Roundup: Antisemitism Forum, Capital Spending, Staples Insta …

Posted on March 13, 2024 | 1 comment

Tonight is the night for a forum on “Addressing Incidents of Antisemitism and Bias in our Schools” (Wednesday, March 13, 7:30 p.m., Temple Israel).

The event — including educators, clergy and community leaders — will provide an opportunity to share best practices for preventing and responding to identity-based bullying in public schools. A Q-and-A session will follow.

Originally scheduled for February, the forum was postponed by snow.

Click here to attend in person (pre-registration is required). Click here to watch via livestream. Click here to watch via livestream.

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Several big capital spending projects loom in Westport.

What are the rationales, goals and processes?

Town Hall and Westport Public Schools leaders share insights on March 26 (7 p.m., Westport Library) in a community conversation.

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice will present their capital spending strategies and rationales. A panel of experts will discuss possible funding strategies, capital planning best practices, and the approval process for achieving capital spending goals. An audience Q-and-A session will follow.

The event is sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Westport, and the Westport Library’s Common Ground initiative.

Longshore is one of several large capital projects planned for the future.

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Congratulations to the Staples High School Model UN Club.

Inklings reports that 16 delegates attended the recent National High School Model UN Conference in New York.

Staples delegates represented South Africa in 8 committees, debating topics like healthcare and renewable energy.

Club president Tucker Peters and vice president Jameson Russell were given the Commission on Science and Technology for Development’s Awards of Distinction, the highest possible award.

Alessandra Spadea, Jori Altman, Mia Bomback and Graysen Peters earned Awards of Merit for their contributions in the UN Human Rights Council and International Organization for Migration, respectively.

Jacob Calandro and Julien McMahon received Awards of Excellence for the Commission on Crime Prevention and Justice.

Staples’ Model UN Club, at the real UN. (Photo/Mia Bomback)

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Speaking of Staples: What does the world see when they think of our high school?

If they’re one of the 83,000 followers of “thekingof5thave” — actually, Nicholas Pinsker — this is what they saw:

He’s not a Staples graduate. So how well — or poorly — did he describe our high school? Click “Comments” below. (Hat tip: Donna O’Donnell)

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From a quick glance at this photo, it looks like just some guy playing piano at last night’s Artists Collective of Westport pop-up gallery opening party.

(Photo/Dan Woog)

But look closely. “That guy” is Mark Naftalin. A spectacularly talented keyboardist, he played with the Paul Butterfield Blues Band — and was inducted with them into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015.

It did not take long for the large crowd to realize they were in the presence of greatness — musically, as well as artistically.

Attendees of all ages gathered around the piano, as the famed Westport resident played blues, boogie-woogie, and lots more — just like he was back on stage at Monterey.

Mark Naftalin: a master at work. (Photo/Tomoko Meth)

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The Gaelic American Club is in Fairfield.

But plenty of Westporters are members of the 75-year-old organization.

And sure, they’ll all be there this St. Patrick’s weekend to celebrate.

You’re invited too!

From Friday to Sunday (March 15-17; $10 non-members), Irish and non-Irish alike* will enjoy live music from a pipe band, with step dancers; corned beef sandwiches and more.

Click here for details.

*But isn’t everyone Irish on St. Patrick’s Day?

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As our national mental health crisis escalates, TAP Strength — the individualized coaching center in downtown Westport — is offering an intriguing discussion.

“Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy” features a discussion with Jennifer Boyd, a  physician assistant, ecopsychologist and Reiki master. TAP founder Dr. EJ Zebro will moderate.

The event is March 26 (6-7 p.m., 180 Post Road East). Proceeds from the suggested $25 donation will go to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

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Westporter Atara Nova’s unique “Cosmic Misfit” concert and one-woman show of all original music heads to Newtown’s Sticks & Stones Farms this Saturday (March 16, 7 p.m.).

Organizers say: “As the music from pulsating beats to haunting melodies unfold, you’ll embark on a journey woven with intricately layered harmonies and rhythms, each reflecting a chapter of Atara’s profound inner quest.

