Alert — and nature-loving — “06880” reader Rita Corridon writes:
I don’t know know his name. But I see an older gentleman, who owns a little scruffy wired-haired dog at Winslow Park all the time.
During this past year I noticed that every time he was there he was “tidying” some fallen branches, or removing invasive vines from trees. I thought it was a little odd, and kept walking.
A few months ago I noticed how remarkably cleaned up the wooded areas looked — especially considering the number of storms that had hit Westport, and what a mess they make at Winslow. Then I realized it was probably all cleaned up by this one person!
A “cleanup collage” by Rita Corridon. “And this is only one path. There are many more!” she marvels.
I decided that the next time I spotted him I would say something — at least a thank you. When I finally saw him, I mentioned what an unbelievable job he was doing, and how nice the park looked.
He said he takes his dog to the park at least once a day, every day. That’s 365 days a year, so why not do a little cleanup each time?
I thanked him again, and went on with my walk.
It’s pretty impressive what one person doing a little work each day has accomplished. You should check it out yourself.
I’m pretty sure every single pile of branches neatly stacked throughout the park is his doing. Not to mention all the vines he has pulled off tress!
Dog owners at Winslow sometimes get a bad rap, even though it’s usually only a handful of irresponsible owners. I think it’s nice to shed the light on one person doing something really nice, for everyone in the community.
Absolutely, Rita. Our Unsung Hero this week is unnamed — but much admired and appreciated!
(To nominate an Unsung Hero, email dwoog@optonline.net)
Last month, Allyson Stollenwerck and her 12-year-old son Walker attended Wakeman Town Farms’ “Attainable Sustainable” panel.
They heard about Food Rescue US. The nonprofit’s app enables volunteers to pick up unused food from local restaurants and markets, and bring it to social service agencies.
Allyson and Walker signed up. Their first assignment was to bring leftover donuts and pastries from Coffee An’ to the Westport Housing Authority on Canal Street.
“It was super simple,” they report. “Food Rescue emailed great instructions, and it was a quick trip. We hope others give it a try.”
I have no idea why Coffee An’ does not sell out every day. But if they — and any other food establishment in town — don’t, it’s great to know that Food Rescue can help. (Click here for more information on Food Rescue US).
Walker Stollenwerck, rescuing food from Coffee An’.
The longtime Westport lawyer is a former Connecticut state representative, US Attorney for the District of Connecticut, District Court judge, and — following retirement in his 80s — a special counsel attorney.
Now he’s got another accomplishment. At 93, was the oldest runner among nearly 1,200 in the traditional Chilmark Road Race on Martha’s Vineyard. He completed the hilly 3.1-mile course, in hot weather, in 1:08.37.6.
Congratulations, Judge Nevas! (Hat tip: Susan Filan)
How’s this for a delicious combination: The Westport Farmers’ Market, and MoCA Westport.
An opening reception for “Between the Ground and the Sky” — a collaboarative exhibition — is set for August 27 (6 to 8 p.m., MoCA).
Guests can meet featured artists, enjoy custom cocktails from Bar MoCA, and check out the great new garden.
“Between the Ground and the Sky” features more than 50 stunning large-scale photographs by Anne Burmeister and Ashley Skatoff from the Who Grows Your Food initiative — a photographic journey celebrating the farms and farmers associated with the Farmers’ Market.
The exhibition also includes two site-specific installations by Kristyna and Marek Milde and the naturalistic works of Donna Forma. Click here for more information.
Wakeman Town Farm’s biggest fundraiser of the year features seasonal fare by local farmers and chefs — plus libations, live music and more. Auctions include culinary, garden and travel experiences.
“Harvest Fest” — held outside, under a tent — is set for September 11 (6 p.m.).
Funds support youth education programs and outreach, such as free camperships to youngsters from Horizons Bridgeport, and families with limited income. Click here for more information, and tickets.
“Yesterday was the 3-year anniversary of the day we lost Rachel. [The 2015 Staples High School graduate — a rising senior at Cornell University, National Merit Commended Scholar, talented Players costume designer, and founder of “Rachel’s Rags,” a company that makes intricate cotton and fleece pajama tops and bottoms — died following a rare reaction to common medications.]
