A motor vehicle stop this morning ended with far more serious charges.
At 9:40 today, an officer conducting traffic enforcement on the Sherwood Island Connector pulled over a car with 4 occupants, for a violation.
As the driver retrieved paperwork from the glove compartment, the officer spotted a plastic bag with red capsules — the type often used to package crack cocaine.
The officer called for backup units. Seconds later, the passenger in the front seat fled into the woods next to the commuter parking lot.
The officer gave chase, and saw him throwing items as he ran. The passenger was taken into custody after a brief struggle with officers. The other 3 occupants did not attempt to flee.
The evidence that the passenger discarded was retrieved. The suspected narcotics were tested, and found to be cocaine and crack. Both were mixed with fentanyl. The crack cocaine weighed 12 grams; the cocaine weighed 60 grams.
Evidence seized in today’s arrests. (Photo courtesy of Westport Police Department)
The passenger who ran was charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, illegal operation of a drug factory, possession of drug paraphernalia, tampering with evidence, assault on a public safety officer, and interfering with an officer. He is being held on a $75,000 bond.
The driver was charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, possession of drug paraphernalia, interfering with an officer, criminal impersonation, misuse of a license plate, operating an unregistered motor vehicle, operating a motor vehicle without insurance, illegal tinting, and operating without a license. He is being held on a $51,000 bond.
The rear passengers were not charged. However, one was taken into custody, with outstanding warrants in other jurisdictions.
Investigators are still working to determine the identities of the 2 people arrested.
Police vehicles converged on the Sherwood Island Connector this morning. (Photo/Matt Murray)
I had never been there before, and I did not know anyone there.
They were very, very busy. But Rich was very happy to help.
In less than 5 minutes Tommy had reapplied the part, and I was on my way.
And — get this — they did not charge me a penny.
Thank you, Westport Auto Craft!
I — and many others — have had great experiences there too. Westport Auto Craft is well deserving of this week’s Unsung Hero honors. If you know a worthy nominee, email 06880blog@gmail.com.
(You can be an unsung hero too — by supporting “06880.” Please click here to contribute.)
Westport’s dining scene — which has been hot for a while — will be enhanced by the arrival of 3 new restaurants.
Mexicue adds to its 3 New York City, 2 Washington DC-area and 1 Stamford location when it opens at 38 Main Street, the site of the former Bobby Q’s and Onion Alley.
Casa Mi takes over from the old Le Penguin, in Sconset Square.
Further east, Tacombi moves into the property that for many years was AJ’s Farm Stand, near Stop & Shop.
All 3 will feature outdoor dining.
Casa Me opens soon, with tables fronting Sconset Square. Previous restaurants there had outdoor tables in an enclosed space, closer to the Post Road. (Photo/Dan Woog)
This month, the 1991 Staples High School graduate — and New York Times, Time and National Geographic photojournalist/Pulitzer Prize and MacArthur “genius grant” winner — is herself the focus of a well-deserved feature story.
Vanity Fair posts some of her most compelling photos, from Ukraine, Darfur, a US military hospital and more. Her insights into each make for riveting reading. Click here to see and read. (Hat tip: Bonnie Erickson)
Lynsey Addario captured this dramatic shot, of desperate Libyan refugees in a boat off the coast of Italy. (Photo/Lynsey Addario)
Yesterday’s heavy — and long-awaited — rain may have contributed to downed wires on Wilton Road. A large tree took down power lines and a transformer between River Lane and Rices Lane, around 8 p.m. Crews worked through the night to restore power.
Wilton Road, last night. (Photo copyright by Ted Horowitz)Dave Matlow reports that according to Eversource this morning, power had been restored to approximately 30 of the 144 customers affected by the outage.
Utility work continued this morning on Wilton Road. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
In June, the Staples boys lacrosse team beat Darien 12-3, winning their first-ever state championship.
This month, 12 congratulatory banners — one for each goal — are displayed on a dozen businesses around town.
You can see them at Angelina’s, ASF Sports & Outdoors, Baker Graphics, Calise’s, Cushman & Wakefield (Loft space, Main Street), Gaetano’s, Gold’s Deli, Layla’s Falafel, Parker Mansion, Redi-Cut Carpet & Rugs, The Porch @ Christie’s and Westport Hardware.
When the banners come down, they won’t be tossed or forgotten. On October 3, they’ll be raffled off at the Staples Lacrosse Association’s golf fundraiser. To learn more, call Willis Gay: 203-216-4937.
Calise’s Carmine Cenatiempo points proudly to the banner.
Trombone master Steve Davis headlines tomorrow’s Jazz at the Post.
The Grammy Award winner will be joined by New York musicians Jason Cottler, Rick Germanson and Jason Tiemann, plus Westport’s own “Jazz Rabbi” Greg Wall.
