Roundup: Cans, Downtown Charette, Jodi & Scott …

Posted on August 22, 2023 | 8 comments

On Sunday, Tom Kretsch and his wife Sandi headed to Compo’s South Beach, by the trees near the kayak launch.

A large group of Staples High School students and parents were setting up for an end-of-summer/start-of-school bash.

Not far away Tom saw a woman with a baby on her back, and 2 other kids tagging along. She stopped at every trash can, gathering cans for redemption.

She halted for a bit, to watch the picnic. Someone came over, with pizza for her and her children.

A few minutes later the woman continued walking, and picking through the trash.

(Photos/Tom Kretsch)

“It was quite a contrast, seeing someone scrounging for cans on our beach, and other people enjoying life on the beach,” Tom says.

“I wondered how she got there, with 3 kids and those heavy bags. What a world of haves and have-nots.

I’ve never seen anything like that on Compo Beach. On we journey, counting our blessings.”

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A reminder: Tonight (Tuesday, August 22) is the open house “charrette”: a public review and feedback meeting covering additional plans for the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee’s “Master Plan for Downtown Parking and Pedestrian Areas: Reconnecting the Riverfront.”

Particular focus will be on the Parker Harding Plaza design.

The session begins at 7 p.m. (Westport Library) All residents and downtown stakeholders are invited to attend.

Information on the project is available on the DPIC website. Feedback is welcome in its comments section.

DPIC also conducts regular public meetings, typically the 2nd Thursday of each month at 8:30 a.m.

Parker Harding Plaza cut-through road (left), and Saugatuck River. (Drone photo/John Videler for Videler Photography)

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Westport Community Gardens continues its 20th anniversary celebration with another pop-up garden stand.

Everyone is invited to explore the Gardens — and adjacent Long Lots Preserve — and pick up very fresh produce, herbs and flowers this Sunday (August 27, 10 a.m. to noon).

Straight from the Community Gardens. (Photo/Karen Mather)

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The Rhimes girls held a very successful lemonade-and-ice-cream fundraiser for Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Services this weekend.

They raised over $4,000 for the great organization (which, many people don’t realize, runs almost entirely on donations).

The feeling of helping a good cause was enough. But the youngsters were rewarded yesterday. President Mike Burns led a personal tour of the facility — and personally thanked the girls.

WVEMS president Mike Burns and EMS member Sammi Henske flank the Rhimes family. (Photo courtesy of Shonda Rhimes)

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James Naughton and Carole Schweid entertained a full house last night.

The “Play With Your Food” creator led the actor/director in a discussion on his life on stage and screen — and as a passionate advocate for Connecticut’s Medical Aid in Dying legislation.

Naughton talked about investing in theater (he’s been quite lucky), his work with Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward and many others, and the joys and frustrations of a life in the arts.

The evening included a screening of the short film “Not the Same Clarence.” The film, featuring Jim and his son Greg Naughton, depicts the realities of caring for a parent with dementia, and its impact on their lives.

The Y’s Men of Westport and Weston sponsored the event.

James Naughton and Carole Schweid. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Speaking of acting: Jodi Stevens and Scott Bryce are expanding SBEstudio — their Weston performing arts school — to Saugatuck Congregational Church.

Jodi (a Broadway veteran and voice, singing and acting coach for over 20 years) and Scott (her Emmy-winning producer/director/actor husband, and a former Staplesl Player) offer new programming too, including a spring 6-week film and TV intensive course.

A grand opening is set for this Sunday (August 27, 2 p.m.).

Musical theater group classes and private lessons are available from ages 4-5 (Broadway Beginnings) all the way to 15-18 (Young Professionals). A new Broadway Babies class, for ages 2-3, is in the works.

The Bryce family has a long history with the Saugatuck Church. Scott’s mother Dorothy was deacon emeritus, a founding member of the Interfaith Council of Westport, Weston, Wilton, and a founder of the Theatre Artists Workshop.

Jodi’s scholarship program for talented students without means will continue, under a new name: The SBEstudio Dorothy Bryce Scholarship Fund.

