Dr. Elliott Landon — Westport’s superintendent of schools from 1999 through 2016, who oversaw continued growth in the district and the opening of the new Staples High School building — died last night.
He came to Westport after 10 years in Long Beach, New York. Prior to that, he served 9 years as Ridgefield’s superintendent.
Landon began his teaching career at James Madison High School in Brooklyn, following his graduation from Columbia University’s Teachers College.
“06880” will post a full obituary, and service details, when they are available.
There’s a local election looming. How much do you know about the boards you’ll be voting for?
Next Wednesday (September 6, 7 p.m., Westport Library), the Westport League of Women Voters hosts a forum called “Know Your Town: The Board of Education.” It follows 2 similar successful sessions, on the Representative Town Meeting and Board of Finance.
Three members of the Westport Board of Ed — chair Lee Goldstein, secretary Neil Phillips and member Dorie Hordon — will discuss how the BOE operates. Topics include governance of our school system, operating and capital budgets, deliberations on major policy decisions, and how the public can most effectively participate in the process.
This Sunday’s 10 a.m. service at Saugatuck Congregational Church will be special. Guest minister Rev. William Salmond will provide time for worshipers to share their personal memories of Rev. Ted Hoskins, the longtime minister who died last month in Maine.
Rev. Hoskins touched many Westporters, in the church and beyond. All are welcome to attend.
Rev. Ted Hoskins
=================================================
Westport Deputy Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director Nick Marsan joined Westport Community Emergency Team members Wednesday night, for their annual picnic.
CERT is a little known — but very effective and truly important — volunteer effort. They provide support during crises allowing Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Services personnel to concentrate on their tasks.
Deputy Fire Chief Nick Marsan (far right) and CERT volunteers. (Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)
That is, Elvira’s Pizza. The new restaurant on Norwalk’s Belden Avenue is owned by Harry Yiovanakos, son of the founders of the former Westport deli of the same name.
Norwalk’s Elvira’s Pizza. (Photo and hat tip/Andrew Colabella)
A decision on whether to renovate Long Lots Elementary School, or build a completely new one, was expected by the end of August.
Last night — August 31 — the Long Lots School Building Committee met again, without taking action. A decision now appears a few weeks away.
In a packed small conference room at Town Hall, an overflow crowd watched as the committee looked at half a dozen plans.
It appears that the “renovate in place” option is unlikely.
The status of the Westport Community Gardens and Long Lots Preserve also remains unclear.
One of the plans presented (below) would replace the gardens with a Babe Ruth-sized baseball diamonds (lower left on the drawing). The gardens would be relocated to a wetlands area nearby.
A second plan shows a new school, built on the current Gardens and Preserve site:
(Drawings courtesy of Toni Simonetti, Westport Front Porch)
(“06880” will continue to cover the Long Lots School project story. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
If you’re reading this story on a smartphone, you know our “06880” interface sucks.
The font size is too small. You have to tap on the headline to get to a readable version (a trick some users don’t know). Some of the features from the laptop/ desktop version are missing.
By the end of this story, all that will change dramatically.
Today, “06880” announces a new app. Designed specifically for smartphones, with many great features, it will make your mobile experience much easier, more enjoyable, and just plain cool.
The “06880” app — available in both iPhone and Android versions — was created by 2 young geniuses. Georgetown University sophomore Matthew Jordan and his Staples High School senior brother Joshua took a very vague concept, and soon developed a very usable, clever and handsome product.
They understood exactly what “06880” is, what our virtual community is about, and what our readers want. They made it all happen, with creativity, grace and good humor. A feature story on these very sharp and fun teenagers is coming soon.
Meanwhile, here’s what you’ll find when you download the app (just search, of course, for “06880”).
A splash screen (below) …
… makes way for the most recent stories (below). Tap one to read it.
Tap on any photo to enlarge it. At the end of a story you can easily comment, reply to a previous comment, or share the story, in a variety of ways.
There are 5 buttons on the bottom (see photo above). The one on the left is the least important; it brings up information about me.
The balloon-like map icon next to it means “Westport.” There’s a photo gallery from our “Pic of the Picks” book that changes every day, along with details about all the restaurants that support “06880.”
The restaurant list is randomized; it too changes daily. Clicking on any restaurant brings up more information, plus its menu and social media.
The middle icon is the “home” button. It brings you back to the “Stories” page.
