Pic Of The Day #1617

Posted on September 21, 2021 | Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #1617

Riverside Park (Photo/David Ader)

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Roundup: Election Questions, Oka, Harvest Moon …

Posted on September 21, 2021 | 5 comments

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This election season, the LWV Westport is sponsoring 2 candidate debates.

And they want your questions.

The 7 p.m. sessions — broadcast on Cablevision Channel 79 — are October 25 (Boards of Selectmen, Finance and Assessment Appeals) and October 26 (Planning & Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, Board of Education).

Questions should be emailed to speechbyrachel@gmail.com.

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Oka is a posh British furnishing and home goods store, with 13 UK locations.

Its first US store opened earlier this year, in Houston. Coming soon: Dallas.

And this spring: Westport.

After extensive renovation, Oka moves into the former Banana Republic building on Main Street. (For years before that, it was Klein’s Department Store.)

New York Times readers throughout the region saw an advertising insert on Sunday. The Westport opening was featured on the cover, along with a 15% off offer. Just use the code “NYTIMES15.”

It’s good until October 22. Online, of course! (Hat tip: Jeff Jacobs)

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If you’re looking for a photo that encompasses nearly every aspect of life in Westport, this is it.

Paul Delano’s Imperial Avenue image from earlier this morning shows a school bus picking up one youngster, as a car waits. A jogger approaches. And — of course — a deer calmly crosses the road.

“The drivers were cautious,” Paul reports. “So everyone went safely on their way.”

(Photo/Paul Delano)

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Yesterday’s “06880” noted that Dr. Scott Gottlieb’s book about COVID-19 will be published today.

On October 4 (7 p.m.), the former FDA head — and our neighbor — will speak about it at the Westport Library. The event will also be livestreamed.

He’ll be interviewed by another familiar TV face (and Westporter): CNN’s Alisyn Camerota.

Click here for registration and more information.

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Seth Goltzer’s Harvest Moon shot was Sunday’s Pic of the Day.

He was back at Compo Beach last night, to photograph another moonrise. Other Westporters sent similar images. This was the most dramatic.

(Photo/seth Goltzer)

Meanwhile, Franco Fellah of the Westport Astronomical Society snapped this shot. I don’t know what kind of camera and/or telescope he used, but it sure feels like he was close.

(Photo/Franco Fellah)

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Did you know that the praying mantis is Connecticut’s official state insect?

Did you know that our state even has an official insect?

Or why?

Whatever. Here is a gorgeous “Westport … Naturally” shot, courtesy of Sharon Fiarman.

(Photo/Sharon Fiarman)

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And finally … on this date in 1981, Sandra Day O’Connor was unanimously approved (!) by the Senate as the nation’s first female Supreme Court justice.

Forty years later, that number has exploded to … three.

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“06880” Podcast: Bill Taibe

Posted on September 21, 2021 | Comments Off on “06880” Podcast: Bill Taibe

Hungry to learn about Westport’s dining scene?

The other day, Bill Taibe sat down for our “06880” podcast, at the Westport Library’s Verso Studios.

The owner of The Whelk, Kawa Ni and Don Memo talked about his passion for food; how he opens a new restaurant; staffing and supply issues, and Westport’s dining scene.

So where does one of the town’s premier restaurateurs go when he eats out? Click here, for the full interview.

Bill Taibe

 

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Police And Schools: Traffic Enforcement, Safety Are Key Goals

Posted on September 21, 2021 | Comments Off on Police And Schools: Traffic Enforcement, Safety Are Key Goals

After this morning’s report that a Westport police officer will be assigned to patrol our 5 elementary and 2 middle schools (one is already assigned to Staples High), a reader wondered about the officer’s role.

Police Chief Foti Koskinas explains that that main objective is “better safety,” particularly “significant traffic enforcement around school zones.” That includes roadways near schools, parking lots and buses.

The officer will check each school daily. He or she will also work with the WPD’s Public Safety division, to study and make suggestions for better signage near school zones.

The officer’s primary duty is not to enter the schools. “That’s a very limited role,” Koskinas notes.

However, the officer will have specialized training, similar to Staples’ School Resource Officer. He or she will be able to see any issues involving students through the entire process, from beginning to end.

During COVID last year, a student decorated a rock for the Westport Police Department. (Photo/Amy Berkin)

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Board Of Ed: Police Patrols, New Roofs

Posted on September 21, 2021 | 5 comments

A police officer will monitor the Westport schools. And he or she will do so in buildings with new roofs, and more staff.

