Roundup: CVS, Mistletoes & Margaritas, More


Bob Weingarten is frustrated. He writes:

Yesterday around 9:40 a.m., I called CVS pharmacy. It took them more than 53  minutes to answer.

At about the 45-minute mark I called their customer service (800-746-7287) to complain. They answered within 30 seconds. After I explained the issue, they tried to call the Westport CVS — but could not get through.

They send a note to the store manager, and told me he would answer me within 2 to 4 hours.

Not sure if other readers have had this problem, but I believe they have. When standing in line to pick up a prescription, I always hear calls are “waiting to be answered.”


Friday’s rain was heavy. For most Westporters, it was a minor inconvenience.

For residents of Saugatuck Shores though, it was the usual story: flooding.

Here’s a shot of Canal Road, at midday:

(Photo/Gene Borio)


Adam’s House is based in Shelton. But the organization — which helps youngsters grieving the loss of a loved one — has a strong local presence.

It was started by Allison Wysota. Her husband Adam died suddenly in 2012, when their 3 boys were in Weston schools.

Adam’s House is launching a “Mistletoes & Margaritas” online shopping fundraiser. It will be live November 30.

Area businesses are invited to join the e-commerce site. Bill Taibe is participating as a sponsor/vendor. He will sell gift certificates, and may do a bartending event with Don Memo.

Clem Butt, who sells wines all over Westport, will do a virtual wine-tasting. Jim VElgot will sell his artwork. Adam’s House volunteers hope many more Westport shops, restaurants, artists and others will offer their goods and services too.

Click here for the “Mistletoes and Margaritas” website.


And finally … Esperanza Spalding turns 36 today.

 

Vote! But How?

Alert — and civic-minded — “06880” reader Jeff Seaver wants to vote by mail. But, he says, the state of Connecticut is not making it easy. He writes:

We’re all aware of issues with absentee ballots and voting drop boxes across the US. I assumed Connecticut would be exempt.

But if you choose to vote via absentee ballot from the State of Connecticut, and mail a request, here’s what you see:

1. The paperwork arrives in a fat envelope.

2. Whoever they hired for graphic design, it’s as if they offered a bonus for the least intuitive way humanly possible:

  • Key messages are buried in body text
  • Big headers contain unimportant information
  • There are 5 separate forms
  • English and Spanish versions are crammed side-by-side, and flipped onto both sides of an envelope, with no explanation
  • The paperwork arrives in several different colors (why?).

3. Once you’ve filled out your ballot, you might assume you should put it in the mailing envelope, and lick it shut. Then you figure out that’s the wrong envelope.

4. The ballot must go in a different envelope. (These instructions are buried on the back of a printed pamphlet labeled “General Election Statutes of the State of Connecticut.”)

5. You can’t easily open the mailing envelope, since you just glued shut. So you tear or slice it open. Now, even if you re-seal it with tape, you have a mailing envelope that looks tampered with.

6. After all this, you put the ballot in the smaller (correct) envelope, put that inside the larger (correct) mailing envelope, and seal it for mailing.

7. Then you spot a little purple handout still sitting on your desk that came in the paperwork.

8. The printed handout contains this warning:

IMPORTANT!

To ensure that your ballot is received on time by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, please place your ballot into the secure drop box located in your town. Once deposited in the secure drop box, your ballot is considered received by the town.

Your ballot should be deposited in the secure drop box no later than 8 p.m. on Nov. 3, 2020.

Town Name                     WESTPORT

Drop Box Location          TOWN HALL, 110 MYRTLE AVE.  — REAR ENTRANCE

9. So: which is it? Do you mail this envelope (it Is clearly marked as a piece of US mail), or do you believe this form, which states you need to deliver the envelope to Town Hall if you want to ensure it’s received on time?

Could I figure all this out? I went to high school and everything. I could probably mail it, but my simple solution is: In an age when “In Everything We No Longer Trust” should be printed on our currency, I’m driving it over to the drop box.

Pic Of The Day #1279

Sunrise over Pasacreta Park (Photo/Tom Cook)

Roundup: Lynsey Addario, Bistro Du Soleil, More


Congratulations, Lynsey Addario!

