Basso — the new restaurant in the old Matsu Sushi space by Jesup Green — held a ribbon-cutting this evening.
1st Selectman Jim Marpe, 2nd Selectman Jen Tooker and representatives of the Westport Downtown Merchants Association and Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce welcomed owner/chef Renato Donzelli, who found a bigger space, better views (and a wood-fired pizza oven), and made the move from Norwalk.
The space is big and bright. The heaters are cranking. Mangia!
(Photos/Dan Woog)
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A reader writes:
“I am curious about something I started seeing for a few weeks ago around Longshore: poop bags, tied up nicely, set upon a wall or sitting on the edge of the road.
“I can’t understand why dog walkers would spend the time to bring the bag and properly scoop it up, only to leave it sitting for others to look at or step on.
“Today on a short walk I saw at least 5 of these bags. Can someone help me understand what is going on, and why people think it’s okay to leave this trash all around?”
That’s like trying to understand why, after more than 60 court cases were thrown out (often by Republican judges), people still think an election decided by more than 7 million votes was rigged.
You can keep wondering. But you’re wasting your time.
(Photo/Lorraine Palumbo)
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And finally … there is no better way to celebrate and honor Martin Luther King Day than with Sam Cooke’s soaring anthem.
It may sound strange. But after all that’s happened in America, I still have a dream. I still believe a change is gonna come.
Less than a year ago, I wrote a story about Steve Lyons.
The award-winning artist had just opened Bankside Contemporary, opposite Winfield Deli on Post Road West.
Modeled on his successful Chatham, Cape Cod gallery, he called this a “communal gathering space.” Steve wanted people to wander in, enjoy cookies and candy and coffee, and just hang out.
Steve and his life and business partner, Peter Demers, sold 6 paintings right after COVID struck, between mid-March and April. But they closed in late October — though not because of sales.
The “Steve Lyons team” writes:
In early March, while painting in his studio, Steve saw a flash of light on the left side of his peripheral vision. Spots were found on his brain, but cancer was not diagnosed.
Steve’s symptoms persisted. He sought a second opinion. A biopsy revealed glioblastoma. He began treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Steve Lyons, outside Bankside Contemporary.
Through a medical professional Steve knows socially, he learned of an opportunity to undergo surgery and enroll in a promising new clinical trial, available only at UCLA.
Steve and Peter headed to California in September. The initial surgery was a success. Rehabilitation followed, with many ups and downs.
But while caring for Steve in Los Angeles, Peter contracted COVID-19. After a fierce struggle in the hospital, Peter died on January 10.
Peter Demers and Steve Lyons.
Peter was a cherished member of the Chatham community, and a stalwart, gentle, guiding hand for the gallery. He was a friend to so many, whose generosity and genial presence touched all who encountered him.
Steve’s love and passion, shared and promoted at all times by Peter himself, is a worthy testament to both of them, whether they are present with us or not.
We want to thank all the lovely Westporters we got to know along the way. Steve and Peter loved the town so much.
They felt immediate warmth when they decided to open Bankside Contemporary at National Hall. We wish all Westporters and friends a healthy and happier 2021.
(For more on Steve Lyons and his art, click here.)
Steve Lyons’ art, at Bankside Contemporary.
Posted in Arts, Local business, People
Tagged Bankside Contemporary, Peter Demers, Steve Lyons
This story has become a Martin Luther King Day tradition on “06880.” After the events of the past several months, this year — more than ever — we should think about the history of our nation before Dr. King was born.
And where we are, more than half a century after his death.
Today is Martin Luther King Day. Westporters will celebrate with a day off from school or work. Some will sleep in; others will shop, or go for a walk. Few will give any thought to Martin Luther King.
Twice, though, his life intersected this town in important ways.
The first was Friday night, May 22, 1964. According to Woody Klein’s book Westport, Connecticut, King had been invited to speak at Temple Israel by synagogue member Jerry Kaiser.
King arrived in the afternoon. Kaiser and his wife Roslyn sat on their porch that afternoon, and talked with King and 2 of his aides. She was impressed with his “sincerity, warmth, intelligence and genuine concern for those about him — our children, for instance. He seemed very young to bear such a burden of leadership.”
King’s sermon — to a packed audience — was titled “Remaining Awake Through a Great Revolution.” He analogized his America to the time of Rip Van Winkle — who also “slept through a revolution. The greatest liability of history is that people fail to see a revolution taking place in our world today. We must support the social movement of the Negro.”
Westport artist Roe Halper presented King with 3 woodcarvings, representing the civil rights struggle. He hung them proudly in the front hallway of his Atlanta home.
Artist Roe Halper (left) presents Coretta Scott King with civil rights-themed wood carvings.
Within a month Temple Israel’s rabbi, Byron Rubenstein, traveled south to take place in a nonviolent march. He was arrested — along with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King.
In jail, the rabbi said, “I came to know the greatness of Dr. King. I never heard a word of hate or bitterness from that man, only worship of faith, joy and determination.”