“The music tells a story of Wetiko, a deadly virus of the mind, and one celestial being’s quest to heal herself and her community.”

Tickets are $22 (sliding scale available). Click here to buy, and for information.

PS: If you haven’t heard of Atara Nova, you may know her as Atara Horrigan.

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We can never have enough dogs in our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

Ellen Wentworth captions this: “Ever feel this way?”

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And finally … in honor of Mark Naftalin, last night’s featured musician at the Artists’ Collective of Westport gallery opening (story above):

 (Today — as every day — “06880” is “Where Westport meets the world.” But we couldn’t do it without our readers’ support. Please click here to contribute. Thank you very much!) 

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Posted in Arts, Economy, Entertainment, religion, Staples HS

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Westporters Tackle Sahara’s “Toughest Footrace On Earth”

Posted on March 13, 2024 | 2 comments

Alert and intrigued “06880” reader Jenny McGuinness writes:

My husband Luke McGuinness, and our neighbors Peter Boyd and Stephanie Tang, appear completely sane on the outside.

Like many, they lead busy lives as parents and professionals in Westport. But they moonlight as lunatics: Next month, the 3 will embark on a 6-day footrace across the Sahara desert in Morocco.

By choice.

The event is called the Marathon des Sables. The Discovery Channel called it “the Toughest Footrace on Earth.”

Participants will cover 156.5 miles over 6 days on foot — anywhere from 13.1 to 53 miles each day.

But that’s not all. Participants must carry all of their food and provisions for the week in a pack on their back.

Not quite the Sahara: Peter Boyd, Luke McGuinness and Stephanie Tang, take a break during  a 34-mile training run last weekend at Compo Beach …

The only things race organizers provide are water, and an open-sided tent each night.

The upside? Your pack is very heavy at the start. But it gets lighter every day.

What diabolical maniac planted the seed for this idea?

Pete Boyd.

… and then get back to work.

Mild-mannered and good-natured on the outside, but apparently made of utter darkness inside, Pete completed the race in 2003. Much like childbirth, one forgets the enormous amount of pain when enough time has passed.

He yearned to return to the Sahara. But who could he sucker into joining him?

He didn’t have to look far. Knowing that his neighbors Luke and Stephanie — like him — enjoy any garden variety, exceptionally torturous physical challenge, he asked.

“Don’t worry, guys, it’s not that bad,” Pete said. “It’s just sandy. Very sandy,”

They accepted.

Pete says there are 2 kinds of sand topography in sunny Morocco: the soft dune-running days, and the rocky sand days.

The latter is worse, because “you sprain your ankle hundreds of times all day, every day.”

A scene from the Marathon des Sables.

What else is hard about this beast of a race?

“The sandstorms,” Pete says simply.

The average daytime temperature in that part of Morocco in April is between 100 and 110 degrees — with a chance of camel.

???!!!

The Marathon des Sables includes a time cut-off: You have to finish each day ahead of an actual camel that race organizers send out to bring up the rear.

If the camel passes you, you’re out of the race.

Luke, Peter and Stephanie have been training hard for months. You may have seen them out on the roads at dawn, wearing backpacks, headlamps, and sick grins.

They are determined. They will be successful!

We sure can’t wait to hear about this epic adventure, and best of all, to have them back safely.

(Marathon Des Sables is April 12-22. Luke, Peter and Stephanie are running to benefit the High Atlas Foundation, a non-profit founded by former Peace Corps volunteers aimed at furthering sustainable agriculture, women’s empowerment, clean water, education, and cultural preservation in Morocco. To donate, click here.

(To follow the Westport trio in real time as they journey across the Sahara,  click here.)

Astonishingly, Luke, Peter and Stephanie are not the first Westporters to be challenged by the Marathon des Sables.

In 2014, I wrote about Jean Paul Desrosiers. The owner of Sherpa Fitness Center had just returned from his grueling adventure. Click here for that story.

