06880

Roundup: Snow Shoveling, Restaurant Takeout, Pickles & Pastrami …

Posted on January 30, 2022 | 5 comments

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Luke Garvey is a frequent commenter on “06880.” I hope he doesn’t mind that I’m stealing this comment, which he posted on Facebook yesterday:

“Today I will hold a FREE snow shoveling class in my driveway. Join the class and learn about the proper ways to shovel.

“Techniques will include the scoop and throw method, the down and push method (aka the plow technique), as well as the upside down scraping technique.

“Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to enhance your snow lifting techniques without throwing your back out! I will provide the driveway and multiple walkways to ensure your training is conducted in real-life situations.

“I only ask that you bring your own shovel (ergonomic designs suggested). Spaces are limited, and on a first-come, first-served basis.”

Earlier this month, Harris Falk showed off his own snow shoveling style.

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Matthew Mandell may have started a movement.

The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce director heard that local restaurants were getting gouged by 3rd-party delivery apps like Uber Eats, Grubhub and Door Dash.

So he started a campaign, encouraging diners to order takeout instead — or at least call directly through a restaurant’s own phone line.

The idea has spread statewide.

The Hartford Courant reports that our Chamber’s “Order Direct/Pick It Up” initiative has been “picked up” by the Central Connecticut Chambers of Commerce. They represent businesses in Farmington, Bristol, Burlington, Wolcott, Plainville and Plymouth.

Click here for the full story — including quotes from Viva Zapata owner Bob O’Mahoney.

(Graphic courtesy of Miggs Burroughs)

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Speaking of food, here’s this morsel from Temple Israel:

On Wednesday (February 2, 7 p.m., Zoom), they’re sponsoring a tasty talk: “Deli Revival: American Judaism and the Return of Pickles and Pastrami.”

The promo says: “There has been a nostalgic resurgence of interest in the Jewish deli menu. In her book Beyond the Synagogue: Jewish Nostalgia as Religious Practice — a National Jewish Book Award finalist — Jewish studies Professor Rachel B. Gross examines how some restaurateurs are deliberately making American Jewish food fit for the 21st century.”

The temple has partnered with Gold’s, Westport’s classic deli. Catered boxes celebrating the best of the Jewish deli scene will be available for pickup from Temple Israel on the afternoon of the event.

Click here to register. (Hattip: Peter Blau)

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I usually don’t list events outside Westport, unless they involve a speaker from here. It would open the door to too many other requests.

But in light of the recent kerfuffle over racism — and the definition of it — in our town, a few events through Fairfield University’s Quick Center Open Visions Forum might be worth checking out. They include:

Tuesday, March 8 (7 p.m.): Michael Eric Dyson, Ph.D. and John H. McWhorter, Ph.D.: “Race, Liberty & Justice: Diverging Perspectives with Eyes on the Prize.” Click here for tickets and more information.

Wednesday, March 23 (7:30 p.m.): David Brooks: “Democracy: Choices and Challenges.” Click here for tickets and more information.

Thursday, April 28 (8 p.m.): Isabel Wilkerson: “CASTE: Examining Race, Culture, and Consequences.” Click here for tickets and more information.

(Hat tip: Danielle Teplica)

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows one of our most natural features (Gray’s Creek) from a less natural one (Longshore golf course). (Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)

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And finally … if you watched “Get Back” on Disney+, you know that on this date in 1969, the Beatles gave their last public performance, on the roof of Apple Records in London. The concert was broken up by the police.

5 Comments

Posted in Media, Politics, religion, Restaurants, Weather

Tagged Gold's Deli, Matthew Mandell, snow shovel, Temple Israel, Westport-Weston Chamber of Commerce

Could Better Fertilizer Save The Sound?

Posted on January 30, 2022 | 15 comments

David Jones is a 1971 Staples High School graduate. He writes:

Sitting at my post as a Compo Beach lifeguard 50 years ago, water pollution — or anything to do with climate change — was not on my radar. All I thought about was what time do I get off my shift, and when can I get to Ye Olde Bridge Grille?

I spent hours looking at Long Island Sound as a job, never realizing how beautiful it was.

Half a century later, I am all about protecting Mother Earth.

