The sign says: “Dog Owners, you are required to clean up after your dog.”
Judging by the mess left by humans yesterday at Old Mill Beach — the first really nice spring day since the coronavirus struck — we’re right back to our old habits.
(Photo/Richard Webb)
PS: The part that says “No animals beyond this point”? That doesn’t mean you can act like animals in front of it either.
The Parks & Recreation Department announced last week that Compo Beach parking lots may open May 15 — but grills and picnic tables will not be available.
They weren’t kidding.
Here’s South Beach, this weekend. Who knew those concrete barbecue grills were portable?
(Photo/Dan Woog)
Three weeks ago, Staples Tuition Grants sent out a special request. With COVID-19 making college less affordable for more seniors and graduates, they hoped to raise another $50,000. A small group of generous donors had already pledged a similar amount.
Westporters rose to the challenge. The $100,000 goal was met — and surpassed. Funds will be distributed to students who applied before the March deadline, qualified for grants, and have demonstrated additional hardship attributable to the pandemic.
“For many of our students, this may make the difference between finishing college and dropping out. For others, it will enable them to start college on time instead of waiting till a year or more after graduating from Staples,” STG says.
“We are extremely grateful to our friends and neighbors in Westport and beyond, who generously came through in this time of stress. This is another sign that we really do live in a strong, supportive community, and that people really do care about those who need their help.
“Donations ranged from small to large, and came from old friends and new ones. These contributions went a long way to make up for the slowdown in donations and the damage to our small endowment resulting from the present crisis. As a result we will give more assistance to our eligible applicants than we have ever been able to do before, certainly a much-needed piece of good news in these difficult times.”
STG raises funds all year long. If you missed the initial appeal, or would like to contribute again, click here.
The Granola Bar is back — bit by bit.
They’re now open every day, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Orders can be placed online, via the app (“The Granola Bar”) or phone (203-349-5202).
They’ve launched dinners that can be ordered via the app or Instagram, as well as TGB@Home: $65 kits for fire chicken/veggies, tacos or shawarma, as well as vegan lasagna.
Ariana Napier is organizing a food drive for the Bridgeport Rescue Mission.
You can drop food and/or personal care items (diapers, wipes, sanitary pads, etc.) in bins in her driveway (14 Jennings Court, off Bayberry Lane).
Items most needed include cereal (all types, any kind), peanut butter and jelly (no glass), mac and cheese (box), canned meals and soups, and boxed meals (any kind).
She plans on weekly trips, and hopes Westporters can donate regularly. Even one or two items helps.
She will also pick up from your driveway. Email ariana.napier@gmail.com.
In her 70s, Stephanie Bass embarked on a new career: stand-up comedy.
She’s good! And although her regular haunts like Gotham Comedy Club are closed, she’s staying sharp. Every day, she posts a new sign outside her home off Compo Hill.
Here’s yesterday’s. Check out the beer. Preach!
(Photo/Dan Woog)
And finally … let’s end the weekend, and kick off the new week, with this spot-on ditty:
Posted in Beach, Education, Environment, Organizations, Restaurants, Staples HS
Tagged Bridgeport Rescue Mission, Coronavirus, COVID-19, Granola Bar, Staples Tuition Grants
Last week’s Photo Challenge seemed straightforward: Where would you see a plaque honoring Carl Francis DePalma? Intriguingly, it also included the name “Popeye.”
I expected a few people to know the answer: the golf practice area at Longshore, behind the pro shop.
I did not expect to hear the tragic, poignant back story behind it.
“Popeye” was DePalma’s nickname. He was a bulldozer operator for the town — always friendly and waving. He worked several places, including the town dump and landfill at the site of what’s now the library and Levitt Pavilion, as well as Longshore where the plaque is.
On May 5, 1965 — almost 55 years ago this day — “Popeye” died, when his machine tipped over.
DePalma’s son Billy and his wife Marie now live in Weston. Marie added this: Billy helped the Westport Rotary Club build the bus stop on Canal Street.
When club officials asked how they could thank him, he suggested a plaque at the site of the accident.
Diane Bosch, Michael Calise, Dave Eason, Ann Urciuoli Allard and Andrew Collabella all knew where that important plaque is, and filled in many of those details.
