Roundup: Beach Tables, Primary Day, Baron’s South …

Posted on July 16, 2022 | 8 comments

I took a beach walk late yesterday afternoon.

It was a gorgeous start to the weekend. The sky was cloudless; the temperature and breeze, perfect.

But something was missing: maybe half the South Beach picnic tables.

How could that be? They’re very, very heavy. Where would they go, and why?

I tried to think of any event that would take precedence.

Nope. So I gave up, and figured it was just my imagination.

South Beach yesterday, 6 p.m. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Before I finished my walk though, 3 groups of people stopped me. All wondered: What happened to the South Beach tables?

I have no idea. The Parks & Rec office is closed for the weekend, so they can’t help.

We’ll just have to crowdsource this. If you know what happened to all those picnic tables, click “Comments” below.

And if you took them: Bring them back. No questions asked.

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Election Day is near!

Republican Primary and Democratic Primary scheduled for Tuesday, August 9.

Polls are open between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. Click here to find your polling place.

Absentee ballot applications are available through the Town Clerk’s office. The drop box at the rear of Town Hall is ready to receive applications and absentee ballots. Click here for information on absentee ballots.

Connecticut has a closed primary system. Only enrolled Democrats may vote in the Democratic primary, and only enrolled Republicans may vote in the Republican primary. The deadline for changing parties has already passed.

However, an unaffiliated voter may select a party up to noon the day before the primary, changing to one of the major parties. Click here to verify your party status.

If you are not yet a registered voter, applications must be postmarked by August 4. In-person registration is available until noon on August 8.

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Looking for a cool movie next week?

The Remarkable Theater schedule includes these shows, at the Imperial Avenue drive-in:

“Dirty Dancing” (Monday, July 18; gate opens 7:15 p.m., movie at 8:15 p.m.): Spending the summer at a Catskills resort with her family, Frances “Baby” Houseman falls in love with the camp’s dance instructor, Johnny Castle. Rated PG-13.

“Scream” (Wednesday, July 20; gate opens at 7:30 p.m.; movie at 8:30 p.m.): A year after the murder of her mother, a teenage girl is terrorized by a new killer, who targets the girl and her friends by using horror films as part of a deadly game. Rated R.

Click here for tickets and more information.

A night at the drive-in. (Photo courtesy of 4th Row Films)

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Not far from the Remarkable Theater, just steps from downtown, Baron’s South is a 22-acre jewel.

But, Molly Alger says, the park needs some maintenance. Walking paths are overgrown with weeds. She took this photo on her way from the Senior Center to Compo Road South:

(Photo/Molly Alger)

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Next Saturday, there’s a double treat for fans of Staples Players alumni.

2013 graduate Michelle Pauker returns to Westport for a star turn in “Broadway Through the Ages.” The MoCA show (July 23, 7 p.m., 19 Newtown Turnpike) is  an evening of memorable tunes, from Golden Age to contemporary.

Music direction is by acclaimed Juilliard & Oxford Academy composer Jake Landau — a 2013 classmate of Michelle’s.

Entry to the museum’s “Women Pulling at the Threads of Social Discourse” exhibit is included in the admission. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

Michelle Pauker

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Speaking of former Staples Players: Congratulations to Britt Hennemuth!

The 2008 Staples High School and 2012 Pepperdine University graduate is now the West Coast editor for Vanity Fair.

He’s just published his first cover story: “Dakota Johnson on Family, Sexual Agency—And the ‘Psychotic’ Making of Fifty Shades of Grey.”

Click here to read — including one of the best opening lines in any magazine story, anywhere. (Hat tip: Jeff Wieser)

Britt Hennemuth

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CORRECTION: An incorrect date was given yesterday for the Westport Astronomical Society’s “Cal & Friends Meteorite Show & Tell Party.” The correct date is this coming Tuesday (July 19, 8 p.m.), at the observatory on Bayberry Lane.

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Staples High School Class of 2006 graduate Joanne Smith died last Sunday.