The 1991 Staples High School graduate (and MacArthur “genius grant” award winner) has been named to the International Photography Hall of Fame. She’ll be inducted October 30.

The photojournalist has covered conflict and humanitarian crises around the Middle East and Africa for the New York Times, National Geographic and Time magazine for nearly 2 decades. Her work is powerful, thought-provoking, and very, very human.

The aftermath of a miscarriage in a Somali hospital. (Photo/Lynsey Addario, courtesy of NPR)

Lynsey joins such legendary figures as Ansel Adams, Richard Avedon and Mathew Brady. Click here to read more about the “pioneers of photography.” Click here for Lynsey’s website.

Lynsey Addario


Yesterday, “06880” highlighted outdoor dining in Westport. Jana Malakoff writes about her favorite restaurant — which has not added al fresco tables:

“Bistro du Soleil is open for take out only from Wednesday through Saturday.  They offer a wonderful 4 course dinner for only $32. Bistro is off the beaten track, south of Saugautuck center and north of the restaurants near the railroad station.

“I am a senior citizen and have not felt comfortable dining in or out, nor do I want a fine dining experience marred by faceless servers. I have enjoyed my weekly dinners from Bistro du Soleil since they opened for takeout earlier this year.

“I hope ‘06880’ readers know that Bistro Du Soleil is in business, and certainly worth ordering dinner from.”

Bistro du Soleil


Interested in statehouse candidates’ environmental stands?

Earthplace and Sustainable Westport are sponsoring virtual debates for local Senate and House of Representatives candidates.

This Tursday’s event (October 22, 6 p.m.) features State Senate hopeful Kim Healy and incumbent Will Haskell. Click here to register.

The next day (Friday, October 23, 6 p.m.) House of Representatives incumbent Jonathan Steinberg debates Chip Stephens. Click here to register.


POP’T Art’s new show, “96% STARDUST,” features Brendan Murphy. With a focus on “transmitting positive energy” through his work, he’s making his area debut — at a time when joy, inspiration and hope are needed more than ever.

The show opens to the public next Saturday (October 24), at the 1 Main Street gallery. Email haviland@havilandreed.com for timed reservations, and for private preview showings beginning October 21.

Brendan Murphy’s work.


And finally … in honor of the new “Stardust” art show at POP’T Art:

0*6*Art*Art*0 — Week 30 Gallery

In mid-October, it’s no surprise that autumn scenes fill this week’s art gallery. Trees, leaves, gourds — ’tis the season to be colorful.

We began our Saturday series in early spring. We’ve moved through summer, into fall. “06880” readers/artists: Keep ’em coming!

All works should be inspired by, relevant to, or somehow, in some way, connected to our current life. Student art of all ages is especially welcome.

Coronavirus, social justice, politics, or just the beauty around us — have at it! Email dwoog@optonline.net, to share your work with the world.

“Art of Nature” (David Stalling)

“Reunion” (Ellen Spadone)

“Still Life” (Karen Weingarten)

“Purple Forest” (Harry Willis, age 13, Bedford Middle School)

Untitled (Spencer Gabor)

“End of Summer on a Rainy Fall Day” (Werner Liepolt)

“Essential Worker” (Lawrence Weisman)

“Gourd” (Stacy Sobel)

Untitled (Mark Yurkiw)

“Autumn Splendor” (Amy Schneider)

Westport Woman’s Club Wants To Give You $$$

Like all local non-profits, Westport Woman’s Club’s fundraising efforts have been battered by COVID.

But that just inspires the 113-year-old organization to help all those other groups even more.

Last spring — as it does every year — the WWC Community Services Committee was finalizing its 2020 grants. When the coronavirus struck they pivoted, awarding funds to 5 community health challenges.

“Everyone has a favorite Fairfield County non-profit,” the WWC says. “And every non-profit needs a helping hand.” So — as the Woman’s Club accepts grant proposals for 2020-21 — they encourage “06880” readers to share awareness of the opportunity. The application deadline is October 30.

The WWC offers both monetary grants, and a one-time use of the Bedford Hall meeting space for an event. Grants are considered each year for organizations working in education, health and safety programs, and the arts.

Click here for an application. Questions? Email gsmithson@optonline.net.