This week’s Photo Challenge is a wistful reminder of days gone by — before social distancing. If you know where in Westport you would have seen this, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Leigh Gage)
If you thought the giant “Typewriter Eraser” sculpture on Beachside Avenue was cool, you’ll love this news.
An equally large piece is being donated to Westport.
And it’s planned for a much more visible location than a Greens Farms lawn.
“Rock Paper Scissors” monument is a gift from longtime arts philanthropists Ann Sheffer and her husband Bill Scheffler. The 9-foot high artwork will be placed at the top of Jesup Green, near the new path leading down to the river. It will complement nearby sculptures.
Kevin Box’s “Rock Paper Scissors” monument. This is obviously not its location in Westport.
The Board of Selectmen have already reviewed the gift. It goes before the Planning & Zoning Commission on May 14, and then must be accepted by the RTM.
In its application request, the sponsoring Westport Arts Advisory Committee said that sculptor Kevin Box “pushes boundaries of traditional metal casting by creating sculptures that are so delicate, detailed and weightless that they appear to be made simply of paper.”
Combined with the “fortitude of metal,” that results in “whimsical, fun and beautiful pieces with surprising weight, both literally and figuratively.”
Sheffer — a 1966 graduate of Staples High School, who as a 6-term member of the RTM chaired its Library, Museum and Arts Committee — and her Staples classmate Scheffler have long been involved with the town’s arts scene, as well as the Westport Library.
(For more details on the “Rock Paper Scissors Monument,” click here.)
Posted in Arts, Downtown, Library, People
Tagged "Rock Paper Scissors", Ann Sheffer, Bill Scheffler, Kevin Box, Westport Library
Parker Harding clouds (Photo/Penny Pearlman)
Yesterday, 1st Selectman Marpe announced the formation of a ReOpen Westport Advisory Team. Members will “seek input from local business and community leaders” so that the community can move forward “in both an overall and segmented way.”
2nd Selectman Jen Tooker chairs the group. More details about the ReOpen team — including, presumably, members — will be announced Monday.
Marpe says, “Westport will continue taking the lead from the state of Connecticut and health experts, but will simultaneously ensure that the status of COVID-19 and the local needs within Westport take precedence to any re-opening decisions.”
Most Post Road businesses remain closed. (Photo/Katherine Bruan)
A wee — but welcome — bit of Westport returns today.
Joey’s by the Shore relocates from the beach to Elvira Mae’s. The new deli/ice cream stand/market — now called “Joey’s by the Shore featuring Elvira Mae’s Coffer Bar” — rolls out a soft opening today.
There’s curbside ordering only (via joeysbytheshore.com). You’ll need to keep your social distance too, of course.
But there’s no better place to do it than there, and no better folks to do it for than Joey Romeo and Betsy Kravitz.
Betsy Kravitz, Joey Romeo and …
… a very happy customer. (Photos/Dan Woog)
Readers: on your marks!
The Westport Library has announced a Summer Reading Challenge. There are 25 “challenge lists.” The goal is to read at least one book from as many challenges as you can.
There’s a form to submit after each one — and a leader board, because hey, there are no baseball standings to follow.
The challenges are challenging. They include a book that spans generations; that makes you laugh (and another that makes you cry); about an election; from the teen collection, and about a battle. Click here for all 25.
The “competition” runs through September 7.
Sure, the weather is beautiful this weekend. But if you’re looking for another reason (besides COVID-19) to stay inside, here’s one: Complete the census.
This weekend, as I’m sure you know, is Census Digital Action Weekend. I’m not sure what that means, but click here for the link.
Stan Witkow provides another update on his weekly Thursday Virtual Bingo game. (That’s the one where anyone can join — and the winner chooses a charity to get the buy-in pot.)
This week they surged past $1,200 overall. The recipient was Mazon: A Jewish Response to Hunger. The “house” made a special $25 donation to the Connecticut Food Bank too.
For more information, email Stan@witkow.com.
A scene from the Virtual Bingo game.
The Staples High School girls soccer team is collecting food for the Gillespie Center.
Needs include canned chicken, low-sugar cereal, canned vegetables (low sodium), canned fruit (low sugar), peanut butter and jelly, dry mil envelopes, pasta sauce, rice, hearty soup, mac and cheese, crackers, salad dressing, and ketchup, mustard and mayo.
Toiletries and cleaning supplies like shampoo, soap, deodorant, tooth care and feminine products, dish soap, laundry detergent, sponges, cleaners and bleach are great too.
