The Army Corps of Engineers is beginning the Saugatuck River dredging project.
What’s involved? Where exactly will they dredge?
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker explains the process, with Dick Kalt of the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston.
This Y’s Men podcast is released every 2 weeks. Click below to listen. If you have a question for the next episode, email: westport@ysmenwestportweston.org.
[UPDATE] Several readers have pointed to a Westport Journal story that includes a photo of the banned book display at the Staples High School library. The book covers are exhibited, and students could browse the contents.
I have removed a story posted earlier today, citing a reader who emailed me saying she had changed her mind about the display, after learning that the book jackets had been covered.
That appears to be erroneous information. I have deleted this story, and will also remove other comments pertaining to it.
The “garden” part of Westport Community Gardens is clear to anyone wandering by the 100 plots just south of Long Lots Elementary School. They’re beautiful, and bountiful.
But the “community” part is just as important. Led by Lou Weinberg — and with plenty of help from everyone else — there’s as much camaraderie and spirit as there are vegetables, flowers and birds.
Yesterday, the Gardens community celebrated with a fall harvest party. Dozens of families shared friendship, music, pizza, gelato — and of course, plenty of salads.
No, you did not miss the Westport Library’s summer book sale.
The mega-event has been moved to fall. This year, it’s Friday, November 11 through Monday, November 14.
There are thousands of gently used books for children and adults in over 50 categories: non-fiction, fiction, romance, cookbooks, antiquarian, plus music CDs, and movie and TV series DVDs. Also, “a limited selection of artworks and ephemera.”
Westport resident Joseph Califano — President Carter’s Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare — has donated dozens of books signed and inscribed to him, from his personal library.
There’s a new “Fiction for $1 Room”: an entire conference room filled with hardcover fiction, mystery, science fiction, fantasy, young adult fiction and paperback novels — all just $1 each.
Also: a large selection of holiday-themed books, CDs and DVDs. Crank up that Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer!
Click here for information on prices, hours (and early-bird access).
Staples High School Class of 1978 graduate Dave Ruden served as chair emeritus of this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s. He lost his mother to the disease.
Ruden’s day job is publisher of The Ruden Report — the go-to multi-platform site for coverage of Fairfield County sports. So he put out the word to all 16 FCIAC schools — asking all sports, all seasons to help.
Over 60 responded, raising funds and walking yesterday at Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk.
Among them: Staples baseball, cheer, boys ice hockey and girls tennis volleyball.
The Staples boys soccer program participated too — big time. Led by tri-captain Alex Laskin, they raised $9,428. That was the most of any FCIAC team — and 5th highest, among the 284 groups that raised funds.
Way to go, all you Wreckers!
Boys soccer varsity team, at the Alzheimer’s Walk. (Photo/Mark Sikorski)
Speaking of sports: On Election Day night, you may be cheering or crying.
Earlier in the day, your kids will definitely cheer.
That is, if they’re part of the Staples High School cheer team’s clinic (November 8, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.). It’s open to children in grades kindergarten through 8 (
The $75 fee includes lunch and a t-shirt. It’s a fundraiser for the team. Click here to register, and for more information.
“The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Man” — Paul Newman’s memoir — will be published October 18.
Next month (November 20, 3 p.m.), it’s the topic of a Westport Country Playhouse discussion.
Who better to talk about the beloved actor/philanthropist/race car driver — and longtime Westporter — than Melissa Newman? She wrote the book’s foreword — and is his daughter.
She’ll be joined by Anne Keefe, Playhouse associate artist, who served WCP co-artistic director with Newman’s wife, actor Joanne Woodward.
An audience Q-and-A will follow the talk.
Tickets are $45, and include a copy of the book. To purchase, and for more information, click here.
It included an interview with the editor of CD Media. The initials stand for “Creative Destruction,” which is “reopening newspapers up and down the Colonies.”
