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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VersoFest 2025 has announced its first big names — and they are Very Big.
Singer/songwriter and National Book Award winner Patti Smith kicks off the 4th annual music and media festival on Thursday, April 3.
Henry Rollins, frontman of the seminal hardcore punk band Black Flag and noted writer and spoken word artist, will be in conversation on Saturday, April 5.
Legendary “Saturday Night Live” performer and David Letterman musical director Paul Shaffer appears on Sunday, April 6, with SNL Beehive Queen Christine Ohlman.
Tickets for all 3 events — and much more — go on sale later this month. More guests will be announced soon. Click here for full VersoFest information.
From left: Paul Shaffer, Patti Smith, Henry Rollins.
Michael West has resigned as Parks & Recreation Department parks superintendent. On January 13, he joins Ridgefield Parks & Recreation as assistant director.
“It has been an honor to serve the town of Westport and its incredible community,” West — who came here nearly 4 years ago — says.
“I’m deeply grateful for the opportunities I’ve had here, and for the relationships I’ve built over the years. While I will miss Westport, I’m excited for this next chapter in Ridgefield and the opportunity to continue growing.”
Among his many projects, he told “06880” he is proudest of being part of the improvements at Riverside Park.
Speaking of Parks & Rec: the long-range plan to upgrade Longshore moves slowly forward.
On Wednesday (January 8, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium), the Board of Finance will be asked to approve — among other items — $222,000 for “architectural study, schematic design, land-use permitting, and preparation of an opinion of probable cost,” for a new maintenance facility there.
The current one — between the golf course, road and tennis courts, near the La Plage parking lot — would be demolished, to allow space for more racquet courts.
Four new courts would replace the maintenance facility, during renovations to Longshore.
The piece noted that a few employees of downtown businesses and restaurants drop garbage bags next to the compactor, rather than lifting the lid and tossing them in. (A sign instructs them to open it up.)
Often, the Westport Downtown Association says, the compactor has plenty of room. Sometimes, it’s empty.
This was the scene again yesterday:
(Photo/Shawn Kapitan)
The WDA’s Shawn Kapitan reports: “I just cleaned up another trash pile. The compactor’s intake hopper was completely empty, and was working fine.
“Whoever dumped this trash didn’t even bother to open the door and simply look inside. All the trash that was just on the ground, fit in the compactor with room to spare.”
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If you haven’t been there yet, you will be.
You or someone in your family needs a wheelchair, for a few days only. Or someone you know had hip surgery, and is looking for a temporary shower chair or portable chair ramp.
As a trained occupational therapist, Pippa Bell Ader appreciates the value of maximizing independence.
And as a longtime environmentalist (she’s a Sustainable Westport leader), she is distressed that so much medical equipment is used for a short time, then thrown out.
Which are 2 reasons she is excited about Wheel It Forward. The local nonprofit lends out equipment.
The event is next Wednesday (January 8, 7 p.m., Westport Museum for History & Culture).
Everyone is welcome — even if you have not read the book. Click here to RSVP.
Anna Mae Wong and Vincent Price, at the Westport Country Playhouse.
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Mark Yurkiw knows a thing or two about bringing compasssion to the world.
The Westport artist does that regularly, through his art.
On January 15 (2:30 p.m.), “Bringing Compassion to the World” is the topic of Yurkiw’s Senior Center talk.
He recently returned from 3 weeks in Ukraine. He brought medical supplies to the war-torn nation.
The trip brought an invitation to exhibit in Kyiv in 2026.
The mission was part of a larger global initiative to bring compassion to the world through art, actions and words.
Yurkiw and Miggs Burroughs recently exhibited “Signs of Compassion” at United Nations headquarters in New York. The exhibit will travel to Taiwan, then throughout Asia.
At the Senior Center, Yurkiw will present a slide show about his efforts in Ukrain, then answer questions from the audience.
Mark Yurkiw, with Ukrainian artwork at his Westport home.
Fleet Feet is more than just a running store in the Fresh Market plaza.