Shows on Thursday, September 8 (VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399, 465 Saugatuck Avenue) at 7 and 8:30 p.m. Dinner service begins at 6:30. There’s a $10 cover. Reservations are strongly recommended: jazzatthepost@gmail.com.
Dr. Stephen Webb of the University of Portsmouth answers that question on September 20 (8 p.m.). It’s part of the Westport Astronomical Society’s free online science lecture series. Click here for the Zoom link; click here for the YouTube link.
CLASP Homes provides housing and support for people with autism and developmental disabilities.
On October 14 (Fairfield Theater Company, 7:30 p.m.), Band Central — a philanthropic organization that gives back to local charities through live musical events — headlines a CLASP fundraiser. “Flower Power: Music From the Generation of Love” features covers of songs from Buffalo Springfield, The Band, the Youngbloods, Doors, Sly & the Family Stone, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, CSN&Y and more.
The pre-arty starts at 6:30 p.m., with light bites and the chance to win cool stuff. Click here for tickets and more information.
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“Connectalent” is a bit of a mouthful.
So the full-service recruiting agency focused on “female and mom talent, has changed its name to FoundHer.
Co-founders Runa Knapp and Jasmine Silver — both Westport residents — say the name more accurately reflects their mission of “recruiting with purpose.” So far this year, 85% of placements have been of mothers returning to work.
John Hanley died peacefully Saturday, surrounded by his family. He was 31 years old.
Born in Norwalk to Terry and Dianne Hanley, he grew up in Shelton. He moved to his parents’ hometown of Westport for high school.
John played football for Shelton Pop Warner. He spent summers in Westport working with his father playing in the dirt, and learning how to run machines. As he grew older, he found his passion operating machinery of all types.
He worked as a heavy equipment operator with Burns Construction. He took great pride in his work, and joined Heavy Equipment Operators Local Union 478.
John enjoyed spending time with his family on his father’s boat, and at Longshore. He loved going to New York Giants games.
He also enjoyed discussing history and world issues, and never shied away from a good debate.
John’s family says, “his smile and charm lit up the room. He was always the life of the party.”
John’s survivors include his mother Dianne and stepfather Craig; father Terry and stepmother Marcy; sisters Celeste, Noelle and Hailey; brother Shawn; brothers-in-law Rene and Luis; nieces Jocelyn, Eyda and Stella; many aunts, uncles and cousins, and best friends Jack and Matt.
The family will receive friends tomorrow (Thursday, September 8, 4 to 8 p.m., Harding Funeral Home). John’s funeral is Friday (September 9, 10 a.m., Assumption Church). Interment will follow in Assumption Cemetery on Greens Farms Road.
Click here to leave online condolences. In lieu of flowers, contributions in John’s memory may be made to a charity of choice.
Molly Alger has a keen eye for nature. The other day she spotted a monarch butterfly, developing on milkweed. It’s one more example of our wonderful “Westport … Naturally” world.
Wherever men gather — on the sidelines of their kids’ games, at a Compo cookout, by the transfer station — the conversations are the same.
“How’s it goin’?”
“Good. Kids, wife, work — all good.”
Then it’s on to the next topic: the coach, the meat, the trash.
Much of the time, of course, it’s not “all good.” Far from it.
The kids are acting up. The marriage is rocky. The job is stressful.
Most men don’t talk about that stuff.
Dave Smith does.
The Madison native — a baseball player at Trinity College, and graduate of Harvard Business School — his wife Jeanne and their 2 children moved to Westport in 2008.
They’ve had 2 more since then. His career as a leadership coach has flourished.
Dave and Jeanne Smith, and their 4 children.
But his side gig — a weekly blog called “Dads’ Survival Guide” — sets him apart from the stereotypical suburban father.
“It’s always been secretive that being a dad is a struggle,” Smith says.
“If it’s a secret, you feel isolated. And that can lead to drinking, substance abuse, gambling — or worse.”
“Worse” includes suicide. Several years ago, a friend took his life.
“Dads who had known him well had no idea he was struggling,” Smith says. “It broke our heart to realize he had struggled alone.”
He organized a few “dad barbecues,” to get conversations going. Then COVID hit.
“Wow! If things were not hard enough for dads before …” Smith says.
He does not downplay the difficulties facing moms. But, he says, women are more socialized to talk things out, and seek support from friends. “Men put on an act. We never admit anything is wrong.”
In the early days of the pandemic, Smith began writing. His subjects were ideas that hit home: dealing with teenagers. Dealing with money. Dealing with emotions.
Screenshot from a “Dads’ Survival Guide” post.