David Jones

A while ago, I was approached with an idea: What if we got rid of traditional granular fertilizer that is filled with chemicals and salts, and has the capacity to blow up half of Beirut (which it did)?

It was an interesting concept. I am now on the advisory board of NTP Technologies. We can save our planet.

Our machine injects pure nitrogen into tap water, creating a fertilizer with no “icky” stuff,

I got a D- in chemistry at Staples. But I realize that no fertilizer runoff in your water tables, aquifers and of course Long Island Sound is a very good thing.

Right now we have a patent and orders on the books. But we need investors, to build out our manufacturing and scalability.

My neighbor Paul Newman used to say, “you only go around once. Do the right thing.” Let’s do this right, Westport!

(To learn more, email djones@NTPtechnologies.com, or call David Jones: 401-500-3256.)

15 Comments

Posted in Environment, Staples HS

Tagged David Jones, Long Island Sound, MTP Technologies

Ceci Maher To Run For State Senate

Posted on January 30, 2022 | 1 comment

Ceci Maher has announced her candidacy for the 26th State Senate District. She joins fellow Democrat Ken Bernhard, in bids to succeed retiring Senator Will Haskell. She says:

I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support I have received. I know that this energy and enthusiasm comes from a history of service; I have earned the trust and respect of our communities.

I’m running because I have experience that matters and I care deeply about the 26th district. I have a solid background in budget management and understand the economic struggles we all face. While CEO of Sandy Hook Promise, I worked every day to support gun violence prevention in schools and communities.

Fourteen years of leading Person-to-Person taught me how much we can achieve, when we work together. I am deeply committed to women’s rights, and increasing voter access.

Ceci Maher

I’ve spent nearly all my life in Fairfield County. I grew up in Stamford, worked in New Canaan and Darien, volunteered in Westport, and raised my family first in Norwalk and later in Wilton, where I call home.

In Westport I am on the advisory board of Westport Pride, and handled fundraising for the Pride event last June. I also volunteered with the ReSisters, including GOTV efforts, traveling with them to Pennsylvania to register college students to vote, and worked on additional voter registration efforts. Years ago I was president of the Junior League, and we had members from Westport.

In a lifetime of living in our community, I’ve met people from all walks of life – and I’ve seen that we share so much in common, no matter who we are and what city or town we live in. Our neighbors are fundamentally good and decent. We care about our families, our towns, and one another. We turn out to help in natural disasters and we show up to support our neighbors in times of need.

In 20 years of leading nonprofits, volunteering, and holding local public office, I’ve had the chance to on some of the most important issues our communities face, from educational opportunity to access to food and housing.

It’s been a tough few years for so many of us, from the pandemic to the economy to national politics. But I remain optimistic about our future because I know we can work together and make progress on our community’s most important issues.

And I look forward to listening to and hearing from voters to understand what matters most to them.”

1 Comment

Posted in Politics

Tagged Ceci Maher, Connecticut State Senate 26th District, Will Haskell

Pics Of The Day #1748

Posted on January 29, 2022 | 2 comments

Scenes from a nor’easter/bomb cyclone/blizzard that wasn’t.

BUT — it sure was cold. At mid-afternoon, it was just 11 degrees.

Time for lunch! (Photo/Betsy Pollak)

Kings Highway North (Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)

Ellie Mae is dressed for the cold (Photo/Audrey Hertzel)

(Photo/Pat Saunders)

Molly Alger snowshoes to Winslow Park

Misty romps (Photo/Bob Weingarten)

Waiting for spring (Photo/Larry Untermeyer)

Not a great day for an outdoor nap (Photo/Robin Frank)

Looking for food (Photo/Robin Frank)

Hot coffee on a cold day (Photo/Ellen Wentworth)

Compo cannons at sunset (Photo/Tony Evans)

2 Comments

Posted in Beach, Environment, Pic of the Day, Weather

Tagged Compo cannons, Deer, Kings Highway North, snow

Anonymous Website Responds To TEAM Westport Statement

Posted on January 29, 2022 | 43 comments

A few minutes ago, I received an email from the obviously fake account of “Wes Porter.”

It read:

If you have any journalistic integrity you will publish this response in full, which is now circulating. You cannot publish a story, give one side a full opportunity to respond and then silence the other side.

