With the start of school Tuesday, the Westport Police Department, Board of Education, and Parks & Recreation Department remind residents about new school security guidelines.
On school days, between 7:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m., only students, staff and people conducting school-related business are allowed on school property.
This includes Wakeman Park at Bedford Middle School, the Community Gardens at Long Lots Elementary, and all athletic fields on school property.
People involved with Wakeman Town Farm can use the parking area located at Wakeman Park.
School security officers and school security guards will monitor all sites.
Wakeman Field — a popular dog-walking site — is closed to the public when school is in session.
Officials have confirmed that the body of a man found Thursday in the Aspetuck River, near Easton Road and Bayberry Lane, is that of Westonite Robert Macisaac.
His vehicle was swept away in Fairfield during last Sunday’s torrential rains. It was discovered several hours earlier, behind Aspetuck Falls. A police diver found the car unoccupied.
Macisaac’s body was recovered during a search-and-rescue team led by Fairfield police. Westport, Weston, State Police aviation and K-9 units assisted.
Submerged vehicle, in Fairfield. (Photo courtesy of Fairfield Police)
================================================
I have no idea idea why “I slept like a baby” is supposed to be a good thing.
Babies get up every 2 or 3 hours. So neither they nor their exhausted parents “sleep like babies.”
The $500 million company — which emphasizes excellent, no-hassle service, at non-premium prices; sustainability, and free delivery — started online, with a direct-to-consumer model. The goal was to counter the pervasive (and not exactly sparkling) reputation of the mattress industry.
In 2019, Saatva opened their first viewing room, in Manhattan: a relaxed, pressure-free environment
There are now 20, in upscale locations like San Francisco’s Union Square, Washington’s Logan Circle and Boston’s Back Bay.
The newest one opened a month ago — right here in Westport.
Ron Rudzin
It’s about time. The firm’s founder, Ron Rudzin, has lived here for nearly 30 years. (Click here for his back story.)
The site is next to Walgreens, in the former Citibank.
That’s where I met a very helpful, and knowledgeable, mattress consultant. Iranie provided plenty of options, asking questions about my sleeping habits I’d never even thought about.
The process went exactly as promised. Delivery by a “white glove team” was quick, efficient, and exactly when scheduled.
Saatva representatives — in Westport and New York — called several times, to make sure everything had gone okay.
Shopping at Saatva was a wonderful breeze. I made a good, informed decision with the mattress I chose.
One of the many aid organizations that Westporters volunteer their time and money with is Filling in the Blanks.
The non-profit works on a variety of fronts to eradicate childhood hunger in Fairfield and Westchester County. They support 8,600 youngsters, and have distributed 300,000 pounds of food to families in need, primarily in Norwalk and Stamford.
Two Westport moms — Maddy Travers and Ashley Dowling — are chairing a big FITB fundraiser: Plates with Purpose. Westporter Meghan Ready leads the auction committee.
Well-known Westporter Mar Jennings hosts the event. Set for October 5 (The Loading Dock, Stamford), it’s a “culinary adventure” designed by chefs like Anthony Kostelis of The Whelk, Luke Venner (Elm), Damon Sawyer (29 Markle Court), Jared Falco Bar Rosina’s), Andréa Stevenson (Abigail Kirsch), and Hannah Gorman (Revel). plus specialty cocktails, a silent auction and dancing.
The 2nd annual MoCA Gives Back and MoCA Summer Camp Kaleidoscope Exhibition opens tomorrow (Sunday, August), with a reception (12:30 to 3:30 p.m.).
The event includes music by DJ Justin and DJ Joe, the Taste of Grill food truck and treats from South Norwalk Ice Cream, plus a fashion show with designs by MoCA Gives Back participants (3 p.m.).
And finally … in honor of my new Saatva mattress (story above):
(We hope you enjoy this “06880” Roundup, today and every day. Here’s our dream: That every reader feels a part of our online community, by clicking here to support our work. Thank you!)
Posted onAugust 24, 2024|Comments Off on Online Art Gallery #228
Today, we welcome perhaps the youngest artist ever to exhibit in our online gallery.
10-year-old Frazer Benton is creative, clever — and a welcome addition to our weekly feature.
As always, our gallery is open to all young artists. And older ones too!
No matter what 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.
Age, level of experience, subject matter — there are no restrictions. Everyone is invited to contribute.
Email a jpeg to 06880blog@gmail.com. And remember: Please include the medium you’re working in — art lovers want to know.
