Roundup: Jamie Mann, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Shonda’s Video …

Posted on January 24, 2025 | 2 comments

Westport will soon have a new Broadway star.

Staples High School Class of 2021 graduate Jamie Mann makes his Great White Way debut this spring in the new show “Stranger Things: The First Shadow.”

The prequel to the popular Netflix show is set 24 years before the TV show’s first season. Jamie plays the teenage version of Ted Wheeler, Mike Wheeler’s jock dad, and understudies James Hopper, Jr.

Alison Jay plays Joyce Maldonado (the Winona Ryder character). She and Jamie became friends in 2022, while working on the workshop for the play at Netflix in Los Angeles.

Jamie had been on the Netflix set before. He starred as Brody in “Country Comfort,”during part of his junior and senior year at Staples High School.

Westporters know Jamie from his roles with Staples Players, and as a longtime student of Cynthia Gibb’s Triple Threat Academy. (Jamie now teaches  dance classes and offers private dance and acting coaching).

During Bedford Middle School, Jamie played Billy Elliot in theaters throughout the East Coast. He will graduate remotely, with a BFA from the University of Michigan’s musical theater program this spring.

“Stranger Things” opens on April 22. Previews begin March 28. For tickets and more information, click here.

Jamie Mann (Photo/Michael Kushner)

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Speaking of theater: “Broadway’s Bad Boys” opened at the Westport Country Playhouse last night. The 4-night run ends Sunday.

Performed by 3 Broadway actors — Sam Gravitte (“Wicked”), Kevin Massey (“A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder”) and Julius Thomas III (“Hamilton”) — who played villains in musicals, the production includes “Phantom of the Opera,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and Professor Harold Hill of “Music Man.”

Curtain call at the Westport Country Playhouse last night. (Hat tip and photo/Dave Matlow)

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Speaking still of entertainment: It’s only January, but the Levitt Pavilion has announced its first acts of the season.

Pigeons Playing Ping Pong and The Infamous Stringdusters — those are bands — will be joined by New York’s Melt, on June 1.

The funk/bluegrass/indie soul tour will play just 5 venues across the Northeast. Ours is one of them.

It won’t be the Levitt’s opener, though. The 2025 season runs from may through October, with a combination of paid-ticket shows and 50 free dates. More shows will be announced soon.

Tickets go on sale today (Friday), at 10 a.m. Click here to purchase, and for informatio on the “enchanced concert experience” package.

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A capacity crowd filled the Westport Library’s Trefz Forum last on Sunday, for our town’s 19th annual Martin Luther King Day celebration.

The event included a wide-ranging discussion with noted producer Shonda Rhimes, and novelist/playwright/professor Trey Ellis. Both are Westport residents.

If you missed it — or if you were there, and want to see it again (along with a pair of great performances by gospel singer Christian Servance) — click below:

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Earlier this week, “06880” reported on Lynda Bluestein’s 2 wind phones, at the Westport Library.

We followed up by noting that a third wind phone — a disconnected rotary telephone, through which users can stay connected with loved ones who have died — was just installed at Greenfield Congregational Church.

Now there’s more news about Lynda, a longtime Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport member and staunch advocate for medical aid in dying legislation.

This is a story about choice, not death.

Lynda Bluestein would not take ‘no’ for an answer. Because Medical Aid in Dying is not legal in Connecticut, Lynda is forced to find another way to die peacefully.

This is an intimate and gripping look into what it takes to legally die on one’s own terms in the United States. Other Side delves into the systemic, familial and emotional complexities of navigating an untrodden medical landscape while terminally ill.

A 90-minute documentary about her life and death — “Other Side” — has just been accepted by South by Southwest.

Its world premiere is scheduled for the prestigious film festival in March.

Lynda Bluestein, in a scene from “Other Side.”

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Yesterday, Westport Police received a report from a friend that William Hill has not been seen since Monday.

He is homeless, avoiding shelters, but visits friends at Sasco Creek Village daily. Given the extreme cold this past week, friends and the Police are extremely concerned for his welfare.

Hill is 62, between 5-7 and 5-11 tall, medium build, with salt and pepper hair, and a moustache. He was last seen wearing a black jacket and pushing a gray Trek bicycle with a rack, carrying bags and a knapsack on his back.