For more information on the Saugatuck Church and Weston programs, click here, email info@sbestudio.com, or call 203-247-6569.

Scott Bryce and Jodi Stevens (Photo courtesy of Celebrity Parents)

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Agent Orange has killed more than 300,000 US military veterans since our country left Vietnam in 1975.

The toll continues to rise.

In his new book “Agent Orange: A Short Sickening Saga of War,” Staples High School graduate/longtime Westport/prolific author Carl Addison Swanson explores the subject.

Amazon calls it “the tragic story of a Vietnam Veteran who, after 50 years of good health, is stricken with a heart disease connected directly to his exposure to the chemical AGENT ORANGE during the war.”

It is available on Kindle. Click here to order, and for more information.

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The last date of lifeguards at Burying Hill Beach is this Thursday (August 24).

Compo Beach lifeguards continue through September 4.

Beach stickers are required through September 30.

Burying Hill Beach lifeguards’ last day is Thursday. (Photo/Yvonne O’Kane)

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Traffic alert: The Department of Public Works’ annual roadway crack seal program begins this Thursday (August 24).

The work will continue for 2 weeks, on 15 miles of roadway. Be alert for 1-way traffic throughout the project.

Crack sealing ahead!

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This week on “What’s Next in Weston,” 1st Selectwoman Sam Nestor introduces Carol Baldwin, president of the Friends of Lachat Town Farm.

It’s the first of a 2-part series, covering the programs offered at “The Coachella of Fairfield County.”

The podcast is produced by the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston.

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MoCA’s fall exhibition — “Purvis Young: This is the Life I See” — features 36 large scale works by the American “outsider artist.”

This is the first time that the works, from the collection of Lynne and Jack Dodick, have been on public view.

The exhibition open September 15, and runs through December 29. A reception is set for September 14 (6 p.m.; free for members, $10 for non-members. Click here to register.) Advance registration is required.

Purvis Young (1943 – 2010) was a self-taught artist who dealt with the plight of the underprivileged and the consequences of racism and daily violence through a highly distinctive visual style. He lived his entire life in the Miami neighborhood of Overtown, once an entertainment destination as well as a Black neighborhood in the segregated South. Click here for more details.

“Shackled in Blues” (Purvis Young)

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Barry Kresch has spent several months observing nature, up close and personal.

He writes: “A pair of cardinals built a nest in a small tree outside my kitchen window. It was fairly low, so I was able to get some shots into it without disrupting the proceedings.

“I got much of the life cycle: first egg, mom sitting, chicks hatched, dinner is served, junior ready to take wing.

“After they left, I removed the nest. My wife told me they decay and get parasites, so the birds don’t reuse them.

“The same or another nesting pair then repeated the cycle. This time the nest was higher in the tree, not conducive to photos.”

This “life cycle” photo is perfect for our “Westport … Naturally” feature:

(Photo/Barry Kresch)

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And finally … on this day in 2011 Nick Ashford — half of the husband-and-wife songwriting/production team Ashford & Simpson, and a former Westport resident — died of throat cancer. He was 70 years old.

(Reach out and touch … “06880” with your supporting hand. Please click here to make a contribution. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Downtown, Local politics, Weston

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Roy Wood Jr. Stands Up For Hope

Posted on August 22, 2023 | 1 comment

As a student at Florida A&M University, Roy Wood Jr. worked as a server at Golden Corral.

He quickly learned the importance of engaging with customers — and making them laugh.

He learned something else: “No matter who you are — a 14-year-old Mexican, an old pastor, a family with White Power tattoos on their knuckles (true story) — there are 4 things everyone can talk about: food, entertainment, relationships and work.”

Wood came up with patter for all four. People — even the White Power folks — laughed along with the young Black server.

More than 20 years later, Wood still makes people laugh.

He did it as a correspondent on “The Daily Show” with Trevor Noah. Last spring he did it at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

On October 14 he’ll do it at Fairfield University’s Quick Center.