He sent his stories to friends. They passed them to others. Dads are not big on writing back, he says, but occasionally he hears “Man! I’m going through the same thing!”
Smith says up front: “I don’t have the answers. I just try to put a voice to our struggles. I put it out there, that we’re all struggling with the same things. And it’s okay to talk about it.”
Simply hearing another man put words to feelings is a revelation to some men, Smith says.
His posts on marriage and parenting issues get the most response. He recently wrote about reactions when a child lies.
Kids’ emotional well-being is an important topic. So is the mental health of dads themselves.
“A lot of dads struggle with depression,” Smith says. “But there’s nowhere besides AA or rehab where you can talk about it.”
His goal is to continue to be “as open as possible. I want to put a voice to values and beliefs. Dads tend not to think about things like that.”
Dave’s “Dads’ Survival Guide” forces them to think.
So perhaps the next time one man asks another “How’s it goin’?” the answer may not be “all good.” Get ready for an answer that may be far more honest than that.
(To be added to the “Dads’ Survival Guide” distribution list, email davidosmith7777@gmail.com)
(Dads — and moms, and everyone else — can help support “06880.” Please click here to donate.)
And if you read People magazine, you can read all about the marriage itself.
It happened Sunday, at the Ebell Club in Long Beach, California. The 130 guests included some of Britt’s co-stars from “Glow” and “The Thing About Harry.”
People noted their high school connection, and included exclusive photos.
Taber Onthank and Britt Baron (Photo courtesy of People Magazine by Albany Katz)
One detail that People missed: The wedding was officiated by Taber and Britt’s longtime friend — and former fellow Staples Player — Adam Kaplan. He was ordained for the ceremony by the Universal Life Church.
(Click here to read the entire People Magazine story. Hat tip: Liz Rueven)
John and Melissa Ceriale have spent 20 years buying property, planning and planting an oasis between Greens Farms Road and Hillspoint Road.
Prospect Gardens — nearly 9 acres of flowers, shrubs, lawns, walking paths, meadows, orchards, trees and more — are a delight for anyone driving on Prospect Road, or walking past.
Usually, the beauty can only be enjoyed from the street. But on Saturday, September 17 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
The event is sponsored by the Garden Conservancy. Tickets are $10 each. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
Though they are bunched nicely, that’s still a lot of them.
And they’re hanging awfully low.
Recent “06880” posts and comments have mentioned the preponderance of wires — telephone, cable, etc. — and the fact that inoperative or outdated wires are seldom removed, just abandoned.
Every company that owns wires points fingers at everyone else. Meanwhile, this is what we’ve got.
On the eve of the opening match of Staples High School boys soccer’s 64th season, here’s news about the 63rd:
For the 20th time in 22 years — and the 17th season in a row — the Wreckers were honored with a national award for academic excellence.
United Soccer Coaches presents the Team Academic Award. A squad must have a 3.25 grade point average for all varsity players. The award is given for the previous academic year. In 2020, Staples’ varsity players had an average GPA of 3.67 — the highest on record for the Wreckers.
Indications are good that the 2022 squad — whose first home match is Saturday (10 a.m.) — will continue the impressive streak.
The 2021 Staples High School boys soccer team. (Photo/Barry Guiduli)
For 8 years, Westport has supported Catch-a-Lift Fund. The national organization serving post-9/11 combat-wounded veterans through fitness programs and gym memberships has run fundraisers, workout sessions and more here.
The Police and Fire Departments, town officials, the VFW, and local gyms, restaurants, business owners and residents have rallied behind the cause.
Now our town’s support will be visible at every youth and high school football game. Every player, from PAL 4th graders through Staples seniors, will wear the CAL logo on their helmets.
This Friday, when the Staples Wreckers open their season at home (7 p.m.) against Conard-West Hartford, will be special: Catch-a-Lift veterans will be at Paul Lane Field, to cheer them on.
Klezmer and traditional music will be led by Adam Feder, founder of New York’s Shul Band.
Beach stickers are not needed; tell the gate attendant you are with CHJ. Attendees should bring dinner, beverages and chairs. Dessert and soft drinks will be provided.
Jason Pike moved to Westport only in January. But he’s quickly developed an eye for special scenes — like today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature, in the middle of downtown.
And finally … 25 years ago today, over a million people lined the streets of London for Princess Diana’s funeral. Another 2.5 billion watched around the world, on television.
Comments Off on Roundup: Taber Onthank & Britt Baron, Prospect Gardens, Havdalah …
In 1972, Matthew Mandell’s mother rented a summer house off Hogan Trail. He was 12 years old.
That was his first taste of Saugatuck. And it’s part of the back story of the Slice of Saugatuck — the neighborhood-and-townwide street fair-food festival-and-more that returns for the 10th time this Saturday.