King touched Westport again less than 4 years later. On April 5, 1968 — the day after the civil rights leader’s assassination in Memphis — 600 Staples students gathered for a lunchtime vigil in the courtyard. Nearby, the flag flew at half-staff.
A small portion of the large crowd listens intently to Fermino Spencer, in the Staples courtyard.
Vice principal Fermino Spencer addressed the crowd. Movingly, he spoke about his own experience as an African American. Hearing the words “my people” made a deep impression on the almost all-white audience. For many, it was the 1st time they had heard a black perspective on white America.
No one knew what lay ahead for their country. But student Jim Sadler spoke for many when he said: “I’m really frightened. Something is going to happen.”
Something did — and it was good. A few hundred students soon met in the cafeteria. Urged by a minister and several anti-poverty workers to help bridge the chasm between Westport and nearby cities, Staples teachers and students vowed to create a camp.
Within 2 months, it was a reality. That summer 120 elementary and junior high youngsters from Westport, Weston, Norwalk and Bridgeport participated in the Intercommunity Camp. Led by over 100 Staples students and many teachers, they enjoyed swimming, gymnastics, dance, sports, field trips, overnight camping, creative writing, filmmaking, photography, art and reading.
It wasn’t easy — some in Westport opposed bringing underprivileged children to their town — but for over a decade the Intercommunity Camp flourished.
Eventually, enthusiasm for and interest in the camp waned. Fewer Staples students and staff members wanted to devote their summer to such a project. The number of Westporters willing to donate their pools dwindled. Today the Intercommunity Camp is a long-forgotten memory.
Sort of like the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King. Even on his birthday.
Posted in History, People, Politics, religion
Tagged Martin Luther King, Rabbi Byron Rubenstein, Temple Israel
Burying Hill Beach (Photo/Nancy Breakstone Photography)
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There’s an app for everything. Including remote audience and applause sounds.
Westporters Mark and Faith Sargent have developed iCrowd. It allows anyone — by themselves, or with just a couple of people — to make the same crowd sounds as if they were attending an event in, well, a crowd.
You can applaud with different levels of enthusiasm, boo, groan or make other crowd sounds.
The sounds selected by all of the users are transmitted to the cloud, then combined using the Sargents’ proprietary algorithm to form an aggregate crowd noise, which is transmitted back to each user.
Each user hears a combination of the sound they selected, and the combined crowd sound.
The crowd sound can be played over speakers where the event is taking place, so athletes, performers or others can hear the sound of the remote audience.
There’s also a chat for each event. So members of the remote audience can comment on the sound — or anything else — in real time.
The possibilities are endless. It’s great for sports events, plays and music performances (even those done virtually, like Facebook Live), or a TV show watch party. Politicians can use it for speeches too. Family members celebrating an online birthday can add applause and cheers when the cake is cut. Office workers can react to the boss’ presentation.
And if COVID knocks out our annual “06880” party again this summer, we can use iCrowd to make some noise.
To learn more, click here.
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The Y’s men continue to hike — COVID, age, and gray skies be damned.
On Friday, a group of septuagenarians covered 14,500 steps and over 6 miles, despite the weather.
They were socially distant, of course. But close enough to talk about the coronavirus vaccine, and how to get it.
Interesting in joining the hiking group? Email mhehen@gmail.com.
From left: Brian Fradet, Peter Eyes, Mike Johnston, Sal Mollica, Chris Lewis. (Photo/Michael Hehenberger)
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And finally … Howard Johnson died last week in Harlem, following a long illness. He was 79.
A tuba player (among other instruments) and arranger, his work transcended jazz, rock and pop.
He played with Charles Mingus and McCoy Tyner; contributed arrangements and horn parts for John Lennon and Taj Mahal, but was best known as an original member of the “Saturday Night Live” band.
And you’ve gotta Howard Johnson’s joyful work with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band on “I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream.”
FUN FACT: It was written in 1927 by Howard Johnson — but a different Howard Johnson. And neither of those 2 are related to the Howard Johnson who later created the restaurant franchise that boasted 28 flavors of — yes — ice cream.
One of the great things about chess is that you can play it anywhere.
Including outside the Westport Library, on the bank of the Saugatuck River.
A chessboard is built into one of the tables outside the lower level, by the Riverwalk.
It’s our answer to Washington Square Park. And Diane Johnson, Fred Cantor, Andrew Colabella, Joelle Malic, Seth Schachter, Susan Iseman and Caroline Sherman all correctly identified last week’s Photo Challenge. (Click here to see.)
Check, mates!
This week’s Challenge is intriguing. If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.
And if you know the back story — which I sure don’t — add that too. I’m sure it’s a good one.
(Photo/Frank Rosen)
You’d think the Saugatuck Rowing Club‘s biggest COVID concern is its regattas.
Sure, races are held outdoors. But rowers are packed tightly together. They breathe heavily. The cox shouts.
