Dogs are joyful: As of October 1, they are allowed back at Compo Beach.
But the other day, longtime Westporters Stefani Cohen and Cathy Malkin noticed a young child crying, afraid of the dogs.
The women kept their pets at a distance. But several other owners allowed their dogs to run up to the family. Upset and frustrated, they left the beach.
Stefani and Cathy see that scene often, at other places too like sports events and outdoor restaurants. Up to 20% of the population — adults as well as children — have some fear of dogs.
Now they’re presenting an online workshop about it (Tuesday, October 17, 7 p.m.). The material is appropriate for all ages. It covers an understanding of cynophobia, strategies to face that fear, ways to stay safe around dogs, and the importance of noticing a dog’s body language to tell when to interact and when to stay away.
In addition to anyone fearful of dogs, the webinar is aimed at therapists, dog professionals, educators and parents.
The cost is $27. Click here to register, and for more information.
A fun sight — but not for everyone. (Photo/Dan Johnson)
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Melissa & Doug — the beloved toy company founded by Melissa and Doug Bernstein in 1988, in their Westport basement and his parents’ nearby garage — has been sold.
Spin Master announced yesterday that they bought the Wilton-based firm for $950 million.
Spin Master was attracted by Melissa & Doug’s trusted brand of early childhood toys, and timeless products. They are sustainable wooden toys, without screens. Last year’s net sales were $490 million.
Click here for the full story.(Hat tip: David Loffredo)
Some Bridgeport artists are in serious straits. Lynn Flint is doing what she can to help.
She’s running a 1-day estate sale at her home. Proceeds will help them meet immediate needs, including rent, food, fuel and art materials.
A member of the Bridgeport arts community will be there, offering information on the arts (who will have their own open studios in November).
So I am having an experimental one day only estate sale in the ground level area of my home since I am handicapped and can no longer run up and down stairs.
It’s Saturday, October 26 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), on Belaire Drive. A sign on Saugatuck Avenue (near the Norwalk border) will direct art lovers to the sale.
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In just over one year, Club 203 has become one of Westport’s most important non-profit organizations.
Yesterday, the Westport Rotary Club learned about the town’s social club for adults with disabilities from co-founders Stacie Curran and Sharuna Mahesh. They told moving stories of the need for such a group — and the joy and bonds created at every monthly meeting.
A host of Westport groups and businesses have hosted Club 203 activities, in a town-wide showing of interest and support.
Stacie Curran (left) and Sharuna Mahesh of Club 203, at yesterday’s Westport Rotary Club meeting. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
Rick Benson — one of Westport’s more energetic and productive members since joining in 1989 — recently received a huge honor.
In Toronto, Rick was recognized with a zonal Donald MacRae Peace Award. It celebrates members who demonstrate the advancement of international goodwill, understanding and peace through peacemaking efforts or humanitarian activity of international significance.
Rick is a previous recipient of local, district and zone honors — and the Rotary International Service Above Self Award, in 2020.
Rick Benson, his wife Totney, and his Donald MacRae Peace Award.
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STAR Inc. and Voices Center for Resilience present a special program: “A 22-Year Journey from 9/11 to Today: Helping Families and Communities Prepare for Emergencies” next Wednesday (October 18, 7 p.m., Westport Library).
Mary Fetchet — founding Director of Voices Center for Resilience — lives in New Canaan. Her son Brad died in the September 11 attacks.
She will share her personal experience and perspective on preparing communities in advance of a tragedy.
A panel discussion about emergency management in Westport will include 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, emergency management director and Deputy Fire Chief Nick Marsan, Deputy Police Chief Ryan Paulsson, Human Services director Elaine Daignault, and state Department of Emergency Services representative Robert Kenny.
Attendees will receive a tip sheet and emergency management packet.
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” Saugatuck River photo comes from Sunny Sherman.
Her words are as meaningful as her picture: “It’s hard to forget the horrors happening in Israel right now. But I thought you and your readers might like to enjoy (unfiltered) what I am blessed to see almost nightly.”
A large crowd and perfect fall weather combined to make yesterday’s dedication of Westport’s rainbow crosswalk extra-special.
The event — on National Coming Out Day — celebrated the new installation on Jesup Road at Taylor Place. The 4-year project was led by Westport Pride chair Brian McGunagle, with help from a variety of town officials including 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Public Works director Pete Ratkiewich.
Among the officials cutting the rainbow ribbon: Police Chief Foti Koskinas, 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore, Westport Pride Chair Brian McGunagle, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, and members of Westport Pride’s advisory board.
