, before it turned into a business.

Which is why the native Westporter feels honored to restore the fabled property to some of its past glory. The 18th century chestnut post and beam frame, reclaimed basement and resurrected courtyard all pay homage to its historic past, beginning as sea captain Ebenezer Coley’s trading post.

Yet Eleish Van Breems Home‘s new flagship store also brings both 21st-century style and timeless whimsical touches that make it — well, a remarkable addition to downtown Westport.

Edie Van Breems, with original the building’s beams.

EVB opened earlier this month. There was no grand announcement or splashy party.

But — after watching and waiting, during 2 1/2 years of meticulous renovation — many intrigued downtown visitors are wandering in to the warm, inviting space.

They are thrilled at the transformation.

The main floor. (Contributed photo)

The custom furniture, accessories, Swedish antiques, vintage lamps, bronze windows, French oak floors, walnut shelving and Italian staircase are stunning first-floor features.

Upstairs is a “floral aerie,” with wide-open views of the Saugatuck River.

The 2nd floor “aerie.”

Downstairs, Van Breems and her business partner Rhonda Eleish pay homage to the Remarkable Book Shop. Books, cozy nooks, kids’ toys and puzzles, and touches of pink all recall the beloved store.

The owners remember feeling so welcome there. Now they’ve recreated the mood, with a “fika bar” on Thursdays and Fridays. (Fika, a Swedish tradition with coffee and pastries, is a late afternoon time to relax with friends, or alone.)

Even the basement (accessible through a trap door, but closed to customers) shows the devotion paid to the restoration. The crib construction at the base of the chimney — filled with rocks from the Saugatuck River, which until the 1950s lapped up against the back of the house — is still there.

Wood in the basement came from trees that were already 200 years old in the 1700s. The original bark remains. A dehumidifier runs constantly, ensuring they’ll last for many more decades.

Eleish Van Breems Home general manager Brendan Dempsey, with the bark still on centuries-old wood by the chimney.

Edie Van Breems’ Westport roots do not date back to the 18th century. But they’re plenty deep.

Both sets of grandparents lived here. Her relatives, the Nespor family, once owned the building she has now renovated. (That’s how her Aunt Julie — still alive, in Florida — came to live there.)

Van Breems and Eleish love Westport. Longtime friends, they both graduated from Greens Farms Academy.

They opened their first store on Railroad Place in Saugatuck, across from the train station where both their fathers commuted. It was convenient for them to head into New York City, and for their clients who came from there.

Rhonda Eleish and Edie Van Breems. Their new flagship store has views of the Saugatuck River.

They expanded to Woodbury, New Preston and Nantucket. But Van Breems’ life goal was to get the Main Street building back in her family.

During COVID, they seized the chance to buy it.

“The Remarkable Book Shop was such a part of everyone’s hearts,” she says.

Now — whether customers remember that legendary store or not — they once again feel welcome in the space.

The Eleish Van Breems Home store has kept the footprint and look of the Remarkable Book Shop. This is the view looking south, from the corner of Main Street (left) and Parker Harding Plaza.

Main Street, after all, is “where the action is,” Van Breems says.

And Westport is “a design destination.” She points to a number of downtown home furnishings stores, including several in nearby Sconset Square.

They’re not competitors, she notes. After all, when she and Eleish opened their antiques business in Litchfield County in the 1980s, there were 165 other dealers.

Westport’s newest design store. (All photos/Dan Woog unless otherwise noted)

“You want to be in a cluster,” Van Breems says. “There is something for everyone in this town. We’re all collegial. We want people to come in, and come back.”

Since the soft opening a couple of months ago, people come. They stay. And they come back.

Ebenezer Coley and Esther Kramer would be proud.

(“06880” is your hyper-local source for everything new, and old. From downtown to Saugatuck — and everywhere else — we’re here for you. To support our work, please click here. Thank you!)

7 Comments

Posted in Downtown, Local business, Looking back

Tagged Ebenezer Coley, Eleish van Breems Home, Remarkable Book Shop

Pics Of The Day #2902

Posted on March 30, 2025 | Comments Off

Old Mill Beach scenes

(Photos/Pam Docters)

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Posted in Beach, Pic of the Day

Tagged Old Mill Beach

So A Political Consultant Walks Into A Comedy Club …

Posted on March 30, 2025 | Comments Off

The last time we checked in on Brian Reich, he was communications director for the US/Canada/Mexico World Cup bid. (He did a good job. We got the nod. The world’s most-watched sporting event kicks off next year.)

