Roundup: Wynston Browne; 2024 …

If you’re looking for an inspiring story to end 2023 — or a great way to ring in ’24 — it’s right here.

Yesterday, News12 aired a warm, insightful and important story about Wynston Browne.

As first reported on “06880” in 2022, the 16-year-old Staples High School junior has non-speaking autism.

But boy, can he talk.

With the help of a spelling device and communication specialist, he has spent the past year and a half letting the world know that he has a brilliant mind, a kind and loving spirit, and the same dreams as any kid.

He wants to be challenged in school — not presumed to be stupid or incompetent, because he can’t speak out loud.

He wants to have friends. He wants to sit in the cafeteria and laugh with them, not be laughed at.

News12’s Mark Sudol story brings Wynston’s story to a broad audience.

“I like to be called Winnie, because winners never give up,” he says.

Click here to see Winnie’s News12 story. It may be the best 5 minutes you spend in 2023.

Or ’24.

(To read more “06880” stories on Winnie Browne, click here.)

Wynston Browne

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2024 is not yet here, but you’ve probably already been wished “Happy New Year!” by many people.

But let “06880” be the first blog to do so.

And Weston’s Jolantha is definitely the first pig.

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Speaking of the holiday: If it’s New Year’s, it must be SyFy’s annual “Twilight Zone” marathon.

The annual event — an homage to the show and its creator, former Westporter Rod Serling — began yesterday. It runs through 3 a.m. on Tuesday.

Click here for the full schedule.  (In case you’re wondering: “A Stop at Willoughby” — the classic Westport-themed episode — aired yesterday.)

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The sun finally broke through Friday.

Toni Simonetti was at the Library Riverwalk behind the Levitt Pavilion, to capture the moment, for “Westport … Naturally.”

So were her husband and dog.

(Photo/Toni Simonetti)

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And finally … one pretty old, and one only relatively old, songs to ring out the “old” year:

(Happy New Year! We promise, this is the last request to support “06880” you’ll get in 2023. Thank you!)

Cubie Vinson’s Candle Caboodle

Scented candles are soothing. They’re relaxing. They’re nature at it best.

Except, even “natural” candles don’t always pass the smell test. They can have a petroleum base, or contain other environmentally sketchy components.

Federal Trade Commission regulations are loose. Candlemakers don’t have to disclose their processes or products.

Who knew?

Cubie Vinson did.

She, her husband and young son moved to Westport at the beginning of COVID. She worked for a realty trust firm in Manhattan, but was diagnosed with an illness (not the coronavirus) that caused neuropathy-like symptoms all over her body.

“That’s the last time I stepped foot into corporate America,” Cubie says.

She does not miss it at all. “People kill themselves with the commute, the daily bustle. They’re beaten down, physically and emotionally.”

Cubie also suffered “mom guilt.” She wanted a career, and also to be a good mother. Yet sometimes she did not see her son before bedtime.

Frustrated, sitting in her new Westport home, she searched for a way to relax.

She thought of aromatherapy. But because she was sensitive to the scents in candle stores, she was hesitant.

She was also wary of greenwashing — products advertised as more environmentally friendly than they really are.

Wax that comes from genetically modified soy beans, treated with pesticides; synthetic beeswax — if Cubie was going to use aromatherapy, she wanted nothing to do with them.

So she decided to make her own.

Cubie researched how to mix coconut wax with beeswax. She sourced true organic products, and learned how to craft candles herself.

Working at home, she built her business. Candle Caboodle — made with lavender, jasmine, coffee infusion and more — is now sold online, and at 3 spots: Rebel & Rose tattoo studio in Westport,  Yoga for Everybody in Fairfield, and Stamford’s Lash Brow Room.

Cubie also opens pop-up shops around Fairfield County.

Cubie Vinson, surrounded by her candles.

She takes her sustainability mission seriously. Many candles come in vessels that can be repurposed, like coconut shells, and margarita glasses.

Cubie’s glass will have a second life.

Cubie uses all-natural dyes, including indigo powder, cochineal and spirulina powder. The yellow is beeswax.

Some of her candles are so attractive, people don’t want to burn them. So they sit for a while, doubling as décor.

Candles have become Cubie’s passion. A basic design takes 20 to 40 minutes to pour the wax, decorate the surface and cure. One with more details can take an hour.

Look closely. You’ll see 2 candle wicks.

Making candles brings Cubie joy — and her customers too.

For a Breast Cancer Awareness event last October at Rebel & Rose, she made candles with a pink ribbon.