The crosswalk — including all the colors of the pride flag — was paid for by private funds. Westport Pride raised $36,000 in just 3 days.
Installation was done by Public Works. They’ll maintain it, too.
Westport Pride chair Brian McGunagle proudly strides across the new crosswalk.
Brief speeches were made by McGunagle, Tooker, State Representatives Dominique Johnson and Jonathan Steinberg, and Staples Pride chair Jona Bernstein. Rev. Dylan Mello of Christ & Holy Trinity Church offered a blessing.
The remarks echoed one theme: The crosswalk sends a strong, clear message to all, that Westport accepts, supports, embraces and cherishes everyone.
Businesses, organizations, families and individuals contributed to the rainbow crosswalk.
A happy couple, their dog, and 2-week old daughter (nestled against dad’s chest) test out the crosswalk.
RTM representative Harris Falk and Dr. Nikki Gorman. (All photos/Jerri Graham)
“The Long Lots School Building Committee justifies. We decide.”
That statement by Paul Lebowitz — and similar remarks by 4 other candidates for the Planning & Zoning Commission — signaled last night that the decision to place a baseball field on the site of the current Community Gardens is not yet a done deal.
The candidates — speaking for 2 minutes each at a Town Hall debate — all said, essentially: We know the importance of the gardens. We know the importance of a new school. We will look at every solution. We will think outside the box. That is the job of the P&Z.
The League of Women Voters event was less a “debate” than a series of responses to questions submitted earlier by residents. Candidates included current members Lebowitz, a Democrat; Republican members Amie Tesler and Patrizia Zucaro; Republican alternate John Bolton, and Republican challenger Michael Calise.
Coalition for Westport candidate Joseph Strickland was absent, due to COVID.
Planning & Zoning Commission candidates (from right to left): Michael Calise, Amie Tesler, Paul Lebowitz, Patrizia Zucaro and John Bolton. An LWV representative (far left) read an opening statement from Joseph Strickland, who has COVID. (Photo/Dan Woog)
“Everything with zoning is about competing interests,” Bolton said regarding the gardens controversy. He noted that he and the other incumbents could speak only generally, because the issue will come before them — though it has not yet — and they are obligated to keep open minds.
“Patrizia, Amie and I took a tour (of the gardens),” Bolton continued. “It was eye-opening. I learned a lot. It’s an asset to this town.
“(The P&Z) is the trustee for citizens. They trust us to do what is right. We have to think outside the box.”
Calise said, “We haven’t seen the final site plan. I’m partial toward retaining the gardens. But we have to wait to see all the facts.”
Tesler cited her youth in Mystic, on 2 acres and with her “hands in the dirt” at her school’s garden.
However, she added, “It’s a tough issue. We want to save Mother Earth, and also educate our next generation. We have to consider all solutions. There may be other solutions on the table. I’m open to anything.”
Lebowitz said, “The 1st Selectwoman will give us justification for her decision. Like any applicant, she must show facts and figures: why a garden or a ballfield should go somewhere. We deal with issues like parking and drainage. You justify; we decide.”
Zucaro added, “The town is in a no-win situation. The garden is absolutely beautiful, amazing — everyone should see it.
“But Long Lots is in serious disrepair. The Building Committee was tasked with finding a solution. I hope they did their job, and evaluated all their options. I look forward to hearing from them.”
Westport Community Gardens (Photo/Karen Mather)
Asked to cite the 3 most critical issues facing the P&Z, Tesler said “8-30g, traffic, and over-development.” Lebowitz named “traffic, affordable housing, and protecting open space.” Zucaro offered “cohesive town planning, over-development and affordable housing.” Bolton said “affordable housing, quality of life, and preserving the tax base.” Calise said “aquifers, housing stock, and planning for the future.”
Other questions included weaknesses in the town’s current regulations, and the impact of the environment on P&Z decisions.
The League of Women Voters’ Candidates’ Debates continue tonight (Thursday) in the Town Hall auditorium, with the Board of Education at 7 p.m., and the Board of Finance at 8:15 p.m. The event will be livestreamed on www.westportct.gov, and televised on Optimum Channel 79.
(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. To support us — and local journalism — please click here. Thank you!)
Many Senior Center members have problems using computers.
They ask their more savvy technical friends or their grandchildren to help — but not all issues can be resolved that way.
I had a problem recently with my PC operating system. The audio input didn’t work, although I had the appropriate hardware.
I spent hours trying to fix this problem using internet searches, but couldn’t solve it.
I read about the Senior Center “Tech Help” program, so I schedules a meeting with one of the students. They are available to help with issues from signing in, password reset and downloading and uploading files, to hardware and software problems.