“In our ongoing mission to support families with critically ill children, we are holding an outdoor, family-friendly event (October 2, 4 p.m., Compo Beach).
“Rachel’s grandfather “Pa” pledged to walk 1,000 miles in his 80th year to honor Rachel, and raise money for Rach’s Hope. Please join us October 2 to Walk the Extra Mile with Pa and Team Rach’s Hope (or just cheer us on).
“At the end of the 1-mile walk, we will gather to celebrate Pa’s feat — and all your love and dedication to our charity — with a pizza truck, live music by Ellis Island, and beverages. PJs are optional, but encouraged!”
Click here for more information, and to register or donate.
Rachel Doran’s grandfather gets ready to walk. You can too!
The Great American Relay starts in Boston, and ends in Santa Monica, California. There are 415 stages through 18 states, over 38 days.
It starts on 9/11 — the 20th anniversary of that fateful day, and raises funds to support the military and first responders. Runners can dedicate their stage to a first responder or veteran they care about.
Last year, Westonite Jeffrey Wollman was a support runner, from Fairfield to Westport. An avid racer — he’s run 8 marathons since 2015 — he is also the Fleet Feet Westport training group coordinator, and one of their coaches.
He’s participating again this year, as the lead runner from Westport fire headquarters to the Darien Fire Department. He’ll start his 8.3-mile stage on September 13, just before noon.
Eight spots are still available. For more information, or to join or donate, click here.
Dave Wright (Fleet Feet Westport owner, left) and Jeffrey Wollman.
The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum is in Ridgefield. But there’s a strong Westport presence.
Board chair Diana Bowes is a longtime Westporter. Betty Stolpen Weiner is the new director of development. Claudia Lonkin — the visitor experience manager — is also a substitute teacher at Staples. And executive director Cybele Maylone is the granddaughter-in-law of former Board of Education chair Joan Schine.
All are exited about the Aldrich’s Artists at the Table (October 1). The “farm-to-museum” dinner in the Sculpture Garden features a locally sourced 3-course dinner prepared by Hayfields Market Catering. Guests and artists share a meal, engage in conversation, and celebrate local flavors and contemporary art.
The Westporter has been a reporter in Europe, Asia and the Americas; a communications director with NASCAR and the US Olympic ski program; a ghostwriter of 14 memoirs for clients like Rudy Vallee’s wife, a US ambassador, a nuclear physicist, oil baron and more; and a mystery series writer.
Her new novel, “In Terror’s Deadly Clasp,” is based on a true story. It provides a rare, chilling glimpse of terrorists’ daily lives in America as they enjoyed strip clubs, fast food, fat bank accounts and freedom from their religious rules while planning the 9/11 attacks.
“This bullfrog hangs out a foot from my dock on Nash’s Pond. He doesn’t flinch when people walk by (hence my ability to get a closeup). I guess he been here longer than we have, because he’s not budging!”
In 1961, Federal Communications Commission chair Newton Minow called television a “vast wasteland.”
Sixty years later, the same could be said about radio.
Up and down the FM dial, there are a few tired formats: pop, classic rock, rap. NPR spices things up a bit — though every affiliate sounds similar — while on AM talk radio, angry citizens and overworked sports fans ramble inarticulately.
Which is why WPKN is such a breath of fresh air.
The 10,000-watt station — broadcasting at 89.5 FM, and streaming online at WPKN.org — offers 1.5 million listeners in Connecticut and Long Island an eclectic mix of live and recorded music, news, public affairs, spoken word, arts and culture, and other free-form programming.
Though based in Bridgeport, the station has flourished thanks to many Westporters.
Some — like Richard Epstein — have been there almost since its founding in 1963. A bassoonist and choir member in Staples High School’s Class of 1968, he discovered the joys of alternative radio at Brown University’s WBRU. Starting with a 4-hour show Sunday nights, he played everything from “Blonde on Blonde” to Babatunde Olatunji.
