The longtime Westporter and noted historian had some home movies, from the 1930s. They were taken by the Kelly family at Compo Beach, and had been converted to DVD. Was I interested?
The 17-minute show was intriguing — though like any home movie of any time, it would be of far more interest if I actually knew who was in it. (It would have been better with a tripod too, and not shot directly into the sun. But hey …)
Compo Beach and Soundview look very familiar. Except for fewer rocks, it’s the same scenery as today.
Except for this screenshot.
It shows Schlaet’s Point at the northern end of the beach, where Soundview meets Hillspoint/South Compo.
But what do you notice that’s different, nearly 100 years ago? (I’m not talking about bathing suit styles.)
A lone protestor took to the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge yesterday. In what looks like a reference to Monday’s controversial Board of Education meeting about a banned books display at Staples High School, he urges the teaching of reading:
Speaking of the local controversy: Fox News has taken notice.
The network includes a story about the Westport Board of Ed meeting on its website. The piece is illustrated with video from a Southington Board of Education meeting about a “woke worksheet,” and 2 photos from a Virginia Board of Ed protest about Critical Race Theory.
The Westport Library and Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce are serious about democracy.
On October 18 (noon, Trefz Forum), they’ll sponsor an interactive candidate forum.
State Senate District 26 candidates Toni Boucher and Ceci Maher, State Representative District 136 hopefuls Alma Sarelli and Jonathan Steinberg, and State Rep District 143 nominees Nicole Hampton and Dominique Johnson will appear.
The debate will be moderated by Chamber director Matthew Mandell, and archived on Vimeo.
An “06880” reader sent this photo of a new sign at Wakeman, the athletic fields adjacent to Bedford Middle School:
She writes:
“Many people feel it’s hard to have a dog in Westport. So many restrictions, especially during the warmer months. But now this new sign just went up in a few places at Wakeman.
“It was all the talk this morning with the moms and dads, where many walk their dogs, and bring them to weekend soccer, baseball and lacrosse games. It’s a shame our town can’t be more accommodating.”
But a youth sports coach had a different reaction.
“It’s about time,” he tells “06880.” “Now maybe I won’t have to walk the fields before practice every day, picking up poop.”
Frank Accardi writes that yesterday at 7:45 a.m. on Whitney Street, a woman driving a gray Volvo SUV began honking repeatedly as a school bus stopped to pick up children.
Several times, the driver attempted to pull into the opposite lane to pass the bus. Its lights were still flashing.
“If ever there was an instance of thumbing your nose at the community, this is it,” Frank says.
Sure, it’s a pain to be behind a school bus that stops every few feet.
But attempting to pass it, while children are getting on?
That’s worse than any Entitled Parking photo I’ve posted, for sure.
A proposal to restrict the use of gas-powered leaf blowers in Westport — scheduled for the October Representative Town Meeting — has been removed from that agenda. Discussion and a possible vote will be postponed to a future date.
Next week, the very local Westport Farmers’ Market will be the site of an effort for international aid.
Lawn signs supporting Ukraine in its war against Russian aggression will be on sale next Thursday (October 13, Imperial Avenue parking lot). 100% of all money raised will go to Ukraine Aid International, organized by Westport native Brian Mayer. UAI provides food and medicine to Ukrainians isolated near the Russian border.
Westporter Ken Bernhard and Weston Kiwanis Club member Amy Jenner have already raised $3,000. They have 200 signs left.
If you can’t get to the Farmers Market, email kbernhar@optonline.net for details on purchasing a lawn sign.
Amy Jenner, Ken Bernhard and their Ukrainian lawn signs.
Congressman Jim Himes is featured at a “Rosé and Reproductive Rights” event (October 11, 7 p.m., Westport Woman’s Club). He’ll discuss the impact — both nationally and locally — of the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision, and take questions from audience members.
In May, Congressman Jim Himes spoke at a Westport rally protesting the Supreme Court’s Roe vs. Wade ruling. Governor Lamont and Senator Blumenthal (left to right) spoke also. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Westport’s Unitarian Church hosts a potluck brunch Sunday (October 9, directly after the 10 a.m. Sunday service). The group will then carpool to Stamford, for a 2 p.m. Women’s march.
