Friday Flashback #401

In any discussion of long-ago restaurants, Westporters of a certain age remember Cafe Barna.

In the 1950s and ’60s, it was one of our town’s go-to places.

Located where Mitchell’s is now, on the Post Road near Hillspoint Road, and serving a cuisine that has fallen a bit out of favor here — Hungarian-American — it offered (according to the reverse site of this postcard) “Dancing every Friday and Saturday night to Rozsika and her Continental Orchestra.”

There was also “Music on Sunday.”

(Photo courtesy of Christopher Maroc, via Facebook)

Cafe Barna was a member of “Diners and American Express Club.” It boasted of being air-conditioned. Party and banquet facilities were available.

The phone number was CApital 7-6053.

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Roundup: Fireworks Tickets, Car Fire, Special Olympics Torch …

The Independence Day fireworks are coming soon.

And tickets are available now.

The annual event — organized by the Westport Police Athletic League and Parks & Recreation Department, and sponsored once again by longtime Westport residents/Staples High School graduates Melissa and Doug Bernstein — is Tuesday, July 2.

Tickets to the fireworks — shot from a barge in Long Island Sound, and the culmination of a day of picnics, parties and fun all along Compo Beach — are available in the front lobbies of both the Westport Police Department on Jesup Road, and the Parks & Rec Office in Longshore Club Park, near the first tee.

Tickets ($50 per car) allow entrance into the Compo parking lots. They are on sale 24/7 at the police station now, and during business hours at Parks & Rec (starting June 1). All sales are cash or check; no credit cards.

Proceeds from the fireworks help fund PAL operating expenses. The organization serves thousands of youngsters each year, through sports programs and scholarships. PAL also runs the ice skating rink at Longshore.

Doug Bernstein (5th from left) hands Police Chief Foti Koskinas the ceremonial first fireworks ticket yesterday. Also on hand (from left): Parks & Rec operations director Carmen Roda, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, PAL president Craig Bergamo, Melissa Bernstein, Parks & Rec interim director Rick Giunta and Lieut. Matthew Gouveia. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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This afternoon (Friday), Westport Police officers will carry the Flame of Hope through town, in support of Special Olympics of Connecticut.

Norwalk Police will hand off the Flame at the Westport/Norwalk town line on Route 1 (Post Road West) at approximately 12:00 p.m.

Westport officers will carry the torch along the Post Road, and pass it off to Fairfield police at the Fairfield border.

Police will escort the torch through town. Residents are encouraged to watch and support this great cause.

The Special Olympics torch run last year: Post Road at the Sherwood Island Connector. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Dunville’s — the 40-plus-year-old hangout in the heart of Saugatuck — celebrated its grand re-opening last night.

The restaurant/bar is now called Little Pub @ Dunville’s. Doug Grabe — the owner of the local chain — is keeping the name and vibe of the well-loved local institution. It’s open 7 days a week, for lunch and dinner.

Cutting the ceremonial ribbon (actually a caution tape) last night, from row from left: RTM member Sal Liccione, Planning & Zoning chair Paul Lebowitz, selectwomen Jen Tooke and Candice Savin, State Senator Ceci Maher, RTM member Matthew Mandell, owner Doug Grabe. Rear: RTM member Andrew Colabella, State Representative Jonathan Steinberg, RTM member Andrew Bloom.

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As graduation nears, every night brings a different celebration.

All are special. But the High Honors dinner at Staples last night was particularly meaningful.

Twenty students — the top 4% of the Class of 2024 — were honored for their achievements.

Each invited one teacher or counselor. Each educator spoke for a few minutes about “their” student.

Bonds between the teachers and teenagers were strong and deep. A wide variety of disciplines was represented: English, social studies, science, math and music.

There were stories of STEM students who found loves for literature and government; of conversations about life before and after school that transcended classrooms; of challenges made and surpassed.

Each student thanked their teachers — and their parents — for getting them where they are today.

There are many reasons to be fearful about the future of our world. Last night offered 21 reasons to be very, very optimistic.