Then — because making a living as a musician or radio host was not the most secure career path — he followed his father’s footsteps.
He became a Westport dentist.
But Dr. Epstein was not through with music. Or radio.
He joined the Norwalk Symphony and a chamber group, and coordinated classical and jazz events for the Westport Arts Center.
In 1977, he started playing classical music on WPKN.
Richard Epstein on WPKN, in 1980.
For the past 44 years, “Sometimes Classical” has been a Wednesday staple. True to its name — and his radio background — Epstein stretches normal boundaries. A show could include Frank Zappa’s variations on Igor Stravinsky, Bach played by a jazz trio, or an interview with Wynton Marsalis.
Several years ago, when the station’s transmitter was failing, Epstein led a fundraising campaign. It raised $75,000 — the biggest fundraiser to date.
Now WPKN is raising nearly 3 times as much. Once again, Epstein is in charge.
For nearly 60 years, the station has been located at the University of Bridgeport. It started as a college station (the call letters refer to the Purple Knights, the school’s mascot).
In the early 1990s, when an affiliate of the Unification Church (aka “Moonies”) took over the school, a group of WPKN aficionados bought the radio station license from UB. They established it as a non-profit, and paid rent for their studios.
In 2019 — after years of peaceful co-existence — the school said it wanted to renegotiate the lease. A committee began searching for new space.
They looked at dozens of places, all over the area. They did not have to remain in Bridgeport.
But they found a perfect site: right above the Bijou Theater, downtown.
“It’s the cultural hub of the city,” Epstein explains. “There’s the theater, restaurants, arts spaces and co-working spots. The landlord (Phil Kuchma) was gung-ho about having us.”
They signed a 25-year lease. They look forward to being more visible, accessible and technically capable.
They’re adding a third studio, with opportunities for community members to participate in educational and cultural programs.
It will cost $400,000 to move. Epstein pledged some funds. Fairfield County’s Community Foundation has been a great help. An anonymous donor kicked in $40,000. Donations have come from all over; thanks to the internet, WPKN can be heard around the globe.
The campaign runs through the end of the year. It’s about 3/4 of the way to the goal.
“When I was a kid, I’d go to the Record Hunter. Jay Flaxman would turn me on to new music,” Epstein says. “Sally White did the same,” first at Klein’s, then at her own Sally’s Place.
“There are no more record stores. Radio today is so homogeneous. There are very few places where you can be exposed to Zydeco, African music, real jazz. The landscape is so narrow. PKN offers a fiercely independent, real alternative for music and news.”
The station also publicizes local events and community organizations, providing platforms that no longer exist on radio or in print media.
Richard Epstein at WPKN in 2015.
Epstein is just one Westport WPKN supporter. The list is long. Staples graduate Jim Motavalli mixes up long, carefully arranged sets in multiple genres (including live performances), plus interviews with musicians, authors and others.
Former Paul Butterfield Blues Band member Mark Naftalin, writer Ina Chadwick, musician Robin Batteau and Martha Nachman are on the air. So is Chris Frantz of the Talking Heads, who lives a few yards away in Fairfield, and Eric Cocks of Weston.
Mike Zito, who taught radio production for years at Staples High School, is a PKN alum.
Epstein’s own show has local roots. In 1977 he took over from fellow Westporters Kathy Geisler.
He’s been heard on WPKN ever since. Thanks to his hard work — and the generosity of loyal listeners — he and his very diverse group of volunteers will continue to keep 89.5 anything but a “vast wasteland.”
(For more information on WPKN — and to donate — click here.)
Longshore Sailing School has a great reputation. The staff is knowledgeable, courteous, friendly and hardworking. Even when they’re swamped (ho ho), they handle everyone — students, renters, people who have no idea what they want — with care and concern.
So things must have gotten really bad for them to post this last Saturday, on social media:
The physical and emotional well-being of our staff and customers is our number one priority. We reserve the right to ask any renter/student to cease visiting our facility if their behavior is deemed to be inappropriate, especially when directed at another customer or Longshore Sailing School employee.