CD Media’s chief investigative correspondent and senior editor Christine Dolan comes to Westport on November 1 (6:45 p.m., Westport Library). She’ll bring her “American Conversation” series, to discuss “How Public Policy is Putting Our Children at Risk.” The event is co-sponsored by Children’s Health Defense, the anti-vaccine group chaired by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Among the topics her panel will address:
“Significant increase in child human trafficking”
“Exponential increase in youth deaths from fentanyl”
“Alarming increase in suicides of young people”
“Decrease in mastery of basic academic skills.”
Click here for tickets and more information. (Hat tip: Tom Prince)
Promotional photo for CD Media’s November 1 event.
Soccer’s World Cup kicks off next month, in Qatar.
Games will be played primarily from what is early morning to mid-afternoon, Eastern Standard Time. An “06880” reader named Fernando asks:
“What are the bars and other places in the area that will be open for all the matches? Are there any places that did this in 2018 that can be counted on to do it again, or new venues that will do so?”
And finally … contrary to what I learned in school, Christopher Columbus did not “discover” America. It was already here — and was home to a thriving population.
It took hundreds of years, but today we celebrate the indigenous people of North America — those millions who were here first.
For decades since its construction more than 70 years ago, Sconset Square was — well, undefined.
Originally called Sherwood Square, the small plaza off Myrtle Avenue housed a random group of stores. The original Sport Mart, Carousel Toy Store, The Paint Bucket, a camera shop — all were there.
So was a tailor, travel agency and offices (including the Westport News).
A succession of restaurants succeeded the Pickle Barrel, which featured — yes — an actual pickle barrel.
That was then. Sconset Square, now, is very now.
Over the past few years, co-owners David Waldman and Roger Leifer transformed a gaggle of storefronts into a cohesive set of like-minded businesses. All share a common theme: high-end design, aimed at creative-type folks.
Waldman’s vision was for an artistic-type hub, drawing people together. The new mix of stores includes interior design, an art gallery, artisanal florist, jewelry and gifts. The new café/restaurant/bar, Casa Me, opens soon.
Renovations updated Sconset’s look, and unified the exteriors. The esthetic was light, yet New England-y.
Studio Cafe is a new Westport gathering spot.
“People who come here ‘get it,'” says Petra Barguss, an artist who handles the square’s social media.
“But not everyone knows how much has been done here.”
So next Saturday (October 15, noon to 5 p.m.), Sconset Square hosts a Fall Fete.
There will be a pizza truck, and live music by Tangled Vine. Every store will offer a special activity, from cider to raffles to a pumpkin toss.
Bungalow is a long-time tenant in Sconset Square.
Sconset Square has always lacked an identity — and signage.
The new signs are not yet up. But the identity is now strong. Here’s a quick look at the tenants:
UpNorth — Allison Daniels Design: Hand-crafted, custom jewelry and accessories.
Swoon: Contemporary art and photography; design services, furniture and antiques.
Yoya: Sources whimsical 0-12 children’s clothing and accessories from exclusive European brands.
Bespoke Designs: Elegant, personalized invitations and stationery; hotel silver, tableware and linens too.
Casa Me: Cocktails, an Italian menu, coffee; light, airy, with a long bar and outdoor dining.
Blossom + Stem: Fresh flower bouquets and arrangements for private homes, corporate events and weddings.
The Brady Collection: Curated collection of luxury wall coverings and textiles from boutique brands (appointment only).
Bungalow: Furniture, antiques, textiles, jewelry and books for decorators and clients.
The Tailored Home: Eclectic, locally bench-made furniture, mirrors and lighting, with upholstery fabrics.
Studio Café: Coffee and juice bar with Spanish dishes (empanadas, tortillas) plsu salads and sandwiches.
Jenni Kayne Home: Custom furniture, textiles and homeware in natural finishes; cashmere and alpaca loungewear, organic skincare balms and candles.
Last week’s Photo Challenge showed a place everyone is dying to get into:
Harding Funeral Home.
(Ba-dum-ching!)