Among their offerings:
Group training: Led by New York Road Runners coaches, in partnership with the Westport Weston Family YMCA. A great option for running with others, and working with a variety of coaches. Meet-ups are Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 6:30 a.m. Also ncluded: Wednesday evening strength classes at the Y.
Individual coaching: One-on-one guidance. and someone to hold you accountable for training. Customizable for all levels of runners.
Zoomerangs Kids Running: Returning in April. Youngsters learn the fundamentals of running, from warming up to running form, with creative drills and surprises. 6 weeks; meets Sundays at 3 p.m. at the Staples High School outdoor track.
Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between December 25 and January 1.
A 26-year-old Bronx man was charged with forgery and criminal impersonation, following a report by a resident about a scam where iPhones were scheduled for delivery. The suspect had fraudulent driver’s licenses, one of which was in the name of the complainant.
Police also issued these citations:
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2 citations
Failure to renew registration: 2
Speeding: 1
Following too closely: 1
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
Failure to obey state traffic commissions regulations: 1
Some people wait at the DMV for driver’s licenses. Criminals forge them.
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There is no admission fee at Sherwood Island State Park for vehicles with Connecticut license plates.
Also free: anyone arriving on horseback.
Becky Keeler captured this scene on New Year’s Eve, for our ever-intriguing “Westport … Naturally” feature.
And finally … in honor of Patti Smith’s upcoming appearance at the Westport Library’s VersoFest (story above):
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The first “06880” story on Vivek Kanthan ran nearly 5 years ago.
The Westporter had just become a New York state karting champion. Impressively, he had taken up the sport only a couple of years earlier.
Plus, he was just 10 years old.
Vivek Kanthan, with some of his trophies in 2020.
The story (click here) described Vivek’s route to the top: his preparation, patience, and will to win.
It also noted his ultimate goal: to be a Formula 1 racer.
For 5 years, Vivek has raced to the top. The courses grew more challenging. He got faster. His trophies piled up — including a US national title and Supernationals vice-championship, both in his first 2 years of racing.
He added a World Superfinal and Italian Trofeo in 2022. In his rookie junior season in 2023, he reached the FIA European podium. He is now a junior kart racing world champion.
This year — even before getting his driver’s license — 15-year-old Vivek Kanthan is on track to become a Formular 1 race car driver.
Vivek Kanthan, on the track.
Many Americans know the sport through “Drive to Survive,” the Netflix series.
They also know that the last American to win a Formula 1 championship was in 1978 — when Jimmy Carter was president.
Vivek’s new goal is to break that drought.
Vivek — who has spent the past couple of years flying dozens of times between the US and Europe — has just signed with a top Spanish team. He will make his single-seater debut in March with Campos Racing, in Spanish Formula 4.
Vivek Kanthan, today.
We’re stuck in Westport. But we can follow his journey through Instagram (@vivekkanthan) or his website.
A view you never see: the back of the Hummock Island oysterhouse from the north. Sherwood Mill Pond, and homes in the Old Mill/ Hillspoint Road neighborhood, are beyond. (Drone photo/John Videler for Videler Photography)
Posted onJanuary 2, 2025|Comments Off on Roundup: Polar Plunge, Pizza, Post-Ruth Mannes …
Usually, the New Year’s Day Polar Plunge experience involves wading quickly into — and even more quickly out of — Long Island Sound.
This year’s experience was better — as in, warmer. At least, the air was not frigid yesterday.
There were 3 Polar Plunges yesterday, at Compo Beach. All were special experiences — especially the one that raised funds for Experience Camps.
That’s the Westport-based national, no-cost program for grieving children who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling or primary caregiver. The Polar Plunge celebrated the opening of their newest location, set for KenMont and KenWood Camp in Kent, Connecticut this August.
Missed the Plunge (by mistake, or on purpose)? You can still donate. Just click here.
After 5 years at the Newtown Turnpike institution, Ruth Mannes has stepped down.
