The low-tech Camp Compo building got a high-tech addition recently: a charging device for electric vehicles.
It did not get a lot of notice. But Fed Cantor, Andrew Colabella, Eric Bosch and Diane Bosch all correctly noted it, as the subject of last week’s Photo Challenge. (Click here to see.)
Someone should make a list of things to do at the beach — everything from grilling, kayaking and skateboarding, to playing pickleball, swimming (duh) and, now, charging your car.
Just don’t put it all on a sign. We’ve got enough of those already.
We’ve got lots of stairs too. But where in Westport would you find this particular set?
Most readers agreed with the one quoted. They filled the Comments section with stories of their own, slamming the Compo Beach concessionaire for mediocre food, long wait times, and a lack of planning and care. (A couple of readers disagreed; they love Hook’d).
Much of that falls on the owners’ shoulders. Word on the street is that employees are frustrated and embarrassed — and sometimes bear the brunt of customers’ complaints.
The cooks and counter help are local teenagers. They have no control over whether enough burgers and hot dogs are ordered, the price, or the systems in place to make ordering simple and pick-up fast. They’re at the mercy of their bosses.
Give the kids a break. It’s not an easy situation to be in.
But — as many readers have noted — the owners deserve whatever they get.
Sunday church services began there this morning, near the cannons. They run every week, through the September 4.
It’s a BYOC event (bring your own chair). Parking is free; tell the gate attendant you’re going to the service.
Participating churches include Saugatuck, Greens Farms, Norfield and Wilton Congregational, and United Methodist Church of Westport and Weston. A different minister leads worship each week.
Rev. Heather Sinclair of the United Methodist Church leads this morning’s service. (Photo/Karen Como)
Westport is still buzzing about the fantastic Independence Day fireworks on Thursday.
It couldn’t have happened without the generosity of Melissa & Doug, the locally based, internationally beloved toy company; the hard work of the Westport Police, Fire, EMS, Parks & Recreation and Public Works Departments — and the volunteer efforts of Westport PAL.
The biggest party of the year is a fundraiser for PAL. They could not run their many sports programs for boys and girls, or scholarships for Staples High School students, without that help.
So, whether you bought a ticket or freeloaded, consider a contribution to one of Westport’s most important organizations. Click here to see all they do; then click here to donate.
Kathie Bennewitz — our talented town art curator, who tirelessly finds, documents, preserves and exhibits the Westport Public Arts Collections — has taken on a new challenge: to preserve the legacy of iconic American artist Edward Hopper.
He’s the creator of classic works like the famed diner scene “Nighthawks (1942). She travels nearly every day to Nyack, New York, to steward and shepherd the Edward Hopper House Museum & Study Center.
The other day, Westport artists Eric Chiang and Mark Yurkiw took up Bennewitz’s offer to visit. Yurkiw reports: “The walkable and vibrant destination, with the Hudson River as a backdrop, makes a fabulous day trip. See the museum, stroll down Hopper Way and around the village of Nyack, with plenty to eat and experience.”
And say hi to Kathie at the museum, before she heads home to us.
(From left): Eric Chiang, Kathie Motes Bennewitz and Mark Yurkiw, outside the Edward Hopper Museum.
“I was at Old Mill Beach with my husband and 3 young boys. We have come at low tide for years, to swim and find hermit crabs. Today, we saw this:
“At first we thought the owners would return to pick up the bags, but there were no dogs or owners around. The tide was coming in, and these bags would have been washed away into the sea. I took them to the trash. It was very disappointing, and obviously disgusting.”
Paul Cohen, formerly of Westport and Fairfield, beloved husband of Barbara R. (Bobbie) Herman, passed away peacefully yesterday in Redding, He was 98 years old.
The New York City native enlisted in the Army Air Corps on his 19th birthday in 1942, the earliest that was permitted at the time. He served in the Galapagos and Central America, commanding a radio operations group to protect the Panama Canal.
After the war he attended Goddard College in Plainfield, Vermont. then the Sorbonne and La Cinémathèque Française in Paris, where he studied cinematography. He was employed by the March of Time in Paris.
After returning to the US Paul worked at Owen Murphy Productions, a producer of documentaries and commercial films. After several years, he acquired the company. He produced films for clients like IBM, the USIA, Western Electric, the 1960-61 World’s Fair and the States of New York and New Jersey. and won many awards. He traveled with 3 presidents: Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon.