The Chicago native moved to Brazil for 8 months after graduation, before beginning work in the hospitality industry. She had a passion for fitness, nutrition and exercise, and enjoyed being outdoors.

She was an animal lover, an avid reader (particularly Harry Potter), and a movie buff. She particularly enjoyed the beach and dog, Romie.

She is survived by her mother, Katherine Gordon Smith of Stratford; father Gregory and stepmother Donna of Fairfield; brother Matthew of Norwalk; sister Jennifer (Rodolfo Antorocha) of Washington, DC, and maternal grandmother Sally Grabot.

Her family says, “Joey was a fun, kind, loving, intelligent light in the family and to all who knew her. She took on the annual role of Christmas Elf to hand out presents.Joey was well loved by family, friends and co-workers.”

The family will greet relatives and friends on Monday (July 18, 11 a.m. to noon, Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull), followed by a Mass of Christian Burial (12:30 p.m., Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 545 Stratfield Road, Fairfield).

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the ASPCA. To leave online condolences, click here.

Joanna Smith

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Does the rule about dogs on the beach apply to the jetty that forms Compo’s border?

Who cares. This is a classic “Westport … Naturally” photo. Enjoy!

(Photo/Richard Abramowitz)

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And finally … you may or may not have seen “Dirty Dancing” (the next Remarkable Theater film — story above).

But in 1987, there was no escaping this song:

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Posted in Entertainment, Environment, Obituaries, Politics, Staples HS

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Online Art Gallery #119

Posted on July 16, 2022 | 1 comment

It must be summer.

Two boats, fishing and sunblock all find their way into this week’s online art gallery.

And why not? This is your gallery. All readers are invited to contribute to it. 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!

“The Golden Lion” –mixed media (Peter Barlow)

“Gone Fishin'” — acrylic abstract (Patricia McMahon)

“Please Hand Me the Sunblock When You’re Finished” (Lawrence Weisman)

“My Way Or …” (Steve Stein)

“The Bridge” (Karen Weingarten)

“Sail Away” — acrylic on canvas (Anne Bernier)

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Posted in Arts

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[OPINION] Bikers: Wear Helmets!

Posted on July 16, 2022 | 25 comments

A concerned “06880” reader writes:

I am fortunate to live near the beach. Houses are very close to each other. Kids have freedom to take a bike ride, and test their independence. They travel to friends’ houses on their own, and hang out at the beach. Or maybe they just go outside and pedal the day away.

I applaud kids for putting down their phones and getting some exercise. However, I am alarmed at the number of them I see riding without helmets.

I know the joy of riding your bicycle with the wind running through your hair. I know that helmets are a drag and can ruin the best style, leaving your with dreaded helmet hair. I know the feeling of a sticky, sweaty, uncomfortable forehead.

But I also know the danger that can arise from a bicycle accident. Whether it is slipping on sand or gravel, getting struck by a car or hitting a pothole and going splat on the pavement, outdoor bike riding has its pitfalls.

I implore kids and their parents to please put on a helmet — and make sure they stay on. Once a child is out of their parents’ sight, kids may be tempted to take off the helmet and let it hang from the handlebars. I see plenty of that.

Helmets should fit snugly, flat on the head, and be fastened properly. There should be no more than 2 fingers’ space between the chin and the helmet strap. Here is a video that shows the proper fit.

Click here for a list of reasons to wear a bicycle helmet. They include protecting your head, face and brain from trauma, increasing visibility, being able to see, and modeling behavior for others.

78% percent of adult cyclists and 88 percent of young riders who suffered head and neck injuries were not wearing helmets.

And if you want a visual, you can even show your kids this video:

 

Now get out there, buckle up — and go for a ride!

(“06880” relies on support from readers like you. Please click here to contribute.)

25 Comments

Posted in Children, Westport life

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Pic Of The Day #1518

Posted on July 15, 2022 | 4 comments

Spectacular clouds over Grace Salmon Park (Photo/Patricia McMahon)

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Posted in Environment, Pic of the Day, Weather

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Remembering Tony Giunta

Posted on July 15, 2022 | 10 comments

Flags are flying at half-staff in Westport in honor of Tony Giunta.