The first customer was a friend of a woman who’d seen it on Instagram, and wanted one.

Cubie was thrilled that — both literally and figuratively — her candle would brighten someone’s day.

(Click here for the Candle Caboodle website. Click here for Cubie’s Instagram.)

(If you’ve learned of a Westport business or product through “06880,” please consider supporting our work. Just click here — and thank you!)

Pic Of The Day #2447

Schlaet’s Point (Hillspoint Road) (Photo/Rowene Weems Photography)

Brazen Israel Flag Thefts Stun Neighborhood

A Colony Road resident was drinking coffee this morning.

Glancing outside, he saw a young man — late teens or early 20s — walking down the street, hauling a dumpster.

He stopped at a house across the street, with an Israel flag on the lawn. He seemed to check to see if anyone was looking, then stuffed the flag in his dumpster and continued walking.

The resident got in his car, and took a picture:

Worried what would happen if he confronted someone who would do such a thing, he returned home and called the police.

When he went back out a few minutes later, the young man “seemed to have disappeared,” the resident said. “Maybe he was picked up by someone.”

A detective quickly arrived.

The neighbor had already replaced her Israel flag. But as the officer and the resident who called were at his front door discussing the incident, a white car with New York plates pulled up across the street.

Someone different from the first incident jumped out, grabbed the new sign, and zoomed away. He did not see the police car — but the detective saw it all.

He tried to pursue them, but was too late.

“I’m pretty sure what I saw the first time,” the Colony Road resident.

“I was hoping though, there might be a reasonable explanation. But I know what I saw the second time. Those signs were definitely stolen.”

He’s right.

That resident’s 2 flags were not the only ones taken. A resident told “06880” that other Israel flags — perhaps a dozen, up and down Colony Road, Salem Road and Terhune Drive — have also disappeared.

Anyone with any information should call the Westport Police: 203-341-6000.

Roundup: Old Hill Home, Kathie Bennewitz, Edward Hopper, …

Every Sunday, the New York Times real estate section features 3 homes around the country. All sell for the same price, so readers can compare and contrast.

Tomorrow’s edition includes 3 homes for around $1.995 million. One is in Ocean Grove, New Jersey; another is in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

The third is on Old Hill Road. Not only that — it was one of the 4 homes on our “Historic Homes of 06880” house tour last month.

The writeup of the 3-bedroom, 2 1/2-bath 1707 Colonial on a 0.8-acre lot says:

“While this Fairfield County home has been expanded since it was constructed in the early 18th century, the owners have taken care to preserve and even augment its character: An early 1990s addition, for example, was built using repurposed materials from a circa 1850 home.

“The property is close to the center of town, about a 5-minute drive from popular shopping and dining centers, and 10 minutes from the well-ranked public Staples High School. Driving to Hartford or Midtown Manhattan can take an hour and a half or more than two hours, depending on traffic.

“Size: 2,730 square feet. Price per square foot: $730. Taxes: $15,024 (estimated).”

Click here to read the full writeup. (Hat tip: Nancy Wilson)

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Sure, the Edward Hopper Museum & Study Center is in Nyack, New York.

But the executive director is Kathie Bennewitz — the Westporter who also serves as our town arts curator.

On Tuesday (January 2, 9 p.m.), PBS airs an “American Masters” documentary on Hopper. It includes insights from Bennewitz.

Filming took place at the Hopper House in February 2021. (Hat tip: Dick Lowenstein)

Kathie Motes Bennewitz, at the Edward Hopper House.

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Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between December 20-27.

A woman was arrested for evading responsibility (hit and run), failure to drive in the proper lane and failure to comply with passing on right rules following a motor vehicle accident at Saugatuck Avenue and I-95.

Police also issued these citations:

  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 4 citations
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 4
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 3
  • Improper use of markers: 2
  • Passing a standing school bus: 1
  • Beach of peace: 1
  • Disorderly conduct: 1
  • Criminal trespass: 1
  • Interfering with an officer: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle with minimum insurance: 1
  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 1

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Peter Guy Tomasulo, a 1971 graduate of Staples High School, died peacefully among family on December 17, after a long battle with cancer. He was 70 years old, and lived in Stratford.

His family says, “Peter had a passion for sports, and a calling for leadership. He coached and played the majority of his life.”

After Staples, Peter continued playing soccer at Lyndon State College, where he captained the team. He met his wife, Kathleen Kenney, there. After their marriage they moved to Norwalk, then settled in Newtown.