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Pics Of The Day #2520

Posted on March 12, 2024 | 1 comment

Compo Beach sunset …

… and nearby, at Ned Dimes Marina (Photos/JD Dworkow)

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“06880” Podcast: Alisyn Camerota

Posted on March 12, 2024 | 11 comments

Alisyn Camerota is a journalist, author and CNN correspondent.

She has anchored the morning show “New Day,” co-hosted the afternoon edition of “CNN Newsroom,” and hosted “CNN Tonight.” Before CNN, she worked at Fox News.

She has won 2 Emmys, and the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award. Her first novel, “Amanda Wakes Up,” was chosen by NPR a one of the best books of the year.

Alisyn is — equally notably — a Westport resident, and very active in our community.

The other day she and I sat on the Westport Library stage, for “06880: The Podcast.” We chatted about her career, politics, her new memoir “Combat Love,” and Westport.

Click below for a fascinating insider’s view on all:

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Posted in Library, Media

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Roundup: Justin Paul, Malachy McCourt, Jackson Pollock …

Posted on March 12, 2024 | 9 comments

Staples is not the only high school to produce “James and the Giant Peach.”

But it may be the only one whose cast spent a full afternoon with the composer, as they prepare for the opening curtain.

Then again, Staples is the only high school that Justin Paul — the songwriter — graduated from.

The 2003 alum returned yesterday to the stage where he got his start. Staples Players directors David Roth and Kerry Long — who worked with Paul on a number of shows, and introduced him to Stephen Schwartz (“Godspell,” “Pippin,” “Wicked”), now a longtime mentor and friend — led a Q-and-A session with Paul, as the cast and crew of “James and the Giant Peach” sat on stage.

Paul said he “found his people” in Staples’ 4 Building (the arts wing), where he sang; played in the orchestra, band and jazz band; conducted and wrote music, and danced (though, he stressed, not well).

Staples was also where Paul met Peter Duchan, another talented songwriter 2 years older who later collaborated with Paul and his writing partner, Benj Pasek. They met at the University of Michigan.

Paul — who majored in musical theater — discussed the many paths to work in the industry, and the importance of nurturing relationships.

Then he headed over to a keyboard, and led Players in a workshop with the songs — his songs — they’ll be singing from March 21-24. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Justin Paul (left), inside the “giant peach” on the Staples stage, with directors Kerry Long and David Roth. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Justin Paul, working with the cast of “James and the Giant Peach” … (Photo/Kerry Long)

… and posing with them, on the set. (Photo/Kerry Long)

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Speaking of the entertainment industry:

News of the death of Malachy McCourt yesterday, at 92, reminded me of his Westport connection.

Frank McCourt’s brother — who, the New York Times said, “fled a melancholic childhood in Ireland for America, where he applied his blarney and brogue to become something of a professional Irishman as a thespian, a barkeep and a best-selling memoirist” — was also an actor. His best known role was on “Ryan’s Hope,” he and I co-starred in a full-length movie.

Well, he was a star. I had a cameo. But still …

Back in the day, Westport filmmaker Sean Cunningham directed “Manny’s Orphans.”

He went on to much more fame with “Friday the 13th” and “Spring Break.” But this comedy, about a team of soccer-playing orphans and their rivals from an elite prep school (you’ll never guess who wins the big game!) was shot in Westport and Bridgeport.

Sean used plenty of local kids (and hired me to choreograph all the soccer scenes). But he added in a few actual actors, including Malachy McCord (he played Father Arch McCoy). New York Cosmos star Werner Roth was in the film too.

Click below to see one of the highlights. It’s the Big Game, and was filmed at Greens Farms Academy.

At 2:20, 7;21, 8:16 (and other spots), you’ll see Malachy.

And at 4:47, you’ll see a very young Dan Woog, blowing his whistle as the referee.

“Manny’s Orphans” did not win an Oscar.

But it didn’t have to. All these years later, it still lives on.