Anyone with information that can help locate William Hill should call the Police Department: 203-341-6000.

William Hill, in a younger photograph.

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Congratulations to Jo Ann Miller!

Her third novella in the “Abbey Lane” fiction series, “Deadly Donations,” has just been published.

Here, the former investigative reporter turned private detective encounters the effect of huge donations by foreign countries to American universities.

The Network Contagion Research Institute reports that over $47 billion has been donated, much of it not reported, and coming from authoritarian Middle East countries.

Meanwhile, hate crimes and antisemitic acts increased over 200% on campuses.  When Abbey’s activist client is murdered, she delves into those corrupt donations. Click here to purchase on Amazon.

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The Westport Library is cozy and welcoming. One of the many wart employees is Heli Stagg.

This week, she ventured out from the Library café — which she runs — to photograph the nearby Saugatuck River.

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is a great reason to appreciate our local beauty.

And then get something nice and warm, served by Heli at the café.

(Photo/Heli Stagg)

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And finally … Never heard of Pigeons Playing Ping Pong — the band that will headline the June 1 Levitt Pavilion concert (story above)?

Click below!

(Every day, the Roundup highlights future events, recaps past ones, and covers everything else in between. If you enjoy our hyper-local coverage, please click here to support our work. Thannk you!) 

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Posted in Entertainment, Library, Police, religion, Staples HS, Westport Country Playhouse

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Lessons On A Dining Room Table

Posted on January 24, 2025 | 33 comments

Insightful  “06880” reader Heather Frimmer writes:

Our dining room is a disaster zone. Used for its intended purpose once, or at most twice a year, the room now serves as an ad hoc storage unit.

The sideboard is covered with paraphernalia for my husband’s volunteer EMS position — trauma shears, belt clips and extraneous badges. The extra dining chair in the corner is piled high with unwanted Amazon packages and shoe boxes, all awaiting printed labels before embarking on their return journeys.

The floor is covered with boxes of Polar seltzers cans and bottled waters from Costco, which haven’t yet earned their spot in the refrigerator.

Amongst this chaos, one thing is sacrosanct. The dining room table stands in the center of the room, untouched and oblivious to the disorder surrounding it.

The smooth, rich mahogany reflects the light coming through the front window. Four legs resemble the rear haunches of a lion, creating a strong, regal stance.

No one and nothing touches that table.

The Frimmer family, back in the day.

My husband and I bought the piece for our first home, a small condo in Norwalk. Recently engaged, we were eager to decorate our shared space.

When his mother suggested we peruse the expensive furniture store above Starbucks in downtown Westport, we obeyed. She is a woman of exquisite taste, and we knew nothing about home furnishings or where to acquire them.

Up to that point, the only furniture I’d ever purchased had been a Papasan chair for my dorm room, and a simple metal bed frame and mattress.

In the fancy store, we immediately knew we were in over our heads. When the saleswoman insisted the dining table would work perfectly in our room, we nodded in agreement and handed over our credit card.

We also created an elaborate wedding registry at Bed, Bath & Beyond. Armed with a scanner, we scanned everything in sight. China with gilded edges, cut crystal glasses, silver cutlery and various appliances we thought we needed. A quesadilla maker, an espresso machine and a charcuterie board with built-in drawers were all must-haves.

We would fill our home with lovely things, wake up cuddled in each other’s embrace, and create a wonderful family filled with endless love and joy. Our life together would be smooth and easy, and go exactly as we’d planned.

Twenty-three years, 2 nearly grown children and a dog later, we’ve faced our share of bumps in the road.

The Frimmers, much more recently.

Our older child came out as transgender, and changed their name and pronouns. Chronic illnesses, trips to the emergency room and caring for ailing parents have all marred the perfect picture, or perhaps made it more colorful and nuanced.

Because we received less than a full complement of tableware from our registry, I can count the number of times we’ve used it on one hand.

The waffle iron conked out during its first test run. The ice cream maker escaped its box last year, only to be locked back away when the final product turned out crystallized and unappealing.

Life, and more specifically marriage, is messy, cluttered and unpredictable, which brings me back to our dining room.