The students are seniors Apurv Sharma, Connor Ng and Mikhail Mikhalchuk.
(Photos/Bob Weingarten)
All volunteer their time. There is no cost to the service, which is available to all members on Thursdays and Friday afternoons.
No one should be embarrassed to ask for help.
I retired from IBM after 30 years working in software: designing, coding, analyzing large systems operating and application systems. I ended my career there as director of the IBM Japan Software Development Center with 350 employees.
After leaving IBM I spent an additional 3 years in Tokyo creating, organizing, developing, outfitting and operating an internet host and management company. So I have considerable experience in software and hardware — but mostly high0end systems and applications software, not PC0based.
Connor solved my problem of not being able to obtain audio support on my PC, although I had the hardware, within 10 minutes. I was very impressed with his assistance and knowledge and I highly recommend others to use this Tech Help service.
Connor also assisted Senior Center member Marie Coppola, with her technical issue. She calls it “a great program for young people helping older people.”
Senior Center director Wendy Petty adds, “We are very fortunate to have these wonderful Staples High School students volunteer their time. They are incredibly knowledgeable, and offer their dedicated support with so much kindness and patience.”
Congratulations and thanks to this week’s Unsung Heroes: Connor, Apurv and Mikhail, and all previous “Tech Help” volunteers. Your intergenerational work is greatly appreciated, and very inspiring!
Do you know an Unsung Hero? Email nominations to 06880blog@gmail.com.
(Unsung Heroes is a weekly “06880” feature. If you’re inspired by them — or by this blog — please consider a contribution to help keep local journalism alive. Just click here. Thank you!)
Tickets are going fast for Saturday’s Westoberfest. We’ll drink to that!
The event (2 to 5 p.m., off Elm Street includes beer tasting from dozens of craft breweries; live music; food by Walrus Alley, Kneads Bakery, Lobstercraft and Little Pub; a children’s area run by the Artists’ Collective of Westport and MoCA; a street magician, bubbles and face painting; pumpkin and apple giveaways; food trucks, and vendors like Savvy + Grace.
Take-home tasting glasses with koozies are courtesy of Lux Bond & Green.
It’s all sponsored by the Westport Downtown Association. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Speaking of downtown: The Downtown Plan Implementation Committee holds a public meeting tomorrow (Thursday, October 12, 8:30 a.m., Town Hall Room 201).
Remote and in-person comments from the public will be received as time is available, or via email: DPIC-comments@westportct.gov.
The agenda includes a review of the parking lots design master plan, pedestrian access, sustainability and maintenance.
If you wonder why the state Department of Transportation is temporarily closing I-95 Exit 17, during the bridge rehabilitation project, check out yesterday’s scene:
(Photo/Jared McGill)
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This Sunday (October 15, 9 a.m.), the Board of Finance and the Long Lots School Building Committee will make a site visit to the elementary school.
BOF chair Lee Caney told “06880” that the tour will give members of his committee “the opportunity to review the Long Lots property, so we will have a better understanding of the terrain when we begin to discuss the funding of the project.”
No funding request has yet been made. But the BOF is one of the bodies that will be involved during the approval process for the $100 million project.
The finance board makes regular site tours before voting on appropriations, Caney added.
Miggs Burroughs and Mark Yurkiw have finished installing their “Signs of Compassion” exhibit at the United Nations.
The work depicts Burroughs’ “Signs of Compassion” — 30 lenticular photos, showing local residents using sign language to recite Emily Dickinson’s poem of the same name — and Yurkiw’s accompanying Braille “prayer wheel” mantra, based on those he saw in Bhutan (including a wheelchair-accessible element).
It takes up the entire 100-foot wall in the UN lobby.
Ever since the United Nations moved into its Manhattan headquarters in 1951, the lobby’s rotating art exhibit has been sponsored by member nations. For what is believed to be the first time, the featured works are offered by individual artists.
This is also the first time that Connecticut artists are featured at the UN.
“Signs of Compassion” is open to the public now through November 20, weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Miggs Burroughs’ “Signs of Compassion,” in the UN lobby. Mark Yurkiw’s “prayer wheel” mantra is also displayed nearby.
Students of the Month “help make Staples a welcoming place for their peers and teachers alike. They are the ‘glue’ of the Staples community: the type of kind, cheerful, hard-working, trustworthy students that keep the high school together, making it the special place that it is.”
Congratulations to Joshua, and fellow senior Juan Nieves; juniors Mia Ferrigno and Evan Wallitt; sophomores Adam Turner and Addison Welling, and freshmen Autumn Kaye and Jaxsyn Liebert.