The Westport native, Staples High School graduate, longtime Police Department officer and detective, civic volunteer and all-around great guy, died Saturday. He was 77. His family says:

Anthony P. Giunta, Jr., son of Anthony P. Giunta Sr. and Maria Rose Giunta, was born March 2, 1945.

Tony was a life-long resident of Westport. He graduated from Staples High School in 1964. He graduated from New England College in 1969, with a BA in English. In 1975 he earned a masters of science degree in law enforcement from the University of New Haven.

Tony lived a life dedicated to his family and to the service of others.  Tony loved God, his family and his country.

In the US Army, he reached the rank of E-5. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion.

Tony Giunta

Tony joined the Westport Police Department as a patrolman in 1971. and retired as a sergeant in 2006. He served as Policemen’s Benevolent Association president for 2 years, and community outreach program chair for 8 years.

In 1982 he joined the Kiwanis Club of Westport, and became president 2 years later. Tony started the Staples High School Kiwanis Key Club in 1985, and served as its advisor through 2021.

Tony joined Boy Scouts of America in 1989 as an adult leader in Troop 39. His many leadership roles included scoutmaster and Eagle Scout coordinator. He received numerous awards, including Silver Beaver Award from the Connecticut Yankee Council and, through Masonic Scouters, the Daniel Carter Beard Award.

Tony served on committees of the American Red Cross and the Westport Weston Family YMCA.

In 1996 he was selected as an Olympic torch relay runner in Westport, recognition of being a Westport Community Hero.

He was a member of Temple Lodge #65 in Westport, and became Worshipful Master in 2014.

As a kidney transplant recipient in 2011, Tony understood the gift of life. He became a supporter of Donate Life, which encourages organ donation. He cared deeply about the program.

Besides his wife Frances, to whom he was married for 49 years, Tony is survived by his daughter Kirsten (Devin Middleditch), her husband, Devon Middleditch, son David and his partner Elizabeth; granddaughter Maria; sister Carol (Michael) Axley of California, and many other relatives.

Calling hours are Friday, July 22 (4 to 8 p.m., Harding Funeral Home). A funeral mass is set for Saturday, July 23 (10 a.m., St. Luke Church). Interment will follow at Willowbrook Cemetery.  Click here to leave condolences for the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the National Kidney Foundation, American Heart Association or Donate Life America.

10 Comments

Posted in Obituaries, Police

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Friday Flashback #305

Posted on July 15, 2022 | 1 comment

Last week’s Friday Flashback — about the original Comp Beach concession stand, where the volleyball courts are today — drew a yeah-but-remember-further-back comment from Michael Calise.

The native Westporter recalls that even before the Chubby Lane’s shack, the original pavilion had a second-floor dining spot.

Look familiar?

It should. The pavilion was damaged in a storm, leading to the removal of most of the structure. What’s left today is the open-air pavilion, next to the volleyball courts and drop-off/pick-up area.

Only the roof remains. But it’s the same one as in the photo.

PS: Michael Calise says that across the street — in what is now the Soundview parking lot — a bandshell featured nightly entertainment, run by the concessionaire.

1 Comment

Posted in Beach, Friday Flashback

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Roundup: Ignazio’s Pizza, Grace Salmon Park, Cribari Bridge …

Posted on July 15, 2022 | 6 comments

In May, “06880” reported that Ignazio’s was looking for a new owner.

The asking price was $275,000. Rent is $8,000 a month.

The restaurant in the former Bertucci’s space is now closed. Tables and chairs are stacked outside, and lights are off inside.

A phone call brings this cheery-sounding message: “Hi! You’ve reached Pizza Life, formerly Ignazio’s. We are remodeling, and will be back soon!”

Meanwhile, Ignazio’s’ website — still live — promises a new location, coming soon to Mystic. The original location was in Brooklyn.

Iganzio’s opened in Westport in November 2019, just 4 months before COVID struck.

Ignazio’s, this week. (Photo/Matt Murray)

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Grace Salmon Park is one of Westport’s most beautiful — and underrated — places to relax.

