The shore was the place to be late this afternoon.
A spectacular rainbow appeared. And a ton of “06880” readers had the same idea.
Burritt’s Cove (Photo/Daniel Vener)
Minute Man Monument (Photo/Sean Costello)
Buena Vista Drive, on Compo Hill (Photo/Deborah Greenberg)
Compo Cove, from Hillspoint Road … (Photo/Maureen Aron)
Old Mill Beach (Photo/Jarret Epstein)
Posted in Beach, Pic of the Day, Weather
Tagged Burritts Landing, Compo Cove, Old Mill Beach, Rainbows
There’s always something new on Westport’s dining plate.
Even during the pandemic, new restaurants opened all around town. Long time eateries adapted, tweaking menus, offering takeout, and rising to challenging times.
Now’s your chance to sample them all — old and new.
The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce’s “Restaurant Week” starts today (Sunday, October 17).
Actually, that’s a misnomer. The event is 2 weeks — it runs all the way through October 31.
The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce-sponsored event features 15 spots (one for each day of the promotion). They offer prix fixe meals, from one end to the other, with a variety of cuisines and price points.
Lunches begin at $20; dinners, $25. Brunch, from $25 up, is also offered at some locales.
California-Mediterranean fusion is on the menu at Capuli, in the former Westport Pizzeria Post Road East space.
This is a perfect chance to head to new spots. Then visit an older one you’ve always wanted to try.
And after that, hit up an old standby.
On November 1, you can head to the Y.
Participating restaurants:
For more details — including menus — click here.
If you’ve been to Hudson Malone, you knew the answer to last Sunday’s Photo Challenge.
If you haven’t, you didn’t. (Which leads to: Why not?)
Doug Quinn’s popular restaurant at the corner of Main and Canal Streets has plenty of artwork. Much of it relates to Westport (including Paul Newman, who would have loved the place).
Then there’s a woman reclining on a wine bottle, underneath a cow’s head. (Click here to see.)
Jacqui Bidgood, James Weisz, Rachel Halperin-Zibelman, Robert Mitchell, Andrew Colabella, Phil Kann and Deirdre O’Farrelly all knew that both could be found on Hudson Malone’s outdoor patio.
This week’s Photo Challenge is semi-artistic — and semi-grungy. If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Molly Alger)
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The weather was great — and crowds large — for yesterday’s Westoberfest.
It wasn’t just about the craft beers. Among the scenes at the Westport Downtown Association-sponsored event: fun for kids.
(Photo/JC Martin)
A Post Road West business owner writes:
A technician was in my store Thursday evening, fixing our Wifi network and cameras.
Around 10 p.m. he saw a guy trying to break into his car, which was parked in front. He banged on the window to get him to stop. He didn’t want to step outside, because the man had a backpack. My network guy didn’t know if there was a weapon inside.
My guy called the police. The cops arrived very quickly.
Incredibly, while waiting for the police, my guy started praying for a safe resolution. When he looked outside, the robber stopped trying to break into the car. He started sobbing and praying as well.
My guy said that somehow his prayer had something to do with the change of heart of the would-be robber.
The police took him in without incident. But they said that was the third call of a car break-in that night.
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Todd Suchotliff moved to Westport this summer. He’s enjoyed running through town. Next Sunday (October 24) he’ll run the New York Marathon — right here.
He encourages his new neighbors (and strangers!) to cheer him on, or join him for part of the route.
It’s his 9th straight NYC Marathon — and the 2nd virtual one. He runs in memory of his mother, who died of chronic lymphocytic leukemia 9 years ago this Tuesday. It’s his way of keeping her fighting spirit alive (and supporting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society — click here to help).
Todd has been training with his kids, and been motivated by the beauty of Westport.
His long runs start at his home on River Lane. He goes down Wilton Road, across the Saugatuck, up Cross Highway to Sturges Highway, down across Post Road to Greens Farms Road, turning at Hillspoint Road to Compo and through Longshore, then back across the Saugatuck on Bridge Street, up to Wilton Road and home.
“I realize it looks crazy, written out like that,” todd says. “But that’s more or less (actually more) the marathon route.”
His shorter runs, with his kids, include Compo and Longshore. They finish at the beach playground, and top the day off with donuts from Coffee An’ on the way home.
Todd Suchotliff and his kids.
Todd’s “NYC Marathon” route through Westport.