“Money Can’t Buy Happiness” — spray paint and acrylic paint on cardboard (Frazer Benton, age 10)
“Zen” — acrylic on canvas (Missy Greenberg)
“Radio Heads” — digital oil painting in a “Renaissance surreal photorealistic style” (Ken Runkel)
“Cloisters, NYC” (Bruce Borner)
Untitled — shadow box with flowers and bugs dried by artist Lauri Weiser)
Untitled (Tom Doran)
Mike Hibbard explains: “Two spirits coupling in the black void – the conception of our universe — the Big Bang.”
“La Baie de Théoule Sur Mer” — oil on canvas (Dabere, at Westport River Gallery)
“Available” (Kathleen Burke)
“Skinny Dip,” 22-foot Aquasport” (Peter Barlow)
“A Blue Jay” — pencil and watercolor (Steve Stein)
Untitled (Lawrence Weisman)
(Entrance is free to our online art gallery. But please consider a donation! Just click here — and thank you!)
“No one stops at the stop sign on Long Lots Road, near the High Point Road hill.”
“People always disregard the ‘Do Not Enter’ sign on Wright Street.”
“Put a page on the town website, listing all construction work, road work, tree work, cable work, etc. Prevent bottlenecks before they happen!”
Those are 3 of the more than 1,850 suggestions, comments, complaints and ideas posted to an interactive map of Westport.
Screenshot of the interactive traffic safety map. Orange is a “thumbs-down” icon; gray is for “idea,” while the few blue icons are for “thumbs-up.” Seems like the only place in town without a traffic issue is Sherwood Island State Park.
Among the most popular subjects: sidewalks, crosswalks, stop signs, traffic lights, left-turn signals, speed humps, and roundabouts.
The brainchild of the town’s Traffic and Pedestrian Task Force, the map was developed by consultants Tighe & Bond. The project — part of Westport’s Safe Streets & Roads for All Safety Action Plan — went live in February.
Comments are now closed.
The task force has been processing the public input, examining motor vehicle and pedestrian accident data, and pinpointing overlaps between those records and areas of concern.
Results will be presented at the next public information meeting, this fall.
Meanwhile, you can look at the map — with its 1,850-plus comments — yourself. Click here, click “View the Map,” click on an icon, zoom in, and realize you’re not the only one with an issue.
Or a genius idea.
(“06880” can’t solve Westport’s traffic woes. But we sure can report on them. And we do — often — along with every other aspect of town life. But we need reader support! Please click here — and thank you!)
When school begins next week, youngsters will head back to a variety of buildings.
There are well-built, well-renovated structures like Greens Farms, Kings Highway and Saugatuck Elementary Schools. One needs renovation (Coleytown El); another is slated for demolition, then an entirely new school (Long Lots).
Bedford Middle School works well, after a quarter century; Coleytown Middle shines, after a mold-induced closing and remodeling.
Then there is our high school. Already 20 years old, the “new” Staples still looks fresh, bright and modern. The $84 million price tag was worth it. It has served generations of students, and will serve many generations more.
But this is only the latest incarnation of Staples High School. Here is a pictorial history, through the years.
In 1884, Horace Staples donated both land and funds to construct the first building. It was on Riverside Avenue, not far from his own home.
Today, the site of the original Staples is the area behind the Saugatuck Elementary School auditorium.
It continued to be used by Bedford Junior High teachers and students until 1967, when it was demolished.
In 1936 — in time for the 50th anniversary of Staples’ first graduating class — a new building was constructed, just north of the original. Today, it’s the central wing of Saugatuck El.
A $800,000 north wing was added 12 years later. It included 5 classrooms, a gym and cafeteria.
The “new” 1948 wing. The original Staples building can be seen in the far background.
In 1959, with school populations surging, the high school moved to a modern new campus on North Avenue.
The California-style architecture included 7 separate buildings, connected by walkways. The design worked well in September, October, May and June. It was a bit problematic the rest of the year.
Clockwise from left: auditorium; vocational arts building; cafeteria; gym; foreign language and other classes; English and social studies; science and math; administration and library.
The view, looking north.
In 1964, an addition on the south added more social studies, math and science classrooms.
A 1978-81 project addressed the many issues of a multi-building, open-air campus (including heating pipes buried inadequately, resulting in frequent malfunctions and disruptions).
