Since moving to Westport in 2003 with newborn twins, John Suggs has been an active community member.
He served on the Representative Town Meeting, and ran for 1st selectman as an independent in 2017.
John Suggs
He’s been involved with Assumption Church, Little League baseball and youth basketball. His family hosted A Better Chance scholars.
Professionally, Suggs worked in asset management analysis, public policy and community development,
Yet some of his most satisfying achievements have come in forensic genetic genealogy. His Family Orchard business helps adult adoptees, and birth parents and siblings, find each other.
One search took 9 years to solve. It involved a birth mother of an abandoned 3-month old — who was then 91 years old.
Twelve years ago, adult adoptee Morgan Zo Callahan asked Suggs to help him find his birth father.
Morgan Zo Callahan
Suggs spent 7 years on the search. Along the way he discovered that Callahan — who had been raised white — was fathered by a Black Haitian named Lionel Durand.
Durand was no longer alive. he died when Callahan was 17.
But he had led a remarkable life. Lionel Durand was the son of Haiti’s last pre-World War II diplomatic consul to France, and a member of the French Resistance in the first 2 years of German occupation.
He was captured twice — and escaped twice from the Gestapo. He fled to the US, where he served on the French desk of Voice of America, broadcasting to occupied France.
A friend of Pablo Picasso and Jean Cocteau, Durand went on to report from the world’s hot spots as Newsweek’s Paris bureau chief.
Lionel Durand, behind USSR Prime Minister Nikita Khrushchev.
He died at just 40, after being injured by a tear gas bomb that exploded while he covered the violence in the Casbah during the Algerian War of Independence.
Durand posthumously received the George Polk Award for “best reporting, requiring exceptional courage and enterprise abroad,” from his peers at the Overseas Press Club of America.
After finding who Callahan’s father was, Suggs helped him meet members of his family.
Its royalties too will be donated to Faith in Action, in Haiti.
The book tells Durand’s remarkable story, often in his own strong voice.
“This book is Morgan’s tribute to his father: a man he never knew. A proud Haitian,” Suggs says.
“It is the story of Haiti, right up to this moment.
“It is also the story of his and other Black men and women fighting in the French Resistance where, because of the color of their skin, they could not easily ‘go underground’ and hide. And the Nazis had a pathological hatred and fear of Black people.”
It is a story too, Suggs adds, that will “help raise desperate funding for the people of Haiti.
“It is a story of one man’s lifetime, which took us over a dozen years to discover and write. It is a story that needs to be told.”
At last, it has been.
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The day after a gasoline tanker fire damaged the Fairfield Avenue overpass at I-95 Exit 15 — causing closure of the highway perhaps until Monday, as workers dismantle the span — traffic in Westport was lighter than expected this morning.
It began picking up again, clogging the Post Road, this afternoon.
Perhaps drivers (including parents dropping off school children) heeded the many warnings to stay off the roads, earlier today.
Perhaps drivers heeded warnings — as far away as New York and Rhode Island — to find alternates to 95.
The closest other route is the Merritt Parkway. Everyone here knows that trucks are banned, due to numerous low bridges.
Unfortunately, not every truck driver knows what.
Or heeds the signs at entrances, and various spots on the highway.
Or uses the “truck” mode on their GPS.
This afternoon, Jo Shields Sherman was on the Merritt’s North Avenue overpass. Looking west, she was surprised to see very little traffic.
Standing on the North Avenue bridge and looking westward I was really surprised to see so little traffic.
Gazing in the other direction though, she saw 2 tractor-trailers on the shoulder of the westbound lane.
Cars tried to get around, creating a bottleneck.
But, she says, “a highway worker miraculously appeared, and took control. Both trucks made it under the higher middle portion of the bridge.
(Photo/Jo Shields Sherman)
“I was relieved they did, and glad to see the truck drivers had stopped, didn’t cause an accident, and didn’t catch fire.”
Kudos to the highway worker. Boos to the drivers who could have made a bad situation even worse.
Be careful out there!