After dozens of “likes,” they added:
We love what we do, and we lover our staff. When you visit, we ask for kindness and readiness for a good time! Get ready for a stellar Sunday! Forecast is looking gorgeous.
It was a great weekend. Let’s hope whoever has been harassing the staff got the message, and took a hike.
Or at least took their obnoxious, entitled behavior elsewhere.
Deputy Fire Chief Michael Kronick is back in Westport. He just completed a 2-week wildfire assignment with the Connecticut Interstate Fire Crew, battling wildfires in Minnesota and Montana.
Westport Fire Chief Robert Yost says, “I’m proud to welcome back our deputy, who epitomizes Westport’s values of sacrifice and service to others. When communities and states need help, we can support our neighbors in their time of crisis battling dangerous wildfires. The experience and knowledge he gained in working a large-scale incident are invaluable to us.”
Deputy Fire Chief Michael Kronick, in action out west.
Silver Ribbon — for 45 years, a favorite destination for jewelry and more — will shut its doors in the small shopping plaza next to Fortuna’s when its merchandise is gone.
Signs outside say “Going Out of Business.” Inside, they talk about a “Retirement Sale.”
Good quality goods, at all price points, are still available.
The headline on yesterday’s Atlantic story was strong: “The Taliban’s Return is Catastrophic for Women.”
The subhead was even stronger: “As a photojournalist covering Afghanistan for two decades, I’ve seen how hard the country’s women have fought for their freedom, and how much they have gained. Now they stand to lose everything.”
The byline read “Lynsey Addario.” As usual, the Staples High School Pulitzer Prize- and MacArthur “genius grant”-winning photojournalist delivered even more than she promised.
Click here to read the full, harrowing piece. (Hat tip: Kathie Motes Bennewitz)
An Afghan woman (Photo/Lynsey Addario, courtesy of The Atlantic)
The talented writer/producer /creator of Starz’ “Power” franchise — and 1994 Staples High School graduate — has just signed a “high 8-figure overall deal” with Netflix. She’ll “create new series, and develop other projects for a global audience through her End of Episode banner,” says Deadline. Click here for the full story. (Hat tip: Judith Hamer)
COVID knocked the Westport Writers’ Workshop classes onto Zoom. But now they’re back — and in a great new location.
The new gallery-like teaching and event space is 25 Sylvan Road South — just down the hill from the previous site. It’s perfect for workshops, readings, publishing events and collaborations with other nonprofits.
Remote options are still available. Click here for fall schedules — and mark your calendars for an open house on September 9 (6 to 8 p.m.).
Piglet — Westport’s very famous deaf, blind rescue puppy — will appear with Melissa Shapiro, the veterinarian who made him famous — at the 3rd annual Smart Walk for Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities. The event is October 3, at Sherwood Island State Park.
Shapiro will talk (and Piglet will watch) about her new best-selling book, “Piglet: The Unexpected Story of a Deaf, Blind, Pink Puppy and His Family.”
“We can’t wait to share a little positive Piglet Mindse with everyone after the walk,” Shapiro says.
The Smart Walk is a day of crafts, games, music, ice cream — and the fundraising walk. Click here for more information, and to register.
Longtime Westporter Barbara Reis has spent over 50 years writing musicals.
They’ve been produced at the White Barn Theater, Fairfield Playhouse, Orpheum in New York and others.
She and collaborator Nancy Tobin have just completed “My Millionaire.” The musical is based on a Mark Twain short story.
They believe a presentation at Mark Twain’s former house would be great. They’re also looking for other ideas. Unfortunately, her agent has died. So she’s looking for help from “06880” readers, to move the show along.
If you’ve got ideas — or are interested in learning more — email barbarasmusic@sbcglobal.net
And finally … Nanci Griffith died last Friday, at 68. The Grammy-winning singer/songwriter “kept one foot in folk and the other in country, and was blessed with a soaring voice equally at home in both genres,” the New York Times says. Click here for a full obituary.
Three years ago, the Planning & Zoning Commission debated medical marijuana dispensary regulations. Members received hundreds of emails and letters; public meetings were packed.