This year we hosted Thanksgiving dinner for my husband’s family, including our teenage niece and nephew. In the days leading up to the holiday it was all hands on deck: making grocery lists, procuring the necessary ingredients and preparing multiple dishes, and ridding the dining room of its usual clutter.

Thanksgiving dinner …

After we stuffed ourselves with turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce, we cleared the dishes and moved on to the entertainment: the holiday grab bag extravaganza.

We arranged our gifts on the coffee table in the living room, chose numbers and unwrapped packages. My 16-year-old son was inordinately proud of the gift he’d contributed, a portable ping pong net suitable for any table.

Somehow, after all the trading and finagling, he ended up with his own gift, likely his secret plan all along.

He and my nephew attached the net to our kitchen table, but the round shape didn’t lend itself to the game. When they tried the coffee table, they had to play from their knees, an uncomfortable proposition.

That’s when the boys asked if they could use the dining room table instead.

I refused. If they played there, the top would be covered in permanent dings and scuff marks in no time. I couldn’t allow that.

But by the time I’d washed the serving platters, loaded the dishwasher and dried my hands, a rousing game had begun.

… and ping pong.

As I went to put a stop to the nonsense, the sounds from the dining room gave me pause. Amid the clicking of the ball on the wood surface, there was camaraderie, chatting and laughter — so much laughter.

All 4 kids gathered around the table, playing, giggling and cheering each other on.

Rather than worrying about SAT scores or friendship drama or whether their gender-affirming medications would be available for the next 4 years, they were enjoying each other with the help of a simple game.

How could I put my foot down now?

This montage was my dessert, more delicious than pecan pie or apple cake could ever be. I made eye contact with my son, and gave a nod of assent.

Since then he’s asked me to play with him every day, often sharing news from his life as he serves, volleys and puts extra spin on the ball.

So my dining room will continue to accumulate unwanted packages and Costco purchases. And now our precious table will collect scratches and scrapes, well deserved scars signifying a worldly maturity.

If and when we use the table for dining once again, likely not before next Thanksgiving, I’ll throw a tablecloth over the top and call it a day.

(There’s always something unexpected on “06880.” If you enjoy our regular features — and other stories like this one — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Totally random, Westport life

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Pic Of The Day #2836

Posted on January 23, 2025 | 2 comments

Icy Saugatuck River, and Levitt Pavilion (Photo/Heli Stagg)

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Roundup: November Elections, Longshore Shed, Just Salad …

Posted on January 23, 2025 | 5 comments

In November Westporters will elect 3 selectpersons, plus members of the Board of Education, Board of Finance, Planning & Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Board of Assessment Appeals.

The Westport Democratic Town Committee invites registered Democrats interested in running to attend a Zoom forum on February 6 (7 p.m.). It’s a chance for potential candidates to hear what it’s like to serve on a local board, and learn the fundamentals of campaigning. The Zoom link can be found .

For questions or to RSVP, email info@westportdemocrats.org.

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Speaking of local politics: There are 2 agenda items for the Planning & Zoning Commission’s February 3 meeting (6 p.m., remote).

One is a request for a sewer line extension to Ellery Lane.

The other — more controversial, no doubt — is a request from Public Works and the first selectwoman for a new Parks & Recreation Department building at Longshore.

Full details will be available closer to the meeting.

The current maintenance shed at Longshore.

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Yesterday’s “06880” highlighted the release of the draft of a Westport Safety Action Plan, prepared by consultants as part of our town’s Safe Streets for All program.

Residents can weigh in on the plan by submitting a comment to SS4A@westportct.gov online, and/or attending public meeting scheduled for next Wednesday (January 29, 7 p.m., Town Hall audigorium).

To read the Draft Westport Safety Action Plan, click here. For the Safe Streets for All website, click here.

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Just Salad has just opened.

The 3rd Connecticut outpost of the Northeast-plus-Florida and Illinois chain replaces Salsa Fresca and Qdoba, near the entrnace to Playhouse Square.

Perhaps the quick-casual-but-not-Mexican menu will work.Cick here to learn more about Just Salad.

Spoiler alert: The menu is more than just salad.

A guy with just a salad, from Just Salad.

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Westport Police made 4 custodial arrests between January 15 and 22.