Rest in peace, Malachy McCourt!

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The Downtown Plan Implementation Committee meets this Thursday (March 14, 8:30 a.m., Town Hall Room 201).

The agenda includes:

  • Strategic priority review (parking lots reinvention)
  • Downtown lots design master plan (Parker Harding status; Jesup and Imperial; parking maps; EV charging; playground; wayfinding)
  • Other projects status (Avery Street pole removal)
  • Sustainability

The current plan for the Jesup (lower library) parking lot.

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In the middle of Women’s History Month, StartUp Westport looks forward.

Next Monday (March 18, 6:30 p.m., Westport Library), the public/private partnership to make our town a tech entrepreneur hub hosts Galia Gichon.

The financial services and angel investing expert will lead a forum on “Female Founders and Investors.” Prominent women will share their experiences in fundraising, investing, and launching early-stage startups.

Gichon is a longtime Westport resident and the co-managing partner of Tidal River Fund, an early stage investment fund. She has been featured in Newsweek, CNN, The New York Times and more.

For more information, click here.

Galia Gichon

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Also at the Library, this Thursday Westport photographer and artist Stacy Bass introduces a new series. SmART will feature in-depth conversations about art and artists

The first event (March 14, 7 p.m.) focuses on the relationship between artists (and married couple) Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner. Bass will speak with art historian/educator/curator/Pollock and Krasner expert Bobbi Coller. Examples of their artwork will be shown broadcast on the 18-foot refz Forum video wall.

Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner

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Circle of Care supports families of children with cancer through programs and services such as day-of-diagnosis care packages, dream room makeovers, and emergency financial assistance to help pay for non-medical expenses like housing, transportation, and food.

Since 2004 they have helped 3,600 families, and provided over $5 million in services. Many Westporters have been aided by Circle of Care, and many others volunteer.

The non-profit celebrates 20 years with an open house this Friday (March 15, 5 to 8 p.m., 144 Danbury Road, Wilton), a 5K benefit run May 5, and gala at the Loading Dock in Stamford June 13. For more information on Circle of Care, click here. visit their website.

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With Connecticut’s presidential primary near — and the general election coming in November — the registrar’s office will be open this Friday (March 15, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.., Town Hall Room 107) for people new to town or coming of age to register to vote.

They’re also open for registrations during regular office hours.

But this Friday, especially, anyone not otherwise qualified to vote is invited to ask questions about qualifications.

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Grammy Award-winning pianist Kevin Hays and drummer/composer Chase Elodia headline this Thursday’s Jazz at the Post (March 14, shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner service at 7 p.m.; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; $20 music cover, $15 for veterans and students).

They’re joined by bassist Paul Pandit and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall. Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.

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Speaking of “The Jazz Rabbi”: Greg Wall is the special guest at the next “This Is Your Life” program at the Senior Center (March 27, 1 to 2 p.m.).

The series is hosted by Rozanne Gates of The Legacy Project USA, a Westport-based business that documents the stories of people’s lives. She will interviewing Rabbi Wall about his life as rabbi at Beit Chaverim Synagogue, and a jazz musician.

The program is free. Call to register: 203-341-5099.

Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall

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For a computer glitch reason, some “06880” readers did not receive Sunday’s lead story, about Wendy Modic succeeding Kammy Maxfeldt as the Birchwood Country Club golf pro.

The 2 women have succeeded in a largely male profession.

If you did not receive the story in your email, click here to read.

Wendy Modic

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is impressive — and a bit scary.

Max Waugh spotted this coyote (the size of a small wolf) on Reimer Road, just west of the Bedford Middle School entrance. (Hat tip: Carl Addison Swanson)

(Photo/Max Waugh)

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And finally … Eric Carmen, lead singer of the Raspberries who then went on to a solo career, has died. He was 74. Click here for a full obituary.

(Justin Paul, Malachy McCourt, Jackson Pollock — they’re all part of “Where Westport Meets the World.” Please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Staples HS

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Couch Potato Salad Days Are Here

Posted on March 12, 2024 | 10 comments

Move over, Wordle.