It was one more very interesting job for the Greens Farms Academy graduate. He had already worked as a speechwriter in the Clinton White House, served as Vice President Al Gore’s briefing director, formed a digital strategy company that consulted on political campaigns around the country, then branched out to global branding, media, startups and non-profits.

Reich wrote for the New York Times, Fast Company, Fortune, Vice, Wired and AdAge. He appeared on NPR and Fox News.

After his soccer gig, he was deputy assistant secretary for strategic planning, in President Biden’s Health and Human Services Department.

That ended this past January 20.

Since then Reich has gone back to consulting, helping CEOs deliver strong, strategic and consistent messaging.

If all that sounds fun — though not particularly funny — think again.

The other day, Brian debuted as a comedian.

His Gotham Comedy Club set came as the “final exam” after a course he took at the Manhattan Comedy School.

“I’ve always looked for ways to diversify my writing,” Brian says. “Writing humor is a totally different skill set. Writing sharply and efficiently about my life is another dimension.

“As scewed up as the world is” — and he should know, having spent decades in Washington, and now watching from afar — “there’s a lot to joke about.”

You can catch Brian’s next act tomorrow (Monday, March 31, 7 p.m., Gotham Comedy Club; click here for tickets).

Or you can click here, or watch below.

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(“06880” regularly covers politics, entertainment, sports, and the occasional moment when they all intersect. Please click here to support our unique work. Thank you!)

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Photo Challenge #535

Posted on March 30, 2025 | 20 comments

A broken clock is right twice a day.

And 8 readers were right last week. They correctly identified the clock in our Photo Challenge as the one at Rive Bistro. (Click here to see.)

It’s been broken for years. But we don’t go to the Riverside Avenue restaurant to tell the time.

We go there to have a good time. The food, the vibe and the view are all great.

Patti Brill, Pat Saviano, Rick Benson, Lynn Untermeyer Miller, Rachel Sara Halperin, Andrew Colabella, Jim McKay and Sal Liccione all clocked in with the Rive Bistro answer. Félicitations!

This week’s Photo Challenge will probably look vaguely familiar to many readers. If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.

(Photo/Ed Simek)

(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!)

20 Comments

Posted in Photo Challenge, Restaurants

Tagged Rive Bistro restaurant

Roundup: “Hands Off” Politics, Shonda Rhimes’ Library …

Posted on March 30, 2025 | 20 comments

Dozens of “Hands Off! Mass Mobilization” marches are planned for this Saturday (April 5).

One is planned for Westport. The event, on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge downtown, starts at 11 a.m.

Organizers say: “Donald Trump and Elon Musk think this country belongs to them. Westport is fighting back!

“They’re taking everything they can get their hands on—our health care, our data, our jobs, our services—and daring the world to stop them. This is a crisis, and the time to act is now.

“On Saturday, April 5th, we’re taking to the streets to fight back with a clear message: Hands off!”

They add: “A core principle behind all Hands Off! events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values.”

For more information, click here.

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The walkthrough of the potential site for a combined Police/Fire/EMS public safety complex on the Sherwood Island Connector — scheduled for this Thursday, April 3 — has been canceled.

A new date will be announced soon.

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The thermometer hit 77 degrees yesterday, around 3 p.m. Compo Beach was — naturally — packed.

Barely 2 hours later, it plummeted to 49.

The exiting traffic on Hillspoint Road reminded Andrew Colabella of July.

“You’d think the fireworks just ended, and everyone was heading home,” he says.

Today’s forecast: Cloudy, with a high of 48.

Yeah, we live in New England.

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The Economist’s “Plot Twist” is a weekly newsletter about culture.

Normally, their story about Shonda Rhimes — “The Small Screen’s Biggest Hitmaker” — would not be “06880”-worthy.

Our talented, famous neighbor gets plenty of press. Probably daily.

But this paragraph, by deputy culture editor Rachel Lloyd, caught our eye:

Arranging an interview with a Hollywood bigwig … can be tricky. Usually there is an endless back-and-forth with wary publicists who want to vet all your questions. To my surprise, finding a time to meet Ms Rhimes was easy; no one tried to dictate what I could and could not ask. Ms Rhimes and I met a few weeks ago in a library near her home in Connecticut.

We all know “Ms. Rhimes” has been a huge supporter of the Westport Library.

It’s nice to know that — just like the rest of us who are not world famous, and/or will never be interviewed by The Economist — she too “takes a meeting” at the Library. (Hat tip: Stacie Curran)

In January, Shonda Rhimes hosted a Martin Luther King Day conversation with Trey Ellis at the Westport Library. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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“Theatre People” — the last show of the Westport Country Playhouse 2024-25 season — opened officially last night.