The 9 separate structures were all connected. But students and staff continued to refer to the “4 Building” (arts), “6 building” (English and math), etc.
(Photo/Steve Turner)
Eventually, that renovation outlived its usefulness too.
Work began in 2003 on an entirely new Staples. That 3-story building rose, while classes continued in the old one.
Gradually, piece by piece, the old structure was removed.
This was the result, shortly before construction was completed:
And the current view (circa 2020):
(Drone photo/Brandon Malin)
Since 1884, generations of Westporters (and, for a long time, Westonites and Wiltonians) have their own memories of Staples’ buildings.
What are yours? Click “Comments” below.
(Friday Flashback is one of “06880”‘s many regular features. If you enjoy this — or anything else on our website — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)
During her life as an editor at Publisher’s Weekly, Sybil Steinberg amassed an enormous array of books: advance copies of the most revered works in literature, first editions, volumes signed by the authors and inscribed to the beloved Westporter.
Steinberg died earlier this year. At the Westport Library’s StoryFest 2024, many editions from her vast collection will be available for purchase.
Among the items: a first edition copy, inscribed to Steinberg, of Amy Tan’s “The Joy Luck Club,” a signed copy of Kurt Vonnegut’s “Timequake,” and advance copies from authors like Joyce Carol Oates, Peter DeVries and Laura Z Hobson.
Also available: a compilation of past Sybil’s Lists, collections of her recommended books that she unveiled regularly at the Library.
Proceeds from the sale will benefit StoryFest, the Library’s annual literary festival which this year is dedicated to Steinberg’s memory. A special dedication ceremony in her honor is set for Saturday, September 21 (1 p.m).
When school starts next Tuesday, the Westport Police Department will increase traffic enforcement in school zones.
Officers will look for drivers using cell phones, speeding, and disregarding school bus signals.
Police remind commuters to allow for extra time, as school buses and students again take to the roads.
Homemade reminder, near Kings Highway Elementary School.
================================================
As summer winds down, the Westport Community Gardens growing season nears an end.
As plans proceed for a new Long Lots Elementary School, the final resolution of the gardens is up i the air.
Sally Kleinman calls the end of the season “always a bittersweet experience.”
But, she writes, yesterday “was particularly sad. I couldn’t resist channeling the last episode of ‘M*A*S*H,’ using the rocks that had lined one of my beds.”
If you remember that classic show from 1983 — the finale after 11 memorable years — you’ll instantly recognize Sally’s message.
Joni Mitchell is the focus of the next First Folk Sunday.
Acoustic guitarist Suzanne Sheridan — founder of the monthly event — will be joined by keyboardist Bob Cooper and violinist Cat Lines on September 1 (Saugatuck Rowing Club, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.), in a tribute to the legendary singer/songwriter.
The music cover charge is $15 per ticket; click here to purchase, and for more information.
A special First Folk Sunday menu will be available, and the Rowing Club bar will be open.
Cat Malkin — the longtime Westporter; animal communicator, animal Reiki master and pet loss grief counselor, and co-author of “Overcoming Your Child’s Fear of Dogs” — hosts a Zoom fundraiser this Sunday (6 p.m.).
“Chat Pawty” with Minnie — the bulldog star of Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building” — is a chance to ask pet celebrity questions and win prizes.
It’s like “Oprah” — except animals are interviewed by Cat. Minnie will answer questions live. Cat will translate.
Prizes include a VIP Chat Pawty for your animal family, spa animal Reiki treatment, “Only Murders in the Building” Swag and more.
There’s a minimum donation of $20 (Venmo @HurleysHeart-BulldogRescue; note “Chat Pawty,” and add your email to receive the Zoom link and details.
Can’t make it live? You’ll receive a recording.
All proceeds benefit Hurley’s Heart Bulldog Rescue, a non-profit that rescues and rehabilitates French and English bulldogs.
Cat Malkin
================================================
Lou Weinberg and his wife were enjoying a leisure paddle out to Cockenoe Island on Wednesday, when this bad boy rolled by.
(Photo/Lou Weinberg)
The kayakers kept their distance. And wondered who was on board, and where they were headed.
=================================================
Earlier this year, “06880” sponsored a cool contest with Cohl Katz.
The Westport stylist to the stars offered her talents — a haircut and makeup application for women, a haircut and style for men — to 3 winners of a contest she and I cooked up.
We asked 3 trivia questions about famous current or past Westport or Weston residents. All have been Cohl’s clients.