Yesterday, it was a classroom.

University of Connecticut master gardeners (and Westport residents) Monica Buesser, Alice Ely and Nathalie Fonteyne  conducted an invasive plant workshop. It was sponsored by the Westport Garden Club.

Sixteen participants learned about the park’s top 15 invasive plants. They then broke into 4 groups, each canvasing a quarter of the site — and found several different invasives.

The next step: using the data to apply for a grant for removal of invasives from Grace Salmon.

Buesser — the conservation chair of the Westport Garden Club —  plans to be at Grace Salmon Park every Thursday from 8 to 10 a.m. (weather permitting). She invites everyone interested in weeding or learning more about the park’s plants to join her.

“You can’t miss me. I wear overalls!” she says.

Grace Salmon Park is a beautiful spot. Like many in Westport, however, it is home to several invasive species. (Photo/Patricia McMahon)

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Seen on the Town of Westport’s Instagram:

The Public Works Department was out in force on Bridge Street. Workers cut back branches and brush that had encroached on the pedestrian walkway leading to Saugatuck.

It won’t make your drive over the Cribari Bridge any quicker. But it’s sure a boon to the many bikers, joggers and walkers who love the view.

(Photo courtesy of Department of Public Works)

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Three Westport non-profits have received CT Humanities grants:

  • United Nations Association Southwestern Connecticut, Westport: $4,980, for “When the Stars are Scattered” author/illustrator visits.
  • Westport Country Playhouse: $14,750 for the production of “From the Mississippi Delta” this coming October.
  • Westport Museum for History & Culture: $4,074 for “Saugatuck Stories: Walking Tour Exploring Diverse Experiences.”

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Sure, NASA is excited about the James Webb Space Telescope.

But the Westport Astronomical Society has Cal Powell.

The former WAS president hosts the “Cal & Friends Meteorite Show & Tell Party” on Tuesday (July 19, 8 p.m.).

Cal received his first meteorite in 2010, as a going-away gift from WAS. He started collecting them a few years later. His collection of nearly 400 specimens covers most meteorite classifications.

Cal will his present his extensive personal meteorite collection, and introduce Stefan Nicolescu with rare samples from Yale’s Peabody Museum. The WAS adds: “Bring your own meteorites and assemble your meteorwrongs!” Click here for more information.

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Noted local artists Miggs Burroughs and Ann Chernow hosted the third and final noir film last night, on the Westport Library’s large Trefz Forum screen.

“Nightmare Alley” was part of the series accompanying the artists’ “Double Indemnity” art exhibit, in the Library’s Sheffer Gallery. It runs through August 6.

Miggs Burroughs and Ann Chernow. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is as delectable as it gets: raspberries, straight from Lauri Weiser’s back yard.

(Photo/Lauri Weiser)

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And finally … Lauri Weiser’s photo (above) reminds us of …

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6 Comments

Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Environment, Library, Restaurants, Westport Country Playhouse

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Remembering Sheila Murphy Foster — And Her Post Office

Posted on July 15, 2022 | 8 comments

In 2011, the post office moved from its spacious, classical and long-time home downtown (now Design Within Reach, for all who have moved here since).

Just before relocating to cramped, parking-impaired Playhouse Square, I wrote: 

When the post office moves into its new Playhouse Square digs a few months from now, it will likely be without fanfare.

They’re downsizing, after all; you don’t cut a ribbon at some spare, utilitarian space.

It’s a far cry from 1936, when Westport’s shining “new” post office opened on (appropriately) the Post Road.

Sheila Murphy Foster remembers that ceremony like it was yesterday. She should: She cut the ribbon.

Sheila Murphy Foster

Sheila was back in town the other day. She’s lived in Florida since graduating from Staples in 1948 — but she’s 82 years young, and still loves Westport.

Her roots are deep. Her own mother Mary is a Staples grad — in fact, Sheila says, Mary helped develop the school lunch program, and came up with the name “Inklings” for the school newspaper.