(“06880” will continue to cover the I-95 cluster**** — and everything else Westport-related. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
“The Synanon Fix” just finished its 4-part run on HBO.
Poster from a 1960s film.
The film by Rory Kennedy (the daughter of Robert F. Kennedy, born 6 months after he was assassinated) told the story of the drug rehabilitation program-turned-cult that imploded in 1991, after members were convicted of financial misdeeds, evidence tampering, terrorism and attempted murder.
Synanon was founded in 1958 after Charles Dederich, a member of Alcoholics Anonymous, took LSD.
Control over members occurred through the “Game.” The “Game” was presented as a therapeutic tool, and likened to a form of group therapy, but it has been criticized as a form of a “social control,” in which members humiliated one another and encouraged the exposure of one another’s innermost weaknesses.
Beginning in the mid-1970s, women in Synanon were required to shave their heads, and married couples were made to break up and take new partners. Men were given forced vasectomies, and a few pregnant women were forced to have abortions.
By that time, Synanon had already come — and gone — from Westport.
It opened a 24-bed drug rehab facility here in February 1963. The site was an 18-room Victorian mansion at 249 Greens Farms Road. The 4-acre property had once been part of the Bedford family estate.
249 Greens Farms Road (center of aerial photo) today. The entrance is near Beachside Avenue.
Senator Thomas Dodd backed the effort. He called Synanon “one of the most dynamic and vital programs that I have experienced.” The Westport center was envisioned as important to California-based Synanon’s expansion into the Northeast.
“The Sponsors of Synanon” — a Westport organization — provided funding, food and supplies.
But less than 3 years after opening, the town forced Synanon to close. The case reached the Connecticut Supreme Court, which declared that while the non-profit’s program “may be meritorious,” Westport’s single-family zoning ordinance for the neighborhood was clear.
Synanon had claimed that the residents were “family,” all united in a single pursuit.
That was one of the first court cases against what later was called the “most dangerous and violent cults America had ever seen.”
It’s a sure sign of spring. Next Thursday, the Westport Farmers’ Market opens its 2024 season.
The Imperial Avenue parking lot is once again the spot for fresh produce, meats, herbs and more — including organic pet food, and lunch from Mexican and pizza food trucks — every Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This year’s Farmers’ Market runs through November 7.
New this season: stricter guidelines on plastic usage. The goal is to reach a waste-free model.
The Farmers’ Market also plans to include only Connecticut farmers, and products from state-based businesses.
Three Staples High School students are finalists for TEAM Westport’s annual Teen Diversity Essay contest.
Sophia Lopez, Olivia Morgeson and Teya Ozgen will read their essays on Monday (May 6, 6 p.m., Westport Library) — and learn who has won the $1,000, $750 and $500 prizes.
This year’s essay prompt is about hate speech, and the balance between offensive, threatening or hurtful language, and the constitutional right of free expression.
In the aftermath of yesterday’s gas tanker fire on I-95 in Norwalk — the cause of enormous Westport traffic jams — superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice praised the district’s bus service, First Student.
“They were on top of the travel issues long before buses started rolling and did incredible work navigating the clogged streets,” he said. “I am sure they will handle (the) afternoon commute in a similar fashion.”
Scarice also urged parents to not drive their children to school or pick them up. The buses will take a while longer than usual — but more cars on the road will make the trip even longer.
Speaking of school buses: I’m not sure how this story escaped notice on “06880” — or any other local media.
But it’s been at least a couple of weeks, and this is the first we’ve heard of a car crash that took out Westport’s nicest (and perhaps only) school bus shelter.
It happened on Saugatuck Island, right before the schools’ spring break.
Here’s a photo from that night …
,.. and one during daylight:
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A Staples High School student writes: “I often fly fish in Westport for striped bass, in the Saugatuck River. Lately, I have seen a huge amount of poaching.
“There are maybe 3 or 4 respectful, honest guys where I fish, at 5 a.m. But I also see, for example, a guy dropping nets, with a rope. He had at least 8 fish on the bank, all undersize.
“I was very upset. This is a fishery I try to protect, but because of people like him, the species has suffered badly.