The Church invites everyone interested to attend. For more information, email janetluongo.wellness@gmail.com.
Unitarian Church members making signs for the women’s march.
And finally … today’s “06880” Roundup features a number of signs: on the Ruth Steikraus Cohen Bridge, Wakeman Fields, Farmers’ Market, and for reproductive rights and the women’s march.
Raising children in the suburbs during the pandemic is hard.
It’s especially difficult for women, who often bear the greatest burden.
Even women working in the mental health field have found themselves anxious, uncertain and alone.
Jessica Hill
Jessica Hill has spent her life bringing people together. Now she’s doing it again — specifically, for women in the maternal mental health space.
The other night, a group of mostly solo entrepreneurs and practitioners gathered at Nômade.
The goal was to share lessons learned during COVID, network, forge partnerships — and realize that as they manage the many physical and emotional transitions of parenthood, they’re not alone.
Hill has the chops to do all that. A Massachusetts native and motherhood coach, she moved here with her husband and young children in 2013.
When her husband was transferred from London to New York, a colleague told him to check out Westport. “It’s a kid’s mecca,” the co-worker said.
The Hills were not disappointed. They drove from the airport to Compo Beach, fell in love with the playground, and never looked anywhere else.
Her latest venture — the result of a conversation with Dana Czuczka, a certified lactation consultant — drew about 15 women. Another dozen or so were interested, but (perhaps because they are working mothers) unavailable.
The group included OB/GYNs, a pelvic floor specialist, yoga teacher, acupuncture and wellness experts, and family, couples and sex therapists.
Jessica Hill’s group, at Nomade.
They described the loneliness of working alone, and the overwhelming feelings of parenthood. They discussed ways to work together holistically, through referrals and projects.
“There are mothers raising children who have never had playdates,” Hill says, referring to the coronavirus’ collateral damage. “But the mothers are isolated too. People just want to feel connected now.”
After the meeting, several participants said they’d hesitated to come. “They were tired. They just wanted to put on sweatpants and watch TV,” Hill says.
“But they all said they were glad they came. They met old friends, and made new ones. They felt energized.
“We’re all juggling lots of plates. It takes a lot to get motivated, and out the door. But this is really important.”
Hill says the group will meet quarterly. Several women have already offered to host meetings at their workplaces.
(For more information, email jessica@theparentcollective.com.)
(“06880” is your source for community building. Please click here, to help support this hyper-local blog.)
A deer in distress has been wandering around the Long Lots Lane/Keene Road area.
Tangled in what looks like a badminton net, its gaunt appearance suggests it cannot see to forage for food.
Residents who spot the deer should call Westport Animal Control (203-341-5076) pr Wildlife in Crisis (203-544-9913). They are aware of the situation, and are ready to help.
Ruth Ayles, who sent this photo — which she saw on Facebook — reminds residents to properly dispose of balloons (or skip them all together).
You’ve probably seen the ads for ABC and Hulu’s new drama “Alaska Daily,” which debuts tonight.
They’re hard to miss.
But all the marketing for the Hilary Swank show neglect to mention Gabe Sherman’s contributions.
The Westport native is a key writer on “Alaska Daily.” He’s collaborating with Tom McCarthy, who executive produced a show based on Sherman’s book about Fox News, “The Loudest Voice.” For a rave preview of the series, click here.
In addition to this TV project, Sherman is a regular writer for Vanity Fair.
Elections loom in a month. Westport’s League of Women Voters is ready.
They want you to be, too.
They want everyone to know about Vote411.org, It’s a national information center. Type in your address, and get all the voting information you need.
On November 2 (7 p.m., Westport Library Trefz Forum and Zoom), the LWV sponsors a candidates’ debate. Included are Senate District 26 hopefuls Toni Boucher and Ceci Maher, House District 136 (Alma Sarelli, Jonathan Steinberg), and House District 143 (Nicole Hampton, Dominique Johnson).
Speaking of politics: Check out the latest “Cross Examining History” podcast (link below).
Host Talmage Boston — a 1972 Staples High School graduate — interviews Peter Baker and Susan Glasser about their new book about “The Divider,” about Donald Trump.