The event — “Stand Up For Homes with Hope” — is an annual benefit for Westport’s supportive housing and food pantry. Wood is the latest in a 15-year line of great comedians (think Paula Poundstone) to entertain audiences with timely, topical humor.

And to raise much needed funds, for a very important cause.

This is Wood’s second appearance here. His first was during the pandemic, when the show was virtual.

Then as now, he was honored to crack jokes so that people could crack open their wallets.

“There are problems like homelessness everywhere,” Wood says. “When you talk about charity and need, that’s an American issue. It may even be easier to do a show like this, because everyone there is united. Everyone there has a heart. Those shows are very energetic.”

Roy Wood Jr.

His perceptive observations of America are in his genes: His father, Roy Wood Sr., was a radio broadcaster and journalist who covered the civil rights movement, racism encountered by Black soldiers in the Vietnam, and the Soweto uprising. His mother, Joyce Dugan Wood, is a college administrator.

As a youngster, Wood wanted to be like Stuart Scott: a sportscaster with humor. When he got older, he tackled a broader range of topics.

Stand-up comedy, he found, is “a rush. At the end of the day, it’s about connecting with strangers, over the things we have in common.”

Wood looks forward to visiting Homes with Hope’s Gillespie Center, before his show that night. He has not been here before (though he visited Norwalk, for his son’s robot fighting league competitions).

“I’ve learned about Connecticut: It’s extremely diverse,” Wood says.

“The perception is that it’s only white and rich. Nothing can be further from the truth. You can’t just assume something about a state.”

The comedian pauses. “I’m from Alabama. Trust me. I know.”

(Click here for tickets and more information on the October 14 “Stand Up for Homes with Hope” show. Click here to learn more about Roy Wood Jr.)

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Pic Of The Day #2316

Posted on August 21, 2023 | Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #2316

Franklin Street I-95 underpass (Photo/JD Dworkow)

Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #2316

Posted in Pic of the Day, Saugatuck, Transportation

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“06880” Podcast: Alison Milwe Grace

Posted on August 21, 2023 | 6 comments

Alison Milwe Grace has spent nearly 3 decades in the food world.

From baking cakes in elementary school to working as a cheese monger in high school, waitressing her way through college, managing fine dining establishments post-graduation, becoming executive chef at an award-winning restaurant — and now chef/owner of her own catering company — she has tasted it all.

The other day Alison dished about the industry with me, at the Westport Library’s Trefz Forum. She’s as lively and fun in front of the camera as she is in the kitchen.

Sample her thoughts on catering (pre-, during and post-COVID); local dining trends, and much more — just click the link below.

6 Comments

Posted in Local business, Restaurants

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Roundup: Tax-Free Week, Pastaficio, Greenwalds …

Posted on August 21, 2023 | 1 comment

The Westport Downtown Association reminds shoppers that Connecticut’s Sales Tax-Free week began yesterday. It runs through this Saturday (August 26).

Retail purchases of most clothing and footwear priced under $100 are exempt from Connecticut sales and use tax. The exemption applies to each eligible item under $100.f

Many retailers add their own discounts.

For more details on Sales Tax-Free Week, including a list of items that are exempt or taxable, click here.

Footwear (and clothing) is exempt from sales taxes this week — for items under $100. (Photo/Alison Lee)

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Westport firefighters responded to a structure fire on Compo Road South just before midnight yesterday.

All occupants were safely out of the house. Damage was limited to the exterior.

Mutual aid from Norwalk and Fairfield provided station coverage. Westport Police and Emergency Medical Service assisted.

The last unit cleared at 1:36 a.m. As fire companies were leaving, they were dispatched to I-95 northbound between Exits 17 and 18 for a motor vehicle crash involving a car and tractor-trailer, with injuries.

Less than 10 minutes after that call, additional companies responded to a second motor vehicle crash with injuries in the same vicinity. Westport EMS assisted at both incidents.

Compo Road South fire. (Photo/Westport Fire Department)

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Pastificio has been closed for a couple of weeks.