“I did not speak to any of the people there. They could be dangerous, and being out alone as a kid is dangerous enough to begin with.
“I hope some action can be taken, either by local law enforcement or DEEP (state Department of Energy & Environmental Protection). If anyone sees any poaching, they should report it please.”
Speaking of Staples: Non-Profit Promoters — the podcast created and hosted by juniors Zach Gorin, Cormac Mulvey, Jack Schwartz and Aaron Varsov, which tells the stories of local organizations — has just dropped a fascinating interview with Helen McAlinden.
The CEO of Homes with Hope goes into depth about their work fighting homelessness and hunger. She also talks about her career path, challenges such as COVID, and the importance of community involvement.
Speaking of podcasts: Alec Baldwin just did a great interview with James Naughton.
The actor and longtime resident talks about the Westport Country Playhouse, his friendship with Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, his advocacy work for death with dignity legislation, and much more.
Westport’s Representative Town Meeting has a new member.
Alma Sarelli replaces Jessica Bram in District 6. Sarelli — who previously ran unsuccessfully for the Board of Education — is president of Neighbors & Newcomers of Westport.
Bram resigned, after moving from the district.
Alma Sarelli
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After reading Tuesday’s “06880” story on Westport’s use of American Rescue Plan Act funds — and the possible issues of using them to fund a study for the redesign of Jesup Green — a reader writes:
“Since the funds can be utilized for sewer, maybe the town could upgrade the existing sewage treatment, and help residents connect.
“At the moment the town basically double charges residents to connect, unless they petition and can wait 5-6 years. If a connection point is a few houses away, the person looking to connect must pay for all the work involved, plus give a connection point to every house they pass by at the full expense of the person looking to connect.
“On top of that, the town levies the full assessment of the sewer line they are connecting to, even though that line has been fully paid for by all the residents it services. I’m told the extra money charged goes into a sewer Kitty.
“It definitely doesn’t make the idea of upgrading one’s sewage disposal very attractive. But it sounds like we might have potential funds available so residents don’t have to pay for it twice, and question whether connecting makes sense due to exorbitant cost.”
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This winter, the Longshore Women’s Golf Association asked the town to upgrade the women’s locker facility.
Within 4 days, the request was approved.
Work started quickly. It’s already been done — in time for the new golf season.
The LWGA says, “We are thrilled at the positive attitude of the town officials and their willingness to go above and beyond.”
The LWGA did their part, donating time and money to upgrade the locker room’s furnishings.
Last week, Westport Parks & Recreation director Jen Fava joined Mike Frawley of the Department of Public Works’ building maintenance staff, for a ribbon cutting.
Celebrating the new women’s locker room.
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Neil Roper, an active member of Staples High School’s Class of 1965, died recently in Memphis, after a short illness. He was 77.
After Staples, Neil attended the University of Virginia, and graduated from Michigan State University.
He worked in Overton Square in the 1970s, moving on to be part owner of the East End Grill, and part-owner and general manager of the Belmont Grill. He retired in 2015.
Neil enjoyed gardening, working around the house, and going on road trips. He was heavily involved Staples’ class reunions.
His obituary says, “His wonderful sense of humor consisted of practical jokes, puns and pranks. He was very well-read, and carried on lively discussions about politics, current affairs and music, which he was extremely passionate about. Those who knew him saw past his gruff exterior and loved him for his idiosyncrasies.”
He was predeceased by his wife Denise and brother Timothy. He is survived by his sisters Anne Roper of Dublin, Ireland; Margaret Trainor (John) and Erin Roper; brothers Brian and Kevin Roper of Memphis, nieces and nephews, and his loyal cat, Buscher.
Angelo Dorta and Chris Chaille were thanked for their care and friendship over the years.
A gathering honoring Neil is set for Alex’s Tavern in Memphis on May 9 (3 p.m.).
In lieu of cards or flowers, donations can be made to a charity of choice.
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Like all animals, ospreys act on instinct.
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows this one, trying to intimidate an owl near Police headquarters.