John McCarthy, Gloria Gouveia, Morley Boyd, Elaine Marino, Diane Silfen, Edward Bloch and Mary Ann Batsell all knew that the decorative metal railing in Eve Potts’ photo = leads to one of the last places that — contrary to the first paragraph, but also absolutely true — you want to go. (Click here to see,)
This week’s livelier Photo Challenge is below. If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Ellen Wentworth)
(Here’s a challenge: Please support “06880.” Click here to help!)
Yesterday’s gorgeous weather brought crowds outdoors, everywhere in Westport.
Including Burying Hill Beach.
Even in summer, there’s usually space there to spread out. But the small Greens Farms spot was filled yesterday, with a large group enjoying the spectacular view, from atop the hill.
And — because it’s after October 1 — they brought their dogs.
One of the town’s most popular shows — CraftWestport — returns November 5 and 6. It’s been on hiatus since COVID.
As always, the Staples High School fieldhouse will be filled with fashions, accessories, jewelry, home décor, furniture, photography, fine art, ceramics, glass, metal, wood, mixed media, skincare products, soaps, candles and more.
Gourmet specialties boutique featuring: bourbon-barrel aged maple syrup, hand-painted chocolates, teas and honey, cheese spreads, curds and baked goods.
CraftWestport brings more than 175 contemporary craftspeople and modern makers from across the country, to Connecticut’s largest indoor fine crafts festival. Net proceeds from admission fees are distributed to local charitable agencies by the Westport Young Woman’s League,.
For more information, including hours and admission, click here.
Alan Fiore’s new song has just dropped — and it may be his best ever.
The 2021 Staples High School graduate now studies at Berklee College of Music. If he keeps making music like this, he could become one of their most famed alums ever.
Click here for your favorite platform. Click below for the YouTube version.
Eight years ago, “06880” reported that Long Lots Elementary School teacher Jenn Giannino had donated a kidney to Sammy Brownlow — a former kindergarten student, when Jen had taught at Unquowa School. (Click here to read.
It was a hell of a story.
Anna & Raven thought so too.
The radio personalities featured it Friday on their show — in the “Helluva Story” segment.
Eight years later, it’s a story still worth telling. Click here to listen.
The Remarkable Theater provided incorrect information yesterday for their kids-friendly Halloween weekend double feature.
“It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” and “Curious George: A Halloween Boo Fest” will be shown on the Imperial Avenue parking lot big screen on Sunday, October 30 — not the day before. Gates open at 5 p.m.; the films begin at 6.
That’s actually a triple feature day. A very adult film — “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” — follows at 8:30 p.m. Gates open at 8.
I’m curious why there is a staircase leading down to the Saugatuck River, at the Riverwalk near the Library. Did people used to swim (or bathe?) in it? (Tracy Porosoff)
(Photo/Tracy Porosoff)
I don’t know, Tracy. I’ve often wondered, though.
And I’ve wondered when was the last time anyone used it.
There are 2 ancient-looking doors on the west side of Saugatuck Avenue, just north of the railway overpass. They’re unmarked, and wouldn’t make any sense to have there with the traffic whizzing by. One is on the 2nd floor, so they probably pre-date the road there. Any idea what they were for? (Marc Frankel)
No. But I’m sure some longtime Saugatuck residents do. And — to be honest — I’ve never noticed them. The next time I’m stuck in traffic there, I’ll look.
The photo above brings up my own question: Why do so many drivers not believe the 10′ 11″ warning sign on the Saugatuck Avenue bridge?
If I drove a truck for a living — or rented a U-Haul, and was responsible for damages — I like to think I’d be a bit more aware than all of those ding-dongs who suddenly come to a screeching, roof-less halt.
And a related query: Why are there so many fewer accidents on the similarly low railroad bridge on South Compo? Does it have something to do with coming off I-95 onto Saugatuck Avenue, and still being in highway mode? Are there not enough warning signs? We may not be able to solve many world problems, but this one seems like it could be fixed.
Or at least cut down to, say, only one accident a month.
My Alvord children and I have just learned there is an Alvord Beach here. Where is it? For which ancestor is it named? And can we claim ownership? We’ve always wanted a private beach. (Lynn Flaster [Alvord] Paul
I know the answer!