The High Honors students were Kathryn Asiel, Emerson Briggs, Coco Crombie, Gabriela de Brito, Eitan Eiger, Dylan Fiore, Peter Loranger, Defne Merih, Neva Mermagen, Connor Ng, Ellen Ou, Mabel Propper, Jeremy Rosenkranz, Jameson Russell, Kaitlyn Seo, Elizabeth Turner, Darren Weng, Gabriel Weng, valedictorian Leigh Foran and salutatorian Andrew Berkowitz.

The teachers and staff members they honored were Rasha Tarek, Will Jones, Deborah Slocum, Noreen McGoldrick, Robert Shamberg, Alexandra McHale, Michael Mezzo, Maxim Kolb, Heather Wirkus, Ann Neary, Jon Shepro, Dominick Messina, Heather Colletti-Houde, Joe Barahona and Brian Tippy.

Staples High School’s 2024 High Honors graduates-to-be.

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The Westport Fire Department responded to a car fire on Long Lots Road at 5:45 p.m. last night.

Firefighters quickly extinguished the fully engulfed vehicle.

The fire is under investigation by the the fire marshal’s office. There were no injuries.

Scenes from yesterday’s car fire. (Photos courtesy of Westport Fire Department)

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That wasn’t the only action for the Fire Department last night.

Tyler Errickson writes: “This was my son Oliver’s 3rd birthday. He loves fire trucks.

“I asked the team at Westport Fire headquarters if they would show us around. They did not hesitate — and gave both my boys a day to remember

“I want to thank the entire team at the fire station, and remind everyone how lucky we are to live in this community.”

The Errickson family, at Fire headquarters.

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A friend of a Westport teacher is fostering a 2-year-old dog named Cricket.

Unfortunately, they can no longer care for her. If they do not find anyone to adopt her, she will have to go back to a shelter.

Cricket is well behaved, spayed, and up to date with all vaccinations. “06880” readers interested in learning more should call 203-805-2437.

Cricket

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Sorelle Gallery’s new exhibition, “Summer Crush,” showcases original paintings by artists who draw inspiration from water and the coast in a wide variety of styles, from abstract to hyper-realistic.  

The exhibition opens on June 15, 2024, with a reception from 2-4 p.m.

An artists’ talk and Q-and-A at 2:30 features Julia Contacessi, Kelly Rossetti, Nealy Hauschildt and Tony Iadicicco. Light refreshments with a summer rosé will be served.

The show runs through July 6. For more information, click here.

“Summer Crush” at Sorelle Gallery.

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Carl Addison Swanson has seen plenty of violations of this rule.

He reminds “06880” readers: If you raise your hand to traffic at a crosswalk, you have the right of the way.

Drivers: Stop for pedestrians who raise their hands at crosswalks.

But pedestrians: Look both ways, to make sure those drivers have stopped!

Stop for pedestrians!

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Have you seen today’s “Westport … Naturally” deer?

Richard Fogel has. And, he says of this one — seen here at the corner of East Main Street and Whitney Road Extension — it is “a family pet. Crazy. You can walk up and touch it.”

(Photo/Richard Fogel)

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And finally … today is the final day of National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month.

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Staples SciMentors Teach Teens

When she entered Staples High School 2 years ago as a sophomore, after 6 years in Europe, Kylie Kirkham was overwhelmed with choices.

What courses to take? What clubs to get involved with? How could she choose, and who could help her make those decisions?

She settled on Chemistry as one option, and realized she liked science. She volunteered in the Norwalk Hospital discharge lounge, and took the rigorous Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service course. She hopes to pursue a pre-med track in college.

Staples High School science options. Electives include astronomy, biotechnology, 3D engineering, environmental science, animal behavior, horticulture, marine biology, aerospace, science research and much more.

Kylie does not have a lot of spare time. But she wanted to pay what she learned forward, to help younger students make sense of the sometimes overwhelming array of Staples requirements, prerequisites — and wonderful possibilities.