And finally … Duane Eddy — the groundbreaking 1950s guitarist, who influenced artists like George Harrison, Jimi Hendrix and Bruce Springsteen — died Tuesday in Tennessee. He was 86, and had been ill with cancer. Click here for a full obituary.
(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. We rely on support from readers like you. Please click here to help. Thank you!)
Longtime Westporter “06880” reader Scott Smith writes:
I’ve sat on the sidelines for most of the endless debate about downtown parking, but the recent 06880 post about the “field trip” to Jesup Green by RTM members and town leaders really gets my goat.
I can’t believe the town is considering paving over a large swath of precious and historic green space in the heart of downtown for the sake of a few more parked cars.
I googled the Jesup Green area to get a bird’s-eye view. I wanted to explore an idea: If the merchants or town muckety-mucks really want more convenient parking downtown, they should buy 100 and/or 126 Post Road East — the current homes of Paper Source/Bankwell and Bank of America, respectively — and turn those sites into public parking.
Aerial view of downtown shows many empty parking spaces behind the Bank of America building (top center, red circle), and Paper Source (to its immediate left). Jesup Road is the street in the middle. Jesup Green, and the Taylor parking lot, are at lower left.
Each entity could be easily relocated, as there’s already a glut of empty retail space in the area (and certainly no shortage of banks). Hey, knock yourself out and amortize both properties. Presto: There’s your 40 new spaces, close by anywhere downtown.
But do we really want to pave over all of downtown? Looking at the satellite view makes me think there is absolutely no shortage of parking in the area surrounding Jesup Green.
Toni Simonetti outlined current police parking near Jesup Green (center) and behind police headquarters (lower right) in yellow. The purple area shows where new parking could be created at the top of Jesup Green (outline), and along Jesup Road (hash marks).
The problem is access and zoning. No way BofA, with its drive-thru, needs all those parking spaces, for instance. Or perhaps the bank could be persuaded to open up its empty parking spaces to employees of local retailers who bank with them? Has anybody asked?
Not shown in the bird’s-eye view is another overlooked parking option: All the unused spaces behind the Police Department.
Lower parking lot, near police headquarters. The entrance is at the bottom of Jesup Road, near Imperial Avenue. This view is looking west, toward the Levitt Pavilion and Library.
I parked there a dozen years ago while working at the Westport YMCA when it was still downtown, and the Jesup Road municipal lot was closed for renovation and construction of the Paper Source building.
It’s an easy walk, especially for those working and shopping on the southeast side of downtown. Presto: There’s 40 more spaces!
So c’mon, RTM members, First Selectwoman Tooker and Public Works director Ratkiewich: If you’re dead set on adding downtown parking, get off the dime and build a deck on the Baldwin lot.
Or repurpose the police lot for safe, secure parking for retail employees.
Or make a deal to open up or convert existing underutilized retail space to additional parking.
But keep your hands off the town’s unique and under-appreciated riverfront walkways and vistas — especially Jesup Green.
Scott’s suggestion to utilize the parking lot behind police headquarters, near Deadman Brook, has been made by other “06880” readers.
One idea: Use that entire lot behind the headquarters building for police vehicle parking. That would free up the spaces currently used to the west of the building — near Jesup Green — for parking by downtown shoppers, restaurant-goers and employees.
The RTM will discuss a $630,000 appropriation for a study on Jesup Green and Imperial Avenue parking at its meeting on Tuesday, May 7 (Town Hall auditorium), following its vote on the Board of Education budget. Discussion on the parking issue is expected to begin around 8:30 p.m.
(“06880” is your source for hyper-local journalism. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Demolition of the I-95 Fairfield Avenue overpass in Norwalk will begin tomorrow morning. The road, at Exit 15, was damaged this morning, when a gasoline tanker involved in a multi-vehicle accident caught fire underneath.
I-95 will remain closed during demolition. The state Department of Transportation expects the work to last about 4 days.
The goal is for I-95 to reopen on Monday, May 6.
Westport Police say: “Over the next few days, local roads will continue to be severely affected with increased vehicular traffic.