In fact, I first gave voice to the anonymous “Westport Parents 06880” post objecting to TEAM Westport’s Teen Diversity Contest on Friday. A number of readers objected — you don’t allow anonymous comments on your blog, they said, so why do you allow an entire anonymous post?

My answer was that it was circulating in town, people were talking about it, and I wanted to open up my “Comments” section to readers for an important debate.

A number of comments in support of the anonymous statement came from fake email accounts, or used false names. That’s against “0688o” policy. I did my best to remove them.

Meanwhile, I had asked Harold Bailey, TEAM Westport chair, to respond. He sent a statement last night; I posted it this morning.

Normally, that would be the end of things. I don’t want “06880” to become a place for hurling back and forth statements, with the expectation I’ll highlight every one. Both sides have had their say.

Furthermore, “journalistic integrity” also includes knowing the source of what one prints. Woodward and Bernstein knew who Deep Throat was. They kept it quiet, as I would with the anonymous “Westport Parents” site. I believe it is legit, and run by Westport parents, but I can’t even be sure of that.

However — in the interest of furthering this discussion, and because it offers a different take on the essay prompt — I will post the anonymous response here. I will then allow TEAM Westport to respond if they wish, giving each side 2 stories. And that will be it.

I reiterate too: “06880” policy is that all commenters use full, real names. That has not changed. If you have something to say, you must stand by it publicly, with your full, real name. And I reserve the right to require proof that you are who you claim to be.

Here is the statement from “Wes Porter”:

We appreciate Mr. Bailey’s response to our concerns, although he put forth a series of misrepresentations about our statement in order to distract the community from and avoid confronting the most important point we are making. There was absolutely nothing in our statement to suggest we sought to stop any child in Westport from expressing his or her point of view on any topic.

Screenshot of the “Westport Parents 06880” home page.

We are passionate supporters of first amendment rights and free expression. It is misleading for Mr. Bailey to suggest that all criticism against his group is anonymous, as many individuals in town have been outspoken on areas of disagreement, and many others have lent their names to the ideas we have presented by sending emails to elected officials and making supportive statements on social media. We did not at all criticize the basic premise of an essay contest on racial themes, and we explicitly lent support to the idea of a town body that celebrated diversity.

There is of course nothing wrong with or unconstitutional about any American sharing his or her experiences or opinions on racial topics. Rather, our statement was narrowly focused on the chosen essay topic because of its ideological slant. This year’s essay contest steers students to accept and lend support to a particular political ideology with regard to racial matters, namely “antiracism.”

Dr. Ibram X. Kendi

As we explained with reference to Ibram X. Kendi, antiracism is a philosophy that calls for the proactive use of racially conscious discrimination by government to remedy perceived inequities in the distribution of goods and services along racial lines. We view this philosophy of antiracism as fundamentally unconstitutional or perhaps, more precisely, “anti-constitutional.”

Antiracism (which actually now has its own page on our Town’s website) is the guiding philosophy of the “equity” movement to which our Town government now appears to be fully committed, thanks in no small part to TEAM’s pressure/coercion on this subject. With the forthcoming equity study recommendations, it is possible that antiracism will become the guiding philosophy of our schools.

Thus, it is urgent that our community take a very hard look at what antiracism is really all about. Recent examples of antiracism in action include policies enacted by hospital systems in various states to prioritize non-white patients in the delivery of life-saving COVID treatments. These policies, which are flagrantly unconstitutional and will likely be defeated in the courts, lack any basis in medical science. They are instead driven by the politics of “equity” that has ascended just in the past few years, in Westport and across the country.

Antiracism is, by design, difficult to criticize. Any religion or belief system that vilifies those who disagree with it should be inherently suspect, but antiracism takes it to a new level by defining itself in negative terms. For isn’t an anti-antiracist a racist? While our anonymous approach appears to be infuriating to many (“how can we destroy them personally for disagreeing with us if we don’t know who they are?”), it is necessary for that very reason for us to have this philosophical debate. TEAM has already personally attacked residents of this town by pushing for the official censure of someone who was willing to challenge their ideas and actions.