MoCA CT is searching for a new executive director.
Durng her tenure, 100,000 visitors have enjoyed 26 exhibitions by artists like Helmet Lang, Anselm Reyle, and Ann Weiner, plus 60 musical performances by Wynton Marsalis, Samara Joy, the Danish String Quartet and others.
MoCA has become the home of the Heida Hermanns International Music Competition, while Camp MoCA and other programs have served 4,000 learners of all ages.
A search committee has begun the process of appointing Mannes’ successor. Questions, nominations and resumes can be sent to careers@mocact.org.
Ruth Mannes (Photo/Kerry Long)
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Last night marked the final day of Hanukkah. There were plenty of happy faces at Steve and Linda Stein’s house — including this one:
Bag after plastic bag lie next to the Parker Harding Plaza trash compactor. Most are full. Some spill their contents — food, papers, garbage — onto the pavement.
Reaction is swift: What’s wrong with the Westport Downtown Association (or the town itself)? How can they let that happen?
As is often the case, this is not a black-and-white (trash bag) story. There’s more to it than meets the eye (and nose).
A large reason for the mess lies with a few merchants. Every WDA member who pays to use the refuse service gets a key to the compactor — and instructions on how to use it.
But not every employee follows the rules. Hauling trash from a store or restaurant to the compactor is not a pleasant task. For whatever reason, some don’t open the bins. They just leave the bags next to it.
That has a predictable effect. The next employee — perhaps well-intentioned — sees trash next to the compactor. He or she assumes it is full. Why check? They just leave their bags too.
There is a second predictable effect. All it takes is for one bird or varmint to get into the trash. That’s their nature — especially if it’s not sealed tightly.
Their critter friends quickly gather. They finish dinner, then leave without cleaning up.
Ninety percent of the time when trash piles up, the compactor is only 1/4 full, says WDA president Maxx Crowley.
That’s not only unsightly and smelly — it’s costly. The refuse company charges more whenever they have to pick up the bags (and more) by hand.
(Photo/Sal Liccione)
To stem the abuse, the Downtown Association will soon begin going through trash dumped outside. They’ll determine who the offender is, and fine them.
Repeat offenders will be reported to the Aspetuck Health District. They want to keep downtown clean too.
Merchants are not the only offenders. Residents sometimes use the compactors as their own personal trash cans.
They may not realize the compactors are private. They may know, but not care. Perhaps the transfer station is closed. Perhaps it’s open, but they don’t want to drive there.
Whatever the reason, Westporters (and, probably, out-of-towners) have no problem dumping trash bags — and bicycles, furniture and more — next to the bins.
A Westport Downtown Association contractor cleans up some of the large pieces of trash left by the compactor.
The WDA does not want to be the trash mafia, Crowley notes.
Their goal is to “create a beautiful downtown environment,” the president says.
At their own expense, they put out and water flower baskets in warm months, blow leaves in the fall, and wrap downtown with holiday decor and trees in winter.
The WDA has teamed up with Employment Is For Everyone — the collaboration between the town and its Commission on People with Disabilities — to create an ambassador program that helps keep downtown clean and welcoming.
“Our team will continue to do everything we can to keep the trash area clean,” Crowley says. “We hope everyone will work with us, to help.”
The renovation is done. Everyone is ready. The move-in date for the remodeled Gillespie Center and Hoskins Place is Monday (January 6).
Homes with Hope — the non-profit that oversees the homeless shelter and food pantry on Jesup Road, between Tiffany and the police station — is proud of the new facility.
Rooms and furnishings are completely redone. The space includes a new kitchen, spacious food pantry, and a meeting room available for non-profits free of charge.
Homes with Hope CEO and president Helen McAlinden is offering tours to the public on Friday and Saturday (January 3 and 4, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.). Reservations are required. Call or text Helen at 475-225-5292 to reserve your spot.
Helen McAlinden, outside the newly renovated Gillespie Center. (Photo/Dan Woog)
But if you’re looking for somewhere to watch today’s Peach and Rose Bowls, VFW Post 399 is your spot.