Peter was predeceased by his wife. He is survived by his brother Edward, sister Kim Brown, son Brian, daughter Jillian Brookes (Stephen), and grandchildren Kate, Anderson, West and Elle.

A celebration of his life will be held later.

Peter Tomasulo

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Sure, Christmas Day is done.

But the 12 Days of Christmas continue.

And here, believe it or not — straight from the Saugatuck River — are 7 actual swans a-swimming.

Becky Keeler spotted, and captured, today’s very appropriate “Westport … Naturally” image.

(Photo/Becky Keeler)

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And finally … today is the birthday of several noted musicians.

Felix Pappalardi (born 1939, died 1993):

Michael Nesmith (born 1942, died 2021):

Patti Smith (born 1946):

Jeff Lynne (born 1947):

It is also the birthday of Sean Hannity (born 1961):

(Gentle reminder: If you’re looking for a tax deduction before the end of 2023, please consider a donation to “06880.” Just click here. Thank you — and happy new year!)

Online Art Gallery #194

As we look to the winter sky for new year inspiration, our “06880” artists have got us covered.

In this final online art gallery of 2023 — and for the 52 that follow in 2024 — we welcome all kinds of submissions. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — whatever you’ve got.

Email it to 06880blog@gmail.com. Share your work with the world! (PS: Please include the medium you’re working in — art lovers want to know.)

Age, level of experience, subject matter — there are no restrictions. Everyone is invited to contribute. Happy new year!

“Christmas Night’s Moon” (Michael Robertshaw)

“Sherwood Island Beach” (Maj Kalfus)

Untitled (Tom Doran)

Untitled (Kathleen Burke)

Untitled — Photographer Mike Hibbard “quotes”: “I hate that song about ‘coming ’round the mountain’ — especially the stanza about dumplings!”

“Windmill Moon” (Peter Barlow)

“Balancing Act” (Lawrence Weisman)

“I’m Looking Forward to a Better New Year — 2024” (Aerin Stein)

(Entrance is free to our online art gallery. But please consider a donation! Just click here — and thank you!)

Westport: Connecticut’s (Clickbait) Winter Wonderland

Our “06880” tagline is “Where Westport meets the world.”

I’ll post pretty much any story, so long as there is a Westport (Connecticut — not New York, Massachusetts or Ireland) connection.

I do not, however, post clickbait-type stories — those that includes Westport in a list of “Best Beaches in New England,” say, or Westporters in “Top  White Collar Criminal Lawyers.”

Usually, that is.

Once in a while, readers send something so bizarre it just screams to be posted.

That’s the case with a story from the website Only In Your State, in the categories “Connecticut/Trips/Winter.”

I don’t know how or why Ann Sheffer and Larry Bartimer found that website and/or article, but both forwarded it to me.

“The Cozy Town in Connecticut That Comes Alive Under a Blanket of Snow” is the torturous headline that would normally have caused me to stop reading right there.

Except, of course, that the cozy-yet-alive-in-winter town is ours.

Here’s a sample of the Westport that writer Lisa Sammons — or the AI-generated robot pretending to be her — offers up to the world:

Winter getaways in the Nutmeg State don’t get much better than a trip to Westport. This affluent Fairfield County town has the most ocean and river waterfront in the state, and there’s a lot to do here. We love it in the wintertime!

Directly under “We love it in the wintertime!,” this photo lacked both a caption and even one snowflake.

I’m not sure what our miles of “ocean” and river waterfront (a claim from the Discover Westport website) has to do with winter fun, but let’s plow on.

The downtown area has a great variety of shops and restaurants.

Of course, the river itself offers amazingly scenic views.

There’s something so peaceful about walking alongside a body of water, isn’t there?

Um, yes.

Westport receives an average of 28 inches of snowfall a year.

This isn’t as much as the state’s snowier areas, but it is in line with the national average, and means you’ll have at least a few days of white winter wonderland life here each year.

It’s a Westport custom to wear colorful clothes while shoveling.

Unfortunately, last year’s snowfall was about 27 inches below average.

There are dozens of historic properties here, and a few officially-designated historic districts.

Now we’re getting somewhere.

The Taylortown Salt Marsh is such a scenic place for a stroll, and wonderful for bird-watching.

Ah, yes! The Taylortown Salt Marsh — located just inches from the new 16-unit apartment complex rising at the Wilton Road/Kings Highway North intersection.

I don’t know about you, but the Taylortown Salt Marsh is the first place I take out-of-town friends who visit. Nothing beats strolling and bird-watching on that famous Kings Highway bridge.