There’s a new game in town.

Literally.

Couch Potato Salad was created right here in Westport. And with its clever premise, compelling graphics and daily addictive/social/creative buzz, it could be the next thing to break the internet.

Just click on CouchPotatoSaladGame.com. You’ll see an image. The correct answer will describe it using 2 common phrases, linked by a shared middle word.

For example:

It’s “Shrimp Cocktail Party.”

Try this:

Of course, it’s “Smart Cookie Monster.”

The game is the brainchild of Zack Gross. The 2001 Staples High School graduate moved back to Westport last year, with his wife and 2 young children.

He enlisted current Staples senior Joshua Jordan to turn the idea into a web-based reality.

(Full disclosure: I got the 2 together. I coached Zack in soccer back in the day. And Josh developed the very successful “06880” app last summer. Zack calls Josh “the smartest 18-year-old on the planet.” That’s low-balling it.)

In about 2 months, Josh created the website. Zack made the graphics. And last week, they soft-launched Couch Potato Salad (get it?) on the world.

Zack Gross

The game’s genesis dates back more than a decade. Zack and Lauren McCabe — also a Westport resident — hashed out the idea on a couples’ trip. They played occasionally, using words only, over the years.

But Zack always thought the game would work well as a visual puzzle.

“The best phrase couplets are amusing because they create a silly image in your mind,” the University of Pennsylvania and New York University School of Law graduate says.

“Crab Walk of Shame” works because you imagine a hungover crab stumbling home on the beach. But he had no way of generating the hundreds of images he needed for the game.

Then came Artificial Intelligence.

Now — with the right prompt — he can create endless images. AI generates “The Wicked Witch of the West Wing” or “Drunk with Power Rangers” at a tiny fraction of the time — and cost — it would take an illustrator.

“The images are amazing,” Zack says. “Embarrassingly, I have several hanging in my house masquerading as ‘art.'”

Try this beauty:

Of course, it’s “Elephant in the Room for Improvement.”

Even with AI, of course, capturing the right image is not easy.

“You can’t just type ‘Bachelor Pad Thai’ and get a workable puzzle,” he notes.

He first figures out the necessary visual elements and style, then explains it to the program.

From there, it’s a lot of trial and error.

For the “Couch Potato Salad” image — on the website’s home page — Zack generated over 100 options. A professional illustrator revised it further.

What’s especially cool, Zack says, is that the game was created, tested and developed entirely by Westporters.

Josh Jordan

After developing it with McCabe, he sent it to high school classmates Will Downey, Mike Carey, Jordan Schur, Everett Boyle and Jim Wolf (some of whom, like Zack, have returned here to live).

Josh — the Staples senior — took care of all the back end tech work. As with the “06880” app, he worked quickly, efficiently, creatively and very professionally.

Now Zack and Josh — 23 years younger, and a soon-to-be fellow Staples grad — have shared Couch Potato Salad with the rest of the world.

What a great Brain Food Chain!

(Where else but “06880” can you find a story like this? When you finish downloading Couch Potato Salad, please consider a contribution to your hyper-local blog. Click here — and thank you!)

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Posted in Local business, Staples HS, technology, Totally random

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Pic Of The Day #2619

Posted on March 11, 2024 | 2 comments

Foggy fire truck, on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge (Photo/Michael Chait)

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Posted in Downtown, Pic of the Day, Weather

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Thanks To All Who Donated To “06880”

Posted on March 11, 2024 | 6 comments

A hearty “06880” thank you to all who donated to this year’s “pledge drive.” Your support of our online community is greatly appreciated.

I hate to ask for funds. But the NPR/PBS model is the only way to continue to tell stories about the people, places and past of this town; to bring you news and photos, and to do all the back-end stuff no one ever sees but that takes all of my time, 24/7/365.

Someone congratulated me on 15 years of “06880” — then said, “Sorry I missed your contribution day. I’ll send a check next year.”