John McWhorter

We are anti-antiracists, but we are not racists. We object to antiracism for many of the same reasons African-American intellectuals from John McWhorter to Ian Rowe to Glenn Loury object to it. We object to antiracism and the resulting politics of equity because we believe they promote an unconstitutional and illegitimate public purpose: the creation of laws and policies designed to achieve an “equitable” distribution of goods and services along arbitrarily defined racial categories. “To each according to his membership within a government defined racial identity category” cannot become the 21st century interpretation of “all men are created equal.”

We continue to believe this year’s essay contest topic tends to promote an ideology, in violation of Westport Board of Education policy, which means Westport schools must not participate in any way with this essay contest. The ideology being promoted is antiracism. A possible solution to this problem would be to reword the essay contest in a way that is ideologically neutral. We propose the following language:

In 1,000 words or fewer describe the challenges people in your community face speaking about race, including the risk of harsh accusations if their views do not conform to certain expectations. Should instances of systemic racism be addressed through the implementation of more systemic racism? What are the advantages and pitfalls of abandoning the colorblind approach to issues that we have relied upon since the Civil Rights movement?

43 Comments

Posted in Local politics, Media, Politics

Tagged Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, Harold Bailey, John McWhorter, TEAM Westport, Westport Parents 06880

Roundup: Closures, Mrs. London’s Bakery, Jazz & Java …

Posted on January 29, 2022 | 4 comments

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You don’t need to be a weatherman to know that nearly everything in Westport — the Library, Y, you name it — is closed today.

Local to Market has also postponed tomorrow’s Cloudy Lane Bakery event, scheduled for Sunday. A new date will be announced soon.

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The long-awaited Mrs. London’s Bakery — successor to Aux Delices, Java, Wild Pear, Chef’s Table, and a few other places I’ve probably forgotten on Church Lane, at the foot of Elm Street — will open next month.

“Hopefully for Valentine’s Day,” says Max London. His parents started the now-famous original Mrs. London’s Bakery in Saratoga Springs, New York, in the 1970s.

Nearly a year ago — on February 25, 2021 — “06880” broke the news about the 2nd location. I wrote:

He (she?) feature pastries, baguettes, croissants, grilled sandwiches, paninis, salads, quiches, soups, “decadent desserts,” espressos and teas. Ingredients are organic, locally grown and sourced.

Meanwhile, we’re still waiting for Il Pastaficio — “artisanal pasta” and more, around the corner on the Post Road and announced in the same story — to open.

(Click here for a full CT Examiner story on Mrs. London’s Bakery’s Westport location.)

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Homelessness is a national issue — even in Fairfield County.

And even in Westport.

We’re fortunate that many dedicated organizations and individuals are addressing the problem.

Helen McAlinden — CEO of Homes With Hope — also co-chairs the Opening Doors Fairfield County Advocacy Taskforce. On Monday (January 31, 8:30 a.m.), they host a roundtable information session including breakout discussion groups.

Interested residents can learn more about legislative priorities, and how to help our most vulnerable neighbors.

Click here to register, and for more information.

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Jazz aficionados know the best clubs — places many others have never heard of.

They were out in force Thursday night, at the Staples High School cafeteria. Phil Giampietro’s Jazz Ensemble hosted a “Jazz & Java” night.

Well, okay — most of the attendees were parents and friends of the very talented young musicians. COVID kept the crowd small.

But — thanks to this very talented group — the joint was jumpin’!

Just a small section of Staples’ Jazz Ensemble. (PHoto/Allison Ginzburg)

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Speaking of arts: Two new exhibits opened last night at MoCA.

“The Westport Idea” features selections from WestPAC holdings of more than 2,000 artworks. Most of these works are housed in public schools and municipal buildings, not always accessible to the public.

The Museum’s annual high school exhibition features nearly 200 compelling works focused on the theme of “Identity,” created by student artists from across Connecticut and Westchester.

The exhibitions are on view through March 12 (weather permitting, duh). Free docent-led tours are available, and free supporting Cocktails and Conversation events will be held on Thursday evenings. Click here to learn more.

Staples High School junior Sophie Spheeris, a 17-year-old junior from Staples, with her artwork “Us and Them.” It’s the collage of the woman, on the left.

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The recent death of Meat Loaf — followed a few days later by Jim Ryan‘s passing — sent Kathleen Dehler looking for a photo.

She found it. In 1988, the 2 men joined her husband Will Dehler as coaches of their daughters’ Westport softball team, the Rebels.