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As the days dwindle before the election, the League of Women Voters Westport is gearing up for a pair of debates. They’re set for Monday and Tuesday, October 25 and 26 (7 to 9 p.m.).
The first debate includes candidates for first and second selectmen, and the Boards of Finance and Assessment Appeals.
The second is for the Board of Education, and Planning & Zoning Commission.
Candidates will be in Town Hall, but there is no live audience. The debates can be watched on Cablevision Channel 79, or livestreamed from the town website.
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There must be a reason this driver chose this parking spot at Long Lots Elementary School.
But I sure don’t know what it is.
Guesses are welcome. Click “Comments” below.
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In the midst of COVID, Staples High School Class of 2002 graduate Sarah Kesselman and her boyfriend Hermes Arriola filmed a series for YouTube. it features snacks from other countries.
It was a hit. Viewers soon sent in their own snacks,. Sarah likes the sweet ones; Hermes, the salty ones. Hence the name: “Salty and Sweet.”
Click here for the channel. below to enjoy “Oreos from Around the the World.” Who knew?
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Halloween comes early to the Westport Weston Family YMCA.
Nest Saturday (October 23, 5 to 6:30 p.m.) — 8 days before the holiday — they’re sponsoring a “Spooktacular,” for children 10 and under.
Events include costumes, cookie decorating, Halloween crafts, face painting, ring toss, bean bag throw, and free play in the gym.
The cost is $5 per child. A parent or caregiver must attend. Click here to register.
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Speaking of the Y: Collette Winn took today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo at the parking lot there.
I wonder: “Y” did these 2 birds choose that particular car?
(Photo/Collette Winn)
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And finally … happy 79th birthday to Gary Puckett!
Our Question Box is once again full.
Here are the latest answers — to the best of my ability, anyway. I’m stumped by many of these queries. So readers: Please chime in with any additional information. Click “Comments” below.
And if you’ve got a question for our box, just email dwoog@optonline.net.
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Is there a noise ordinance regarding parties in Westport? (Chris Grimm)
No. According to Police Chief Foti Koskinas, the only noise ordinance covers “reasonableness” and “time of day.”
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What is the history of the canal that runs under the Kings Highway Bridge, and empties into the Saugatuck River. Where does it begin? What is its purpose? (Nancy Beard)
A very interesting question — and one I’ve never thought of.
It begins near Richmondville Avenue, not far upstream. It’s listed on maps as a branch of the Saugatuck River. It appears in its present form on an 1878 map of Westport, so perhaps it is natural.
Jeanne Reed grew up on Short Street, off Richmondville. She says they called it a “brook,” not a canal.
Wendy Crowther adds more. She writes:
“A few years ago, Morley Boyd and I did historical research on the mills that once existed along the Saugatuck River north of the Post Road.
“The most well known is Lees Manufacturing Company, located off Richmondville Avenue. Portions of this mill stand today (and are being converted into housing).
“Another mill, Phoenix Manufacturing, no longer exists. It was located on the land where the water company sits today, on Canal Street.
“Both mills used water power from the Saugatuck to manufacture their goods. To do this, they dug canals off the Saugatuck to siphon water from the river and direct it toward their turbine blades. The canal that leads to the turbine is called the head race. The canal that leads water away from the turbine to return it to the river is called the tail race. Small signs of these original races still exist today (if you know where to look).
“During our research, Morley and I heard stories that the canal/tail race would often turn the colors of the rainbow during the day, when Lees Mfg. was dying their threads and yarns. According to a historic site plan of Lees mill, its dye house was located immediately beside the tail race. We theorize that the race was pressed into service as a convenient way to dispose of wastewater from the company’s dye operation.
“When the water company was established downriver from Lees Mfg. in the early 1900s, dyes were not a good thing to flow into the water supply from upriver. Morley and I speculate that Lees’ original tail race was redirected and lengthened to parallel the Saugatuck River all the way down to the area just behind Coffee An’, where it was joined with Willow Brook. From there, the combined waters from the canal/tail race and Willow Brook emptied into the Saugatuck, downriver from the water company. This way, the dye bypassed the water company’s section of the Saugatuck.
“This is the canal that remains today. We believe that it served as a very long tail race for Lee’s Mfg. Co.
“We suspect Canal Street got its name not only from this canal, but also due to the two supply/tail races (canals) used by the Phoenix Mill (where the water company stands today).”