The entire series, in fact, is worth hearing. Boston examines American history and leading books, through in-depth and entertaining interviews.
That’s only one of Boston’s many talents. He’s a commercial trial and appellate litigator in Dallas, a Texas Monthly “Super Lawyer” with a sideline as a writer, on topics as diverse as baseball history and Teddy Roosevelt.
Westport’s Representative Town Meeting is seeking candidates to fill the vacancy created by the passing of Arline Gertzoff. The vacancy must be filled by a registered voter residing in RTM District 3. No party affiliation is required, as Westport’s RTM is non-partisan. The term expires November 28, 2023.
Residents of RTM District 3 interested in being considered to fill the vacancy should send a resume by October 14 to JDunkerton@westportct.gov.
Funds will be used to hire a consultant to prepare a town “Preservation Plan.” It will identify and prioritize the greatest areas of need for historic preservation.
The plan will also will help establish and prioritize more Local Historic Districts and Local Historic Designations.
Properties within a Local Historic District have a higher degree of protection. The HDC must approve an application for alteration to a historic structure, as well as any new construction within a district.
Gorham Avenue is one of Westport’s Historic Districts.
Jessica and Keith Larit’s daughters Emma, Leah and Katie wanted to do something special for the kids of the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. Their idea: a “Kids Helping Kids” bake sale.
On October 16 (Staples High School, 9 a.m.), everyone attending the 13th annual Push Against Cancer can do push-ups for pledges — and then reward themselves with tasty treats.
Katie says, “I enjoy helping because all kids deserve to have fun at camp.”
Emma adds, “I hope we can raise enough money to send hundreds of kids and their families to camp to have fun.”
Click here for more information on the Push Against Cancer.
Andrew Berman (red shirt), CEO and founder of Push Against Cancer, with Emma, Leah and Katie Larit, and their parents Keith and Jessica. The sign refers to this year’s event, which will surpass $1 million raised in 13 years.
“The Afro-Semitic Experience” is the intriguing title of the next Y’s Women meeting.
In 1998 Dr. David Chevan, professor of music at Southern Connecticut State University and Hartford native Warren Byrd co-founded a 6-piece group of Jewish American and African American musicians. The Afro-Semitic Experience has performed, recorded and taught together ever since.
On October 10 (Greens Farms Church. 10:45 a.m.), they’ll share stories and songs, and discuss their conviction that people of different faiths, races and beliefs can come together with music to celebrate and build community.
“From the Pen to the Knife” is MoCA Westport’s new exhibit. A free opening reception is set for October 15 (5 to 7 p.m.).
The collection is by artist 90-year-old Marian Christy. She creates innovative watercolors using only palette knives and puddles of paint — no drawing or brushes. Click here for information.
One of Marian Christy’s nearly 300 works, exhibited soon at MoCA Westport.
And finally … on this date in 1927, “The Jazz Singer” — the first full-length “talkie” (sound) movie premiered. The site was Warner Bros.’ flagship New York City theater.
Wikipedia notes: “In keeping with the film’s theme of a conflict within a Jewish family, the film premiered after sunset on the eve of the Yom Kippur holiday.”
Among the many notable performances in the movie: Al Jolson’s performance of “Mammy.” Though he wore blackface, as other entertainers in the era did, he was known as a strong advocate for racial justice, particularly on Broadway.
(“06880” is your source for all kinds of info. Please click here to support this blog, and keep it coming!)
If you couldn’t make it to Cyndi Lauper, the Earthplace bash or Staples High School’s Class of 1971 reunion this past weekend, maybe you had fun at John Nunziato’s cornhole tournament.
Last year, amid COVID isolation, the Westporter created a small neighborhood :”Junamo” tournament. (The name combines Juniper and Caccamo Streets.)
This might be the only small gathering with a logo. Nunziato — whose day job is in design — branded the event. He created signage, and gave out swag to participants.
John Nunziato, with his branded sign.
A BBQ truck offered brisket and pulled pork. A bouncy castle and basketball games entertained kids, while a big screen TV for Sunday football and adult refreshments satisfied older folks.