She formed a club called SciMentors. The goal was to help middle school students understand what their high school science future could look like.

The other day her club held their first SPRKS fair, at Bedford Middle School.

The acronym means Students Pursuing Real-world Knowledge of Science. It was interactive, engaging, and a great success.

Leearning about blood pressure, at the SciMentors event.

Nearly 3 dozen youngsters, and their parents, learned about Staples science — and built connections with students in those courses.

Club members created displays, showing off different areas of science. Some offered activities; others performed experiments, had trivia games, or demonstrated equipment.

One exhibit at the SPRKS fair. 

Then came speakers. Staples biology and forensics teacher Heather Wirkus talked about course selection and research opportunities. Westport Volunteer EMS president Michael Burns related his experiences.

Nurse Cristin Ronca discussed work/life balance.

A panel of Staples students then answered questions.

Kylie was excited to see students taking writing in notebooks her club had created, and paid for through fundraising.

And everyone enjoyed treats, courtesy of Popup Bagels.

Participants at the SPRKS fair (from left): Isla Goldberg, SciMentors vice president; Heather Wikus, Staples science teacher; Kylie Kirkham, founder and president); Sophie Statkiewicz, vice president; Michael Burns, WVEMS president; Cristin Ronca, nurse.

Kylie will graduate next year. But she wants SciMentors to continue for years. She is now mentoring the next generation of leaders.

Soon, she hopes, some of the students who were at this year’s inaugural SPRKS fair will pass on their Staples knowledge to those who follow them.

No one can predict how any science experiment will turn out. But — thanks to Kylie Kirkham and her club — the chances of success for this one are sky-high.

Pic Of The Day #2599

Levitt Pavilion, from the Saugatuck River (Photo/Michael Mossman)

Roundup: Westport Pride, Susan Granger, Tobacco …

Westport Pride is back!

The LGBTQ organization of the same name invites everyone to Jesup Green this Sunday (June 2, 12 to 3 p.m.) for the annual celebration.

Girl Scout Troop 51003 will raise the pride flag. Then comes an array of local talent, featuring performances by Bridget Reddy, The Corduroys, Imogen Medoff, Next Day Delivery, Alyssa Lee, Josie Pines, Echo Bodell, and Jonathan Ridel of The Rubber Skulls.

The family-friendly day includes’ children’s arts and crafts, face painting and yard games.

Food trucks and local vendors will be on on site. Local author Nikkya Hargrove will sign copies of her new novel, “Mama: a Queer Black Woman’s Story of a Family Lost and Found.”

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker will declare June as Pride Month in Westport, underscoring the town’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The afternoon includes local drag queens The Latin Doll and Bleach.

Cantor Julia Cadrain of Temple Israel and Rev. Kari Nicewander of Saugatuck Congregational Church will offer prayers and blessings at the start and conclusion of the event.

 

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“It’s A Hollywood Life!” — the documentary that captures the story of longtime Westport resident Susan Granger’s 80+ years in and around the movie industry — continues its successful rollout.

Yesterday, News 12 Connecticut ran a story. It included interviews with Granger and the film’s producer, 1971 Staples High School graduate Fred Cantor. Click here for Mark Sudol’s report.

The piece followed word that the Chain NYC Film Festival — the long-running indie film event — selected “It’s A Hollywood Life!” as one of 18 documentary shorts for 2024. A screening date will be announced soon.

Earlier this month, the video generated the second highest ticket sales at the Ridgefield Independent Film Festival.

But wait! There’s more!

The film recently received a 2-thumbs-up review. From Beneath The Hollywood Sign — a blog devoted to movie history — called the documentary “a fascinating film that any classic cinema fan should see.”

Susan Granger, on News 12 Connecticut.

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It’s been a great year for Club 203.

Westport’s social organization for adults with disabilities ends it with a bang next Wednesday (June 5).

The Beach Bash begins at 6:30 p.m., at Ned Dimes Marina.