“This was just a theory. We paused our research then to focus on other projects.”
Traffic nears the Kings Highway North Bridge, near Canal Street — and the “canal.” (Photo courtesy of Google Street View)
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Nicki and I were walking in Winslow Park. Deep in a woodsy area we came upon what appeared to be an outdoor forest church, complete with pews and a dismantled podium (see below). What’s that about? (David Pogue)
According to Bob Mitchell, this is the Woodland Chapel of nearby Saugatuck Congregational Church. It was constructed by Tobey Patton (son of the church’s minister, Rev. Alison Buttrick Patton) as his Eagle Scout project.
Interestingly, that part of Winslow Park is not town property. It’s owned by the church.
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What is the back story of these oars on the building just over the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge on Post Road East? (Jilda Manikas)
I am not very helpful today. Beats me!
Readers: If by a “stroke” of luck you know, click “Comments” below.
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Why is this deactivated (?) squad car seemingly permanently parked in the Petco/Michael’s/Home Goods/Panera plaza? I don’t think it ever moves. Does it deter crime? (Chris Grimm)
No clue! But for a long time there was also one parked behind what used to be Blockbuster (!) at the Post Road/North Maple corner, across from the Exxon gas station.
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Are there any open water year-round swim groups here? And are there any mushroom foraging organizations? (Claudia Sherwood Servidio)
Finally! A two-fer I can (sort of) answer.
Burying Hill Beach’s High Tide Club is still active, as far as I know. They don’t swim all year, but they did go through October. Click here and also here for a pair of “06880” stories.
As for the ‘shrooms: Try Earthplace.
The High Tide Club’s recent late-summer picnic at Burying Hill Beach.
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Have a question for the Question Box? Email dwoog@optonline.net.
Judith Shaw writes:
“Westport will always be home. I regularly visit my mom, Freda Easton, who came here in 1955 and still lives in the area. My visits always include a trip to Compo Beach.
“This morning was no exception. I couldn’t help smiling when I came upon the Remarkable Bookcycle. It warmed my heart, as the beach and bookstore are 2 venerable locations embedded in my memory.”
(Photo/Judith Shaw)
Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #1642
Posted in Beach, Local business, Pic of the Day
Tagged Remarkable Bookcycle
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They might have to rename the John Drury Awards “The WWPT Awards.”
For the squintillionth year in a row, Staples’ FM radio station cleaned up in the annual high school broadcast competition.
The station — 90.3 on your dial! — won 4 categories earlier this month:
Radio is alive and well. Congratulations to all, and of course to instructor Geno Heiter.
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Westporters have responded generous to a call to help Afghan refugees resettling in the area.
A final collection of needed items is set for this weekend (Saturday and Sunday, October 16 and 17, 12 to 3 p.m.).
Men’s and women’s coats; teen and children warm clothes; boots, scarves, warm hats and umbrellas; backpacks filled with school supplies, and household toiletries, towels and cleaning supplies can all be dropped off at Greens Farms Congregational Church.
Backpacks and school supplies are among the items needed for Afghan refugees.
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The weather looks great for tomorrow’s oft-postponed Dog Festival.
The event is set for Sunday (October 17, Winslow Park, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
Sponsored by the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce and TAILS, it features demonstrations, fun competitions, police K-9 presentations, kids’ activities, vendors, food trucks, a special appearance by Piglet (the blind and deaf chihuahua) and more.
Tickets are $10 per person, $25 for a family of 4. Dogs go free. Proceeds benefit non-profit organizations.
Dog owners can register for the competitions online or at the festival.
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Interested in the kind of world today’s students will inherit? Do you have ideas how our schools can prepare them for it?
The Westport Public Schools invites all Westporters to an Education Summit next Wednesday (October 20, 6 to 8 p.m., Bedford Middle School auditorium).
Futurist Michael Weiss offers a keynote address, then lead an interactive discussion. It’s part of superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice’s Strategic Plan, aimed at taking our district into the next decade and beyond.
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Three residents of the Gillespie Center are moving on to permanent supportive housing.
Homes with Hope is proud of the success of these formerly homeless men. And they’re asking Westporters to help them succeed.
They’ve created a Signup Genius for donations of bedding, household items, furniture and gift cards. Click here to help.
