Have you ever wanted to peek inside 29 North Avenue — the tiny house on the left heading north toward Staples High School, now lovingly renovated by Annette Norton (and chronicled last spring on “06880”)?
29 North Avenue
What about the oldest house in Westport — built around 1683 on what is now Long Lots Road, and the only pre-1700s structure still in town?
The oldest home in Westport. (Photo/Larry Untermeyer)
Maybe a tour of 39 Cross Highway, the extensively remodeled home near the corner of Weston Road that recently won a Historic District Commission Preservation Award?
39 Cross Highway
Or — further up Cross Highway — a barn that stood when the British marched by on their way to Danbury, and is now a handsome/funky/very cool artists’ studio?
Cross Highway barn.
This fall, you can see all of them.
In one day.
The 4 unique properties are part of “06880”‘s first-ever “Historic Homes Tour.” The event — Sunday, November 5 (2 to 5 p.m.) — is a perfect event for our hyper-local blog.
“06880” often celebrates Westport’s rich history. We honor homeowners who preserve the past, while enhancing their neighborhoods by giving new life to old properties.
“06880” tells stories. As you explore all 4 houses, you’ll learn the stories behind each one.
Homeowners, and members of “06880”‘s board of directors, will point out cool aspects of each home. We’ll answer questions. You’ll get a brochure explaining the 4 houses too.
Our friends at KMS Team at Compass are sponsoring the “Historic Homes of ‘06880’ tour.”
Tickets are $60 each, $100 for 2. Proceeds help fund “06880”‘s work — which, as always, chronicles Westport’s past, present and future.
Click here for tickets. It’s our “Donate” page. Please note “Historic Homes of ‘06880’” with your order.’
A Bayberry Lane resident was a victim today of a carjacking — in his own garage.
At 3:50 this afternoon (Sunday), he pulled into his garage. Two men followed him in.
They assaulted the man while he was in his vehicle, forcibly removed him, and stole his blue Aston Martin.
Westport Police believe the suspects arrived in a dark blue BMW, as it was seen fleeing along with the stolen vehicle.
The victim suffered minor injuries, but declined medical attention.
Both vehicles were last seen traveling north on Route 8.
The Westport Police Detective Bureau is investigating the carjacking. Anyone with information should call 203-341-6080.
Police add: “It is believed the victim was targeted and followed back to their residence. We encourage residents to be aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious behavior to 911.”
The incident was captured on the Ring app:
Two men surround the victim’s car, after he pulls into his garage.
A few seconds later, they attack him from the same side. (Photos from Ring app)
Clarence Hayes’ “Opinion” piece — posted this morning on “06880,” urging Westport’s politicians and residents to adopt a “vision” for the future — has already generated 26 comments.
Some of them noted that Westport already has such a plan. It’s state-mandated, developed with input from a broad array of stakeholders, and updated regularly.
Clarence asked me to add this clarification. He writes:
Numerous engaged Westport citizens have pointed out to me that I am not up to speed with work already well advanced around many of the points in my original comments. Mea culpa!
In regards to taking control of the affordable housing issue, a plan was recently adopted by the Planning & Zoning Commission under Danielle Dobin’s leadership, which hits all the points I was hoping would be addressed. Click here to see.
Screenshot: Westport’s Affordable Housing Plan.
Additionally, as Dick Lowenstein pointed out, Westport has a “10 year Conservation and Development Plan” — in compliance with state law — the last one of which was adopted in 2017. Click here to see.
So I’m learning. Thank you.
I did nor intend to criticize good work which has been accomplished, but rather to suggest even more ambition to do even better.
I maintain my “call to action”: to have a permanent forum for town engagement which:
Programmatically links the town’s various volunteer associations to the relevant town board/committee
Is structured for input/debate to maintain a long-term plan that touches all town assets, and is regularly amended
Establishes concrete goals that reach to 20+ years out — generational levels of development effort
Allows for annual measurement of progress
Includes results that are visible, front and center, on Westportct.gov, providing effectively a detailed, easily accessed, ‘who we are’ statement which is more than general aspirations.
Thanks to Mr. Woog for his tireless work providing a Westport “town square!”
All those outdoor meeting places with log benches look alike.