A 26-year-od Bridgeport man was charged with identity theft, illegal possessio nof personal ID information, and conspiracy to commit those crimes, followin an investigation into an armed carjacking in Bridgeport in September. In October, a stolen vehicle was recovered after crashing into a Wilton police officer. While processing the recovered stolen vehicle, several checks belonging to residents of Westport and other towns were seized. The man is being held on $75,000 bond.

A 51-year-old Weston woman was charged with interering with an officer/ resisting, and making a false statement, after an incident in august. A complaint was made that the woman — a former girlfirend — broke into the victim’s residence and created a disturbance. The woman made accusations against the complainant that could not be corroborated, and filed for a restraining order using facts that were proved to be false. She was released after posting $30,000 bond, and will appear in Stamford Superior Court.

A 36-year-old woman was charged with breach of peace and assault on an elderly victim, following a disturbance at Sakura. The woman asked a group of allegedly intoxicated diners to stop cursing and being disruptive. When the group left the restaurant, the woman followed them outside. They argued, and the woman grabbed the 62-year-old complainant’s hair, causing her to fall. The woman posted bond of $5,000, and will appear in Stamford Superior court.

A 20-year-old Wilton man was charged with breach of peace, criminal mischief and 2 counts of reckless endangerment, after someone sitting in their car in the McDonald’s parking lot complained they were shot by a paintball. A complaint was made almost immediately, by someone further east on the Post Road that he was shot several times while entering his car. Similar incidents were reported in Fairfield and Darien. Through surveillance footage, the mn and a juvenile were identified as suspects. He posted $70,000 bond, and will appear in Stamford Superior Court.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 12 citations
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 4
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
  • Speeding over 70 mph: 1
  • Driving while texting: 1
  • Failure to renew registration: 1

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Chris Grimm says that for about 2 weeks, this motor home has been parked in the Stop & Shop parking lot:

(Photo/Chris Grimm)

Has someone (or several people) taken up residence there?

Hey — at least they’re parked as far from the store as they can. They take up as few spaces as possible.

And they’re not in the fire lane.

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Betty Ann Jones — a 62-year resident of Westport — died at home, surrounded by her family, on Januaary 18. She was 97.

Betty Ann was a world traveler, avid reader and accomplished golfer. At Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Chhurch, she was a member of the altar guild and served on the vestry.

She was predeceased by her husband Howard, and sons David and Evan. She is survived by her children Howard (Barbara Smythe Jones) and daughter Barbara Jones; 7 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren.

The family expresses deep gratitude to Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County, for the exceptional care they provided the last 6 months.

A memorial service is set for February 15 (Christ & Holy Trinity Church, 10 a.m.).

In lieu of flowers, donations in Betty Ann’s memory may be made to The Groden Center, in support of individuals with autism, or Christ & Holy Trinity Church. Click here to leave online condolences.

Betty Ann Jones

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There’s always room for a deer photo in our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

Johanna Keyser Rossi spotted this one, on the way to Burying Hill Beach.

Perhaps there was a snowball fight …

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … in honor of the opening of Just Salad (story above):

(From politics to restaurants, Longshore to Stop & Shop — and for every other bit of news — “06880” is your hyper-local blog. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Local politics, Longshore, Police, Restaurants, Transportation

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Promises, Promises …

Posted on January 23, 2025 | 13 comments

I promise to always shop using reusable bags.

I promose to walk more and drive less.

I promise to make my family recycle.

Those are some of the promises — public, for all to see — made as part of the Sustainable Westport’s new “Make a Promise” project.

M. Harmon says: “I promise to compost.”

Some of the people making the promises are well known in town: WestportMoms’ Megan Rutstein, Earthplace director Tony McDowell, RTM member Sal Liccione.

Some are less familiar.

Some make big promises. Others’ are smaller scale.

If everyone keeps their promises, the impact could be — not cosmic. After all, we’re just one small community.

But if we don’t start making promises (and keeping them), then the world (including Westport) will continue to — well, let’s not go there.

SW rolled out its “Make a Promise” campaign yesterday. It encourages residents to “commit to small, sustainable actions that can have a big impact on the community and the environment.”

Taking the train can have a big impact — including (with congestion pricing) on your wallet.

Westporters can visit the Sustainable Westport website to share personal sustainability promises — anything from everyday actions to long-term lifestyle changes. Promises will be added to the organization’s website. Some will be featured on Sustainable Westport’s Instagram and Facebook pages.