As of July 1, possession of cannabis is legal in Connecticut. Adults 21 and over can have up to 1.5 ounces on their person, and up to 5 ounces in their homes, or locked in their vehicle. Retail sales can begin by the end of 2022.
Recreational cannabis will be at least as controversial as medical marijuana.
Last month, the P&Z held a televised work session to address possible questions.
Next month, the commission will sponsor a text amendment that prohibits the growth, sale, storage and manufacture of cannabis products in Westport.
It includes a sunset provision — probably 18 or 24 months — during which the P&Z or Representative Town Meeting could explore what, if anything, should be permitted in Westport, permanently.
“Connecticut guidelines don’t give us a lot of time to decide right now,” explains P&Z chair Danielle Dobin.
“We don’t want to rush the conversation. We want to hear what residents say, and see what our peer towns do.
“However, the unintended consequence of doing nothing right now could potentially be recreational sales, storage or growing facilities opening outside our control.
“Whatever happens with recreational cannabis, we want it to be intentional. That is why we will likely move quickly with a P&Z-sponsored text amendment, with a sunset provision. This will provide the necessary time for a true town-wide conversation, before a permanent regulation is adopted.
A lack of clear direction could also lead to lawsuits.
A variety of edibles.
Many Westporters — including some who use marijuana — do not want a recreational dispensary in town. Others see economic benefits, similar to liquor stores.
The Connecticut door has opened. Whether Westport wants to walk through will be a big question, in the months ahead.
The P&Z will seek input, at public hearings and by email (PandZ@westportct.gov). You can make your opinions known too right here; click “Comments” below.
First Selectman Jim Marpe’s 2nd term ends in November. Three months earlier, he’s losing a key aide.
Town operations director Sara Harris has accepted a consulting opportunity in the private sector. Her resignation is effective August 27.
Harris joined Town Hall in July 2017. She coordinated projects and issues involving interdepartmental coordination, like digitization of the land use permitting process to Accela software.
She established and created annual management reports for the town’s budget book, and oversaw performance metrics for all town departments.
Sara Harris
During COVID, Harris served as public information officer, and was a liaison with utilities, the state, town staff and others. She also acted as Westport’s economic development director, implementing the town’s rebranding and website launch in 2018, and the new Choosewestport.com public/private partnership.
Harris also helped the town receive $2.8 million in federal funds to dredge the Saugatuck River.
Marpe says, “We will miss Sara’s dedication, work ethic and demeanor. I am pleased that she worked to implement the projects and tasks we asked her to complete. Sara did this without partisanship and remained grounded in her professional values for efficient and transparent operations in government.
“I am confident that the improvements we put in place will benefit the town and Town Hall operations for years to come. Her role in helping me effectively communicate with our residents during the COVID-19 pandemic and Storm Isaias cannot be overstated. I am grateful that Westport benefitted from her dedication, analytical skills, and work ethic. I wish her much success in her new opportunity.”
Harris adds, “It is with very mixed emotions that I announce my resignation. First Selectman Marpe and his administration have been an inspiration to me, and I will carry that guidance throughout my career. I will also miss the staff and friendships that have developed over the last 4 1/2 years, including some of the kindest, intelligent, and generous residents and volunteers I have ever met. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve the town of Westport.”
Lynn Scully, Westport’s audit manager/senior accountant, will serve as interim operations director. Harris will transition some of her tasks to Scully and other staff members, though some projects will remain on hold until a replacement can be found. Westport’s next first selectman will choose the next operations director.
But if you’re thinking Little Kitchen, Kawa Ni, Wa-Fu, Jeera Thai, Sakura, Tengda: Think again.
Little Dumpling House fills a special niche.
Here to tell you about it is CTbites. Connecticut’s go-to restaurant/foodie blog reports:
The team that brought you the uber popular Grammies Donuts + Biscuits is back with another crave-worthy ghost kitchen concept, Little Dumpling House. For those unfamiliar with the notion of a “ghost kitchen,” it simply means there is no dining space. Guests can order online and either get their meals delivered or picked up. In this case, it’s Asian to-go.