There’s one at Earthplace. Another at the Westport Weston Family YMCA’s Mahackeno Outdoor Center.
But the one shown in last week’s Photo Challenge, courtesy of Mark Mathias, was the “chapel in the woods,” behind Saugatuck Congregational Church. (Click here to see.)
Built as an Eagle Scout project by Tobey Patton — son of scoutmaster Craig Patton and Saugatuck Church pastor Rev. Alison Patton, who moved last month to a new church in Maine — it actually is on church property.
There was a brief debate in the “06880” comments as to whether the chapel was inadvertently built on land belonging to the town.
But even though most people assume it’s part of Winslow Park, it’s not. Mathias provided proof — via the town of Westport’s GIS map system — it is the church’s woods.
Congratulations to Dan Vener, Jodi Stevens Bryce, Chris Buckley, Mary Sikorski, Molly Alger, Seth Schachter, Nancy Vener, Amy Schneider, Wendy Crowther, John Suggs, Nancy Bloom, Richard Ellis, Karen Kim, Robert Mitchell, Andrew Colabella, Tom Long, Karen La Costa, Matt McGrath, Colette Winn, Bruce Borner and Lois Himes. You definitely know your outdoor log benches!
Now to this week’s challenge.
Last week’s photo had nothing to do with the Y’s outdoor meeting place. But this one is definitely Y-related.
If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Nancy Barrer)
(If you enjoy our Photo Challenge — or any other “06880” features — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Posted onSeptember 17, 2023|Comments Off on Roundup: Make-A-Wish, Ella Fitzgerald, Fashion Week …
Make-a-Wish Connecticut is amazing. Every year they offer 150 kids — seriously ill, with so much to deal with — a chance to enjoy life. Whatever experience they want, Make-a-Wish makes it happen.
We read those stories, and feel great. But they often involve youngsters we don’t know, doing things in places far from here.
On October 3 (6 p.m.), 6 boys and girls will have their wishes come true just a mile from Westport.
Any “06880” reader can join them. And, at the same time, raise money to help other kids’ wishes come true.
Those half a dozen youngsters’ want to cook with top chefs. At Aitoro Applianee’s high end kitchens, they’ll join one of these celebrities:
Matt Storch (“Chopped” winner; chef/owner, match Burger Lobster and Match)
Robin Selden (managing partner, executive chef, Marcia Selden Catering and Naked Fig Catering)
Dan Kardos (chef/owner, Café Melba)
Christian Petroni (winner of “Food Network Star”; owner of Petroni Foods).
Each chef will work with the one youngster to prep and cook great food. Then everyone there can eat (and drink) it all up.
“Taste of Wishes” began in 2019. This year’s promises to be the biggest and best yet.
Along with the chefs’ and wish kids’ stations, other food samplings includ
Copps Island oysters
Bartaco
Forever Sweet Bakery
Fresh bread and zeppole, made on-site
Candy Connection truck
Bridgewater Chocolates cart.
A VIP ticket includes early entrance and a sneak peek, Prosecco, and great swag. Click here for VIP and general admission tickets, and more information.
Speaking of Make-a-Wish Connecticut: The other day, the Hartford Courant profiled Evie Herman.
The 15-year-old Westporter was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia when she was 6. She is now in remission.
Her wish was a special one: A 4-day visit to Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital. It’s one step on her goal of becoming a pediatric oncologist.
The Greens Farms Academy sophomore and Saugatuck Rowing Club athlete says that for 2 years after her diagnosis, “I spent almost every day in the hospital surrounded by other patients and doctors.
“I think seeing these doctors and all the work that they’re doing and meeting patients younger than myself really inspired me to want to join the fight against cancer. Knowing what patients go through every day really made me want to try and make it so that one day no child will ever have to go through that again.”
Evie Herman at Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital. (Photo courtesy of Hartford Courant)
Westport PAL’s 2nd annual gala honors a first-rate family: the Romanos.
PJ, his wife Joan and son Pete have been synonymous with youth — and youth sports — for well over half a century.
PJ has died (but lives on in the name of the field behind Saugatuck Elementary School). Joan and Pete will draw a huge crowd on November 2 (6 p.m., the Inn at Longshore).
They’ll all enjoy an open bar, dinner, auction, entertainment and more.