“We urge anyone who does not need to travel to stay off the roads. If you need to travel, please give yourself extra time and be patient.
“We also encourage anyone traveling to and from Westport to use Metro North train service or alternate routes.”
The rash of vehicle break-ins and thefts continues.
At 11:45 p.m. last night, Westport Police responded to Hillspoint Road near Compo Beach — the area of an attempted theft the day before — after a 911 call reported 2 people trying to enter vehicles.
The WPD, along with members of the Bridgeport Auto-Theft Task Force, set up a perimeter. Two suspect vehicles, both stolen from other towns, were seen leaving the area.
Westport Police attempted a traffic stop. Neither vehicle complied. Members of BATF, operating unmarked cars, followed one of the vehicles to I-95, where it was stopped in Stratford. Two juveniles, 14 and 17 from Danbury, were taken into custody.
The driver was charged with engaging police in pursuit, criminal attempt to assault a public safety officer, interfering with an officer and larceny of a motor vehicle.
Both were released to the custody of their parents, with a court date in Danbury Juvenile Court.
On Tuesday Detective John Lauria and Officer Melissa Bike dusted a vehicle for fingerprints, following an attempted theft. (Photo/Andrew Colabella)
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In other police news, there were 2 custodial arrests between April 24 and May 1.
Omar Aliyhry, a 29-year-old Bronx man — the manager of Savvy Smoker — was arrested for sale of 1 kilogram or more of cannabis, and conspiracy to sell 1kg or more.
In December 2023, Westport Police began an investigation into illegal cannabis sales at the Post Road East store, following complaints of illegal activity.
Through the use of undercover officers buying illegal cannabis products and search warrants, the WPD learned that Savvy Smoker was allegedly selling illegal items, in violation of their license.
Aliyhry was released on $15,000 bond. He has a court date of May 17, at Stamford Superior Court.
A 28-year-old Bronx man was arrested and charged with identity theft, following an investigation into a July complaint that a check for $36.91 deposited in a blue USPS mailbox had been stolen, altered for $6,000, and fraudulently deposited into an unknown account.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 7 citations
A multi-vehicle accident and fire on I-95 southbound just before 5:30 a.m. today caused gridlock throughout Westport.
And it won’t ease for a while. Officials estimated this morning that I-95 in that area could be closed for several days.
Westbound Post Road traffic, just before noon. The cross streets are Myrtle Avenue (left) and Imperial Avenue (right). (Drone photo/Charlie Scott)
The crash — involving 2 tractor-trailers and a passenger vehicle — ignited a blaze in a tanker truck with 8,500 gallons of gasoline, underneath Fairfield Avenue at Exit 15. None of the occupants were hurt, though a firefighter suffered a leg injury. (Click here for a video of the fire.)
The I-95 accident and fire earlier today. (Photo/Norwalk Fire Department)
Traffic was closed in both directions, and on surrounding streets. Fairfield Avenue connects Martin Luther King Boulevard and Connecticut Avenue.
Officials are checking for damage to the overpass.
The aftermath of this morning’s tanker fire. The truck cannot be moved until all contents are offloaded. (Photo courtesy of News12 Connecticut)
The result was horrendous traffic, throughout Westport.
The Post Road was backed up for miles at rush hour. Alternate routes paralleling I-95, as well as to the Merritt Parkway, were also jammed.
The Post Road, at Wilton Road and Riverside Avenue. (Photo/Craig Bergamo)
Large trucks — including semis — jammed the Post Road. Some headed west on Greens Farms Road, but had to turn right on Imperial Avenue because they could not cross the Cribari Bridge.
That created additional traffic, at the Imperial/Post Road East traffic light.
Officials urge drivers — particularly truckers — to use alternate routes, including I-84 and I-87, if possible. Signs throughout the state, and in New York and Rhode Island, urge motorists to avoid the area.
Another view of the accident and fire. (Facebook screenshot courtesy of Kalin Barber)
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The book tells Durand’s remarkable story, often in his own strong voice.