“What wonderful memories!” Kathleen says. “And so sad that Meat and Jim are no longer with us.”

Meat Loaf (left), Jim Ryan (right) and Will Dehler (center), with the Rebels.

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Congratulations to Westport’s 9 Presidential Scholar candidates.

Nomination for the prestigious program is a high honor for high school seniors. Selections are made on superior academic and artistic achievement, leadership, strong character, and involvement in school and community activities. The program is run by the US Department of Education.

The Westporters include Staples High School’s Aidan Mermagen, Tessa Moore, Chloe Nevas, Konur Norbert, Nicholas Prior and Julian Weng, and Hopkins School’s Will Cooper, Max Gordon and Finnbar Kiely.

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Hours before the snow began, William Webster captured this “Westport … Naturally” image of what he believes is an immature eagle, 100 yards across the Saugatuck River.

“The beak looks right,” he says, “and the front feathers are starting to turn white.”

(Photo/William Webster)

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And finally … on this day in 1861, Kansas was admitted to the Union, as our 34th state. Years of controversy led up to the event: Would it be a free state, or a slave state? Abolitionists prevailed.

But less than 3 months later, the Civil War began.

4 Comments

Posted in Arts, Education, Entertainment, Local business, Sports, Staples HS, Weather

Tagged Homes With Hope, Jim Ryan, Local to Market, Meat Loaf, MoCA Westport, Mrs. London's Bakery & Cafe, Staples High School Jazz Ensemble

06ArtArt0 — Week 95 Gallery

Posted on January 29, 2022 | Comments Off

This week, nearly half of our featured artists are new to our online gallery.

Here’s a warm “06880” welcome to Staples High School graduate Dennis Jackson; Jason Osterhout, a 1991 Staples grad now living in Burlington, Vermont, whose works were recently shown at Steam by the train station; Loren Rubino, a teacher at One River and an art therapist at Sasco River Center; and Carl Schumann.

This gallery is open to all readers. Whatever your age and level of experience — professional or amateur, young or old. In every medium.

All genres are encouraged. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, lithographs, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage and needlepoint — whatever you’ve got, email it to dwoog@optonline.net. Share your work with the world!

“Beaver Dam Road” — acrylic (Carl Schumann)

“What Now” (Mark Yurkiw)

“Caribbean Dreamin'” (Amy Schneider)

“Nature’s Artistic Design” (Larry Untermeyer)

Untitled (Loren Rubino)

“It’s All in the Mind: The Psychiatrist” (Brian Whelan)

“My Wife Maureen, Through a Glass Lightly” (Dennis Jackson)

“Philadelphia Rowhouse Where I Grew Up” (Lawrence Weisman)

Untitled (Jason Osterhout)

Comments Off on 0*6*Art*Art*0 — Week 95 Gallery

Posted in Categories

Tagged Amy Schneider, Brian Whelan, Larry Untermeyer, Lawrence Weisman, Mark Yurkiw

TEAM Westport Responds To Diversity Essay Controversy

Posted on January 29, 2022 | 25 comments

In response to the uproar that followed announcement of TEAM Westport’s 9th annual Teen Diversity Essay Contest, Harold Bailey — chair of the town’s multiculutral organization — issued this statement:

In TEAM Westport’s 19-year history, there is no initiative of which we are more proud than the annual Teen Diversity Essay Contest.

Over the past 8 years, it is also the initiative which has garnered the greatest acclaim and respect for the town of Westport. From school systems regionally, statewide, and nationally to CNN, the stature of the town has been raised and the town has responded to the insights of its youth with a combination of respect, pride and (often) awe.

In general, the awe has been due to the breath-taking courage and talent required of winning essayists to deliver their searing insights with genuinely brilliant language. Those insights have included first-hand accounts of the impact of “othering” written by White, Black, Asian-American, Latinx, etc. students providing their voices on aspects of race, religion, ethnicity and LGBTQ-IA+ (TEAM Westport’s focus areas by charter). We invite you to read all 25 winning essays at www.westportct.gov/essays.