Those were some of the decisions made at last night’s Board of Education meeting.

Brian Fullenbaum reports that the Westport Police Department plans to assign an officer to patrol outside the 7 elementary and middle schools. The officer could go inside as needed, offering a chance for students to see the police in a good positive light.

The board will vote on more specific policy regarding this topic in the near future.

The Staples High School roof replacement project will begin immediately after graduation. The total project budget is $5,577,512.

Funding of $1,519,000 was approved for the Saugatuck Elementary School roof project. It will be completed next summer.

The Board of Finance is in the process of approving soft costs, and securing funding.

Board of Ed members also saw a 5-year proposed capital forecast. Including multiple projects and other expenses, the total for the fiscal year 2021-22 was $7,243,707.

Since the spring, the Westport Public Schools have hired 4 new administrators, 39 teachers and 35 non-certified staff members. That’s up 13 teachers and 17 non-certified staff, compared to last year. Interviews were once again done live.

A heath report showed that there were 10 COVID cases last week in the Westport schools. That brings the total since the start of the school year to 34. However, there has been little to no transmission within the schools, said supervisor of health services Suzanne Levasseur.

A new roof is coming soon for Kings HIghway Elementary School,

 

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Horace Lewis Needs Our Help

Posted on September 21, 2021 | 11 comments

For 32 years, Horace Lewis did everything for everyone in Westport.

Now it’s time for Westport to do something for him.

When he retired in July of 2020, he was honored as “06880’s” Unsung Hero of the Week. I wrote about his devotion to Staples High School. Horace was head custodian there — following the same role at Coleytown Middle School — and though he was a stay-out-of-the-limelight guy, I wanted to shine a light on the care and love he lavished on the building.

Classrooms, hallways, auditorium, a gym and fieldhouse and athletic fields, a cafeteria and 2 teaching kitchens, a library, TV studio, storage areas, boilers and HVAC systems — Horace knew them all. He made them sparkle, shine and work.

Horace Lewis, in a typical pose.

He hired and supervised a superb staff. He held them to high standards. But whenever something went wrong, he was the one who got the call. Broken pipes, a bad odor, a security alarm: Horace was there.

His was a stressful job. But never stopped smiling, working, or serving the building and everyone in it.

Horace Lewis (right) and shift supervisor Tom Cataudo greet the staff and students during the 2015 graduation processional.

Even after his official retirement, stayed on. Staples was coping with COVID. Every hand was needed, so Horace lent his.

Five months ago, he got the chance to retire fully. He helped his daughter with her business. He enjoyed his kids and grandchildren. It was what retirement should be.

But on the day of his 35th anniversary a major stroke derailed his plans, and his life with his wife Bonnie.

Horace went into cardiac arrest twice. He is now in recovery, working to regain his motor skills, speech, and walking capabilities.

When Horace returns home, he will need a wheelchair ramp and other necessities. Meanwhile, bills not covered by insurance pile up. It’s a very tough situation for the entire family.

Horace faced many tough situations, at Staples and Coleytown. With intelligence, creativity, patience — and always a smile — he solved them all.

Family and friends have set up a GoFundMe page. Click here, to pay forward a little bit of the large debt we all owe Horace Lewis.

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Pic Of The Day #1616

Posted on September 20, 2021 | 3 comments

Glamping at Compo Beach (Photo Valerie Smith-Malin)

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Roundup: Dr. Scott Gottlieb, Networking, No …

Posted on September 20, 2021 | 12 comments

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Dr. Scott Gottlieb’s new book will not be released until tomorrow. But — based on pre-orders — Uncontrolled Spread: Why COVID-19 Crushed Us and How We Can Defeat the Next Pandemic — is already a best-seller.

The book by the former FDA commissioner (and our Westport neighbor) describes how the coronavirus raced through our nation. Gottlieb had a front row seat: he was in regular contact with President Trump, key players in Congress, and the drug industry.

Meanwhile, new dangers lurk around every corner. Gottlieb addresses our preparations for the next virus. Are we ready?

Click here for more information, and to order his book.

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Connectalent is a Westport-founded firm that connects skilled employees with employers who value work/life balance.

They’re partnering with Indeed to sponsor a workshop and networking event for mothers — “Returning to Work with Confidence” — on October 5 (6:30 p.m., Westport Library).