The coronavirus did impact competitors. All 2020 regattas were canceled. Junior rowers are still not allowed to practice until at least January 19.
But fewer than 20% of Saugatuck Rowing Club members actually row. Most adults join for the state-of-the-art fitness center (and social activities).
Saugatuck Rowing Club (Drone photo/Ward French)
So when SRC opened up again in June, one of the most important issues was air quality and circulation in the weight and cardio room.
Which led the club to something most rowers and coaches never think about: ionization.
After diligent research, SRC installed “needlepoint bipolar ionization” —a technology used in hospitals, airline terminals and office headquarters around the country that deactivates airborne bacteria and viruses by up to 99%, while reducing allergens and mold — in their 9 HVAC systems.
They overhauled their infrastructure, making the entire building — including the restaurant — as safe as possible.
Ionization work at the Saugatuck Rowing Club fitness center.
The $12,000 job was completed in November.
“You can’t put a price on safety,” says director of marketing, membership and events Diana Kuen. “It was important to do more than just open windows and hope for the best.”
That’s not all. Owner Howard Winklevoss took advantage of the downtime to replace the entire back wall with floor-to-ceiling glass doors, creating a sweeping view of the river.
New full-length windows in the Regatta Room.
He’s adding a full-service café, and replacing the carpet with (cleaner) hardwood floors.
A big party is planned — as soon as large crowds can gather again.
Meanwhile, a new app allows the club to monitor usage (only 12 people are allowed on the gym floor at a time), and trace contacts. (As much fitness training as possible is still done outdoors.)
Outdoor workouts, at the Saugatuck Rowing Club.
A special website allows members to take classes from home (Zoom or livestream), or in person. There are over 100 group fitness videos in the library.
Because only 4 junior rowers are allowed on site at a time, the club lent 70 indoor rowing machines to those who did not already have them. They’re continuing winter training via Zoom, 5 times a week for 2 1/2 hours a day
Meanwhile, Kuen continues to coach the breast cancer survivors (“Survive-OARS“) 3 days a week.
The pandemic has not slowed them — or any other member — down.
And when they work out inside, they are grateful to do so surrounded by newly ionized air.
(To learn more about the ionization technology, email SRC general manager Scott Armstrong: sarmstrong@saugatuckrowing.com.)
Posted in Environment, Local business, Saugatuck, Sports
Tagged Coronavirus, COVID-19, Diana Kuen, ionization, Saugatuck Rowing Club
Saugatuck River, and Riverwalk (Photo/Rowene Weems)
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For those eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine — and are frustrated with the complicated sign-up procedures of the CDC or state Department of Health — Yale New Haven Health is a great option.
They offer several locations throughout Connecticut, including Fairfield (near the traffic circle), Trumbull and Greenwich.
Click here to schedule an appointment. Click here for more information on who is available to receive the vaccine.
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How are the Y’s Women doing during the pandemic?
Just fine!
President Barb Stephen reports that meetings for the group of retired and working women are going well. And the virtual meetings are available for viewing long after they’re live (the 2nd and 4th Mondays of every month).
You don’t have to be a member, either
Recent guests have included actor James Naughton, TEAM Westport chair Harold Bailey, musician Chris Coogan and tech guru David Pogue. To view any of the chats, click here.
Up next: Dr. Richard Prum discusses the evolution of beauty (January 25); Jane Ferreira describes the work of Mercy Learning Center (February 8), and Bill Harris previews the opening of Sacred Heart University Community Theatre (February 22).
But that’s not all. This Thursday (January 21), Tours of Distinction president Tyler Zajacz will lead “Travel Trivia.” Participants can win a free day trip (once the Y’s Women resume traveling together). Sorry — members only! But for more information on the Y’s Women — including how to join — click here.
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Staples High School Class of 1969 graduate Scott Karsten died earlier this month of a heart attack. He was 69 years old, and lived in Glastonbury.
A state heavyweight wrestling champion at Staples, (and organist in a band), he graduated from Wesleyan University, and was 3rd in his class at the University of Connecticut School of Law.
To deepen his understanding of his profession, Karsten served as a police officer and president of the police union in West Hartford. He founded his own law firm, focusing on complex civil actions at the state and federal levels.
After his wife Beth died of cancer at 41, Karsten was a devoted single parent.
He was an avid fisherman and hunter; a skillful cook, wicked card player, smooth dancer and “surprisingly effective karaoke singer.”
Karsten is survived by his partner Gail Petersen; daughter Jules; mother Jayne; sisters Tracey Karsten Farrell and Jill Karsten; brother Kurt, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
His service will be livestreamed on Monday (January 18, 11 a.m.); click here to see.
Scott Karsten
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And finally … Sylvain Sylvain died Wednesday, at 69, after a 2-year battle with cancer.
Rolling Stone called him a “punk icon and guitarist for New York Dolls whose riffs bridged the gap between punk and glam.” His wife, O’Kelley Mizrahi, said, “Please crank up his music, light a candle, say a prayer and let’s send this beautiful doll on his way.”
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