They’ll welcome you any time between noon and 7 p.m. Good games, great food and drinks, fun company … the perfect way to “kick off” 2025. (Hat tip: Andrew Colabella)
Football, food and fun, from noon to 7 p.m. today.
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There were as many ways to welcome 2025 last night as there are Westporters (including, unusually, thunder).
Everett Bierman took this view:
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Pizza meets politics on Monday.
That’s the date (January 6, 7 p.m.), and Pizza Lyfe is the place, for the next League of Women Voters o Westport event.
The non-partisan organization invites residents to a free pie — and a chance to meet our town’s state legislators, to find out what’s happening in Hartford.
The LWV says “bring questions and a guest.” They’ll supply the pizza.
Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids — the Westport-based national haircut chain — has partnered with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
It’s both a fundraising effort, and a way for Sharkey’s to impact many of the communities where franchises are located.
Over the past 40 years, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals have raised more than $9 billion for 170 facilities across North America.
The Sharkey’s partnership includes participation in local events that unite families and support local hospitals; themed fundraising events; franchise donations; special events like a “Day of Beauty” or free haircuts for pediatric cancer patients, and more.
Claudia Sherwood Servidio calls our New Year’s Day “Westport … Naturally” image “Spring in Winter.”
She shot this on Main Street near Cross Highway, at Willowbrook Cemetery.
(Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)
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And finally … today, as we begin the second quarter of the 21st century, let’s look back 45 years.
In 1979, the Village People released “Ready for the ’80s.” Its thumping disco beat and turn-the-decade lyrics were relentlessly upbeat.
Take my dream and hitch it to a star In the ’80s we will travel far We will realize just who we are We can move as one.
Im ready for the ’80s, glad to be alive I’m waiting for those magic numbers to arrive I’ve got myself together, got myself in gear I’m gonna be the first out there, to greet those fabulous years.
Sure, the Berlin Wall fell.
But the ’80s also brought AIDS, the Tiananmen Square Massacre, the Challenger space shuttle explosion, the Chernobyl nuclear accident, John Lennon’s murder, and a lot more.
Still, a new year always brings optimism. Right?
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For several years, “06880” rang in the new year with an iconic photo: The “blue marble” image of Earth, suspended in space.
Taken by Apollo 17 astronauts in December 1972, for half a century it symbolized the beauty and fragility of our planet, and the interconnectedness of us all.
Two years ago, I went intergalactic.
In the months since the James Webb Space Telescope beamed its first pictures back to us, the world has been mesmerized.
We thought we knew how vast and amazing the universe is.
Now, we realize, we don’t know the half — or the hundredth, or squintillionth — of it.
Gazing at photos like the one above, we realize how insignificant we truly are. Our planet is just one grain of sand, on an obscure beach, in an out-of-the-way location.
We really don’t matter at all.
Except to us.
Take a look at that photo again.
That landscape of “mountains” and “valleys” speckled with glittering stars is actually the edge of a nearby, young, star-forming region in the Carina Nebula. For the first time, we see stars being born.
We look billions of light years into the past. That’s crazy stuff.
So — back here on Earth, in our tiny ZIP code in our small state in our big country in our average-sized planet — we have to wonder: What actually matters?
Is it whether our new athletic field is grass or turf? Is it whether we build a parking deck downtown? Is it the inconvenience of traffic on our roads, or a neighbor who chops down most of his trees?
The answer is: Yes.
These things matter.
They matter because they are part of our lives here in Westport. Sure, the universe seems endless; we still can’t really conceive of the fourth dimension, and our universe itself may be part of another, “living” life form.
In other words, the Westport — and the world — we know may just be atoms in an infinitely more complex something-or-other.
But all that’s for another day (or time).
Meanwhile, we look for the answers to life out there. But right now, it’s our own lives to lead, right here in “06880.”
Let’s lead them well.
And so … bringing us back to what we know best … here’s that beautiful blue marble, once more.
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