Staples’ October Students of the Month (from left): Joshua Jordan, Juan Nieves, Mia Ferrigno, Addison Welling, Adam Turner, Evan Wallitt, Autumn Kaye. Missing: Jaxsyn Liebert.
Seniors may request the “We Do Walkway” list through the same phone and email above.
Kids! Help seniors with shoveling (and raking). It’s fun (and profitable).
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Speaking of teenagers: Tomorrow, the Teen Awareness Group welcomes the International Save A Life Tour to Staples High.
The safe-driving program includes driving simulators. Students “get behind the wheel” to see the effects of impaired and distracted driving.
Sounds like a program that would benefit some adult drivers, too.
Distracted driving simulator.
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Longtime Westporters Suzanne Sheridan and Rozanne Gates will be (very deservedly) celebrated by the Triangle Community Center.
Fairfield County’s LGBTQ organization has named the music/photography/ activist couple its “Community” honorees. The award will be presented at TCC’s Visionary Gala October 21 (6:30 p.m., The Water’s Edge at Giovanni’s, Darien).
The event includes a DJ, food and cocktails, and silent and live auctions. Click here for tickets and more information.
Suzanne and Rozanne were instrumental in creating Fairfield County’s first Pride Festival in 2002, and urging the General Assembly to pass civil union legislation in 2005. As soon as the law was passed, they became the first Westport couple to be civilly united. They married legally in 2010.
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For the third year, Rach’s Hope Family Fun Walk will raise funds for food, transportation and lodging for people with loved ones in intensive care units.
Recent recipients include a Massachusetts family with a youngster suffering from a traumatic brain injury, a family whose child was critically injured at the Michigan State shooting, and a Fairfield County family with a child in critical care.
The event is October 22 (3 p.m., Compo Beach Ned Dimes Marina).
Rach’s Hope honors the 2015 Staples High School graduate who died from a rare illness at 21 years old, while at Cornell University.
The “Family Fun Walk” for everyone includes Rachel’s family. Her grandfather Michael Isenberg pledged to walk 1,000 miles yearly for Rach’s Hope. Participants will join him in walking the last mile, to fulfill his pledge.
They’ll also receive Rach’s Hope swag, hear music from Fairfield-based Ellis Island Band, and enjoy gourmet pizza and drinks from Pizza Pie Wagon and Greens Farms Spirit Shop.
To purchase tickets, donate or learn more about Rach’s Hope, click here. You can follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
Republicans and Democrats can agree on one thing: If their kids are interested in cheer, they should to to the the Staples High School cheer team’s Election Day clinic (November 7, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The clinic — a fundraiser for the squad — sold out last year. The fee ($75 before November 1, $85 after) includes lunch and a t-shirt. Click here to register, and for more information.
The 84-year-old artist moved from Riverdale to the age-restricted co-op on Bridge Street in 2017, after her husband died. Her daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren live nearby.
Kate’s apartment is beautiful. Her neighbors are wonderful.
Just one thing: There is not enough room to display all her art.
Kate O’Toole, in her apartment at The Saugatuck.
Kate is a professional artist. She studied painting and design at Carnegie Mellon University, then got her master’s at Brooklyn College.
Her husband Robert Rabinowitz taught at Carnegie Mellon and New York University, and did theater. He co-wrote the book for, and designed, “Beatlemania.”
Kate and Robert frequently exhibited at New York galleries.
One of Kate O’Toole’s works …
When she downsized to Westport, Kate put 50 years of the couple’s paintings and other works into storage.
That was 6 years ago. It’s getting expensive. And, she realizes, a Norwalk storage unit is not the place for art.
Slowly, she is bringing pieces to her Westport apartment. She’s trying to see what fits, and what she must get rid of.
It is, Kate says, “a daunting challenge.”
… and another.
Her neighbors at The Saugatuck have encouraged her to donate some pieces to the co-op. A few of the bigger ones are now displayed in the common room and hallways.
But she does not know what to do with others. Hundreds of her husband’s pastels are in portfolios. Many of hers are in rolls. All are hard to frame.
Every day she opens more boxes, to see what she has.
And, she wonders, “What am I going to do with them all?”
She ran a gallery in New York. She knows how hard it is to sell unframed works.
One of Robert Rabinowitz’s works …
It is a difficult, emotional challenge. Perhaps, I suggested, “06880” could help.
I don’t live in the art world. But many of our readers do.