Great news! Your money is good any time!

You can donate by PayPal or credit card: click here. It’s easy, safe — and you don’t even need a PayPal account. 

Checks can be mailed to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881.

I’m also on Venmo: @blog06880

You can even scan this QR code:

If you already donated: thanks again.

If you forgot: thanks in advance!

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Roundup: Dunville’s, Fashionably Westport, AWARE …

Posted on March 11, 2024 | 5 comments

When Dunville’s closed last month, rumors flew around town.

Some said: It’s gone forever!

Others countered: No! It’s been bought by Little Pub!

No one seemed to know what was happening with the iconic 42-year-old Saugatuck restaurant/bar.

And no one who would know was speaking publicly.

Yesterday, Doug Grabe — who owns the 5 Little Pubs, in Fairfield, Wilton, Greenwich, Stratford and Old Saybrook — emailed “06880.” He said: “Dunville’s is not going anywhere. And neither is beloved owner Steve Carpentieri.

“He and I recently decided to work together to return Dunville’s to a full-service, 7-day-a-week lunch and dinner restaurant. We had to shut down for a bit to do that.

“Dunville’s is now back open every day from 4 to 11 p.m. for dinner service, takeout and delivery.

“Lunch service should start around April 1, with Dunville’s brunch returning shortly afterwards.

“We’re still sorting out the various systems, interfaces and platforms. But the current menu is up. Click here.

“There’s still lots to do. But we’re back open, and we hope to see everyone at Dunville’s 42nd annual St Patrick’s Day Celebration on Sunday March 17.”

Generations of Westporters can breathe a sigh of relief.

And look forward to another 4 decades of food, drinks and friendly vibe on Saugatuck Avenue.

Dunville’s

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It’s still more than 2 weeks away. But “Fashionably Westport” is already setting records.

The most number of participants — 30 stores, 13 salons, and over 100 models — are combining to make this a hometown event, and support a worthy cause: Homes with Hope.

The Westport Downtown Association’s raised runway show takes place Thursday, March 28 (7 to 10 p.m., Westport Library). A full day in-store activities follows on March 29.

The event features talented, energetic MC Dave Briggs. Cove Collective owner Carey Price is the runway director. There’s a silent auction, live music by the Staples Jazz Band; signature cocktails, and a “Fashionable Taste of Westport” food vendor experience.

Fashion retailer participants include 203 The Two Oh Three, 7 For All Mankind, Bella Bridesmaids, birddogs, Bobbles & Lace, Brochu Walker, Cove Collective, Dylan James Jewelry, Express Edit, Fred, J Crew, Jenni Kayne, Middlemarch, Mitchells, Naturino’s Kids Shoes, Nineteen Pieces, Plumed Serpent, Rhone, Scout & Molly’s, Savvy + Grace, South Moon Under, Splash of Pink, Southern Tide, Splendid, Stephen Kempson, Vince, Vuori, WC Prints, West and Winged Monkey.

Salon participants include Artistex Salon & Spa, Bird, Bloom, Blow Dry of Southport and Westport, Haus of Pretty, Headliners Salon, Feathers & Fringe, Lachers X Pure, Moxie Salon & Beauty Bar, Salon Dada, Salon Nash, W Hair & Color, and Whip Salon.

Auction donors are Aquila’s Nest Vineyards, Blossom + Stem Floral Design, Jillin’ It, New Beauty & Wellness, Serendipity Labs, Shake Shack, Soul Cycle, Westport Botanica, and Westport Country Playhouse.

For tickets and more information, click here.

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In a town filled with high-profile, high-impact organizations working hard to make the world a better place, Westporters should be aware of AWARE.

Its name is not as well known as some others. But the group — whose acronym stands for Assisting Women through Action, Resources and Education — quietly and efficiently gets stuff done.

And they do it in a unique way.