Little Dumpling House is the brainchild of owners, Charlie Gilhuly and Molly Healey, but their Asian inspired playlist is all Healey’s handiwork. The menu at Little Dumpling is small but very well executed, and also quite nicely priced. Healey wanted to create healthy clean flavorful Asian cuisine with something for everyone (including the kids), and they have delivered on that promise.
With a name like Little Dumpling House, of course there are dumplings. These come in the form of Shu Mai (pork or chicken), Potstickers (pan fried or Szechuan style), and fried Rangoon with Crab, Mushroom or Caramelized Onions. The Rangoon are prepared in the traditional style, deep fried and filled with cream cheese and the above assorted goodies. No complaints from these taste testers. These are all darn good.
A walk through the APPS section will land you in some delicious Mushroom Fried Rice, Charred Sesame Broccoli with a nice garlic-y kick, a few well composed salads as well as Cold Soba Noodles and Sunomono.
Moving on to KATSU’s which come in the traditional chicken or pork variety, this family was a huge fan of their Chicken Katsu. Picture two gorgeous thick white meat chicken breasts, panko crusted and served with a cabbage salad and seasoned rice. We also really enjoyed several of their “Sushi Bowls”, boasting proteins served over rice including very well seasoned Bluefin Tuna, Scallops, or an uber-delicate Hamachi.
For all those Peking Duck lovers out there, Little Dumpling has their version of this traditional dish, with tender duck and homemade plum sauce.
A late breaking addition to the menu, Little Dumpling House now offers a Family Dinner meal kit that serves four and includes: 2 Kids Boxes with Chicken Katsu, 2 chicken dumplings, fried rice, donut holes and fruit, Crunchy Cabbage Salad, Bluefin Tuna Sushi Bowl, Caramelized Onion Rangoon (6 pcs), Chicken Potstickers (4 pcs), and Chinese Five Spice Donut Holes. All this for $55…not a bad deal. They are also offering a Date Night kit with a 3 course meal for two including: Sunumono, Bluefin Tuna Sushi Bowl, Hamachi Sushi Bowl, Pork Shumai (4 pcs), Crispy Duck Buns, and Matcha Cronut.
Whether you’re ordering a meal kit or dining a la carte, don’t forget the incredibly delicious Five Spice Donut Holes found on the dessert menu. These are a must order, and create some nice synergy with Grammies, alongside the Matcha Cronuts.
Little Dumpling House is available for takeout through their web site. Guests can order online 24/7 and schedule a pickup Thursday to Sunday between 4 and 9 p.m. Pickups for desired time slots will be limited on a first come first serve basis. Delivery will be coming soon.
Main Street should be 100% leased by the holidays.
That’s the confident assessment of Skip Lane. A director of Cushman & Wakefield’s Leasing Services Group, he’s helped find tenants for a number of long-vacant spaces.
Among the most recent: #69. American Eagle Outfitters has leased 3,000 square feet in the former Lululemon storefront.
It’s not just downtown. The Eno Foundation Building on Saugatuck Avenue — a handsome 1938 office near the Norwalk line where William Phelps Eno (the little-heralded Westporter and “Father of Traffic Safety”) devised the stop sign, pedestrian crosswalk, traffic circle, 1-way street, taxi stand and pedestrian safety island — has been leased to High Ridge Brands.
After completely restoring the structure to its original beauty, they’ll move into its 10,000 square feet.
The Eno Foundation building on Saugatuck Avenue.
Not far away, Tanner White Architects will occupy 180 Saugatuck Avenue, in front of Gault.
Virtual Procurement Service will move into 315 Post Road West.
And — though officials will not comment — word on the street is that AIG has rented all of National Hall, as office space for its top executives.
National Hall is rumored to be the new home for AIG’s top executives.
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The 10,000-watt station — broadcasting at 89.5 FM, and streaming online at 
They signed a 25-year lease. They look forward to being more visible, accessible and technically capable.
Next month, the commission will sponsor a text amendment that prohibits the growth, sale, storage and manufacture of cannabis products in Westport.