Todd Pines knew that an actor who prepared for a role by eating only bananas, water and rice for a month was Christopher Walken (“The Deer Hunter”).
Yesterday, he picked up his prize.
“Todd wanted a haircut he could just towel dry,” Cohl reports.
But he left with something extra: jalapeños from her garden.
That’s full service, for sure.
Todd Pines, and his peppers: Lookin’ good!
============================================
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is a bit different than usual.
Richard Fogel spotted this sign, at Wakeman Field:
And finally … the upcoming First Folk Sunday honors Joni Mitchell (story above). Today, we honor her too:
(School will soon be open. Stay on top of all the news with “06880” — and please consider a contribution to help us share it with you. Please click here. Thank you!)
The Farmers’ Market is one of Westport’s many jewels.
Every Thursday, it pulses with activities. Shoppers from all over town and beyond stock up on produce, herbs, bread, meat, honey, cheese, pet food and more.
They buy pizza and Mexican food for lunch, Thai takeout for dinner. They listen to musicians, learn about non-profits, meet old friends and make new ones.
The Farmers’ Market is a very cool place.
(Photo/Lisa Lewin)
But it is not especially pretty. It’s in a parking lot. The ground is pavement. You don’t go there for the scenery.
Still, there beauty all around. You just have to look for it.
Most adults are too busy to do that.
Leave it to the young.
For 8 years, the Farmers’ Market has sponsored a photography contest.
“Young Shoots” (get it?!) encourages youth to show off their creative eyes — and win cash prizes (along with an art class and a year’s membership at MoCA CT).
The contest is sponsored by the WFM, the Artists Collective of Westport, and the Drew Friedman Community Arts Center.
On Wednesday, in a low-key, fun ceremony at Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center — another Farmers’ Market partner — winners were announced in 3 categories.
Young Shoots photographers, at Wednesday’s event. (Photo/Lisa Lewin)
“Kids have a unique perspective,” WFM director Lori Cochran says, speaking both in general terms and about the Market specifically.
Because of their size, wonder and openness to new ideas, “they see beauty in unexpected places. They see totally different moods and lights” than adults.
Their framed photos were displayed on tables, for all to see. Every entrant could take home their own.
There were nearly 4 dozen very intriguing photos. And the winners — judged by a panel of local artists — are:
Harry Willis received a special award, for taking all his photos with “an actual camera” (not a smartphone).
The judges — led by Miggs Burroughs and Anne Burmeister — include Ann Greenberg, Julie Dzafic and Samantha Yanks.
(“06880” covers Westport organizations, environmental issues, and youth achievements. We really enjoy when they all intersect, like today. Please click here to support our ongoing work. Thank you!)
When Oprah Winfrey strolled onto the Democratic National Convention stage last night in Chicago, her purple dress was not just something she grabbed from her closet.
It was not even a nod to the movie she produced: “The Color Purple.”
The symbolism was far stronger. A self-described independent, her full-throated endorsement of Kamala Harris was meant to appeal to both Democrats (blue) and Republicans (red).
Oprah
As for the eye-catching outfit — “a peplum-style jacket with sharp shoulders and matching wide-leg trousers … accessorized with simple rings and amethyst-purple earrings,” in WWD’s words — it had a Westport connection.
The Weston-based rehabilitation center — the largest in the state, caring for more than 5,000 injured and orphaned wild animals each year, from hummingbirds to black bears — was severely damaged in last weekend’s rain and floods.
On Monday, WIC said:
We have been receiving victims of yesterday’s terrible flood all day today in addition to giving advice on the phone. Countless waterlogged hawks are down, many just need time to dry, others are injured.
So far today we’ve received a juvenile bald eagle, hawks and owls, dozens of baby bunnies, opossums and squirrels, songbirds, turtles, gulls, herons, and bats all drenched and weak. Lots of incubators and heating pads going to warm and dry them first, and slowly we are beginning to hand feed and medicate as necessary.
All of our patients are safe, but our facility sustained significant damage from the record rainfall. The rushing rapids tore through our hill causing interior flooding, downed trees, damaged cages, and driveway erosion. In our 37 years here, we’ve never seen anything like this.
WIC staffers and volunteers field 20,000 calls a year. The center takes in animals from all over the state, plus New York and Massachusetts. Many Westporters use its services every day.
(Another “06880” connection: Besides working at WIC, Dara’s husband Peter Reid is Westport’s animal control officer.)