The headphones are for podcasts. One click takes users to dozens of “06880” podcasts — a partnership with the Westport Library.
The dollar sign on the far right is a “donate” button. Contributing to “06880” has never been easier 🙂
At the top left of the app is a magnifying glass. Click on to search the entire “06880” archives. (Stories with the keyword in the title appear first; then come stories where the keyword is only in the text.)
A “bookmark” icon on the right allows you to save any story for future reference.
Clicking the “gear” icon at the far right gives the option to have notifications sent directly to your phone. You can choose “immediately” (whenever a new post is published), once every morning (10:30 a.m.) or once every night (9:10 p.m.). It’s possible to enable both morning and nightly recaps.
There you have it: our new app. Just search for “06880” in either the iPhone or Android stores.
Now, thanks to Matthew and Joshua Jordan, you will never squint again.
PS: Don’t want the app? Prefer to continue receiving email notifications about new posts? No problem! That’s not changing. The app is just one more way now to access “06880.”
It’s hard to believe, but the Compo Beach playground was almost not built.
When the plan was proposed in 1988, some neighbors and others in town feared everything from a “ruined vista,” to a horde of out-of-towners, to our own teenagers hanging out there, drinking and doing drugs.
Honest.
They sued to stop its construction. As soon as a court injunction was lifted, volunteers of all ages went to work.
The result was one of Westport’s biggest attractions. (For kids — not out-of-towners or frisky teens.)
Parents lead children through the Compo Beach playground.
About 20 years later, another community-wide effort gave it an update and facelift.
Now, another rebuild is on the (still unspoiled) horizon.
The Westport Rotary Club and Westport Young Woman’s League will lead the project. They partnered on the original construction, and the first rebuild too.
Longtime Rotary volunteer and local builder Rick Benson is spearheading the effort.
He helped build the original playground more than 3 decades ago. He still calls it one of the best experiences of his life.
He and his wife Totney were new to town. They met other families. His children also made friends during the construction. Some of those relationships remain today.
(Youngsters were involved in the playground from the start. They helped design it, with noted architect Robert Leathers, and worked at the site. The littlest ones organized boxes of screws.)
The Compo Beach playground is popular many months of the year.
Rotary has chosen Play By Design to help with the “new” playground. It will include modern structures and features, as well as upgrades like replacing damaged boards resolving unsafe and accessibility issues, and improving visibility.
Right now, Rotary is assembling a steering committee (non-Rotarians are welcome!). Areas include:
General coordinators (2)
Volunteers coordinators (2)
Fundraising
Public relations
Special needs
Donated materials
Purchased materials
Food coordinator
Childcare coordinator
Site coordinator
Crew leader
Art and special features
Children’s representative
Rotary is also looking for volunteers for 3- to 4-hour on the build day next spring. Children can help. There will also be childcare and other activities.
Click here to volunteer for the steering committee and/or build day. For more information, follow @compobeachplay on Instagram
An initial meeting is set for Saturday, September 9 (9 a.m., at the wooden pavilion by the Compo Beach playground).
(Like the Compo Beach playground, “06880” is all about community. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
“A truck traveling westbound on Post Road East from the area of Long Lots Road had a hydraulic line break this morning, and began leaking hydraulic fluid.
“The operator of the vehicle did not know the fluid was leaking. and continued driving west on Post Road East to Myrtle Ave and Main Street.
“The fluid on the road caused 3 crashes before we were able to get lanes closed.
“The Connecticut Department of Transportation and town Highway Department are currently on scene and in the process of conducting a clean-up.
“The State Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has been notified, but at this time they are not on scene.
“As a result of this incident, traffic on Post Road East has been significantly affected. Westport Police ask the public to avoid the area until the spill can be mitigated. There have been no road closures, but lanes on the affected roads have been closed.
Online registration for Westport Parks & Recreation Department programs begins next Wednesday (September 6, 9 a.m.). Click here to see all offerings (not yet viewable, however). Click here to register.
Questions? Email recreation@westportct.gov, or call (203-341-5152 weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Construction of the cell phone tower on private property at 92 Greens Farms Road is moving ahead quickly.
This was the scene yesterday, looking east. I-95 is on the right.
(Photo/Matt Murray)
===============================================
Earlier this month, Substack launched a new sports newsletter: “The Finder With Tom Haberstroh.”