Each year, AWARE selects a women’s cause — female veterans, say, or breast cancer, literacy, or refugees and immigrants,

Then they partner with a charity working in that area. Through a fundraiser, hands-on activity and educational event, AWARE shines a light on specific women’s issue, all year long.

This year’s partner is Inspirica. The Stamford-based non-profit strives to end homelessness and housing insecurity by helping individuals and families achieve stability through support services, and affordable housing.

A fundraiser and awareness raiser on Saturday, March 23 (3 to 4 p.m.) includes a quick walk. It starts at Green & Tonic (all participants get a free smoothie), then goes up Main Street to Parker Harding Plaza, for a stroll along the Saugatuck River. It ends at the Westport Library.

The walk is organized by AWARE’s 3 high school clubs: Staples, Weston and Ridgefield.

Donations are requested, but not mandatory. Click here for details, and to donate.

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There’s always plenty of water at Sherwood Island State Park.

After several days of rain, there’s a lot now in places there shouldn’t be.

Johanna Keyser Rossi snapped today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo near the state park entrance. “Ducks and gulls preferred swimming there to the Sound,” she says.

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … in honor of the reopening of Dunville’s:

(We’re always glad you came [to “06880”]. And if you want to support our work: Great! Please click here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Downtown, Local business, Restaurants, Saugatuck

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Looking Back: That 1st COVID Year

Posted on March 11, 2024 | 9 comments

Four years ago this week, COVID slammed into Westport.

In the span of 3 days, we went from a community-wide information meeting at the Library — at which no one wore masks — to the sudden closure of schools, institutions, and life as we knew it.

A year later, I wrote a looking-back piece. Coronavirus was still a thing; schools had only recently eased their mask rules.

Here is the story I posted on March 11, 2021 — one year after the day that changed everything.

This piece brings us back to that week of utter uncertainty, lack of clear information and dread.

And it brings us back to its 1-year anniversary. We were still uncertain; fear still hung in the air.

Today, that all seems like a different millennium.

Of course, we are only one random pathogenic mutation away from it happening all over again.

Or worse.

On Sunday, March 8, 2020, town officials hosted a community forum on COVID-19, at the Westport Library.

“A small, well-spaced-apart crowd was joined by many more online participants this afternoon,” I wrote.

“Presentations were clear and cogent; questions were wide-ranging and thoughtful; answers were direct and honest.” Topics included schools, the Senior Center, restaurants, Metro-North, budget implications, gyms and the YMCA.

Then-1st Selectman Jim Marpe (far right), at the March 8 COVID-19 panel.

The key takeaways:

  • There were dozens of “what-ifs.”
  • The best precautions included rigorous hand-washing, frequent cleaning of surfaces, and careful monitoring of surroundings and contacts.
  • It was virtually inevitable that COVID would come to Westport.

In fact, it already had.

State Representative Jonathan Steinberg (left), and 1st Selectman Jim Marpe demonstrated the best way to say hello, COVID-19-style.

Three days later — on Wednesday, March 11 — fear had heightened considerably.

A student at Staples High School asked me if I thought schools would close. “Maybe Monday,” I replied..

That night I was supposed to have dinner with my sister and nephews in New York, and see Andy Borowitz. We texted all day about what to do. With trepidation, we said: Let’s go for it.

Suddenly, news came that Westport schools were closing. A news conference was quickly planned for outside Town Hall. Forget dinner, I texted. I have to cover this.

The weather outside Town Hall was beautiful, I reported. But the officials on the front steps were grim.

1st Selectman Jim Marpe, Westport Weston Health District director Mark Cooper and others outlined the day’s rapid developments.

1st Selectman Jim Marpe and town officials, at the news conference outside Town Hall.

They noted a private party in Westport the previous Thursday, March 5. Of the 40 or so attendees — of all ages — 14 reported coronavirus-like symptoms.

“It’s likely many people were exposed,” Cooper said. “And others will be.”

Schools would be closed indefinitely, for deep cleaning. Also shut: Town Hall. All meetings, including the Board of Finance budget. The Senior Center. Toquet Hall. The Westport Library (until Monday).

