An “06880” reader was intrigued by an item in yesterday’s “Roundup.” It previewed a November 1 discussion at the Westport Library on“How Public Policy is Putting Our Children at Risk.” The session will be led by CD Media’s chief investigative correspondent and senior editor Christine Dolan.
Hoping to learn more about Dolan the reader found a piece she wrote last year.
Headlined “Idyllic Westport, CT Is Ground Zero for CRT Infiltration by America’s Bolsheviks,” it begins:
The yellow and red leaves are drifting down quietly as they have for millennia in Westport , CT as the historic New England town sleeps towards a tipping point, one it may never recover from if the coming elections go the wrong way and vote in a continuation of its current path.
The Minuteman statue guards at Compo Beach where a ragtag group of American rebels fought the global tyranny of the once monolithic British empire, but Westport residents seem to want to forget this honorable history and welcome with open arms global tyranny of a different name — the Maoist doctrine of Critical Race Theory, or CRT.
Essentially, the agenda of the CRT movement is to teach young children their country is evil, that they themselves are racists and bad if they are white. The ideology is racist, it is divisive, and is on purpose. The doctrine is just a gateway drug to a more pernicious evil, re-imagining Westport schools. In the CRT future, gone will be AP classes, music excellence. Gone will be the gateway to Ivy league schools, replaced with a dumbed-down redistribution of educational wealth and excellence.
Along with this educational decline, property values will plummet as zoning laws are also changed to forever alter the nature of the community. Physical safety will disappear. Crime will increase.
If you like to dine out — and, this being Westport, that means everyone — then CTbites is essential reading. Published by our town’s Stephanie Webster, it’s a weekly guide to new restaurants, special culinary events, food trucks, catering and more.
I always learn something from the site. But — until yesterday — I’d never actually laughed while reading it.
“Connecticut Restaurant Confidential: Strange Stories, Odd Orders & Twisted Tales in the Industry” is a collection of jaw-dropping tales, from owners, chefs, bartenders and wait staff.
It’s an insider’s look at what gets told after hours — about diners (hopefully un)like you and me.
They come from all over the state. Including our own Winfield Deli. Click here to read.
Texas blues/New Orleans funk band Otis & the Hurricanes headlines the next “Blue Sunday” at the Westport Library (October 23, 2:30 p.m., Trefz Forum).
The free event is curated by Mark Naftalin. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame keyboardist will be there of course, with his Blue Sunday Band of all-stars: Westport/internationally known saxophonist Crispin Cioe, guitarists JD Seem and Paul Gabriel, and special guest Chance Browne.
Lat month’s Blue Sunday — the first in the series — drew a large crowd, and plenty of raves.
And this one could make that seem like just a warmup.
This week week’s “Jazz at the Post” features pianist Michael Cochrane, drummer to the stars Steve Johns, and fiery young bassist Jason Clotter in concert with the Jazz Rabbi, Greg Wall.
There are 2 shows — 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. — on Thursday (October 6) at VFW Post 399 (465 Riverside Avenue). There’s a $10 cover. Food service starts at 6:30.
Reservations are strongly suggested. Email JazzatThePost@gmail.com.
This is an active weekend in Westport. Among the highlights: Westport Moms’ 2nd annual Fall Family Festival. It’s Saturday, October 15 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Greens Farms Academy; $20 per family).
The event includes food, crafts, games and fun (bouncy houses, ninja course, music, art projects, DJ, pumpkin and cookie decorating, face painting, hair extensions, glitter tattoos, magic, STEM activities and more).
Many businesses will show off their products and services — all with activities for kids.
Organizers Megan Rutstein and Melissa Post ask attendees to bring gently worn jackets, for donations to a local non-profit.
Sunday’s Westport Weston Family YMCA Fall Festival drew a large crowd.
There was music, gymnastics exhibitions, bounces houses and s’mores. The weather was perfect for an outdoor event.
Best of all: You didn’t have to be a kid to have a great time.
Westport Board of Assessment Appeals member Ifeseyi Gaylel (left) and Westport Weston Family YMCA CEO Anjali McCormick take a break during the Y’s Family Festival.
The Norwalk Symphony Orchestra takes center stage at the Y’s Women’s October 24 meeting (Green’s Farms Church, 10:45 a.m.). Jonathan Yates and Sandra Miklave will talk about the group’s long history, and share visions for the future.
There’s been lots of talk recently about Connecticut’s business climate. Governor Lamont is running for re-election in part on his economic record. Challenger Bob Stefanowski says it is broken.
At least one entrepreneur is betting on the state — or at least, the Fairfield County part of it.
Kaile Zagger
Kaile Zagger is a Southern California native. She came east to the University of Connecticut as a tennis recruit “decades ago” — and stayed.
A healthcare professional for over 20 years, she spent 12 years in Tribeca. Her move to the suburbs was made “kicking and screaming.”
The first town she lived in was “too stoic.” But Westport — where she moved 4 years ago — is “like a suburban Tribeca. It’s intelligent but casual, with diverse people. And it’s very artsy.”
Part of Zagger’swork involves finding businesses with novel technologies. A company launched out of the University of California-Davis’ Centers for Food & Science fit that bill.
Infinant Health — formerly known as Evolve Biosystems — is “committed to changing the trajectory of human health, one baby at a time.”
The founders discovered B. infantis EVC001, a natural bacterial strain pivotal to infant immune health.
Until now, the company says, B. infantis had been almost completely eradicated from infants in developed countries, due to unintended consequences of modern medicine such as feeding and birthing practices.
But they found that EVC001 — their specific strain of B. infantis — unlocks the critical function of Human Milk Oligosaccharides, to potentially benefit short- and long-term health.
The goal is to eradicate some of the most complex diseases that begin at infancy, including NEC, Type 1 diabetes, cognitive issues, the atopic march and food allergies.
Zagger is now CEO of Infinant. Investors include the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Johnson & Johnson.
The founders will stay in California. But Zagger has moved the company to Norwalk. A 12,000-square foot recently renovated office next to Merritt 7 can house over 100 employees.
This area is rich in talent, she says. Experts in product development, regulatory issues, finance and marketing are all here.
The location, between the business world of New York and the high-tech hub of Boston is perfect. There is a wealth of untapped talent — including women — all around.
Westport and environs are “a special place,” Zagger says. “People land here because it’s great for their family. Some of them have taken side steps during COVID. They love biotech, but they don’t want to commute to New York.”
She looks forward to tapping into well-developed internship programs at local colleges and high school. “There are so many bright kids here who want to learn about science and infant health,” she says.
“We have a strong platform, a rich discovery pipeline, and big promise (and responsibility) ahead.”
Not to mention: dozens of new jobs, in a state that is always looking for them.
(“06880” covers business news — along with stories on politics, people, lifestyles, real estate, history, education, recreation, and yada yada yada. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog.)
Earlier today, I posted a “Roundup” item from a reader who had emailed me over the weekend. She said she had changed her mind about the recent “banned book” display at the Staples High School library, having recently learned that the book jackets were covered.
Several readers pointed me 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 have browsed the contents.
Similar displays have been part of the library’s National Banned Book Week for about 15 years.
I have deleted the “Roundup” story, and removed 4 comments pertaining to it.
I apologize for posting the reader’s erroneous story.
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)
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Zagger is now CEO of Infinant. Investors include the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Johnson & Johnson.