Taylortown Salt marsh, as seen on Only In Your State. Come for the strolling and bird-watching; stay for the Invasive Plant Removal Wildlife Restoration Project.

After noting that Sherwood Island State Park is “most popular now as a summertime destination thanks to its wonderful beach,” Only In Your State adds “it’s an excellent place for a walk or jog at any time of year. Visiting a beach in winter is a great way to beat the crowds.”

Channeling my inner 16-year-old, I say, “whatever.”

Perhaps you’re wondering where to stay, when visiting Westport’s winter wonderland. Lisa suggests:

If you need a perfect place to stay in Westport, CT, I love the look of this sunny apartment that’s just minutes from the beach.

If you had “Sunny Studio APT above historic Westport Mill” as the link on your bingo card, you win!

The VRBO listing of that property — Sasco Mill on the Post Road, at the Southport town line — promises “panoramic views and breathtaking surroundings, including endless flora and fauna.”

There is 1 bedroom, with a queen bed. Miraculously, it “sleeps 4.”

The kitchen is described as “small and quaint.” One can only imagine.

The “small and quaint” kitchen.

So there you have it. “The Cozy Town in Connecticut That Comes Alive Under a Blanket of Snow.”

Now all we need is that blanket.

(“06880” is “where Westport meets the world.” If you enjoy this hyper-local, 24/7/365 coverage of our town, please support our work. Just click here — and thank you!)

Pic Of The Day #2446

Compo Beach cannon (Photo/Richard Hyman)

Friday Flashback #379

Westport traffic is almost unmanageable.

But it had to start somewhere.

Here’s a shot of the first automobile in town:

It was owned by “the Crawford boys.” They lived on the property that is now Longshore Club Park.

Here, they’re motoring west on the Post Road (State Street). They pass what are now the Taylor Place shops (South Moon Under), headed toward the precursor of the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.

The horse and wagon ahead is about to be overtaken — literally and figuratively.

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5o Years Ago This Week:

While Westporters will be watching TV to see if their favorite teams make the NFL playoffs this weekend, 50 years ago the Minnesota Vikings and Miami Dolphins clinched their spot in Super Bowl VIII.

A favored drinking spot to watch games was Ye Olde Bridge Grille, just over the Post Road bridge on the way to Norwalk, next to National Hall (it was then Fairfield Furniture).

The year after Connecticut dropped its drinking age from 21 to 18 — to match New York’s — that was a safer alternative than Port Chester or Vista.   

“The Bridge” was the “Cheers” of Westport — a place “where everybody knows your name, and they’re always glad you came.”

The Bridge was also a mecca for the soccer community. Owner Dave Reynolds sponsored many state championship-winning Under-23 teams.

(Every Friday, “06880” takes a look back. To help ensure we’ll be here in the future, please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)

 

Roundup: Casino Night, La Plage Dinners …

Westporter Samara Rader and 1991 Staples High School graduate Sigalle Feig are helping the Jewish National Fund-USA’s “Casino Night For Israel.”

The January 18 (7:30 p.m, in Fairfield) fundraiser includes professionally run casino tables, music, great food and an open bar.

The event — in the works for some time — took on new meaning following Hamas’ October 7 attack.

Keynote speaker Yedidya Harush survived the attack. Now fighting on the front lines, he will talk about his experience and the critical nature of rebuilding homes and lives in the Gaza border communities.

Click below to hear his story of October 7.

Tickets are $250. To purchase, or for information about sponsorship and auction opportunities, email srader@jnf.org, or call 212-879-9300, ext. 510.

The event chairs are Westporters Josh and Lauren Braunstein, and Jeffrey and Jacqueline Fidelman.

 

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La Plage’s New Year’s Eve offerings — a la carte seating from 5 to 7 p.m., followed by a 5-course tasting menu from 8:30 on — is not the only special offered by the popular Longshore restaurant.

A “VIP Duckhorn” dinner is set for January 18 (6 p.m.; $150 per person).The 5-course wine event features guest speaker Ian Merris, of Duckhorn Vineyards.

Click here for reservations for either evening.

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To most adults, gulls are a nuisance.

To kids, they’re a chance to play.

To Richard Fogel, they were a chance to photograph Ella and Will Welch, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

Their mother is Staples High School graduate Stephanie Fogel.

(Photo/Richard Fogel)

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And finally … on this date in 1845, the United States annexed the Republic of Texas and admitted it as the 28th state.

(If your heart is as big as Texas, you’ll support “06880” — your hyper-local blog, in this teeny-tiny state. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Yee haw!)