Among the topics: positioning yourself for jobs, how to fill in any resume gaps, and helpful interviewing and networking tips.

There will be time to network — and enjoy light refreshments and cocktails. Click here to register.

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Miggs Burroughs spotted this sign in a car at the Trader Joe’s parking lot:

(Photo/Miggs Burroughs)

He adds one more “no”: “No education. Bidon?!”

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Speaking of cars: The longtime Sunoco station across from the Westport Country Playhouse is now a Shell.

Probably not much will change, besides the sign. Prices will no doubt be in line with every other gas station in town.

Except the Mobil next door. It’s one of the last actual “service” stations — as in, they do repairs too — in town.

But their prices are always $1 a gallon more than anywhere else.

The new Shell station. (Photo/Mark Mathias)

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September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. To raise awareness, Kings Highway Elementary School was filled recently with gold ribbons.Staff and students wore gold, and donated funds.

“KHS” means more than the school’s initials. You could also say: “Kind Hearts Shine.”

Staff members support Kings Highway School’s Childhood Cancer Awareness drive.

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Speaking of kids doing good: In August 2020, 10-year-old Suzuki violin students Isabella and Alexander Mariani — with help from their mom, Carole Chinn Mariani — created “Make Music Feed.” The small, socially distanced concert raised money for the Connecticut Food Bank. The young musicians are products of Westport’s Suzuki School of Music.

A year later — with food insecurity still rampant — Isabella and Alexander once again gathered friends. On Saturday, a second concert was held on the Marianis’ front lawn. The beneficiary was Connecticut Foodshare.

Joel Pitkin accompanied his children Mia and Noah Jung-Pitkin, and Grant Zimmerman.

A special guest was Staples High School sophomore Janna Moore. She was Alexander’s “Practice Buddies” partner. The program pairs Staples musicians with 5th grade orchestra students.

Contributions are still being accepted. Click here to help.

Suzuki concert musicians (from left): Alexander Mariani, Noah Jung-Pitkin, Isabella Mariani, Mia Jung-Pitkin, Grant Zimmerman, James McNamara, Julie McNamara and Janna Moore.(Photo: Carole Chinn Mariani)

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Quietly — just like an electric vehicle — the EV Club of CT is getting pumped for National Drive Electric Week. (It’s September 25 through October 3, if you’re celebrating.)

A Green Wheels EV Parade and Showcase is set for Saturday, October 2 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.).

The parade begins at the Westport train station, and ends at Bob’s plaza lot in Fairfield.

For details and registration, click here.

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When COVID canceled Emory University’s varsity soccer season last fall, former Staples High School captain Josh Berman decided to stay on for one more semester. He will graduate this winter.

His team is glad he did. Berman scored with just 14 seconds remaining Saturday night, lifting the Eagles to a 1- victory over the University of Lynchburg.

After playing a great match as a defender, Berman raced up the left side on the attack. then blasted a shot past the diving Hornet keeper. It was his first goal of the season.

It was as exciting as it sounds. Click here, then scroll down for the video.

Josh Berman

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They’re not quite Canada goose-level obnoxious. But — when they steal your food and poop on your head, seagulls can be pretty annoying.

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows them in a different, um, light.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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And finally … the Harvest Moon rose last night. It’s called that because its bright early evening light was very helpful to farmers harvesting late summer crops.

Of course you know what that means for today’s song …

 

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Aye Aye Thant: Meet, Greet, Celebrate World Peace Day

Posted on September 20, 2021 | Comments Off on Aye Aye Thant: Meet, Greet, Celebrate World Peace Day

Aye Aye Thant is a longtime Westport resident — and the daughter of former UN Secretary General U Thant. She writes:

This Thursday (September 23, 6 p.m.), the United Nations Association of Southwestern Connecticut celebrates the International Day of Peace at a “Meet, Greet, and Celebrate” event. at the Ned Dimes Marina at Compo Beach.

The event — also known as World Peace Day — was established in 1981 by a unanimous UN resolution. It is observed around the world each year tomorrow (September 21).

Today, in the aftermath of COVID-19, there is another pandemic: hunger. The World Bank has estimated that COVID has pushed as many as 150 million people into extreme poverty (living on less than $1.90 a day).