He and his wife Helene moved to Westport in 1974, and became involved in town activities. Paul produced bulletins, posters and newsletters for the Westport Arts Center, Y’s Men, Y’s Women, Westport Woman’s Club and Unitarian Church. He won several awards in the Y’s Men annual photo contest.
Helene died in 1993. Paul married Bobbie in 1997. In addition to Helene, he was predeceased by a daughter Susan, a brother and 2 sisters.
Survivors include his son Peter, stepsons Randall Schein (Ann Reingold), Jonathan Schein (Cynthia Hewett), and step-grandaughters Samantha and Lily Jo Schein.
A memorial service will be held in the fall. Donations in his memory may be made to the Unitarian Church in Westport, or a charity of your choice.
Longtime Westporter Stanley Bryk died Wednesday, at Norwalk Hospital. He was 87.
The Bridgeport native lived in Westport for 55 years, before moving to Southport 2 years ago.
Bryk — a Marine Corps veteran — spent 41 years with Sikorsky Aircraft. He was a member of the Frank C. Godfrey American Legion Post, and the VFW. He was also a lifelong New York Giants fan, and an avid traveler.
Survivors include his wife, Laura Renzulli Bryk; daughters Linda (Brent) Norton of Goshen, New York, and Susan (Robert) Tierney of Glastonbury, and grandchildren Taylor, Kelly, Erika, Casey, Rebecca and Kevin. He was predeceased by his brother Frank and one sister Mary Murphy.
AMass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, July 9 (11 a.m., St. Luke Church). Internment with military honors will follow in Willowbrook Cemetery. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Saint Jude Children’s Hospital for Cancer.
Longtime Westporter and alert “06880” reader Elisabeth Keane keeps a sharp eye on this town. She’s not pleased.
Elisabeth writes:
I couldn’t believe what I was seeing at Bridge Square. The formerly charming historic waterfront has turned into absurd “farm-style” buildings. Yellow and green paint, and tin roofs and windows befit the “style du jour” architecture. (Most builders and architects are on the same design page, in the same design book.*) It is ugly and inappropriate.
(Photo/Dan Woog)
How did this type of renovation (certainly not an improvement) get past avoid the town’s guidelines? Yikes.
Are there any architectural guidelines for Westport? The architectural charm of Westport is being devastated.
They ruined Sconset Square too, which used to be charming and New England-y. Now it resembles just another somewhat upscale strip mall, with tin roofs and black-appearing windows. I know it is still under construction but…
Sconset Square (Photo/Dan Woog)
Not to mention the sketch I saw of the the former Westport Inn (aka Delamar Westport).
At this rate, I don’t have high hopes for rejuvenating Main Street either. I think those uninspired strings of lights along both sides of Main Street more closely resemble the rows of lights strung up for a week above street fairs in the city. There’s nothing wrong with that, but for me those undistinguished strings of lights do not convey any artistic, unusual or thoughtful way to light our Main Street, in this still artistic and talented town. Did anybody consult a resident or local lighting professional (perhaps theatre or movie lighting) for advice?
Then there’s the chain link fence at Veterans Green. Seriously? One might want to have that special place accessible.
Speaking of Myrtle Avenue: Whoever will be doing it better be very careful restoring Town Hall, and not messing up the exterior or interior.
And speaking of interiors: I hope the current interior decorating fad in public buildings will fade soon. Restaurants for some perverse reason seem to follow along lamely, with hard surfaces everywhere. The noise level is through the roof. Sound reverb requires everyone to speak LOUDLY. Seating is hard, not comfortable. The high bar stools are not for everybody — maybe in a corner of a bar, but not in a restaurant.
Restaurant ambiance is more than the food; it involves comfortable seating, and conversing in a normal tone, not yelling as at a sporting event.
*Design book: Look at all the houses built c. 2003-2005-ish, with faux Palladian windows. Is there really only one architectural design book? It’s cheaper that way, and it shows. I can only imagine what our most skilled and creative architects must think as they see these things…
Some of the most affordable housing in Westport is hidden in plain sight.
Two 2-bedroom units at The Saugatuck — formerly Saugatuck Elementary School on Bridge Street — will go on the market soon.
The Saugatuck is a senior complex (residents must be at least 62) that caps resale prices to ensure affordability for people with moderate incomes or below. The restriction last year was roughly $105,000 for a single person, and $115,000 for a couple. There are no asset restrictions.
The property manager maintains a list of interested buyers, for sellers or their agents. For information on how to get on the list, email djallouk@thepropertygroup.net.