A sign in its window on the Post Road store says: “We inform our kind customers that Il Pastificio will reopen on Sunday 20 [yesterday], temporarily as a pasta shop and not as a restaurant, until a date to be determined.”

We’re not sure if that means they’ll go back at some point to also serving as a restaurant — or if they’ll close at some point permanently.

“06880” will pass along details when we have them. (Hat tip: Amy Schneider)

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Tommy Greenwald is a man of many talents. The 1979 Staples High School graduate is a noted advertising executive, playwright and young adult author.

He’s also known as the father of Charlie Greenwald — no slouch in the acting/comedy/writing departments either. (And himself a Staples grad, class of 2012.)

Father and son have now collaborated on a new book. They co-wrote “The Rescues: Finding Home,” a children’s book about rescue animals.

(“It’s appropriate for everyone who’s alive,” notes Tommy, in true marketing mode.)

They’ll be appearing at the Westport Library’s StoryFest in October. If you can’t wait that long, check them out at Brooklyn’s Books are Magic (September 9, noon to 1 p.m.), the Rye Book Festival (September 23, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) or the Chappaqua Book Festival (September 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

Or click here to pre-order. The publication date is September 5.

Charlie and Tommy Greenwald, and their book.

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Frank Mastrone brought his very popular American Songbook show to the Levitt Pavilion last night.

Joining him were 2 other Broadway stars, both of whom performed — as he did — in “Phantom of the Opera.”

And both are Westporters: Staples High School graduate and classically trained opera singer Terry Eldh, and Dodie Pettit, aka one-half of Aztec Two-Step 2.0.

The evening was sponsored by Roger Leifer, as part of his “Sunday Series.” He threw a pre- and post-concert party for his tenants — a rare but welcome gesture by a commercial real estate landlord.

Frank Mastrone (center), with (from left) Dodie Pettit and Terry Eldh. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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This has been the “summer of sewers” in Westport.

Work continues in various spots around town — or at least, equipment is ready.

This was the scene yesterday, off Whitney Street:

(Photo/Molly Alger)

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A “rainbow” at the Westport Community Gardens frames today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature:

(Photo/Karen Mather)

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And finally … in honor of Tommy and Charlie Greenwald’s new book (story above):

(Welcome to another week of “06880” stories and features — and another gentle request for readers’ support. Please click here. Thank you!)

 

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Posted in Downtown, Economy, Entertainment, Media, Restaurants

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Scarice, Koskinas Seek School Security Upgrades

Posted on August 21, 2023 | 11 comments

Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice and Police Chief Foti Koskinas have an excellent working relationship.

They share a key goal: keeping every Westport student and staff member safe, from before the start of the school day to the end of the final extracurricular activity.

But Staples High School is a sprawling, 500,000-square foot building. Cell service is spotty. In an emergency, 911 is not always an instant call away.

The enormous Staples High School campus. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)

Thanks to a collaboration between Scarice and Koskinas. that may soon change.

This Wednesday (August 23, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium), Scarice will ask the Board of Finance for $630,000. The funds are for an enhanced security communications system, adding to the current capability to contact emergency services.

In addition, Koskinas will request $432,063. That money would pay for 3 officers to patrol 3 campuses: Coleytown Middle/Coleytown Elementary School; Kings Highway/Saugatuck Elementary; and Long Lots/Greens Farms Elementary. One officer already patrols the Staples/Bedford Middle School campus.

The officers would help with traffic, unwelcome visitors and similar issues. They would enter the schools only for emergencies.

Scarice is excited by the potential for vastly enhanced security — including the “Campus Shield” system he is proposing for Staples.

It uses radio frequency, the same system utilized by the military and first responders. (In the recent Maui wildfires, that was the only means of communication when cell service went down.)

A 1-inch by 1 -inch fob attaches to a staff member’s identification lanyard. In the event of any 911 emergency — a violent intruder, say, or a health issue — the staffer would press the fob for 2 seconds.

Within 5 seconds — and with unfailing reliability — the emergency dispatch center is notified.