The drop-off location is 12 Indian Hill Road. For more information, email aly.sivinski@gmail.com.
And finally … it’s Saturday! So of course tonight that means:
Like many Westporters, Jane Green can’t shop in stores right now.
So she’s doing the next best thing. The mega-bestselling author is a special guest on a new Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce initiative.
“Zoom Westport Retail” airs live via Zoom, Facebook Live and Cablevision Channel 79 this Wednesday (May 6, 6 p.m.)
Produced in collaboration with the Westport Library, it’s a look into how 12 businesses are adapting — and still open in some form. (Coming just before Mother’s Day, it might also inspire a bit of gift-giving.)
Retailers include Aitoro, Bella Bridesmaids, Choice Pet, Eleish Van Breems, Fleet Feet, Greens Farms Spirits, Interstate Lumber, Intuitive Interiors, Kohler, Organachs, Salon Paul Michael and Westport Yarns.
Fleet Feet’s floor is temporarily closed. But you can still buy the running shoes you need to stay in shape, while the gym is closed.
Chamber executive director Matthew Mandell calls the show “a lot of fun, and a first step toward reinvigorating the local economy.”
Merchants will show off items, and explain how to purchase and receive items safely.
Besides Green, “Zoom Westport Retail” features musician Phil Lo Presti. Match Provisions chef Matt Storch offers a cooking demonstration too.
Anyone watching on Zoom will be able to chat in real time with the retailers. Click here, then scroll down to sign up and receive the Zoom invite.
Posted in Environment, Local business, Organizations
Tagged Coronavirus, COVID-19, Fleet Feet, Westport-Weston Chamber of Commerce
Wasn’t it just yesterday we were stunned to be self-isolating — and art seemed a safe, sensible way to keep our wits and express our emotions?
No. It was nearly 7 weeks ago.
Every Saturday since, “06880” has shared readers’ artwork. Professional, amateur, old, young — you’re sending us your paintings, collages, sketches, photos, sculptures, chalkwork, cartoons, whatever.
The only rule is it must be inspired by, reflective of, or otherwise related to the times we’re going through.
Keep the submissions coming (including students, of any grade!). Just email dwoog@optonline.net.
Here is this week’s gallery. It’s long on photos, with some very welcome springtime themes. Enjoy!
“When We Still Had Hope,” soft pastel on sanded paper (Deborah Howland-Murray)
Funky hand-knit mask with tassels (Amy Schneider)
“Kissing,” Sherwood Island (Karen Weingarten)
“Day 1” (Rebecca Ross)
(Eileen Lavigne Flug)
“Wine and Tears” (Nina Bentley)
“Stuck in Your Hometown, Or Loving Your Hometown? Walking Downtown by the River” (Rob Feakins)
“Painting Flowers to Get Excited for Spring,” watercolor and ink pen (Eden Rossman, age 9)
“Robin’s Nest in My Back Yard” (Mary Sikorski)
“Stay Home” (Beth DeVoll)
Winslow Park Animal Hospital (Molly Alger)
“The Zeitgeist,” Sherwood Island (originally plane-less, but “stuff happened”); oil on canvas (Steven Parton)
Amy Schneider’s collage reminds us that there are plenty of restaurants open for business — with curbside pickup and home delivery, of course. (Merchants too: Earth Animal is tucked in there, bottom row.)
As the pandemic slogs into a new month, remember how important our local places are. The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce maintains a great list of open restaurants and markets; click here, then scroll down.
OneWestport offers an extensive list of restaurants, along with clothing stores, salons, fitness centers and more. Many of those businesses are closed, but links to their websites provide information on online opportunities, including gift cards.
The Finding Westport site also includes event planners, repair shops, graphic designers and the like.
Hard times continue. But thanks to these resources, we can make life a little easier for some of the restaurants and businesses that have served us so well, for so long.
PS: Hey, dads and kids! Remember: Sunday, May 10 is Mother’s Day. Many restaurants have special menus. And the Westport Downtown Merchants Association has an extensive list of restaurants and shops that offer Mother’s Day gifts. Just click here.
There are many very excellent restaurants in town. Jeera Thai is a favorite for flavor, fresh ingredients and friendliness. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Compo Beach sky (Photo/Daniel Hoffman)
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