Now, through a combination of website and emails, anonymous source(s) have declared that

Insights from African-American, Asian-American, Latinx and White students about the toxicity of racial micro-aggressions on their lives and their peers were racist.
A White student’s exposition of her marginalization due to the “dumb blonde” stereotypes was unconstitutional.
The frank discussion of the marginalization faced by an LGBTQ-IA+ student after coming out was un-American.

Essentially, these anonymous source(s) contend that the Town of Westport should be outraged that these voices were ever heard and ensure that no others are heard in the future.

Last year’s TEAM Westport Teen Essay Contest finalists (from left): Curtis Sullivan, Maxwell Tanksley, Jaden Mello.

That contention is patently absurd and diametrically opposed to the town of Westport’s “Statement on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion,” ratified by the Board of Selectmen (including our current first aelectwoman) on October 13.

It is one thing to criticize adults with a viciousness including accusations of Nazi-ism, but far more troubling to dismiss the insights of our children as ideology trolling for dollars while bullying future participants and their parents.

(From left): TEAM Westport chair Harold Bailey, with essay contest winners Chet Ellis, Angela Ji, Daniel Boccardo and Olivia Sarno.

The TEAM Westport Teen Diversity Essay Contest was created to give teens in our community an opportunity to reflect on, express, and open up constructive conversations about race and identity based on each teen’s lived experience. If you support the Teen Diversity Essay Contest and its continuation, there are two ways you can help:

Say so. Send an email addressed to the RTM (RTM-DL@westportct.gov), Board of Selectmen (selectman@westportct.gov), Board of Education (boe@westportps.org) and Superintendent of Schools (tscarice@westportps.org).
Contribute. TEAM Westport receives no funding from the town of Westport. All contest prizes are funded via independent contributions. Tax deductible contributions may be made via to TEAM Westport, c/o Department of Finance, Town Hall, 110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport, CT 06880.
TEAM Westport contest judges (from left) Jaina Shaw and Dr. Judith Hamer, and (far right) Mary-Lou Weisman flank 2016 essay contest winners Ellie Shapiro, Ali Tritschler and Jacob Klegar.

25 Comments

Posted in Local politics, Media, Politics, Westport life

Tagged Harold Bailey, TEAM Westport, Teen Diversity Contest, Westport Parents 06880

Westporter Kicks Off Literary Career With Queen Of Judo

Posted on January 29, 2022 | 4 comments

You probably never heard of Rusty Kanokogi.

But in 1959 — disguised as a man — she won a medal at a judo tournament. When officials realized her gender, she was forced to return it.

Rusty Kanokogi

She did not take the injustice lying down. Kanokogi headed to Japan to continue training. She became the first woman to join a men’s group, then fought for judo to be included in the Olympics — a reality in 1988.

Not bad for a Jewish girl from Brooklyn, born Rena Glickman.

She overcame many odds to become “The Mother of Women’s Judo.” Now Eve Nadel Catarevas has battled many obstacles to tell Kanakogi’s story, in a children’s book.

After a career as a copywriter, interrupted by years raising her son, it’s the Westporter’s first book.

Catarevas was raised in Greenwich. After Boston College, she worked for Bristol Myers Squibb and Condé Nast.

She knew Westport from visits here with her parents — she recalls the Remarkable Book Shop and Ice Cream Parlor — and settled here with her husband Michael, a writer. She raised their son Ben.

When he was grown, she decided to act on her urge to write. She found a group of local authors, and honed in on children’s literature.

Eve Nadel Catarevas

Since she was a child, she read obituaries. She was interested in underdog stories, and when Kanokogi died in 2009, Catarevas was intrigued by her life. The only other place she read about Jewish girls she says, is in Holocaust-themed books.

Besides a couple of stories in Sports Illustrated and Hadassah, there was little written about Kanokogi. And, Catarevas admits, judo is “not the sexiest sport.”

Writing the book was difficult enough. Finding a publisher was even harder. There’s not a lot of market for children’s books about Jewish female judo experts.

In addition, the author admits, her subject was “not a delicate flower. She was a tough broad.”

Yet, she adds, “We all know about Billie Jean King, and other women sports pioneers. Rusty deserved to be known too. I wanted to bring her into the light.”

Catarevas found Kar-Ben, a publisher specializing in Jewish-themed material. The official publication date for Rena Glickman, Queen of Judo is May 2. It’s gotten strong pre-publication reviews.