Well, part of it, anyway.
Alvord Beach is the official name of the sandy area at Sherwood Island State Park.
I have no idea which Alvord it’s named for, unfortunately. But for the very interesting back story of Connecticut’s first state park, click here.
I’d like to know about the Lees family — early Westport industrialists.
They have a big cemetery plot at Willowbrook, with gravestones goin back centuries, plus an extension with more recent family members buried across the way.
The grandmother’s beautiful Italianate Victorian house set back on Main Street was in disrepair for many years, but looks well kept up now. Amazing to think that property goes all the way back. (Jeanne Reed)
“06880” has written several times about the Lees family, with great input from Mary Palmieri Gai Jack Whittle. Here are some excerpts:
Lees Pond, Lees Dam and Lees Lane, all in the Richmondville area, are part of the Lees family.
Lees Dam (Photo/Scott Smith)
Lees Manufacturing Company – they ran the cotton twine mill on Richmondville Avenur – was founded in 1814 by John Lees, who was born in 1787 in England, and perhaps a brother Thomas Lees was also a founder. John Lees was married to Martha (b. 1793). They are shown living in Westport in the 1850 US census, with their two youngest sons, George and Henry.
Edward M. Lees (Courtesy of Dale Call)
Edward M. Lees (born c. 1832) appeared in both the 1860 and 1870 US censuses with his wife Caroline. In the 1860 census Edward’s occupation was “blacksmith,” while in the 1870 census it was “law student.” Edward was appointed postmaster for Westport on April 7, 1867. He died in 1909, and is buried alongside his wife in Willowbrook cemetery.
Edward Lees also fought in the Civil War. He joined Fairfield’s 17th regiment too, ending the war as a 2nd lieutenant in Company K. He was wounded at Gettysburg, and captured at the Battle of Chancellorsville.
As far as precise Main Street Westport addresses of the Lees are concerned, Robert Lees (b. 1855) and his wife Lucy lived “on Main street near Myrtle Ave” in Westport in the 1919 Westport City Directory. Robert’s occupation was listed as “cotton twine manufacturing.”
Robert died around 1919 but Lucy continued to live in Westport, with her address listed as “171 Main St.” beginning with the 1925 Westport City Directory and continuing through the 1933 directory (when Lucy was 83 or so; she may have died soon thereafter). (NOTE: Street numbers may have been renumbered at some point.)
Meanwhile, beginning with the 1910 census John A. Lees (b. 1875) and his wife Margaret Sniffen Lees lived next door at 169 Main Street, along with their son John A. Lees Jr. (b. 1905). According to the 1917 City directory John A Lees Sr. was the president of Lees Manufacturing, and Charles Sniffen (his wife’s father? brother?) was shown as the manager. Sniffen Lane was developed much later, near Richmondville Avenue.
The Mill on Richmondville Avenue is now being converted into luxury housing.
John A. Lees Sr. and Margaret moved into Lucy Lees’ house after she died, because they are shown living at 171 Main St. in the 1940 census. At that point John A. Lees Jr. was married (Jane) and from 1931 – 1939 living at 193 Main Street.
John A. Lees Jr. (who also ran the company) and Jane eventually moved to Turkey Hill Road South in the 1950s. John A. Lees Jr. died on April 24, 1966.
The old Lees House at 257 Main State was (finally) restored by the owner. The last Lees in Westport — a woman who never married — lived there until she was in her 90s.
Westport Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice joined members of Westport10 — the civic and social organization of Black men and their families — for a tour of the Westport Library yesterday.
The group — founded by Library trustee Jay Norris — was very impressed with the innovative building, and inspired by Scarice’s vision for Westport schools.
At yesterday’s Westport Library event, front row (from left): Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice, Board of Education member Kevin Christie, Roy Anderson, Alie Diagne, Eric Freeman. Back row: Ryan Smith, Dale Mauldin, Abdul Ngnoumen, Jay Norris, Ted Parker.