The former Staples High School basketball star was inspired to start it in part because of his mother Patty. The longtime Westport Department of Human Services social worker — who died last month from complications of ALS — gave him “The Finder” nickname when he was young. (Click here for that back story — and a mention of Westport’s own Craig Melvin.)
Another local connection: This week, Tom published a podcast with Westporter Dan Orlovsky. The former NFL quarterback and current ESPN analyst had a great conversation with Tom. (Dan recorded it on his way to Bristol.)
The Westport Country Playhouse benefit was already shaping up as a showcase of local — but A-list — talent.
Staples High School 2003 graduate Justin Paul headlines the September 9 event. He’s joined by James Naughton, and the Weston actor’s son Greg and daughter-in-law Kelli O’Hara, along with Staples ’06 alum/Broadway actor Jacob Heimer.
Staples ’87 grad/Coleytown Middle School director Ben Frimmer is the concert producer. The director is Staples ’10/former Staples Players president/current Disney creative developer Caley Beretta.
Now 12 current Staples Players have joined the cast, for the opening and closing numbers: Yusef Abdallah, Kaya Araya, Henry Carson, Finley Chevrier, Cece Diyoka, Samantha Edwards, Ben Herrera, Alyssa Lee, Andrew Maskoff, Imogen Medoff, Cooper Sadler and Melody Stanger.
Click here for tickets, and more information.
Kelli O’Hara will be joined by many other Westporters at the Westport Country Playhouse benefit.
=================================================
It’s amazing what’s donated to the Westport Library and Westport Book Shop.
Now, several rare and unique literary works — given over the psat 2 years — will be auctioned online.
The September 6 event includes a letter handwritten and signed by former Westporter F. Scott Fitzgerald to his publisher, and a first American edition of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” signed by author J.K. Rowling.
The auction is conducted by University Archives, an online auction house operated by Wilton collector/dealer/handwriting expert/auctioneer John Reznikoff. The 2 items are among hundreds of rare autographs, manuscripts, books and sports memorabilia to be auctioned that day.
Click here to see the 7 lots to be auctioned for Westport Book Sale’s benefit. For a catalog of all 505 lots, click here.
F. Scott Fitzgerald, and his letter.
================================================
Income-eligible residents can get help with winter heating bills. Applications for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program start September 5.
Westport residents who previously qualified for assistance through the Department of Human Services will receive application instructions in the mail. Those applying for the first time should call 203-341-1050, or email humansrv@westportct.gov to make an appointment.
A household’s gross annual income must be at or below 60% of the state median income. The maximum income for households with 1 person is $41,553; it ranges up to $92,695 for families of 5.
Households receiving SNAP, SSI, State Supp or Refugee Cash Assistance may automatically qualify. CEAP recipients may also be eligible for matching payment plans, protection from shutoffs, and replacement and repairs for heating equipment and water heaters, along with additional fuel deliveries.
Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between August 23 and 30.
A woman was arrested after a domestic violence incident, and charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct, after it was determined she was the “dominant aggressor.”
After being assigned a court date and told not to return to the residence until after that court date, she attempted to do just that. She was charged with violation of the conditions of release, 2nd degree.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 5 citations
Failure to register a commercial vehicle: 3
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 2
Failure to renew registration: 2
Distracted driving: 1
Failure to yield right of way: 1
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
Failure to renew license: 1
Violation of readable plates: 1
Failure to appear: 1
Nearly every week, Westport Police issue citations for “failure to register a commercial vehicle.”
================================================
As fall nears, Aspetuck Land Trust is gearing up for another “Lunch & Learn” webinar season.
First up: “Hedges and Edges: Increasing the Resilience and Diversity of Your Garden’s Ecosystem” (September 15, noon to 1:30 p.m.).
Plant ecologist and landscape designer Heather McCargo will discuss using garden design to increase yard productivity and biodiversity.
For example, ALT says, “Group together shrubs of different species into a hedgerow for small or large spaces, add herbaceous groundcovers and small trees to the shrub layer for a multi-level garden that creates amazing habitat for a variety of species.”
Potential Pennsylvania senatorial candidate David McCormick stirred controversy earlier this month, when news outlets reported that the former CEO of Bridgewater Associates actually continues to live in Westport.
Official documents list his home here as his address; so does a $5,000 campaign contribution made this spring. McCormick, a Republican, is raising money and hiring staff as he prepares to challenge incumbent Democratic Senator Bob Casey next fall.