The campaign includes a video. Westport residents — well-known, less noted, and several youngsters — make their own promises, at scenic (and environmentally important) sites like Old Mill Beach and the Saugatuck River.

Those promises range from bringing a reusable coffee cup everywhere and shrinking their lawn, to “being open to new habits” and “buying less stuff.”

The video ends with this question: “Can you promise to join us?”

In the video, 3rd grader Marlowe promises to pick up trash.

Sustainable Westport co-directors Gately Ross and Johanna Martell say, “We firmly believe that protecting the planet is not a political issue. Now more than ever we need local, community-driven initiatives to lead the way toward positive change.

“Every choice you make sends a powerful message. By making small changes to your daily habits and routines, you can make a difference.

“No matter what you promise to do, give yourself grace. Change is not about being perfect. It is about progress.”

(To make a promise directly, click here. To watch the video, click here.) 

If you promise to click here and support “06880,” we promise to continue our hyper-local, 24/7/365 reporting on the environment — and everything going on in this always-interesting town.)

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Posted in Environment

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Pic Of The Day #2835

Posted on January 22, 2025 | Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #2835

Leonard Schine Nature Preserve, off Weston Road (Photo/Mark Mathias)

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Unsung Heroes #367

Posted on January 22, 2025 | 2 comments

This week’s Unsung Heroes choice is a no-brainer.

When wildfires fires displaced thousands of Angelenos, WestportMoms swung into action.

Melissa Post and Megan Rutstein — the indefatigable overseers of our town’s mothers-and-more resource — put out the call for donations. Clothes, shoes, toiletries, makeup, diapers, formula, onesies, cribs, school supplies, sports equipment, bags, books, bedding — whatever anyone needs to rebuild their lives, Westporters were asked to give.

Fortunately, Melissa and Megan picked the perfect partner for dropoff and shipping.

The UPS Store at 606 Post Road East (opposite Fresh Market, next to Cava and Westport Hardware) never hesitated.

Don, the owner, said, Sure! We’d be happy to collect what people drop off. We’ll send it off. And if people need boxes, we’ll help them pack it.

Don, Nelson and WestportMoms, at the UPS Store.

They expected to send 4 pallets west.

In one day — just 24 hours — Westporters donated enough goods for 8 pallets.

That was double what was expected.

Don said Fine! We’ll cover the extra thousands of dollars. No problem.

Just like that, thousands of pounds of donations were on their way to the YMCA in Van Nuys, to be distributed to men, women and children who had lost everything.

There are plenty of Unsung Heroes in this story.

The hundreds of Westporters who donated so much. WestportMoms, who came up with the idea and, almost instantly, made it happen.

And Don, Nelson, and everyone else at the UPS Store. They went far beyond the final mile, ensuring that relatives, friends and strangers 3,000 miles away can have a little bit of their tremendous burdens eased.

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That was not the only local effort to aid fire victims.  

Corri Neckritz — owner of Groove, on Post Road West — organized her own effort. With donations from her store, and customers, 2 enormous trucks (one donated, one paid for by Corri) headed west last week.

She and her customers share our Unsung Heroes honors too.

Corri Neckritz (far right), her husband Seth (left), and the crew that helped haul Groove’s donations to California. 

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But wait! There’s more.

Long Lots Elementary School 2nd grader Austin Resnick wanted to help fire victims too.

With the help of his parents, Jen and Zach Resnick, they had an idea: a Hoops Challenge basketball fundraiser last Friday, after early dismissal before the holiday weekend.

They rallied Austin’s Recreation basketball team, the Golden State Warriors. It was last minute, but word spread.

Two other 2nd grade Rec teams joined in: the Portland Trail Blazers and New York Knicks.

The boys asked for pledges from family and friends. In return, they’d complete challenges including 1-minute layup and dribbling drills, plus trick shots.

The Resnicks thank PAL Basketball president Jordan Schur, and Staples High School basketball coaches Dave Goldshore and Chris Pickens, for their help.

Sixteen players attended — and raised $11,653.

All of the funds go to Baby2Baby, a non-profit providing emergency supplies for the most vulnerable children and families who lost everything in the LA fires.

sCongratulations to the boys, for making a difference!