Mandell’s life took several turns between that summer home and his work today as executive director of the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce, and a Representative Town Meeting member from District 1 (including Saugatuck).
He was already an RTM rep — but a full-time stay-at-home dad — in 2011. Looking for a way to bolster the many area restaurants, he asked Sam Gault, whose family-run company had already been there for nearly 150 years, to help sponsor an event.
Gault’s $1,000 covered insurance. Rizzuto’s, Viva Zapata and Dunville’s each threw in $300 more, as “sponsors.”
The first Slice of Saugatuck map — and the original participants.
The first Slice of Saugatuck was free. A band played on the plaza by the river. Saugatuck Craft Butchery used a real pig to demonstrate their butchery craft. There was no beer garden, but plenty of food.
In 2011, the first Slice attendees worked up an appetite watching this pig demonstration at Westport Craft Butchery.
Mandell has a vivid memory of Tiger DeMace calling for more meatballs, sausage and pasta from Mario’s kitchen. “Bring it on for Saugatuck!” he said.
The next year, over 30 restaurants and businesses signed on. Admission was $5 per person; funds went to Homes with Hopes’ pantry. “The Slice is all about food for those who can afford it, and food for those who can’t,” Mandell says.
From Bridge Square to Railroad Place — and everywhere else — Slice of Saugatuck was packed. (Photo/Terry Cosgrave)
The Chamber of Commerce planned to take over the third event; a representative shadowed Mandell, to learn operations. But they could not produce a 2013 Slice of Saugatuck.
In early 2014, Chamber leaders met with Mandell. He thought they’d talk about the Slice. Instead, they offered him a job as executive director.
He accepted. Soon he was running both the Chamber of Commerce and Slice of Saugatuck.
Matthew Mandell, Slice of Saugatuck founder and constant booster.
Mandell added more bands. He introduced bounce houses for kids, and beer gardens for their parents.
As he looks back on a decade of Slices, Mandell remembers restaurants that have gone: Mario’s, Mystic Market, Mansion Clam House, Tarry Lodge. All were part of Saugatuck life. The Slice remains Saugatuck-centered.
A line at Mansion Clam House, when it was on Riverside Avenue …
In fact, non-neighborhood businesses that want to participate are politely told “no.”
… and Winfield Street Deli, when it was on Railroad Place.
The 2022 Slice of Saugatuck — set for this Saturday (September 10) — features over 4 dozen restaurants, shops and galleries; 7 bands; 4 bounce houses; a balloon vendor, antique fire truck, and more.
What’s a street festival without a bounce house? This one was in the Rizzuto’s parking lot.
The 2 to 5 p.m. time is a sweet spot. It’s after restaurants’ lunch service — and when the Slice is over, many offer Happy Hour and/or dinner specials.
The original goal of the Slice was to show off Saugatuck — and show how walkable it is. (Also, the neighborhood looks like a pizza slice. Pretty fortuitous considering its long Italian heritage.)
The Slice continues to evolve. New this year: a margarita-making bicycle at Viva Zapata. As you pedal the bike, a chain runs a blender attached to the the handlebars. After all that work: Drink up!
Gone — for insurance reasons — are boat rides.
But after 11 years and 9 shows (the 2020 event was canceled by COVID), the Slice of Saugatuck is as much a part of Westport as their forerunners, the Feast of St. Anthony and Festival Italiano, once were.
Music — not train horns and garbled announcements — fills the station air.
Mandell credits town leaders, including the Police and Parks & Recreation Departments, for their help in making the Slice a success.
“Everyone loves it,” he says, a decade after starting the tradition (and 50 years after spending his first summer in Saugatuck).
Matt Storch dished out fries, even before Match Burger Lobster’s official opening.
“People walk around with friends, on a late summer day. They have food and beer. They enjoy the community, and they support the area.”
Or put another way: “Slice is nice!”
(The Slice of Saugatuck is this Saturday, September 10, 2 to 5 p.m. Tickets are $15; children ages 5 to 12, $5). They are available on-site, beginning at 1:45 p.m.; cash only. Click here for more information.)
(Like Slice of Saugatuck, “06880” is also a local tradition. Please click here to donate.)
If there’s one thing that gets all of Westport talking, it’s real estate development.
And there’s no one better to talk about it than Rob Haroun.
The other day, the president of SIR Development joined me on the Westport Library stage. He’s been a local builder for over 25 years — though that is actually his second career.
Rob and I chatted about everything home construction-related — zoning, architecture, trees — and about his community involvement too. It was a very informative half hour.
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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The original goal of the Slice was to show off Saugatuck — and show how walkable it is. (Also, the neighborhood looks like a pizza slice. Pretty fortuitous considering its long Italian heritage.)