With more than 40 cornhole players, and many more spouses and kids braving the cold, wet weather, a champion was crowned. Dave Frost took home the title this year (and a giant lion trophy that his wife is less than thrilled about).
Cornhole competitors.
It was a great day for the Junamo neighborhood (realtors: Take note of the name.) Meanwhile, Nunziato is already planning next year’s’ event. He hopes to include a charitable component. (Hat tip: Pam Long)
7th grader Caitlin Hand made cookies for the winner. (Photo/Pam Long)
Ellen Botwin’s parents have lived in the same Westport house since the 1970s. Her father turned 100 in June. Her mother is “21-plus.”
The other morning, Ellen’s mother called. Water was coming from upstairs, through the chandelier in the foyer.
Her dad had a stroke in 2018, and uses a walker. But his brilliant mind — he was senior vice president at Norden-United Technologies, and holds over 20 patents — still works.
He knew where the water came from, and tried to fix it. His wife worried he’d hurt himself, and called Ellen.
She lives an hour away, and does not know any Westport plumbers. In a panic she texted Rebecca, her parents’ next door neighbor. She gave Ellen the number for Pat Duffy.
Five minutes after Ellen’s message, Pat replied. She told him the problem. Immediately, he headed over.
An hour later, Pat texted back. The problem was fixed.
Ellen asked for the bill, and how he waned to be paid.
He said that his favorite uncle was named Leo — the same name as Ellen’s dad.
Leo Botwin
“I grew up with guys like him,” Pat noted. “It was nothing but a pleasure working for him. There is no charge. Happy 100th birthday, from Duffy Plumbing!”
Stunned, Ellen sent back her thanks. As they continued texting, she learned that it’s a third generation business. Pat’s father and son are plumbers too.
“My parents have no one really in Westport anymore,” Ellen says. “It’s hard to have friends when you’re 100 — they’re all gone.”
“Pat talked to my dad the entire time he was there. Then he wrote me the most amazing, nicest things about my dad. He showed such amazing respect.”
Pat repaid the compliment. And, he added, “The best part is, I get to sleep tonight knowing I did a good thing.”
For sure. And here’s to another good night’s sleep tonight: You’re “06880”‘s Unsung Hero of the Week!
PS: After Ellen posted about Pat Duffy Facebook, his son Hunter wrote: “My dad wants to thank everyone for their kind words. But he came home yesterday and couldn’t stop talkin about how your father is such a cool guy, and how much he loved talking to him.”
(If you know an Unsung Hero, email 06880blog@gmail.com)
(Every Wednesday, “06880” honors an Unsung Hero. Please click here to help support this feature, and many others.)
Meet Tom Kiely: Westport’s new operations director. He assumes the position immediately.
He graduated from Plymouth State University, with a BS in public management. He spent 21 years with the Connecticut State Police in a variety of roles and supervisory positions, including 11 years as a detective with major crimes. His work involved relationships with local, state and federal agencies.
His honors include Outstanding Service Awards from the State Police and United States’ Attorney’s Office; a District of Connecticut Department of Justice Award, and numerous Unit Citation Awards.
Kiely says, “My entire professional life has been in public service. I am very excited to begin a new career as operations director of this great community. I look forward to meeting new people, accepting new challenges, and collaborating with the team of town employees, business owners, and residents – confident that I bring a fresh perspective and life experience to this important role in town government.”
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker welcomes Kiely, and thanks town audit manager and senior accountant Lynn Scully, whose work as interim operations director was “exceptional. Her input, advice and guidance as she deftly managed the multiple jobs that we asked her to perform on behalf of the town were invaluable, and we owe her a debt of gratitude.”
Some big names will attend the 9th annual Recovery Celebration — called “The Road Together” — this Sunday (October 9, Westport Library, 3 p.m.).
Liberation Programs and local partners — including Mitchells — host the event. There’s live music, refreshments, remarks from Senator Richard Blumenthal and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, a panel moderated by NBC’s Craig Melvin, and a recovery story from Steven Stone.
The annual Halloween Window Painting Contest takes place Saturday, October 22. Who wants to paint?!