2nd grader basketball heroes, at their fundraiser.

(Unsung Hero is a weekly “06880” feature. To nominate a hero, email 06880blog@gmail.com. To support our work, please click here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Children, Local business, Sports, Unsung Heroes

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Roundup: January 6 Pardons, Wind Phones, Isles In The Aisles …

Posted on January 22, 2025 | 43 comments

There is a local angle to the 1,500 pardons granted Monday night by President Trump.

One of the convicted defendants who stormed the US Capitol on January 6, 2021 was Benjamin Cohen. The Westport resident — 21 years old at the time of the siege — was arrested in 2023, at his home off Bayberry Lane.

Last summer he pled guilty to a felony charge of assaulting, resisting or impeding officers.

Earlier this month he was sentenced to 5 years probation and 6 months of home confinement, and ordered to pay restitution of $2,000.

Benjamin Cohen, in photos released at the time of  his arrest.

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Lynda Bluestein’s final legacy were wind phones.

Two devices — disconnected rotary telephones, used to stay connected to loved ones who have died — were installed last year at the Westport Library. They honor the longtime Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport member, and medical aid in dying advocate.

A new wind phone was installed in the Memorial Garden of the Greenfield Hill Congregational Church in late November. A private dedication ceremony was held January 4 — the first anniversary of Lynda’s death.

Bluestein’s son Jacob built the structure to house the phone, which was donated Vanessa and Dave Bradford.

Lynda sometimes sat in with her husband Paul and Dave Bradford when they played music at the Black Rock Farmer’s Market and PorchFest.

Greenfield Hill Church wind phone. (Photo/Kristyn Miller Photography)

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The Westport Farmers’ Market reminds residents that “self-care and connection” is available every Thursday through March (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), at the winter location: Gilbertie’s Herbs & Gardens Center (7 Sylvan Lane).

In addition to farm-fresh produce and other goods, there are workshops focusing on wellnes (meditations, sound baths, Dharma massages and strength.

“Get Growing” children’s activities spark curiosity and foster connections with nature. Through hands-on experiences, younsters learn about the importance of sustainable living, and the joy of growing and eating local food.

Whether indoor or outdoor, Fatto a Mano always draws a crowd at the Westport Farmers’ Market. (Photo/Frank Rosen)

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Nearly 30 years after the Hartford Whalers fled to North Carolina, pro hockey comes to the Westport Library.

“Isles in Aisles” is a new partnership between the Library and the Bridgeport Islanders, the New York Islanders’ American Hockey League affiliate.

Players will be at the Children’s Library on February 4 (5:30 p.m.), February 18 (4:30 p.m.) and March 3 (4:30 p.m.) to read aloud from their favorite children’s and hockey-themed books. Players will sign autographs afterward..

This is a drop-in event for youngsters, but adults are welcome.

Potential books for Isles in Aisles include “Z is for Zamboni,” “Hero’s Ho Ho Ho Hockey Dream,” “Hockey Morning, Noon, and Night,” “The Magic Hockey Stick” and “The Hockey Sweater.”

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An incorrect time was posted yesterday for “Alice in Webland,” the Triple Threat Academy show set for this weekend at Saugatuck Congregational Church.

The correct times are Saturday, January 25 at 7 p.m., and Sunday, January 26 at 3 p.m.

Children growing up in the digital age can relate to the show’s characters, and learn valuable lessons about balancing social media and living in the moment..

Tickets are $5 (free for senior citizens). Click here to purchase, and for more information.

2nd through 8th graders rehearse for the world premiere of “Alice in Webland.”

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Mollie Klaff Passero — longtime owner of Klaff’s, the store that for many years had a Westport location — died Tuesday, surrounded by her family. She was 101.

From the early 1950s through 2015, she held court in her signature suits and silk scarves, in the Klaff’s of South Norwalk site.

Mollie Klaff was born in Norwalk. She began singing professionally at age 8. By 13 she had her own radio program on WICC. As a young woman she had a successful singing career, touring with Louis Prima.

While performing in Stamford she met her husband, Maury Passero. They married in 1948.

In 1921 her parents started Klaff’s, a plumbing supply company. They added electrical supplies and hardware in the 1930’s. After WWII, they added lumber, building supplies, and complete homes.