The Westport Woman’s Club opens its doors to grant applications — including the use of its clubhouse.

Pic Of The Day #1278

Low tide at Schlaet’s Point (Photo/Andrew Colabella)

Friday Flashback #214

Yellow school buses seem to have been around forever. Wherever we grew up, nearly every Westporter rode in one.

Yellow buses are still ubiquitous — though these days, they’re mostly empty. More parents than ever drive their kids to school — the ones who are not still home distance learning, that is.

For many years, 2 families ran Westport’s school buses: the Cuseos and Masiellos.

Here’s a photo — courtesy of John Cuseo — of an early local bus:

What do you remember about your school bus (or driver)? Click “Comments” below, to share.

Roundup: Amy Oestreicher, Joey’s By The Shore, Jamie Lebish, More


Amy Oestreicher — daughter of Westport dermatologist Dr. Mark Oestreicher — has had a tough life.

At 18, a blood clot caused her stomach to explode. After a months-long coma, she endured 28 surgeries, and 7 years without food or drink. She also came to terms with a long-kept secret: sexual abuse by a trusted mentor.

She persevered, and developed a one-woman show about her challenges and triumphs. Then she wrote “My Beautiful Detour: An Unthinkable Journey  from Gutless to Grateful.”

On Thursday, October 22 (7 p.m.), she’ll talk about her book at the Fairfield University Bookstore. The inspiring event — celebrating positive mental health strategies and the transformative power of creativity — will be broadcast on Facebook Live.

Amy Oestreicher


After a very successful summer, Joey’s by the Shore is pivoting to fall.

It’s a slower time for the beach deli, but they’ve made some menu tweaks and added a few features.

There’s are seasonal specials, like pumpkin spice latte, along with homemade peanut butter chocolate pie, Boar’s Head meats, fresh salads and rotating soups. Breakfast is offered all day long.

Monday through Thursday, they open an hour earlier — 7 a.m. — to catch the Old Mill sunrise. They close those days at 2 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Joey’s has added more (socially distanced) outdoor seating.


Jamie Lebish has led quite a life. He left Staples High School before graduating with the Class of 1977. He’s battled drug addiction and been incarcerated.

He’s also used music to heal a relationship with his father Irwin, a noted jazz pianist.

After moving to Maine, Jamie founded El Rancho De La Vida (“The Ranch of Life”) — a fully licensed substance abuse agency and non-profit recovery home.

But COVID has hit El Rancho hard. Federal and state funding dried up. Potential residents are finding it tough to go there.

Jamie says, “As my fiancee and I look at the road we left behind, from what was once our hometown on Main Street to the home we have built here in Maine, in the spirit of recovery and living a life with dignity and purpose, it is our hope that our hometown will support us as we navigate through these turbulent times.”

Click here to learn more about El Rancho De La Vida.  Click here to contribute. (Hat tip: Stevi Lee)

El Rancho De La Vida


And finally … happy 43rd birthday (!) to Fairfield’s own John Mayer.

More Outdoor Dining: Hudson Malone Opens Today

This morning’s lead story highlighted manyWestport restaurants with outdoor dining.

Now another joins the list.

Hudson Malone was packed last night, for a soft opening. The official debut is today.

The “old world culinary saloon” — on the corner of Main and Canal Streets, across from Coffee An’ — is owner Doug Quinn’s second venture. He a former, well-known bartender at P.J. Clarke’s.

Hudson Malone owner Doug Quinn.

Quinn’s first Hudson Malone (named after his 2 kids) is on New York’s 53rd Street. Both feature large bars, classic cocktails and “upscale pub grub.”

Hudson Malone’s well-stocked bar — and welcoming bartenders. They wore masks, but removed them very briefly for the photo. Hudson Malone is very COVID-conscious. Tables are far apart, and there are Plexiglas partitions. 

It takes guts to open a new restaurant during a pandemic. But even before COVID, Quinn planned for outdoor, all-weather dining.

Hudson Malone takes over from 323 restaurant. Before that, it was Bogey’s, Oliver’s, and perhaps half a dozen other spots now lost to history.

Here’s to many more years of memorable meals there.

Dig in! (Photos/Chip Stephens)