Highlights include the Super Duper Weenie food truck, cookies donated by Big G,  outdoor games, and art by MOCA. Click here for details, and registration.

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Tobacco has a long history in the US — including Connecticut.

It’s been an important crop upstate. The gold standard for cigar wrappers comes from tobacco grown here.

In the 1940s, teenaged Martin Luther King Jr. spent 2 summers harvesting the crop in the Farmington Valley. It was his first look at the world outside the Deep South.

Stepping Into the Shade” — a documentary series — debuts this Saturday (June 1, Westport Library).

It tells the story of tobacco from this state’s perspective, illuminating its integral role in agricultural history and highlighting the workers who came from around the world to “toil in the soil.”

The free event begins with a 5 p.m. reception. A screening of scenes from the series begins at 6, followed by a panel discussion and Q-and-A.

The evening closes with a VIP reception, featuring food representing the cultures and ethnicities in the series. Click here for more details, and to register.

Click here to watch the trailer for “Stepping Into the Shade.” The series was produced by the Eastern Connecticut State University Department of Communication, Film and Theatre.

There is no smoking in the Westport Library.

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Express Edit is closing.

The fashion retailer’s parent company, Express Inc., has filed for bankruptcy. The 125 Main Street store is one of 4 locations in Connecticut that will be shut, out of 95 to close nationwide.

Signs advertise 40 to 60% off all merchandise.

Express Edit. (Hat tip and photo/Sal Liccione)

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Westport Police made no custodial arrests between May 22 and 29.

They issued these citations:

  • Failure to obey state traffic control regulations: 7 citations
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 4
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 2
  • Speeding: 1
  • Traveling too fast for conditions: 1
  • Distracted driving: 1
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
  • Failure to renew registration: 1
  • Failure to insure a motor vehicle: 1
  • Criminal mischief: 1

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The next United Methodist Church Jazz Vespers service is this Sunday (June 2, 4 p.m.).

Featured musicians include Mae Czuba (vocals and saxophone), John Hoddinott (guitar), Tyler Sherman (bass) and Dan Jantson (drums).

The public is invited. There is a free will offering. The church also collects non-perishable food donations, for local pantries. Refreshments and conversation follow the service.

(Photo/Dan Woog)

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Willie Salmond sends along an NSFW “Westport … Naturally” photo of a pair of horseshoe crabs mating.

He writes: “It’s spring, when as Alfred Lord Tennyson reminds us, ‘a young man’s fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love.'”

On Tuesday morning at low tide I saw dozens of pairs of horseshoe crabs mating and laying eggs on a pebble-strewn spit.”

Get a room!

(Photo/Willie Salmond)

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And finally … after reading about the Library’s upcoming film premiere (story above), you knew this was coming, right?

(“06880” covers Westport like tobacco covers a field. That’s not blowing smoke. If you appreciate our work, please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!) 

 

Walking And Biking In Westport: The Jeff Speck Way

“Walkable cities” are environmentally, socially and economically vibrant.

Can Westport become a “walkable town”?

Sustainable Westport thinks so.

On June 4, the non-profit group brings urban planner Jeff Speck to Bedford Middle School (6 p.m. reception, 6:30 presentation).

Jeff Speck

Speck — whose books include “Walkable City: How Downtown Saves America, One Step at a Time” — speaks nationally on how towns and cities can embrace walking and biking.

In February, he addressed a capacity crowd at the New Canaan Library.

But Westport is a bit different from our suburban neighbor, Speck acknowledges. For one thing, a river runs through us.

For another, our train station — the town’s transportation hub — is located away from downtown.

Speck has been to Westport. He likes it.

“You’ve got good bones,” he says. “A lot of places don’t have a traditional downtown, with small streets and buildings that make it walkable.”

Westport “is starting on third base.”

What will get our home town to home plate?

As with any walkable, bikable community, 4 things are part of the framework. It must be “useful, safe, comfortable and interesting.”

“Communities like Westport don’t like to change,” Speck notes.