Funds raised will help rebuild the PAL clubhouse at (of course) PJ Romano Field.
Click here for tickets, and information on sponsors and advertising.
When the Westport Country Playhouse canceled its production of “School Girls; or, The African Mean Girls Play,” they promised a replacement.
Now they’ve got one. “First Lady of Song: Cherise Coaches Sings Ella Fitzgerald” takes the stage October 27 to November 5.
Coaches appeared on Broadway in “Waitress,” and was in the national tour of “Disenchanted: The Musical.”
She’ll be on the Westport stage with a band, performing classic tunes like “Summertime,” “The Lady is a Tramp” and “It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing.”
The 2023 New York Fashion Week had a Westport feel.
Christian Siriano dressed his models in jewelry designed by fellow Westporter Josh Levkoff. They have collaborate for several years.
The new collection featured custom diamond pieces crafted to reflect the theme of the season. Levkoff used Siriano’s “ballerina: theme to “incorporate elements of edginess and sophistication.” Click here for details.
A number of A-list, front row celebrities wore Levkoff’s work too.
Clarence Hayes has lived in Westport for 6 years. A senior vice president in global technology at Bank of America, he manages its user-facing data networks, and associated $225 million budget.
He has been married for 39 years, and has 2 daughters and 5 grandchildren. Two attend Kings Highway Elementary School. He helps with after-school tutoring and swim team practice.
A gardener and amateur naturalist, he is very familiar with Westport’s natural habitat. He takes advantage of, and values, the town’s many amenities, including the beaches and parks, Longshore golf, pool and skating rink, Levitt Pavilion, Library and Earthplace.
But, Clarence wonders:
What is the Westport vision?
As a relative newcomer to town and recent follower of town events on this blog, I’d like to offer a general challenge to my new hometown: Set a long term plan, and be more ambitious.
What could Westport be like, not only for me in a few years’ time, but for my grandkids, and beyond that for my grandkids’ grandkids? We should have a 50- year plan. It should be visionary. The town can have something to measure its progress against every year.
I followed one of my daughters – with a couple of my grandkids in tow — when they moved to Westport 6 years ago. They show no intention of ever moving again, nor will I. This town has amazing assets. With continued improvement, I can imagine Westport as #1 on a “Best Places to Live in the USA” list.
What I observe in the debates over the Parker Harding Plaza evolution, and the Long Lots School direction, and numerous one-off Planning & Zoning Commission decisions, are piecemeal challenges confronting what appear to be irreconcilable differences of opinion. Parking vs. green space; a convenient sport facility vs. a community garden; new development vs. river views; pro-car vs. anti-car; etc.
Parking? Green space? What’s our vision — for downtown, and our entire town? (Photo/Susan Leone)
Of course, not all differences can be reconciled. Choices are required. But I think more of those differences could be reconciled, and a higher quality overall result achieved, if we were more ambitious, and made bigger decisions based on a long- term vision.
Bigger decisions could mean, for instance, instead of minor tweaking of access and marginal rearrangements of which piece of existing Westport property is paved or green, we could look at working with developers to exchange town property for jointly developed major changes.
For example: multi-story/underground parking; taking control of becoming compliant with state affordable housing mandates by the town co-investing and controlling those housing units to achieve some bigger contribution to Westport quality of life; complete conversion of downtown to pedestrian only (basically an outdoor mall more attractive than SoNo or Trumbull); reclaiming all of the waterside for public benefit with walking paths and green space designed across all of downtown which will be used more widely, as opposed to patchworks that sit idle due to lack of connection.
I could go on.
I’d love to see what my fellow citizens imagine as a visionary future; compare it to mine – and debate how to merge these futuristic visions into something that could unite a broad majority of voters around a feasible plan.
A few years ago, architects were asked to imagine the Westport of 2050. Mike Greenberg thought about a way the town could become more neighborhood-oriented. This is a detailed view of the Roseville/ Long Lots/North Avenue/Cross Highway quadrant.
Without such a comprehensive long-term plan, I think the town risks frittering away its comparative advantage, foreclosing opportunities with short-term decisions, and not getting maximum bang for the buck with town tax revenue.
I think it better to consciously define our “brand” and decide what we want the town to be — with ambitious goals — than to leave it to the ongoing happenstance of decisions constrained by short-term implications, and the sense that there isn’t money or a way to achieve something better.