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Fred Cantor is many things: an attorney, off-Broadway and documentary producer, longtime Westporter and avid “06880” reader.
he’s also the author of “Fred from Fresh Meadows,” a memoir of his many years as a New York Knicks fan.
Now the NBA team has repaid the honor.
A 15-second commercial spot featuring Fred, his brother’s older son and brother’s almost 3-year-old grandson premiered last night, during a Knicks preseason game.
It’s part of an MSG Network promotional campaign spotlighting diehard fans. Fred’s spot focuses on his book, and his 6 decades of fandom.
It was filmed earlier this month in the schoolyard behind his former elementary school in Queens.
Fred Cantor (right), being filmed with his nephew Sam and great-nephew Brody.
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It’s been a while since we ran an osprey update. The other day, Franco Fellah spotted this young bird in the trees over the Saugatuck River, opposite his office on Riverside Avenue. Ospreys epitomize “Westport … Naturally.”
(Photo/Franco Fellah)
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And finally … on this date in 1875, Brigham Young University was founded in Provo, Utah.
Fall themes and colors predominate in this week’s art gallery.
And why not? It’s mid-October.
Soon, it will be turkeys and Santas. But for now: enjoy the foliage and fresh air!
And remember: Whatever your age and level of experience — professional or amateur, young or old — this feature is open to everyone.
All genres and styles are encouraged too. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, lithographs, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage (and now needlepoint) — whatever you’ve got, email it to dwoog@optonline.net. Share your work with the world!
“Falling Leaf” (Karen Weingarten)
“Boudica, Queen of the Iceni, Fighting the Romans” (Bruce Whelan, who notes that the “good female warrior” might inspire anyone looking for a Halloween costume)
“Always Swim Upstream” (June Rose Whittaker)
“First of Fall” (Laura Overton)
“The Ballet Class” — pastel (Roseann Spengler)
“A Blast from the Past” (Howard Munce — the late illustrator drew this for Judith Marks-White’s Westport News column; it still hangs near her desk)
“Mums” (Amy Schneider)
Posted in Arts
Tagged Amy Schneider, Brian Whelan, Howard Munce, June Rose Whittaker, Karen Weingarten, Roseann Spengler
Quietly — but very popularly — the Westport Library’s StoryFest has become the largest literary festival in Connecticut.
This year’s event — the 4th annual — runs from October 28 through November 2. There is something for every age.
And every type of reader.
Michael Lewis
The kickoff (October 28, 7 p.m.) features a virtual conversation with politics and Wall Street writer Michael Lewis. His 16th book, The Premonition: A Pandemic Story, follows a biochemist, public health worker and federal government employee as they confront the pandemic, and realize the federal government’s response is woefully inadequate.
Lewis will be interviewed by award-winning journalist Lisa Belkin. She spent 30 years at the New York Times, as national correspondent and medical reporter. To register, click here. https://westportlibrary.org/event/michael-lewis/
The next night (Friday, October 29, 7 p.m.), Mallory O’Meara launches her new book Girly Drinks!
It tells the history of the female distillers, drinkers and brewers who have played a vital role in the creation and consumption of alcohol. Drinking is not just (and has never been) about. men. To register for the virtual presentation — including a recipe for a signature drink by SoNo 1420 — click here.
On the day before Halloween (Saturday, October 30, 10 a.m.), young readers will read Pink or Treat with Victoria Kann (and enjoy a Pinkalicious parade. Costumes are encouraged. Click here to register.
Saturday programming continues at 1 p.m. with a virtual panel discussion of When Things Get Dark: A Shirley Jackson Anthology. It’s a collection of new short stories inspired by, and in tribute to, the famed author (and former Westport resident).
Panelists include Stephen Graham Jones, Seanan McGuire, John Langan, and Paul Tremblay. Click here to register.
The final event on October 30 (7 p.m.) is an an All Hallow’s Eve in-person celebration with 2 of horror fiction’s biggest stars: authors Stephen Graham Jones (My Heart is a Chainsaw; The Only Good Indians) and Grady Hendrix (Final Girls Support Group). Click here to register.
Mitch Albom
StoryFest emds pm Tuesday, November 2 (7:30 p.m.) with a special in-person event. Bestselling author Mitch Albom launches his newest book: The Stranger in the Lifeboat. It’s a fresh take on themes that have defined his work. Click here to register.
Owenoke scene (Photo/Jonathan Prager)
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