A screen shows the name and profile of the faculty member, and the exact location in the building the call comes from. The nearest security camera is activated, showing the dispatch center exactly what is happening.

Every staff member with a lanyard — administrators, teachers, paraprofessionals, secretaries, coaches — would have the security fob.

Scarice says, “this tool enhances our current communications capability by providing instant, unfailing access to emergency responders. It is my highest recommendation, in conjunction with the Chief’s increase in officers dedicated to our schools.

“What excites me most is that this tool uses the exact same method that first responders and the military use for communications: radio frequency. This elevates our capabilities to communicate in an unfailing manner with first responders, in the event a call is necessary.”

The Board of Education has already unanimously supported Scarice’s request. The $630,000 cost might be partially offset by a state grant.

If the Board of Finance gives its okay, the security plan would go to the Representative Town Meeting for final approval.

11 Comments

Posted in Education, Local politics, Staples HS

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Pic Of The Day #2315

Posted on August 20, 2023 | 1 comment

Grace Salmon Park bike (Photo/Patricia McMahon)

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Posted in Environment, Pic of the Day

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Photo Challenge #451

Posted on August 20, 2023 | 21 comments

Last week’s Photo Challenge was interesting — both the image, and the answers.

Nearly a dozen readers quickly checked in with the correct response: Bruce McFadden’s shot of big beams and heavy machinery indeed showed the swing turntable underneath the William F. Cribari Bridge over the Saugatuck River, connecting Bridge Street and Saugatuck Avenue. (Click here to see.)

But then several others all said it was the underside of the I-95 Saugatuck River bridge, or perhaps another on the same highway.

Fortunately, the I-95 span does not swing open. Imagine the traffic jams if it did!

Congratulations to Morley Boyd, Alfred Herman, Jonathan McClure, Tom Risch, Jim McKay, Diane Silfen, Ken Runkel, Abby Gordon-Tolan, Seth Schachter, Craig Clark, Ann Bacharach, Micheal Simso, Ralph Balducci, Andrew Colabella, Matt McGrath and Howard Potter. You know your undersides of bridge machinery!

Here’s a nice late-summer one challenge. If you know where in Westport you’d see this peaceful scene, click “Comments” below.

(Photo/Patti Brill)

(Here’s a challenge: Please support your hyper-local blog. Click here to donate. And thank you!)

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Roundup: Board Of Ed, 190 Main, Lemonade …

Posted on August 20, 2023 | 9 comments

This November’s Board of Education election is very important. In the next 2 years, members may vote on everything from new buildings and redistricting to students’ access to library materials.

To help Westporters understand more about the BOE, the League of Women Voters of Westport will host 3 current members. The trio will discuss how the BOE operates.

Chair Lee Goldstein, secretary Neil Phillips and member Dorie Hordon are panelists for the September 6 event (7 p.m., Westport Library).

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190 Main appears closed.

There is no sign on the door of the restaurant, located in the same mini-plaza as Joe’s Pizza and Le Rouge Chocolatier. Tables remain on the patio. The answering machine still describes its hours of operation.

But inside, furniture is piled high, ready for removal. Fans of the small spot, with an eclectic menu, will be heartbroken.

(Photo and hat tip/Sal Liccione)

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For veterans, September 11 is a solemn day.

This year, it’s especially important.

Catch a Lift — the national organization that helps post-9/11 combat-injured veterans recover and rehabilitate, physically and mentally, through physical fitness, motivation and support — will hold its 2nd annual Connecticut golf and pickleball outing.

The event, at the Patterson Club in Fairfield (10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.), also includes cocktails, dinner, raffles, and the chance to hear inspirational accounts from veterans about their journeys.

Click here to register, and for more details.

Catch a Lift veterans, at a previous event in Westport.

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There are lemonade stands.

And then are super-lemonade stands.

Emerson, Beckett, Aja and Jada Rhimes set up a stand at a busy intersection near their home. They wanted to raise funds for Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Services.

“They help so many people. And they do it through donations. We wanted to help,” the girls said.

Did they ever!