We need extraordinary efforts and global cooperation to tackle and deal with today’s challenges. With that goal, the United Nations has dedicated this year’s Peace Day to the theme “recovering Better for an Equitable and Sustainable world.”

The UN “invites all nations to celebrate the day by spreading compassion, kindness and hope in the face of the pandemic and as we recover.”

Each year as Peace Day approaches, I reflect on my father’s vision for peace. He said: “Peace is dependent, to a large extent on the achievement of social progress and a higher standard of living. To have lasting peace, there has to be economic and social advancement for all people, and a recognition of the need to bring down the number of human beings living in conditions of poverty, disease, hunger and illiteracy.”

I moved to Westport 20 years ago. I liked to tell Ruth Steinkraus Cohen, the founder of our UNA –USA Southwestern Connecticut Chapter. that I came here because I learned about the activities of the chapter and the International Hospitality Committee of Fairfield County. She loved that.

I was a regular at Wednesday weekly meetings at her home, and was active in all activities of the organization. Ruth was an inspirational figure to many of us, and touched so many lives as a mentor and a friend.

Several years ago Aye Aye Thant spoke at Town Hall, for Westport’s United Nations Day ceremony. 

She wrote, “Westport s a port where one meets the world.” She founded jUNe Day. Westport hosted 500 United Nations staff for a day of fun and sun with the mission of fostering friendship between the people of the UN, the international community, and the American people as hosts.

She believed that it would help to build a bridge between cultures and, in turn, develop an understanding and respect of our differences while taking pride in our own cultures. In recognition of her vision, the bridge crossing the Saugatuck River on Post Road is named in her honor.

After Ruth passed away in May 2002, I was honored to serve as president of the chapter. As Ruth wrote, “As we become better informed about the UN and develop a better understanding of the practical problems involved in building a world community of nations, we will become more UN-minded in our political activity and in the long run will help strengthen public opinion and political support for the United Nations, which after all, is a key element of US foreign policy.”

By understanding the work of the UN, especially in the economic and social sectors, we recognize the interdependence of our existence and how strong multilateral cooperation is needed to achieve peace.

I hope you will join us on September 23, and become members of the UNA-USA to learn more about the role of the UN in advancing peace in the world.

Through a small measure, we shall contribute toward a larger goal: peace for all!

 

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All’s Fair: Yankee Doodle Returns

Posted on September 20, 2021 | 1 comment

Back in the day, the Westport Woman’s Club’s Yankee Doodle Fair raised money to build sidewalks on Main Street, install toilets at Compo Beach, and bring hot meals and health care to our schools.

That day was over 100 years ago.

Today we’ve got sidewalks (some in retro red brick). There are toilets at Compo (both permanent and portable, including some controversial new ones). And our schools serve plenty of hot meals (plus, at Staples, sushi).

But the Yankee Doodle Fair still raises money for local causes. Each year, the Woman’s Club donates over $200,000 to community groups.

That would pay for a lot of Port-a-Potties.

This week — for the first time in 15 months — the Yankee Doodle Fair returns.

The 2020 edition was a victim of COVID. The last thing the club that started out bringing nurses to schools wanted was to spread a virus to kids riding tilt-a-whirls, laughing in bounce houses and sharing cotton candy.

A decision had to be made far in advance of the June 2021 event too. At that point, the answer was “no.”

But now kids are back in school. We’re vigilant, but not paranoid.

The Yankee Doodle Fair returns this Thursday through Sunday (September 23-26). It’s 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 1 to 10 p.m. Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Yankee Doodle Fair, 2019/ (Photo/Lee Scharfstein)

There’ll be attractions like a Ferris wheel, kiddie cars, basketball toss, bumper cars, tower drop, giant slide and scrambler.

For the less adventurous, there’s face painting, sand art, and plant and bake sales. Sweetcake Mountain Band plays Thursday; the School of Rock rocks Sunday.

Amy takers? (Photo/Dan Woog)

The Westport Woman’s Club downplays their civic contributions.  Few Yankee Doodle Fair-goers — little kids enjoying the rides; middle schoolers primping and preening; adults reliving a relic of their youth — even realize they help the organizers support dozens of worthy charities.

That’s fine.  The last thing you want to think about — hanging upside down on the banks of the Saugatuck River, your change falling out of your pockets — is where your money is going.

Well, let me rephrase that…

Flying high at the Yankee Doodle Fair on one ride …

… and another. (Photo/Kristina Bory)

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