They added lighting and kitchen departments in the 1950’s. When they died in the 1950’s Mollie, her sister Debbie and Maury took over the business.

Klaff’s became a destination home design center with locations in South Norwalk, Westport, Danbury and Scarsdale, New York. Their daughter Felicia managed the Westport store.

Here family says, “Mollie treated every employee at Klaff’s as family, with most spending their entire careers working with her.”

Mollie passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 21, surrounded by family. In addition to her children Joe and Felicia, she is survived by her son Jeffery, daughter Lisa, daughters-in-law Amy and Allison, and granddaughters Sasha, Lilli, Eve, and Izabella.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mollie’s name can be made to Temple Shalom of Norwalk, where services will be held tomorrow (Thursday, January 23, 1 p.m.).

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The mourning (not “morning”) dove that stars in today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature doesn’t mind the cold. It just plumps up its feathers, and watches the world go by.

Lou Weinberg offers this superb photo — and a link to learn more about mourning doves.

(Photo/Lou Weinberg)

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And finally … Garth Hudson died yesterday, in a nursing  home in Woodstock, New York. He was 87.

Described by the New York Times as a musician “whose intricate swirls of Lowrey organ helped elevate The Band from rollicking juke-joint refugees into one of the most resonant and influential rock groups of the 1960s and ’70s,” he was the last surviving member of The Band.

Click here for a full obituary.

(Politics, spirituality,, sports and more are all part of today’s Roundup. If you enjoy this daily feature, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Children, Environment, Library, Politics, Sports

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“Safe Streets” Draft Plan Offers Data And Ideas

Posted on January 22, 2025 | 10 comments

Anyone who drives, walks, bicycles or scooters in Westport knows our roads are dangerous.

Now we’ve got it in writing.

Tighe & Bond — the consultants hired last year by the town to formulate a comprehensive “safe streets for all” action plan, with a $450,000 federal grant — has weighed in with their first draft.

That’s the right term. It weighs in at a hefty 83 pages.

The front cover of the Safety Action Plan draft shows downtown without — incredibly — much traffic.

Some of it is table-setting: background of the project, information about previous studies, etc.

But the Shelton-based consultants certainly reached out to the town. They researched police records, held meetings, devised surveys, and created an interactive map for residents to comment on particularly dangerous areas, offer suggestions, and even praise whatever currently works.

Westporters responded. The leading issue was driver/car safety (32%), followed by pedestrians (22%), intersections (19%) and visibility (13%). Bike, school and transit issues were also mentioned.

Residents’ responses to the interactive safety map showed concerns all over town.

There were few surprises. The highest number of motor vehicle accidents take place on the Post Road, in Saugatuck, and along North Avenue and Cross Highway.

Using a formula involving crashes, public perception and more, the consultants prioritized these roadways:

They also prioritized these intersections:

Tighe & Bond offered several policy recommendations. They include:

  • Pedestrian and bicylce master plan
  • Adopt red ight and/or speed cameras (recently approved by the state)
  • Comprehensive street light policy
  • Establish a team or dedicated person to implement and manage recommended changes, safety projects, and pursue grants.

Of 30 project recommendations, all but 2 were ranked “highest” or “high.” The top 5 are:

Kings Highway North, between Post Road and Wilton Road: pedestrian facility and sight distance improvements (estimated cost: $3-4 million)

Riverside Avenue at Bridge Street: modern roundabout ($5-6 million)

North Avenue and Long Lots Road to Cross Highway: pedestrian facility and intersection improvements ($500,000-$1 million)

Compo Road North at Evergreen Avenue; Easton Road at Bayberry Lane; Sylvan Road North at Pequot Trail; Long Lots Road at Bayberry Lane/Maple Avenue North: intersection sight distance improvements (vegetation clearing, approach realignment, and/or intersection control modifications (less than $25,000 per location)

Lower speed limit to 30 mph on town roads; consider 25 mph on commercial corridor (cost estimate not applicable).

The full list of all 30 recommendations is below:

To read the full report, click here.

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Pic Of The Day #2834

Posted on January 21, 2025 | 1 comment

Chilly Compo Beach pavilion (Photo/Nathan Greenbaum)

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