Now a new report notes that his 2019 Honda CR-V and 2019 Toyota Land Cruiser are both registered to his Westport address. He paid the motor vehicle taxes that were due July 1. Click here for the full story. (Hat tip: Allan Siegert)
David McCormick
===============================================
Today is the Westport Farmer’ Market.
There’s always something to see, smell and admire at the Imperial Avenue lot. Here are just a few items, photographed last week by Mary Sikorski for our “Westport … Naturally” feature:
And finally … Ray Hildebrand, the “Paul” of “Paul & Paula” fame who had a #1 love song using those names in 1963, died this month in Kansas. He was 82, and suffered from dementia. Click here for a full obituary.
(F. Scott Fitzgerald, heating bill assistance, police reports, much more … as usual, this “06880” Roundup has it all. If you appreciate our work, please consider a donation. Just click here — and thank you!)
Carole Orland has — literally — a lifetime of memories of the Boston Red Sox.
In fact, her connection with the legendary team began even before her birth.
Her father, Cyrus Topol, was born in Dorchester in 1911 — the year Fenway Park was built. He shared his Sox passion with Carole, who was born and raised in not-too-far-away Worcester.
He taught her all about baseball, including how to keep score. They spent Jewish holidays at Fenway during pennant races — including fasting there during Yom Kippur.
“It was a concession we made to my mom,” Carole explains. “She was a good sport, because she knew how much it meant to us.”
The Sox’ World Series win at the ball park in 2004 was a huge moment for Carole and her dad. That championship, Carole says, was for him and his own parents. (He’d been waiting for it since 1918, when he was 7 years old.)
The 2007 Series victory was for her. Six years later, they won again. That was extra special: Her son Max, a 2006 graduate of Staples High School, was working for the team.
The Red Sox were world champions in 2013 and 2018. Carole was there for that most recent victory too. The emotion and electricity were as strong as ever.
But all those were warm-up pitches, compared to what happened Sunday.
Carole — a Westporter since 2002, and a founding member and partner at the Broder Orland Murray & DeMattie family law firm — threw out the first pitch at Fenway Park.
The joyful moment — celebrating her 70th birthday of a few months ago — was arranged by longtime friend Bill Mitchell. The co-owner of the Mitchells stores has known Sox owner John Henry and president Sam Kennedy for many years.
Bill Mitchell and Carole Orland, at Fenway Park.
Three dozen friends and family members were on hand. Carole was joined on the field by Bill, Max, and her grandchildren Cyrus and Chloe Silverstein — all Westport residents.
Bill also arranged for the Red Sox photographer to cover her pitch.
Her “pitching coach” — Westporter Ron Gordon — trained her the week before the game. He held his breath in Carole’s special suite as she released the ball.
It was a perfect strike.
The pitch … and the celebration.
“My dad would have enjoyed the day so much,” she says. “He taught me to throw overhand — not like a girl!”
But her father — who died in 2008, age 97 — was there in spirit.
When Carole and family headed to a special suite to watch the game (and, as an added thrill, pose with the World Series trophy), there was a photo of Cyrus Topol, on the table.
Carole Orland with the World Series trophy and a photograph of her father, in a Fenway suite. From left: her son Max, husband Burt, and the Silverstein family: grandson Cyrus, son-in-law Mark, daughter Stef and granddaughter Chloe.
Carole calls the day “an out-of-body experience.”
There was only one downside to Sunday’s memorable events. The Red Sox lost 7-4 to the Dodgers.
The Sox are having a tough year. They’re in 5th place in the AL East.
But here’s the upside: The Yankees are 6th.
The Red Sox gave Carole Orland a souvenir jersey, complete with her nickname. The number honors her most recent birthday.
(“06880” is where Westport meets Fenway Park. If you enjoy stories like this, please support our work. Click here to contribute. And thank you!)
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: dwoog@optonline.net. Thanks!)
GET THE “06880” APP
The “06880” app (search for it on the Apple or Android store) is the easiest way to get “06880.” Choose notifications: whenever a new post is published, or once or twice a day. Click here for details.
The Sox’ World Series win at the ball park in 2004 was a huge moment for Carole and her dad. That championship, Carole says, was for him and his own parents. (He’d been waiting for it since 1918, when he was 7 years old.)