“It’s not complacency. It’s a fear of losing what they have. I understand that.”

But, he adds, change is often necessary for “resilience and longevity.”

One obvious place to look is the Post Road. Speck knows it’s a state route; the town does not control it. But, he says, there are ways to make it “calmer, and more welcoming.”

More controversial might be his thoughts about downtown. He advocates apartments — and a parking garage hidden behind them — at the Baldwin lot on Elm Street.

Jeff Speck thinks a parking garage — and apartments in front — would make downtown more lively and “resilient.”

More people, and easier parking, would make downtown more lively, Speck says.

“A lot of people would love to live in smaller units: young people, older ones. The more bodies you have downtown, the better it can weather the economic storms that visit our communities.”

He’s seen the “shock and outrage” that accompany suggestions like that, in dozens of communities. That fades, he says, when they see how well those ideas work.

Two places where, he says, these hidden parking lots work are Northampton, Massachusetts and Frederick, Maryland.

Speck has another idea — one that he was unaware is currently causing great debate here.

He was surprised, when he visited Westport, to see that “the waterfront is a parking lot.” He’d prefer “a linear park” along the Saugatuck River.

“If I wasn’t so busy, I’d draw it up myself,” he says.

Some of Jeff Speck’s ideas align with those proposed originally by the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee, for more green space by the Saugatuck River. The idea is controversial.

Another “major opportunity” is to add more housing near the train station.

The area is “under-utilized,” he says. “People can live right by the railroad. It’s a healthier lifestyle, for themselves and the planet.

“You learn in Planning 101 to bring housing to transit, and transit to housing.

One challenge to ideas like those, he reiterates, is that “communities generally don’t like to change.

“Most people in most communities would like more apartments. They just don’t want them near them.”

Most public meetings until the last decade “pitted NIMBYs against the business goals of developers,” Speck explains. “Planners had to choose which they wanted.

“Now you’ve got pro-housing, pro-sustainability, pro-biking people, who just want to see their community do the right thing. They’ve been effective.”

Speck had not heard of Bike Westport, a non-profit dedicated to making Westport more safe for biking and walking.

But, he says, “Bike groups have been my biggest supporters. I hope they show up.

“It will be a lively discussion, I promise.”

(Click here to register for Jeff Speck’s June 4 talk, and more information.)

(“06880” regularly covers the environment, real estate, local politics, transportation — and the intersection of them all. Please click here to support our hyper-local journalism. Thank you!)

Pic Of The Day #2598

Loki loves Winslow Park (Photo/Mark Mathias)

Police Arrest Suspect In Lux Bond & Green Burglary

Less than 3 weeks ago, a daylight smash-and-grab burglary at the downtown Lux Bond & Green jewelry store stunned Westport.

This morning, Westport police arrested 30-yearold Bridgeport resident Javon Thorbourne.

The arrest was made at Stamford Superior Court, where he was being held on charges from other jurisdictions.

Thorbourne was charged with larceny and criminal mischief, both in the first degree, as well as conspiracy to commit those crimes.

He was held on a $250,000 bond, and will be arraigned at the court.

A still shot from the Lux Bond & Green video camera shows the May 9 smash-and-grab burglary.

Westport’s Detective Bureau “worked tirelessly with area law enforcement agencies, as well as the US marshal service, to identify and build a case against Mr. Thorbourne,” the WPD says.

Police continue to investigate the case. Two men wearing masks and gloves entered the store at 3:10 p.m. on May 9, and smashed display cases with sledgehammers.

Employees retreated safely to the rear of the store.

Unsung Hero #337

Kings Highway Elementary School teacher Ursula Malizia writes:

Anthony Bihl is a 2nd grader in my class. He wants to feed the world, one family at a time.

We were doing a social studies unit about people who have made a difference in the world, emphasizing that one person can make that difference. It all starts with an idea, and some perseverance. Anthony was riveted.

One inspiring person we learned about was Ryan Hreljac, a Canadian boy who in 1st grade felt devastated when he learned about the terrible problems associated with a lack of clean, safe water in a village in Africa.