For the past few weeks, a range of readers have complained to “06880” about the Compo Beach concession stand.
Some emailers are angry. Some acknowledge that this is a First World problem. But there are enough of them that they can’t be ignored.
Hook’d took over as the concessionaire from Joey’s by the Shore in 2020. They did not open that COVID-plagued year. Last year’s opening was delayed too. Many Westporters gave the new operators the benefit of the doubt; replacing a 30-year beloved institution would not be easy.
But patience is wearing thin. Here’s a typical email:
“I was there on Tuesday with grandkids at 4 pm. NO ICE CREAM. The place looked empty of everything.
“One of the workers said there have been lots of complaints about running out of things. It has no atmosphere, and is the exact opposite of Joey’s. And the food is very mediocre. I had a terrible hot dog. Burgers are so so.
“Compo beach needs a great beach stand. Have you heard this from anyone else?”
Yes. Other issues include early and random closures, and no posted operating hours.
There’s this too:
“A little birdie told me when the manager sends his supply list, corporate cuts it to their liking. It’s so not Joey’s. Typical ‘corporate.’ They don’t care about us Westporters. Just their bottom line.”
One reader wonders why, even when no one else is in the place, Hook’d employees insist on taking a customer’s cell phone number, to text when it’s ready.
Readers: What’s your experience with Hook’d? What are they doing well, or poorly? Are there any easy fixes? Click “Comments” below.
Hook’d is open. But customers don’t always know when. (Photo/Karen Como)
Speaking of beaches: The Burying Hill pier/groin reconstruction job is done. The final construction crew left on Friday.
Before departure they poured a new, low cement wall in the parking lot, to keep vehicles from driving on the sand.
The new construction looks great, and the crew was efficient and engaged. Congratulations to all involved, for bringing this important environmental project to fruition. (Hat tip: Eric Bosch)
The Congregation for Humanistic Judaism hosts “Havdalah on the Beach” next Saturday (July 9, 6 p.m., Compo Beach).
Everyone is invited for a short service, with folk and klezmer music. Guests can swap Jewish-themed books too.
The CHJ will provide homemade desserts and soft drinks. Bring dinner, adult drinks and a beach chair. There’s no need for a beach pass; tell the gate guard that you are attending the CHJ event, and follow the signs.
The next Westport Country Playhouse “Sunday Symposium” guest is Ins Choi. The writer of “Kim’s Convenience” — the play that inspired the popular Netflix series, and which is the next WCP production — will talk about the show, following the July 10 matinee.
The Sunday Symposium is free and open to the public. No performance ticket is necessary; just arrive 80 minutes after the 3 p.m. curtain.
Perviews for “Kim’s Convenience begin July 5, with opening night on July 9. For information on tickets and special offers, including discounts for students, senior citizens, educators, military, first responders, Indigenous peoples, professional playwrights and groups, click here.
Ins Choi
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“06880” subscription news: Issues continue to plague readers with Optonline.net addresses,
WordPress and Optonline don’t play well together. The great folks at the new Optimum store near Fresh Market are working on the issue, but have not yet solved it.
If you know someone with an Optonline.net address is not receiving “06880,” ask them to email 06880blog@gmail.com. I’ll send a list of troubleshooting steps.
The easiest solution, of course, is to subscribe to “06880” using a different email address.
MaryLou Bell died peacefully Thursday at her Westport home, surrounded by family. She was 83.
Born to Patsy and Antonette Doddo, she was a life-long Westport resident. She graduated from Staples High School in 1956.
MaryLou was a well-respected local banker. She began with the Westport Bank & Trust Company while in high school. She sun-bathed on her lunch breaks with fellow employees on the roof of the downtown building (now Patagonia).
Loyal customers followed her to newest bank branches in her capacity as branch manager. Through the years she worked with Connecticut Bank & Trust, the Bank of Darien, the Bank of Westport and others. She ended her career in 2012 at Fairfield County Bank.
MaryLou enjoyed New York outings with colleagues, taking in Broadway shows and dinner. Her vacations in North Truro on Cape Cod were special to her. She volunteered at the Sons of Italy Festival Italiano and Westport PAL’s annual golf tournament, and was a member of Westport Sunrise Rotary.
She was active in local politics during the 1970s and ’80s, with the Republican Town Committee and Save Westport Now. Her family says, “She enjoyed spending time at the Westport Senior Center, and sharing laughs with her friends and family. She was fiercely independent, a straight-shooter, and was never afraid to express her thoughts to others. MaryLou lived life her way.”