To make a donation to Wildlife in Crisis, click here. (Hat tip: Scott Smith)
To prepare: Sign in to your online account. Under “Account Options,” you’ll see your name with a pencil next to the edit button. Select the edit button; then choose the “Contact Info” tab.
Verify that your email address is current; select the save button at the bottom. You will be directed back to the “account options” page.
Under your family name, you will see your family members. Follow the steps below for each family member.
select “manage family members”
choose a name from the list
Under “Family Member Information,” make any necessary changes. Make sure that the grade (if applicable) is correct; hit “Save.”
Go to “Contact Information” to verify your cell/home phone, and provide carrier if interested in receiving text messages. Make sure your email is current. Click “Save.”
If you are not able to log into your online account, do not create another profile. Email recreation@westportct.gov or call 203-341-5152.
=================================================
Ukraine Aid International — the relief agency founded by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer — has done incredible work.
Since its creating just a few days after the Russian invasion began, the non-profit has provided over 300,000 people on the front lines with clean water, heat, medicine, food, and critical medical services.
Among its many projects, UAI has developed 9 “sister city” relationships with American and Ukrainian towns.
Westport was the first, with Lyman. In 2 years, we have donated over $300,000 — along with much-needed communications equipment, bulletproof vests, and more. 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Police Chief Foti Koskinas are in regular touch with their counterparts, and visited Lyman in May 2023.
Now Ukraine Aid International has been recognized — internationally.
The group earned 3rd place in the “Help From Abroad” category, at the Charitable Ukraine ceremony. There was stiff competition: 1,600 nominees.
The Mayers and UAI president Katya Wauchope say: “To be recognized on this stage, alongside global giants like Coca-Cola and Pepsico, underscores the significance of the work we’re doing together for Ukraine.”
The honor spurs Ukraine Aid International to redouble its efforts.
To donate, click here. Then click the “I want to support” box; next, select “Support for the City of Lyman.” Scroll down on that page for other donation options (mail, wire transfer and Venmo.)
There are many tragic stories from the floods that roared across Connecticut Sunday.
The collapse of Oxford resident Randi Marcucio’s house was particularly devastating. The ER nurse and single mother lost everything. (Click here for a harrowing News12 video.)
But yesterday, she was reunited with a special item she thought was washed away by the Housatonic River, forever: her son’s sonogram.
It was found 35 miles away — at Compo Beach.
Nancy Lewis found it, on her daily walk. Realizing it was important to someone, she Googled the name. Up came a GoFundMe to help Marcucio.
Lewis took it from there. She drove to Oxford, to give Marcucio the sonogram. The grateful mom called it “a miracle.”
Click below for the full story. (Hat tip: Peggy Lehn)
=================================================
Westport Police did not make any custodial arrests between August 14 and 21.
They issued these citations:
Failure to comply with state traffic control regulations: 10 citations
Distracted driving: 7
Traveling unreasonably fast: 4
Driving while texting: 4
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 4
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 4
Failure to renew registration: 4
Following too closely: 2
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
Larceny :1
Simple trespass: 1
Transporting a child under 2 without a restraint: 1
Failure to obey stop sign: 1
Improper turn: 1
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
Failure to carry insurance card: 1
Improper use of markers: 1
In Connecticut, children under 2 years old or weighing less than 30 pounds must ride in a rear-facing car seat.
Speaking of police: Janet Sparre reminds “06880” readers to pull to the side — and stop — when emergency vehicles with flashing lights or sirens on are approaching your vehicle from the front or the rear.
In fact, it’s a Connecticut law.
It’s also common sense.
Those lights and sirens are on for a reason. Today, first responders are racing to help someone else.
Yesterday’s Roundup included an incorrect date for the Japan Festival.
The correct date is Saturday, September 7 (1 to 4 p.m., Jesup Green).
The family-friendly festival — sponsored by the Japan Society of Fairfield County — features taiko drum performances, live plays of Japanese folktales, martial arts demonstrations, and traditional dancing.
And finally … on this date in 1902, the Cadillac Motor Company was founded.
(“06880” is where Westport meets the world — from local wildlife, to Lyman. We’ve been doing it since 2009. But we can’t do it without readers’ help. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: dwoog@optonline.net. Thanks!)
GET THE “06880” APP
The “06880” app (search for it on the Apple or Android store) is the easiest way to get “06880.” Choose notifications: whenever a new post is published, or once or twice a day. Click here for details.