Marpe noted that private institutions must decide for themselves which events to cancel. “We recognize these are tough decisions,” he said.

Reporters kept their distance — a new concept — at the Town Hall news conference.

I still planned one last hurrah that night in New York.

I never went. Midway through writing my story, I got a text. Andy Borowitz had canceled.

The next day, I walked downtown.

The scene was surreal. Main Street was abandoned. Stores were shut; every parking spot was open.

A friend in an office above Brooks Corner spotted me. We talked for an hour. He runs a summer camp. He had no idea if — or how — he’d be affected. We agreed: None of us knew what’s ahead. But suddenly we were very, very worried.

One of my fears was that with Westport locked down, I’d have nothing to write about.

An hour after the announcement that schools would be closed, Trader Joe’s looked like the day before a snowstorm. (Photo/Armelle Pouriche)

I could not have been more wrong.

After returning home, I did not leave for the next 4 days. I wrote constantly. There were stories everywhere.

I wrote about:

  • Constantly changing advice on numbers and safety precautions
  • Store closures: How to get food
  • Church closures: What to expect for Easter and Passover
  • What students should expect, with schools closed
  • The emotions of the Staples girls’ basketball team; COVID canceled the state tournament, just as they reached the semifinals
  • The lack of test kits
  • A raging debate on whether “small gatherings” were okay. “It’s not a snow day!” one news story reported. Some in Westport disagreed.

And of course, I wrote about the beach.

The weekend was gorgeous. Stuck at home Thursday and Friday, Westporters flocked to Compo. Some wore masks. Most did not. Some practiced that new concept: social distancing. Others did not.

Compo Beach, March 13, 2020 (Photo/Jo Shields Sherman)

Alarmed, Marpe shut the Compo and Burying Hill parking lots, and the Compo playground.

Some Westporters applauded his action.

Others protested. They drove to the beach, and parked up and down Soundview Drive.

Police issued tickets. But they were playing whack-a-mole. As soon as one beachgoer left, another arrived.

With the parking lot closed, Westporters parked up and down the exit road.

All that was within the first 96 hours of COVID in Westport.

It’s been here since.

I realized quickly that I would not run out of stories.

The pandemic has affected every aspect of life here. I’ve written about:

  • The return of college students and 20-somethings to their parents’ homes
  • The continued fallout from “the party”
  • Mental and physical health
  • Westporters of all ages coming together: teenagers shopping for the elderly; women making masks (and yarn bombing trees); churches providing meals; children painting positive messages on rocks
  • Where to find toilet paper, paper towels and Lysol
  • Businesses and restaurants that closed — and new ones that opened
  • Pop-up entertainment, like the Remarkable Theater and a Staples grad who sings opera
  • How to access business loans and other help
  • Hybrid education, Staples’ unique graduation, and the virtual Candlelight Concert
  • 12-step programs, religious services and more online
  • App developers who help the world trace contacts, visualize impacts, connect with others
  • Virtual programming: the Westport Library, JoyRide, non-profit fundraisers and more
  • Where to get tested, and how to get a vaccine.

One of the yarn bomber’s first works, at fire headquarters. (Photo/Molly Alger)

One year ago today, I stood on the steps of Town Hall. I still thought I could get to New York that night.

I haven’t been back since.

This has been a year like no other. Every man, woman and child in Westport has been affected.

We’ve lost 28 neighbors. Over 1,400 here have been diagnosed with COVID. If we did not believe that COVID was real on March 10 last year, we sure did on March 11.

Soon, “06880” will look ahead. We’ll try to figure out what March 11, 2022 will feel like.

But today, let’s look back. We want to hear your thoughts on the past year.

What did the town do right? Wrong? What are you most proud of, or regret the most? How did your life change?

Click “Comments” below.

And remember: Wear a mask!

James Dobin-Smith created the OneWestport.com website in a matter of days. It provided up to date information on what’s open and cloed, all around town.

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