He started doing chores to  earn money to buy one well pump. This set off a chain reaction. Over the course of years and continued work, Ryan helped bring clean water to people all over Africa and other parts of the world, by creating Ryan’s Well Foundation.

Anthony wanted to do something like Ryan, but with food, not water. Hearing the news that there are people who don’t have enough food and go to bed hungry upset Anthony, and this became his call for action.

He knew he wanted to help others by making sure no one would be hungry, but he couldn’t figure out how to go global.  After lots of conversations and research, he decided to start local.

He learned that Homes with Hope has a food pantry, and always needs donations. He was shocked that food insecurity exists right here in town, not just in places far away. 

He started by making a poster. He went on our school morning TV show, letting everyone at KHS know he wanted to help feed families locally.

He started collecting cans and non-perishable food items to donate to Homes with Hope. Anthony got over 100 cans, and will be meeting with Homes with Hope director Helen McAlinden to drop off the food for their brand new pantry

Anthony Bihl, with food for Homes with Hope.

He doesn’t want his efforts to end here, however. This is just the kickoff to something bigger.

We are all so proud of Anthony. His big heart, winning smile and genuine empathy will make the world a  better place. 

Be on the lookout for his next food drive!

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

Roundup: Home Demolitions, Teens & Tweens, Raccoon Help …

One task of the Historic District Commission is to “take such action as the meeting may determine to oppose the issuance” of demolition permits, and “require the full 180-day delay,” of homes more than 50 years old.

The idea is to allow time for alternate plans to be developed.

That rarely happens. Whether immediately or after 180 days, developers almost always demolish.

Next Tuesday’s HDC meeting (7 p.m., Zoom) includes an especially large number of “delay” requests.

The first is for 125 Riverside — the Coley-Crossman home diagonally across from Assumption Church.

The others are:

  • 2 Windy Hill Road
  • 10 Bauer Place
  • 32 Webb Road
  • 21 Long Lots Lane
  • 158 Compo Road North
  • 159 Easton Road
  • 33 Oak Street
  • 20 Blue Ribbon Drive
  • 35 Evergreen Parkway.

125 Riverside Avenue

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“06880”‘s newest feature wants to hear from any and all Westport “teens and tweens.”

This is your chance to share your thoughts, ideas and insights with our world.

Every kind of experience is welcome: good or bad, happy or sad. You can talk about local issues: what’s going on at school, with your sports or arts or other activities, the skate park, Community Gardens, downtown or anything else.

You can talk about what you love about Westport. Or what you hate.

You can talk about bigger issues: how the debate over Israel and Gaza affects you. What the upcoming election means to you — or why you don’t care. Ditto for climate change.

And you don’t have to limit yourself to writing. If you feel more comfortable expressing yourself through a video, podcast, music or art — send it along.

All submissions, in all mediums and styles, are welcome.

If you’d like your name used with your submission: great! If you prefer anonymity: also great! Just let us know.

The goal is to get your voice heard.

To start, click here; then fill out the short form. We’ll take it from there.

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Tammy Barry had a great experience yesterday, at the Greens Farms post office.

There were no $1 stamps available. So Paul helped her place 3 stamps each, on all of her daughter’s wedding invitations.

Then he hand-stamped them all, preventing them from any possible damage in the machine.

In addition, Tammy says, “he was so friendly with all the patrons. He called many of them by their first names.

“His frequent saying is ‘I got you!’ He’s the best!”

Their loyal customers will probably kill me (and Tammy) for revealing the secret, but the Greens Farms post office is a great alternative to the downtown one.

There’s seldom a line. And always a parking spot.

Paul (right) and colleague Frank, at the Greens Farms post office. (Photo/Tammy Barry)

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Karen Mather had a great experience yesterday too.

It did not start out that way, though.

Driving down Greens Farms Road, she saw a adorable — but listless — baby raccoon, perilously close to the street.