Last year, over 100 children painted scary scenes on windows offered by local businesses. Participants can paint their own window, or team up with friends.
Judging follows. Winners get a gift certificate from Gofer Ice Cream.
Click here to sign up (or sign up your young Rembrandt) as a window painter.
Last year’s Best Halloween Theme winner: Hailey Kipperman (7th grade), at Bella Bridesmaids.
Another call: This one is for all organizations, businesses, artists, crafters and sustainable groups: Westport’s Holiday Green Festival is looking for exhibitors.
The event is Saturday, November 12 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Staples High School fieldhouse). Interested exhibitors should click here by October 31.
“Black Excellence Night” — a free communal celebration of Black life and history — takes place next Wednesday (October 19, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Westport Country Playhouse). The event leads into an 8 p.m. preview performance of “From the Mississippi Delta,” a gripping tale of a Black woman’s rise from poverty to prominence.
“Black Excellence Night” is a spinoff of “Black Out,” inspired in 2019 by playwright Jeremy O. Harris, author of Broadway’s “Slave Play.” The goal is to create an environment for a Black-identifying audience to experience theater.
Guests will enjoy drinks from 822 Mixology, a Black-owned, New Haven-based business, and food tables. Live jazz is courtesy of the William Fluker Quartet.
“The Great Migration” — an exhibit curated by the Westport Museum for History & Culture — will be displayed, in conjunction with the “From the Mississippi Delta” storyline. The exhibit chronicles the relocation of more than 6 million Black Americans from the rural South to cities in the North, Midwest, and West from 1916 to 1970, sparked by economic conditions and segregationist laws.
Event space is limited. Click here for more information, and to RSVP. Click here for information on “From the Mississippi Delta, and to purchase tickets.
Goldie E. Patrick, “From the Missiissippi Delta” director.
That’s the question a panel of “experts” — lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, trans people and those calling themselves queer — will answer on October 11 (6 p.m., Westport Library Trefz Forum and Zoom).
The date is significant: It’s National Coming Out Day.
Panelists will talk about, and offer advice from, their own experiences. Audience members can ask questions too.
On the panel:
Brian McGunagle – President, Westport Pride
Kayla Iannetta – Chair, Westport Public Schools Pride Coalition
Anthony Crisi – Executive director, Circle Care Center
Sarah Ferro – Westport Pride member, activist, musician, mom
Staples Pride Coalition Members
The moderator is yours truly.
Interested, but not in person? Click here for the Zoom link.
John Miksad of Wilton — founder of Fairfield-based World Beyond War, a global peace advocacy group — spoke during the lunchtime meeting at Greens Farms Church.
He identified 3 existential threats to human existence: pandemics, climate change, and nuclear war.
“We’re missing the big picture and no one nation can solve these on its own,” he said. “We need relentless diplomacy.” (Hat tip: Dave Matlow)
Arline Gertzoff’s family has released her official obituary:
Arline Patricia Gertzoff, 76, passed away peacefully at St. Vincent’s Hospital on September 28 from esophageal cancer. She is remembered as a true daughter of Westport, a dedicated, tireless volunteer for many organizations that contribute to the vibrancy of the town.
Arline was born in Norwalk. Her family moved to Westport, establishing a local dry cleaning business, where she often worked after school. Arline was active in Staples Players and SSTS, the backstage crews. She was head of costumes for several productions, and SSTS President as a senior.
Arline was a proud graduate of Staples and Westport schools, earning undergraduate and graduate degrees from Boston University in history and education. She taught in New Canaan, and at the International School in Antwerp, Belgium for 25 years, where she was involved with the Model UN.
Arline enjoyed people, the arts, travel, good food and wine, and Belgian chocolate. Students and friends from around the world stayed in touch with her. She returned to Westport in 1979 to help care for her mother, and dove into her community activism.
She loved Westport, and took great pride in its history and contributions. She was filled with local lore and stories, emphatically setting the record straight on Westport history with people newer to town.
For 20 years Arline was a tireless poll worker with the Westport League of Women Voters. Active with Westport’s Democratic Town Committee, she co-chaired the Community Outreach Committee. Arline served on the Board of the Democratic Women of Westport, and in 2016 received the DTC Dora Stuttman Campaign Leadership Award.