So here’s the ask: If you know how or where Kate O’Toole can find a home for some or all of her and her husband’s works, click “Comments” below.
Be creative — just like she is. All ideas are welcome.
Let’s prove that Westport is still the artists’ town we claim it is.
(Hat tip: Ilene Strizver)
(“06880” covers the art scene — and everything else Westport-related. To support our local journalism, please make a tax-deductible contribution by clicking here. Thank you!)
A wrong location was posted yesterday for this week’s candidate debates. Here’s the correct info:
Planning & Zoning Commission candidates take the Town Hall auditorium stage tomorrow (Wednesday, October 11, 7 p.m.). They’re followed by a double-header on Thursday, October 12: the Board of Education at 7 p.m., Board of Finance at 8:15.
Questions must be submitted in advance. They will not be taken from the floor. Email: lwvwestportct@yahoo.com.
The debates are sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Westport.
An overflow crowd of 1,000 — including Governor Ned Lamont and Senator Richard Blumenthal, local officials and many clergy — packed Temple Israel last night, for a “We Stand With Israel” solidarity gathering.
Representatives from nearly 2 dozen area synagogues and other organizations hosted the event, which was organized in just 48 hours by the Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County.
Senator Richard Blumenthal (bottom center), at last night’s “We Stand With Israel” gathering.
Religious leaders and others, at Temple Israel. (Photos/Allison Wachstein)
Westporters Arthur and Lisa Hayes are in Paris this week.
On a boat in the Seine yesterday night, they saw from a distance that the Eiffel Tower was not lit in white, as usual. One half seemed to be dark; the other was very dark blue.
As they got closer, they all understood. The tour boat grew very quiet, as they passed by.
In this week’s timely “Westport … What’s Happening” podcast, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker discusses a recent study on the growing lack of civility in small towns, and her own public comments on the issue.
The podcasts are sponsored by the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston. Click below to listen:
Owner/chef Federico Perandin will appear on Guy Fieri’s legendary “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” Food Network show. The episode airs this Friday (October 13, 9 p.m.).
Westport’s own David Briggs will conduct an Instagram interview tonight (Tuesday, October 10, 7:30 p.m., @westportlibrary) with Rhone co-founder and CEO Nate Checketts. They’ll talk about how the men’s wellness brand — which opened on Main Street this summer — is committed to men’s mental health issues.
From left: ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky and Nate Checketts at Rhone’s Westport store.
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Longtime Westporter Marty Yellen offered a presentation on aging — and a cancer treatment update — at yesterday’s Y’s Women meeting.
Yellen was an engineer on the Hubble Space Telescope. He then earned a doctorate in medical biology engineering. He works now with Yale scientists, biologists and engineers on diseases that come with aging, researching techniques and treatments to alleviate them.
Yellen warned the large audience to stay away from beef (particularly grilling), processed meats that can stand at room temperature like salami, and animal fats.
He suggested instead lamb, chicken, fish, plenty of fiber and vegetables, nuts, yogurt, beans — and most importantly, virgin olive oil rather than butter.
Daily exercise daily — for example, 30 minutes of walking — is especially important.
“You are your own doctor,” Yellen said. “Take care of your body, eat right, exercise daily — and don’t smoke!”
Speaking of health: The 29th annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Fairfield County event is always a celebration of courage and hope
Over 5,000 participants will gather this Sunday (October 15, 9 a.m. to noon), at Sherwood Island State Park.
Over 3 decades, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer’s 3- to 5-mile walks have provided a supportive community for survivors, caregivers and families. The event funds breast cancer research, programs and services.
From Azerbaijan to Westport: Amina Figarova has moved from her upbringing behind the Iron Curtain to become a celebrated jazz pianist and composer.
On Thursday (October 12, VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399) she makes her “Jazz at the Post” debut. Rudy Royston, Boots Maleson, Bart Platteau and Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall join her for two shows: 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. Dinner starts at 7.
Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
Their first-ever dance performance this Saturday (October 14, 7 p.m.) features the East Coast Contemporary Ballet Company, in collaboration with Alturas Duo and Yale University’s Calllisto Quartet.
“Strings and Asymmetry” offers a fusion of styles, instruments and artistic
expressions.
Tickets include admission to the current exhibit. For details and tickets, click here or call (203) 222-7070.
And finally … on this day in 1845, the Naval School opened with 50 students in Annapolis, Maryland.
Today it’s known as the United States Naval Academy. Its enrollment is about 4,450.
(Another Roundup filled with political, entertainment, restaurant and health news — and another reminder that “06880” relies entirely on reader support. Please click here to help. Thank you!)
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