MaryLou’s family thanks her exceptional caregivers Millie and Thomasine for providing friendship along with compassionate care.
MaryLou is survived by her daughter Kathy )Scott) Santarella of Westport; son Bob (Marybeth) Stephens of Suffolk, Virginia; grandchildren Jordan and Jamie Santarella, and Wesston, Tyler, Ashley and Will Stephens; sister and brother-in-law Annette & AJ Izzo of Westport; her brother-in-law Ray (Linda) Barry of Fairfield, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
MaryLou was predeceased by her husband of 35 years, William Bell, in 2000, and her youngest sister Angela M. Doddo in 2001.
Friends may greet the family on Wednesday (July 6, 4 to 7 p.m., Harding Funeral Home). A mass of Christian Burial will celebrated at Assumption Church on Thursday (July 7, 10 a.m.). Entombment will follow at Willowbrook Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association, or the charity of your choice.
If you’re reading this, you’re part of the great “06880” online community.
Which means you’re invited to our 9th annual “blog party.”
The date is Thursday, July 21. We’ll gather at 6 p.m. at Compo Beach — specifically, alcohol-is-okay South Beach, by the trees (the opposite end from the cannons).
Bring your own food, beverages (no glass bottles, though!), beach chairs and blankets.
The first 8 years were great successes*. They were true community gatherings– chances to meet and mingle with the diverse “06880” community (both online and real). It’s fun, un-fancy, and free!
This year’s blog party will be better than ever.
I can’t give away any secrets, though. You’ll just have to show up, and see for yourself.
*Except for the rainout. And the heat.
Patti and Doug Brill and friends say: “Come to the blog party””
NOTE: The “06880” blog party is free. But we rely entirely on donations to keep writing (and partying.) Please click here to help!
Posted onJuly 2, 2022|Comments Off on Online Art Gallery #117
Happy 4th of July weekend!
Time to take a break from flag-waving, grilling, and whatever else the holiday brings, to gaze at our neighbors’ work.
Remember: This is your gallery. All readers are invited to contribute to our online art gallery. 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!
“Music in Four Parts” — mixed media (Peter Barlow)
When we last checked in with Stephanie Berghoff, she was cooking up a storm.
Her new business, The Home Cook, was heating up. A mom with young children, and a passion for delicious food, she was cooking healthful, fresh meals in a Weston church 4 days a week. She and an assistant then delivered the entrees and sides on Mondays and Wednesdays, direct to customers’ homes.
Clients — working couples who want home-cooked meals for their families; stay-at-home parents with little time to cook; frequent travelers, and people with family emergencies — raved about Stephanie’s dinners. And the ease of delivery.
Three years later, The Home Cook sizzles. She’s taken over the former NewBrook Kitchen & Artisan Market on Saugatuck Avenue. She reconfigured the interior as a commissary space, including a walk-in cooler.
The Home Cook, on Saugatuck Avenue.
Berghoff now employs 6 people in the kitchen, 6 “packers,” and 14 delivery people. Every Monday and Wednesday, they head out with “Home Cook”-ed meals, as far away as Pelham, New York.
Meals arrive chilled; there are no “kits.” No cooking is required; re-heating instructions are included. There’s no subscription either. Some people order regularly, even weekly. Some order less often, even just once in a while.
Berghoff happily servesthem all.
Stephanie Berghoff
The menu has expanded to several protein offerings a week, and a dozen or so side dishes. Portions range from 1 to 4 people.
Recent entrees included pan-seared mahi mahi fish tacos, red wine and garlic braised short ribs, chicken piccata, Jamaican jerk chicken skewers, ginger lime grilled chicken, summer beef stew, spinach artichoke lasagna, miso glazed cods, and kids’ meals.
Just heat this tasty shrimp dish …
Berghoff offers different menus each week. “I don’t want to get bored,” Berghoff says. “I don’t want my customers to get bored either.”
Her personal favorites: sesame noodles and Mongolian steak.
… or tacos.
The Home Cook has cooked up more ideas. A “provision shop” provides pick-up options like margarita mixes, low-fat tuna and chicken salads, honey mustard, truffle honey, BBQ seasoning rub, carrot ginger dressing and pesto feta dip — plus insulated totes.
Berghoff caters parties, too.
As a home delivery service, she has been whacked by rising gas prices. Food costs are increasing too.
But customers continue to be willing — even happy — to pay for the convenience of a home-cooked meal.
Particularly one prepared and delivered by The Home Cook.
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