Before running out of cups and lemonade, they raised $1,817. Their proud mother matched it.

An anonymous donor, impressed, added another $500.

So that’s $4,134 for WVEMS, from one lemonade stand.

Well done, girls!

A very successful lemonade stand. (Photo/Shonda Rhimes)

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Labor Day is (ugh) sooner than you think.

Time to get back to business — in more ways than one.

The Westport Business Networking International chapter’s Quarterly Visitor’s Day is September 7 (United Methodist Church, 7 a.m.).

Westport BNI has 50 members, with only one per category. Current open classifications include printer, salon/spa, restaurant, security systems, HVAC, photographer, travel agent, caterer, florist, event planner, home inspector, moving company,  electrician, dentist, personal trainer, auto repair, cleaning service, physical therapy, cosmetics/skincare and promotional products.

Meetings are held weekly. Email debralommascout@gmail.com or cara.mocarski@welcomewagon.com to sign up for Visitor’s Day. For more information, click here.

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The home at the corner of Riverside Avenue and Treadwell Avenue — across from the VFW — draws plenty of admiring stares.

There are 3 reasons: It’s handsome. It’s historic. And there’s plenty of time to look, at what can be a very long light.

Recently, there’s another reason: renovation work.

It looks dangerous. Kudos to the workers who navigate that steep roof, and the rickety-looking ladder laid horizontally across.

(Photo/Pat Auber)

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Dan Vener’s “Westport … Naturally” photo of a Burritt’s Cove swan is great.

But his comment is even better: “She only has 4 months left to find 6 buddies.”

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And finally … when you saw the photo of the workmen on the house at Treadwell Avenue, you must have known this was coming:

(“06880” does not have a lemonade stand. But we do encourage donations, to help us continue our work. Please click here. Thank you!)

 

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Posted in Education, Local business, Local politics, Real estate, Restaurants

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Illegal Mill Pond Crabbing, Clamming Continue

Posted on August 20, 2023 | 38 comments

Jamie Walsh is chair of Westport’s Shellfish Commission.

He’s concerned about the crabbing and other activities in Sherwood Mill Pond — which, since “06880” first reported on it last month, has become even more intensive. He writes:

On Friday night Barry Lytton, vice chair of the Westport Shellfish Commission and Jonathan Goldstein, owner and operator of Sherwood Island Oysters, discovered 40 to 50 individuals in the Mill Pond both crabbing and poaching large quantities of shellfish.

I also passed by, and was taken aback by the density of individuals with nets and buckets. These are restricted beds, leased for commercial shell fishing only as of right to Sherwood Island Oysters.

Barry was there for several hours. He says, “about 40 were strictly crabbing, but 10 or so were clamming and doing plenty of it. I saw 2 groups with about 200 to 400 clams each. I tried to tell them they could get sick, and called both the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and police, with no response. DEEP dispatch said they’d send somebody, but hadn’t for 2 hours.”

One bucket of clams — among money — at Sherwood Mill Pond Friday night. (Photo/Barry Lytton)

Aside from the light pollution and disruption to the neighbors who live around the pond, shellfish resources are being poached illegally.

It seems difficult for our police to enforce, as this activity occurs at night, they are not always familiar with the regulations, and many times a language barrier exists.

DEEP conservation officers are spread very thin, and do not have the budget for enforcement.

Sherwood Mill Pond crabbers and clammers, July 2023.

We have discussed this issue recently with Colin Kelly, Westport director of conservation. He is looking into enforcement options available to us. We need to protect our resources, and this area is strictly prohibited.

Westport has wonderful open recreational shellfishing beds located in the triangle off Cockenoe. Those areas are not restricted.

Allowing this illegal activity to continue only encourages permissive illegal behavior. This is something our commission plans to address immediately.

Click below for a video of Friday night’s activity. It was filmed by Barry Lytton; the voice is Jonathan Goldstein’s, owner of Sherwood Island Oysters.

(“06880” reports often on the environment — including our beaches and Sherwood Mill Pond. Please click here to help us continue our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Environment, Police

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