From now through 12:30 p.m. today (Saturday), the Westport Tree Board is giving them away. It’s part of “Oaktober,” at the Westport Book Shop fall festival. The festival runs until noon.
Westport Tree Board member Ed Picard offers an oak sapling to Dylan Rosen. (Photo/Frank Rosen)
The United Methodist Church of Westport and Weston wants to make it easy for everyone. On Saturday, October 29 (2 to 4 p.m.), they’ll host their annual (and very popular) “Trunk or Treat.”
The parking lot will be filled with 30 car trunks, decorated for Halloween. Kids (up to age 12) can pick up candy and other goodies.
It’s free for the community — but there’s a chance to give back too. The church is collecting canned goods for the Person to Person food pantry. A donation of 5 cans of food per child attending is requested.
All are welcome at the United Methodist Church, 49 Weston Road — throughout the year, and of course at “Trunk or Treat.” (Photo/Dan Woog)
The next big event after Halloween is Election Day.
Absentee ballots are available at the Town Clerk’s office in Town Hall Room 105 on weekdays (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except this Monday, Columbus Day.) Ballots are also available online; click here.
It’s been just over a year since beloved Westporter Jonathan Greenfield died of ALS. He had just turned 50.
Greenfield dedicated the last years of his life to building Breathe 4 ALS, with his wife Iris. The non-profit had 2 missions: raising money for genetic ALS research, and spreading awareness of the Wim Hof method of breathwork and cold therapy. It greatly improved Greenfield’s life, as he battled ALS.
The second annual Jonathan Greenfield Wim Hof Fundamentals Workshop is set for Sunday, October 16.
It’s limited to 30 participants, and is free for people living with ALS.
Jonathan was a photographer and filmmaker. He published a coffee table book, which is included as a gift with the ticket purchase ($225 donation).
People who cannot attend, but support the work with a $100 donation will receive the book as a thank you. Click here for tickets.
Dana Buckmir’s memoir, Everything Will Be Okay, is a cautionary tale of online dating and domestic violence. On October 12 (7 p.m.), the Connecticut native brings her story to The Westport Library for a conversation with Ann Rodwell-Lawton, associate director of the Domestic Violence Crisis Center.
The event, a collaboration between the Library, The Domestic Violence Crisis Center, and the Westport Domestic Violence Task Force, will be held in person, streamed live, and recorded.
“Domestic violence and abuse impacts thousands of people, especially women, each day, in every community,” says Kerri Gawreluk, programming associate at The Westport Library. “Dana’s ability to articulate her own personal story from a place of clarity, strength, and empowerment is truly inspiring, and we’re incredibly grateful to host her at the Library.”
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Westport 12-year-old Vivek Kanthan is now on the Kart Racing World Circuit in Italy.
The 50+-nation competition is very difficult. Karts have different tire compounds and specifications. Tracks are very fast and highly technical.
In the Rok Cup Italia Competition, Vivek finished as vice champion. He has qualified to represent the US in the World Championship Rok Superfinal in Lonato later this month. Good luck, Vivek!
And finally … on this day in 1956, Don Larsen pitched the only perfect game in World Series history. (Just think: The MLB post-season is only beginning now, with wild card games.)
(Movies, sports, Election Day info … it’s all available on “06880.” Please click here to support your hyper-local blog.)
A pair of bands (Times Square and klezmer), and 3 overseas water scenes, are part of this week’s online art gallery.
This is your feature. All readers are invited to contribute. Age, level of experience, subject matter — there are no restrictions.
All genres are encouraged. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, lithographs, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage and (yes) needlepoint — whatever you’ve got, email it to 06880blog@gmail.com. Share your work with the world!
“Eric 1976” (Eric Bosch)
“Tanzania Great Migration” — Photographer Mike Hibbard says of his subjects: ““If we get across this crocodile-infested river we will have earned our stripes.”
Untitled (Sharon Paulsen)
“Subway Serenade Times Square” (Lawrence Weisman)
“An Old Time Klezmer Band” (Steve Stein)
“From the Aegean in Greece” (Claudia Sherwood Servidio)
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!)
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