The audience responded appreciately to the fast-paced comedy. Directed by WCP artistic director Mark Shanahan, it runs through April 12. Click here for tickets, and more details.

“Theatre People” cast take their bows. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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Tomorrow is International Transgender Day of Visibility.

Yesterday, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport hosted an event, with speakers, a panel and a potluck dinner.

The keynote was delivered by Rev. Aaron Miller, of the Metropolitan Community Church in Hartford.

It was a homecoming of sorts, he told the audience. He grew up in Weston, and was part of Staples High School’s last graduating class (1970) to include students from that town.

He transitioned 17 years ago. He said that ever since, his life has been authentic, and filled with joy.

Rev. Aaron Miller

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There are few birds more handsome than an egret.

The other day, one enjoyed a Westport amenity: the Longshore golf course. Johanna Keyser Rossi captured the scene, for “Westport … Naturally.”

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … in honor of yesterday’s brief flirtation with summertime:

(You can’t always count on the weather. But you can always rely on “06880.” We’re here for you 24/7/365. We’re your hot spot for cool stories. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

20 Comments

Posted in Beach, Library, Police, Politics, religion, Westport Country Playhouse

Tagged President Trump, Public safety facility, Rev. Aaron Miller, Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge, Shonda Rhimes, Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport, Westport Fire Department

Teens Want To Work. Teen’s “Help Wanted” Website Helps.

Posted on March 30, 2025 | Comments Off

Back in the day, local businesses needing young workers had 2 options.

They could post “Help Wanted” signs. Or use word of mouth.

We’ve advanced quite a ways from those days. Now, stores and restaurants can … um ….

Well, at least a law firm or marketing company that needs, say, help with data input can ask an employee to put out a plea on Facebook.

Of couse, the last time a teenager was on Facebook was 2018.

Kevin Cano is not looking for a job. But the Staples High School junior is making it easy for those who are.

And for employers, looking for them.

Kevin recently launched Campus Flyer. The free website — a modern-day “Help Wanted” flyer — connects students with local jobs, and other opportunities.

The idea came after he did have difficulty finidng a summer job or internship. He realized that LinkedIn and Indeed are geared primarily toward professionals.

Kevin Cano

With his computer science and coding knowledge, he decided to build a soution for his demographic.

Available to students and employers throughout Fairfield County, Campus Flyer has already attrcted a number of teenagers.

Now it needs jobs they can fill.

Each user has an individual account.

Students sign up, create a profile, then have access to an Opportunity Lookup page.

It includes a search box with filters, map, and list of opportunities. Clicking on that list brings up descriptions of the job (or internship, research project, etc.), pay (if any), and contact information.

Employers can sign up as businesses or individuals (for babysitting, etc.). They can also offer volunteer opportunities. Information includes a job description, pay, location, age requirements, etc.

The website’s design is clean and user-friendly. There are no confusing bells and whistles. It does exactly what it promises.

An easy-to-navigate Campus Flyer page.

Kevin hopes any local business, non-profit or individual, with any kind of staffing need, will sign up and post details about job, internship and volunteer opportunities.

“There are lots of talented, motivated, tech-savvy students, ready to contribute,” Kevin notes.

If they’re anything like the site’s creator, Campus Flyer is the place to find them.

(Employers and students interested in Campus Flyers: Click here, then follow the prompts. Click here for the Instagram. Questions? Email info@campusflyer.com.)

(“06880” is your hyper-local source for news you can use. We’ve been doing it — 24/7/365 — since 2009. We rely on reader support; please click here to help. Thanks!)

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Posted in Local business, Restaurants, Teenagers

Tagged Campus Flyer, Kevin Cano

Pic Of The Day #2901

Posted on March 29, 2025 | 3 comments

Saugatuck River, downtown (Photo/Michael Tomashefsky)

3 Comments

Posted in Pic of the Day

Tagged Saugatuck River

Roundup: Politics, Bagels, Bridges …

Posted on March 29, 2025 | 3 comments

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong addressed the Democratic Women of Westport’s “Souper Luncheon” yesterday.

He began with his own compelling story: after working as a youngster in his immigrant parents’ Chinese restaurant, he graduated from Brown University and the University of Chicago Law School (where he took constitutional law with Professor Barack Obama). He is president-elect of the National Association of Attorneys General.

Noting that the nation is now in a constitutional crisis, Tong described the role of sovereign states in a republic; outlined the challenges ahead, and offered ways for his audience to take action.