Sheila’s father John commuted to New York City for his job as an accountant with American Standard. He had 3 children, and when his wife got sick he needed a job closer to Westport.

John Murphy was active in Democratic politics — locally and nationally — and knew Postmaster General James Farley. Soon, President Roosevelt appointed Murphy as Westport’s postmaster.

“It was a plum job,” Sheila says.

The job was even better because a new post office was about to be dedicated. The WPA project replaced what Sheila calls a “ratty building” across the street.

“It was the middle of the Depression,” she recalls. “Things were bad. Having the government build a new building was good. Thank heaven for the WPA.”

So one day in 1936, 7-year-old Sheila stood on the broad steps of the “magnificent edifice” and cut the ceremonial ribbon. Well, she tried to — the oversized scissors were too big, so her father the postmaster finished the job.

Sheila Murphy and her father, cutting the post office ribbon.

He had a lot to do besides pose for photos. Mail was delivered twice a day back then. Westporters — many of whom did not have telephones —  communicated with friends by mailing postcards back and forth, one delivery following the next.

The Westport Post Office, in 2011. Trees now obscure the front of the WPA-era building.

John lived only a couple of more years. He died very young — as did his wife.  From age 9 on, Sheila was raised by her aunt.

Sheila remembers her Imperial Avenue home — near the intersection with Bridge Street — as a wonderful former onion barn. There was sledding in winter, and playing on a nearby 10-acre estate. Owner Rose O’Neill had already earned fame as the creator of the Kewpie doll.

In town, Sheila took dance lessons at what is now Toquet Hall.

Though she stayed in Florida after college, Sheila returned regularly to Westport — with her 3 sons.

Sheila Murphy Foster outside the Postmaster’s office. It probably looked the same when her father had the job.

On her most recent visit, she stopped by the post office she dedicated 75 years ago.

How did she feel when she heard the building has been sold — taking with it three-quarters of a century of Westport history?

“I felt bad,” she says. “It still looks like a beautiful building.

“But it’s old,” she admits. “Maybe it’s too expensive to renovate.”

The clerks — and postmaster — may move to Playhouse Square. But one thing will never change, Sheila Murphy insists.

“It’s always been my post office.”

Sheila Murphy Foster died peacefully Monday evening at her Miami home, surrounded by her family. She was 92 years old.

Sheila Murphy Foster

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8 Comments

Posted in Downtown, Looking back, Obituaries

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Pic Of The Day #1914

Posted on July 14, 2022 | 1 comment

Last night’s buck “super moon,” over Long Island Sound (Photo/Jeanine Esposito)

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Posted in Beach, Pic of the Day

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“06880” Blog Party: 1 Week Away!

Posted on July 14, 2022 | Comments Off on “06880” Blog Party: 1 Week Away!

The annual “06880″ party is just a week away.

And if you’re reading this: You’re invited.

Next Thursday (July 21, 6 p.m.) is the day and time. The far end of Compo’s South Beach — away from the cannons, near the boat and kayak launch — is the place. (Still confused? See the aerial view below.)

The blue arrow marks the "06880" party spot.

The blue arrow marks the “06880” party spot.

Every member of the “06880″ (as in, this website) community is invited. We welcome frequent commenters and lurkers. Folks who have lived here all their lives, and those who moved here yesterday. People who want the Cribari bridge to stay the same, those who want a new one, and everyone in between. (Don’t worry: We keep the party a politics-free zone.)

The tagline for “06880″ is “Where Westport meets the world.” Next Thursday, that world comes to Compo.

Please bring your own food, beverages, beach chairs and blankets. (If you bring extras to share with others, we won’t say no). Then mix, mingle and enjoy the evening with the “06880″ crowd.

There’s no charge. It’s a “fun-raiser,” not a fundraiser.

A “blog party” — the “06880” version of a block party.

See you next Thursday!

(PS: Because “06880” is now a non-profit, Westport Parks & Rec allows a limited number of out-of-towners without beach stickers. Please email 06880blog@gmail.com to be put on the list. First come, first served!)

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Posted in Beach, Media, Westport life

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