She called Westport Animal Control (203-341-5076). Officer Peter Reid arrived quickly.

He told Karen that the mother had most likely been killed; the baby was looking for her.

Fortunately, Peter said, the little critter was just very hungry. It could be saved at Wildlife in Crisis in Weston — where his wife volunteers.

He brought it right over.

The non-profit facility accepts over 5,000 wounded, ill and orphaned animals each year. The goal is to heal them, then return them to their natural habitats.

Who you gonna call if you see a creature needing help? Westport Animal Control or Wildlife in Crisis.

They’re both local life-savers.

Peter Reid, saving a raccoon.

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Rhone — the men’s clothing store on Main Street and a longtime champion of mental fitness — is hosting an evening dedicated to the topic.

Tomorrow’s event (Thursday, May 30, Westport Woman’s Club, 5:30 to 8 p.m.) includes inspirational speakers, a silent auction, and a “Mind & Muscle” experience led by Eric Johnson. It combines dynamic workouts with mental health discussions, combining physical and mental well-being.

Speakers will share personal reflections of recovery, suicide prevention, and the importance of mental health,

Rhone co-founder and CEO Nate Checketts will deliver the keynote. Other speakers include professional trainer Zac Clark (“Bachelorette” contestant and Scarlett Johansson trainer), and Staples High School boys basketball coach Dave Goldshore.

All proceeds from ticket sales and the silent auction will go to Positive Directions.  In addition, a generous donor will match funds up to $15,000.

There’s more: Rhone will donate 10% of proceeds from all purchases between May 31 and June 2 to Positive Directions.

Click here for tickets, and more information. Click here to bid on silent auction items.

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“Art in Bloom” — a celebration of the Westport Public Art Collections, with drinks, light bites, art sales, a silent art auction, and a special exhibit of flower-themed works — is set for June 6 (7 to 9 p.m., Westport Woman’s Club).

This is the first fundraiser for Friends of WestPAC is 5 years.  They welcome old and new friends, to ensure the continued growth, care, display and educational uses of the collections. Works are exhibited in public building throughout town, including schools, Town Hall, and municipal offices.

Artists include: Shirley Black, Paul Camacho, Leonard Everett Fisher, Hardie Gramatky, Clement Kamena, Lisa Daugherty, Jak Kovatch, Philippe Lejeune, Estelle Margolis, John Mavroudis, Howard Munce, Susan Malloy, Fred Otnes, Nancy Reinker, Walter Dubois Richards, Barbara Rothenberg, and others.

Those are some great names. Their work is varied, and outstanding.

Click here for tickets, sponsorship information, and donations.

“Dream Town” (Lisa Daugherty) 

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Staples High School Class of 1997 graduate Lisa Marie Giallanza Sweeting died peacefully of natural causes at Danbury Hospital earlier this month. She was 45.

Her family moved to Westport from Georgia in 1983. Lisa began playing the violin in 4th grade. She played in the orchestra and sang in the choir at Staples.

She graduated from Arizona State University with a BA in broadcast management.

Lisa was the regional president of the MOMS club (Moms Offering Moms Support). She worked as the admissions coordinator at St. Joseph’s School in Brookfield, then as the office administrator and athletic director at St. Rose of Lima School in Newtown, Connecticut.

Lisa loved camping and annual trips to the Outer Banks.

She is survived by her husband, Russell Sweeting; children Lily, Ryan and Evelyn; parents Tom and Patricia, and brothers Tom Jr., and Michael.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Rose of Lima School, 40 Church Hill Road, Newtown, CT 06470.

Lisa Marie Giallanza Sweeting

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Father’s Day is next weekend.

But this papa couldn’t be prouder, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo. He admires his young ones, in their nest in John Richers’ drainpipe.

(Photo/John Richers)

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And finally … in honor of Peter Reid’s nice save yesterday:

(As today’s Roundup shows, Westport is filled with helpful, caring people. That includes “06880” readers! Please join the generous folks who support this blog. Just click here — and thank you.)