He balanced a sober assessment of the current political climate in Washington, with an affirmation of the system of checks and balances.

William Tong, at yesterday’s Democratic Women of Westport luncheon. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Speaking of politics: Former CNN journalists (and Westport residents) Alisyn Camerota and Dave Briggs have impressive Rolodexes — er, contact lists.

The latest “A” list guest on their very insightful, educational and entertaining podcasts: David Axelrod.

Camerota and Briggs chatted with the chief strategist for, and senior advisor to, Barack Obama about the current state of American democracy, national security failures, and whether Democrats are ready to lead. Click here to see, or below.

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PopUp Bagels continues to pop up everywhere.

The Westport-based company — born during COVID as take-out only, which has since won Best Bagels awards in mighty Brooklyn, and opened stores in the Big Apple and elsewhere — has just hit double digits.

The 10th PopUp Bagels is now selling its wares (and schmears) at 57th Street and Lexington Avenue.

Over the next couple of weeks they’ll open 2 more, at 7 Penn Plaza, and Driggs Street in Williamsburg.

At this rate they’ll need an entirely new tagline.

From left: Jenn Geller, who originally drove from New York to Westport to buy PopUp Bagels; original investor Karen Elizaga; founder Adam Goldberg and his wife Jen; original investor Jay Ptashek.

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You probably expect it every time you’re on I-95, but here’s a warning: From Monday (March 31) through April 25, the state Department of Transportation will perform bridge maintenance work, from Greenwich to Exit 50 in New Haven.

There will be lane and shoulder closures northbound and southbound, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tranquil underneath. Traffic jams on top. (Photo/Dana Kuyper)

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“Theatre People” — the current Westport Country Playhouse production — is about (duh) the theater.

Tomorrow (March 30, approximately 5 p.m., following the 3 p.m. matinee), they host a Sunday Symposium on “Theater Adaptations” — plays sourced from previous materials.

Gutets include cast member Erin Noel Grennan and Paul Walsh, Yale University theatre professor and historian. Anne Keefe, former Playhouse co-artistic director and Script in Hand curator, will moderate.

The event is free, and open to the public. For more information on “Theatre People,” click here.

For the show’s trailer, click below:

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TAP Strength kicked off its “life span and health span” series recently, with a talk about “Effortless Wellness.”

TAP founder Dr. EJ Zebro and Jennifer Boyd offered tips and insights. Click here or click on below, to see what you missed.

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Ace “Westport … Naturally” photographer Lou Weinberg says: “Red-breasted mergansers are the punk rockers of the duck world. It is rumored to be the favorite bird of the Sex Pistols’ Johnny Rotten.

“They are among the fastest ducks in the world, able to fly up to 80 miles an hour. They must ‘run on water’ in order to take flight, and have serrated bills to catch and hold onto slippery fish. Because of this saw-like bill, their Latin name is mergus serrator.

“Primarily pescatarian, they are great divers. They can stay underwater for up to a minute.”

And now, without further ado, from Burying Hill Beach:

(Photo/Lou Weinberg)

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And finally … Pearl Bailey was born on this date, in 1918. The Broadway, film and TV star — and Presidential Medal of Freedom honoree — died in 1990.

(Sure, it’s the weekend. But “06880” is here, with another Roundup filled with news and information — just like every day, all year long, since 2009. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

3 Comments

Posted in Local business, Media, Politics, Transportation, Westport Country Playhouse

Tagged Alisyn Camerota, Attorney General William Tong, Dave Briggs, I-95 bridge, Popup Bagels, TAP Strength

Online Art Gallery #259

Posted on March 29, 2025 | 1 comment

“06880” is “where Westport meets the world.”

And today’s online art gallery resembles (as it often does) a globe.

With artwork inspired by Alaska, Japan, China — and of course Westport — we hope to inspire all of our readers.

Wherever you are.

We hope our gallery inspires your inner artist too. We invite 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 can contribute.

Just email a jpeg to 06880blog@gmail.com. And please include the medium you’re working in — art lovers want to know.

“O-torri Gate in Miyajima, Japan” (Caroline Walshon)

“Thank You, Beavers!” — Alaska (Mike Hibbard)

“Ned Dimes Marina” — watercolor (Kathleen Burke)

Photographer Peter Barlow says of this house at Avery Point, Connecticut: “Built starting in 1902, and still there. It was the home of Morton F. Plant, one of the good guys among millionaires, when he wasn’t out in one of his 100-foot schooners.”