She was a familiar face and trusted cashier at the Library Book Sales, and a longtime member of the United Nations Association of Southwestern Connecticut, often bringing interesting speakers and dialogue to the community.
One of Arline’s favorite activities was jUNe Day, which for more than 55 years has welcomed UN delegates and staff to Westport for a day of food, fun and friendship. Serving on the board of directors as membership chair, she was also treasurer of UNASWCT, and on the advisory body for the national UN Association.
Long-time friend Melody James says, “Arline earned a seat at the leadership table of our town the old-fashioned way: through volunteerism, pitching in, and showing up. She was a doer. You could count on her. True in high school; true in 2022.”
When Arline died, she was serving a 3rd term as a District 3 member on Westport’s non-partisan Representative Town Meeting.
Another classmate remarks, “Arline was a connector. She had the ability to connect with different types of people, across age, sex, class, race, religious and nationality lines. She was the thread that joined together a very wide community.”
Back in Westport, Arline became lead coordinator for her Staples Class of ’64, orchestrating several class reunions. At the 50th she appeared with arms full of roses to cast on Long Island Sound for fallen classmates.
She was the confidante, treasurer and detail master who tracked marriages, divorces, deaths, births and career changes. Arline supported her friends and local artists, showing up often to performances and exhibits.
Arline was a leading voice to establish the Laddie Lawrence Track at Staples High School, challenging the argument that a great teacher and coach could only be honored after they died.
Her friend Jennifer Johnson calls her “a lifetime Westporter, and a citizen of the world. She was a champion of democracy and international understanding.”
DTC chair Mark Friedman adds, “Through her work, she strengthened the fabric of our civil society and touched the lives of people in Westport and around the world, creating a family of friends and admirers, imbuing her friendships with insight, wit and love.”
Arline was predeceased by her brother Stewart. She is survived by cousins Steven Gertzoff of Florida, Ken Bean of Colorado and their families. A memorial service is planned for November 12th (Westport Town Hall, 2:30 p.m.).
And finally … Loretta Lynn — who overcame harsh poverty to become a beloved country star — died peacefully in her sleep yesterday, in Tennessee. She was 90.
Monday’s Board of Education meeting was heated. The Staples High School library’s banned books display was one reason. Another was the board’s vote against adding that issue to their already long agenda.
But residents were allowed to speak during the public session, before the first agenda item. Nine did.
Midway through the discussion, a man in a beige coat moved quickly toward a teenage girl. Lilly Weisz was taking photos for Inklings, the school newspaper.
He stood menacingly over her. “He was really, really intimidating,” one observer said.
Two Westport Public Schools staff members — waiting for a later agenda item — got up, to stand nearby.
Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice saw what was happening. He left his seat, and stood next to the student for several minutes. “He wanted to make sure she was safe,” a meeting attendee said.
Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice stands between an Inklings reporter and a man who had moved intimidatingly toward her. (Contributed photo)
One person at the meeting was so worried, he called 911.
Eventually, the man left.
Lilly says, “As a journalist, we’re trained to expect anything from anyone. There was a lot of tension at the meeting, and there are a feelings about journalists all around the nation.”
She says the man approached her, and asked why she was taking pictures. She explained she was with the school paper. “I’m here to gather as much information as I can, and write an unbiased article.”
She felt “aggression toward me.” However, Lilly says, after other people talked to him, he apologized.
“I don’t think he represents his entire side,” she notes. “People from both sides thanked me afterward for reporting on the issue. Overall, I felt supported by the community. I think people wanted me to succeed.”
Lilly’s story will appear in the next print edition of Inklings.
The paper’s co-advisor Mary Elizabeth Fulco says, “I am extremely proud of my Inklings reporter, Lilly Weisz, for her demonstrated maturity, professionalism and courage.”
Several residents contacted “06880” yesterday, saying they had never seen behavior like that. One called it “appalling, and abhorrent.”
We all know that over the past few years, social norms, civility and public discourse have deteriorated.
Up to now, behavior like that has happened in other places.
On Monday night, it was in full display at an open town meeting.
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