Call to action: The selectwomen’s office, together with the Representative Town Meeting, formally institute a “Westport Vision” process that engages the public and is primarily driven by public input, and has the objective to:
Document guiding principles for future development of the whole range of town assets – the “who we are” statement;
Lay out a range of futuristic visions to challenge our ambitions – something to get excited about, and stimulate debate;
Then, based on that vision, work backward to define and then prioritize ambitious steps that can be taken by relevant town boards and committees for action, to start that long-term journey.
Let’s make Westport the best place to live in the country, for us and our descendants.
One of Westport’s most iconic locations will soon have a new tenant.
A “For Lease” sign on Patagonia leads to this listing for 87 Post Road East — the 1909 Westport Bank & Trust building that’s now home to the clothing chain:
Located at the intersection of Westport’s busiest retail corridor of Main St, Post Rd and Church Lane, this landmark building is a standout location visible from all points that vehicle and pedestrian traffic enter the downtown. Located adjacent to Urban Outfitters and across from Anthropologie and Barnes & Noble. Space consists of 6,200 SF on grade on Post Rd, with and additional 1,650 SF of retail on lower level, accessed internally from selling floor. Historic charm abounds with high ceilings, and 10′ Palladian windows!
It’s a 5-year lease. Rental rate and type are negotiable.
Several residents got phone calls yesterday from 203-341-6000: the Westport Police Department non-emergency number.
Someone claiming to be from the WPD told whoever answered that they were being called on a recorded line, and had missed a court subpoena. The citizens recognized the calls as scams, and contacted the department.
The Police say, “We believe the end goal of these calls was to have the recipient send money or gift card information as payment for a fine or to avoid arrest. The Westport Police Department does not accept payment for any services, fees, etc. over the phone.
“Residents should hang up and contact our non-emergency number if they ever have a question regarding the legitimacy of a call from someone identifying themselves as a member of the Westport Police Department.”
Sustainable Westport is launching a 3-part energy learning series. The programs will bring together experts with Westport residents who have upgraded their homes with heat pumps/solar/geothermal.
The sessions (reception at 6:30 p.m.; presentation and Q-and-A, 7 p.m.) include:
All About Heat Pumps: October 3 (Click here to register)
Everything Solar: November 7
Going Geothermal: December 5
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A ground-breaking exhibit at United Nations headquarters, featuring Miggs 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) — opens next month.
The 2 works will be displayed on and next to a 102-foot curved wall.
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.
The exhibit was made possible by individual donors. “06880” helped raise $18,000 fpr producing, printing and mounting the 30 large lenticular images; materials for the “prayer wheel” sculpture, and security for the reception (a UN requirement).
It is open to the public from October 10 to November 20, weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Miggs Burroughs’ lenticular images on the , and Mark Yurkiw’s Braille wheel (right).
The other day, the Greens Farms Garden Club celebrated their third fruitful Growing for Good Project.
Thirteen harvests from Wakeman Town Farm and Prospect Gardens were delivered to Mercy Learning Center. The first was 17 pounds in June; by this month, the harvest was 75 pounds.
Members fought pests, protected their crops, fertilized vegetables, and plowed through the hot summer to produce the produce.
From left: Greens Farm Garden Club member Chen Yang, president Maybette Waldron, Prospect Gardens landscape designer Cindy Shumate, 1st Selectwoman Jennifer Growing for Good chair Jacque O’Brien.
This is the 29th year for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Fairfield County.
At least one participant has been involved with every one.
Denise Lucarelli says: “29 years ago, I was assisting at the front desk when the phone rang. The young lady began to explain that she was from the American Cancer Society, and they were sponsoring a new walk in Westport.
“I stopped her and said we would be glad to participate, since we are a radiology practice and early detection does save lives. She was amazed, and thought it would be much harder to convince me.
“We both laughed. Since that cold call, Advanced Radiology’s physicians, staff and family members have attended this vital and awesome walk every year.”
The walk draw approximately 5,000 walkers annually to Sherwood Island State Park in October (Breast Cancer Awareness Month). Participants include healthcare systems, youth organizations, local and national businesses, and community teams (often honoring or memorializing survivors).
This year’s event is on Sunday, October 15 (9 a.m.). Click here to register, and for more information.
The American Cancer Society also sponsors a Men Wear Pink campaign. Participants are asked to raise at least $2,500; wear pink every day in October, and raise awareness through social networks. Click here for more information.
The Smart Walk for Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities is a family event celebrating the strengths of children with learning and attention differences.
This year’s walk — the 4th annual — will include volunteers tossing colored powder as participants stroll by.
It’s set for October 1 (noon to 3 p.m., Sherwood Island State Park).
Children will also enjoy critters from Stamford Museum & Nature Center, bridge building with 3DuxDesign’s Team STEAM, Sasco River Center sensory stations, glitter tattoos, crafts, photo booth, lawn games, refreshments, ice cream and more.
Parents and caregivers will learn about resources, and experience community.
Children’s author Sivan Hong will read from her “Super Fun Day” books. Also planned: a youth chorus performance and youth speaker.
Participants walk the 2-mile route along Long Island Sound at their own pace. Registration fees are $15; $10 for children ages 6 -12; free for 5 and under. Strollers are welcome. For information and registration, click here.
Westport Tilt Parenting is a support group for parents of neurodivergent children.
They’ve partnered with the Westport Library to host Debbie Reber. The educator, author and advocate for understanding and embracing neurodivergent youngsters will speak at the Library on November 28 (7 p.m.).
Her topic: “Understanding and Embracing Differently Wired Kids.”
Westport Tilt Parenting says that at least 1 in 5 youths are in some way neurodivergent (ADHD, learning disabilities, autism spectrum, gifted, sensory issues, anxiety and more).
However, they are often misunderstood. Current support strategies may be misguided; their strengths and gifts can be overlooked.
All parents of neurodiverse and neurotypical children are invited, as are teachers, administrators and interested others. Click here for more information. To learn more about Westport Tilt Parenting, email alexandre.acupuncture@gmail.com.
Comic art, deconstructed case-bound book boards, and visual mixed media all grace the walls of The Westport Library gallery spaces this fall. Local featured artists include Marc Zaref, Niki Ketchman, Rowan MacColl and Connor McCann.
Coinciding with the Neil Gaiman StoryFest keynote conversation (Friday, October 20) is the visual companion in the Sheffer Gallery, “Panels & Gutters: The Comic Art of Rowan MacColl and Connor McCann.”
The exhibition celebrates the form storytelling in comic art featuring MacColl’s and McCann’s illustrations with added panels demonstrating their conceptual and technical process. The graduates of Staples High School and Rhode Island School of Design are navigating the art scene with great success.
The opening reception and artist talk (Thursday, October 19; reception 6 p.m.; artist talk, 7 p.m.) will reunite MacColl and McCann reuniting their former art teacher, Katherine Ross.
“Cascade 2023,” by multidisciplinary artist Zaref, features an installation of recycled, deconstructed case-bound book boards.
The South Gallery hosts Ketchman’s “Resinations,” with mixed media resin visual works.
Rounding out the Library’s art activity is the Westport Artists Collective Affordable Art Trunk Show and Sale. It’s Sunday, October 1 (11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Library lower parking lot).
Forty Collective members will display their work out of their car trunks. All art is for sale, at affordable prices. ‘
A new family planning book by Westporter Dr. Mark Leondires goes on sale November 14.
“Building Your Family: The Complete Guide to Donor Conception” covers the complex medical and emotional considerations of becoming a parent, from choices (egg, sperm or embryo donation), through selecting a donor, through dealing with the ethical and practical dilemmas of parenthood.
Leondires is the founder and medical director of Illume Fertility. For more information and to pre-order, click here.
And at Burying Hill Beach, they don’t have to worry about fences.
Johanna Keyser Rossi spotted this monarch flitting about yesterday. It did not land, but she “captured” it for posterity — or at least, for our daily “Westport … Naturally” feature.
And finally … his name was not well known, but he “entertained” millions of music fans.
Bobby Schiffman, who led Harlem’s Apollo Theater in the 1960s and early ’70s, when it became a storied venue — died last week in Florida. He was 94. Click here for a full (and fascinating) obituary.
And — though after Schiffman’s time — here is Weston’s own Keith Richards, playing at the Apollo too:
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