Tag Archives: 233 Hillspoint Road

Roundup: Hanukkah, Hillspoint House, Cribari Bridge …

Posted on December 15, 2025 | 5 comments

Last night — barely 24 hours after a mass shooting at an Australian Hanukkah celebration — Westporters gathered for the first night of the Festival of Lights.

A centerpiece was the lighting of a 6-foot “ice menorah” at Chabad.

Rabbi Yehuda Kantor told the crowd: “We must not be pulled down — only up. Light your candles to bring warmth to your home, and light to the world.”

Rabbi Yehuda Kantor, with Chabad’s ice menorah. (Hat tip and photo/Matthew Mandell)

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If you hoped for a resolution of the “Blue House” — aka 233 Hillspoint Road — saga by the end of the year: You’ll have to wait (quite a bit) longer.

This is one wish not even Santa can grant.

Any closing or progress on the completion of the years-long eyesore diagonally opposite Old Mill Deli has been postponed again.

The reason: new litigation.

Unknown to either the seller or buyer at the October auction, the underlying borrower filed 4 liens less than 24 hours before the auction.

Two were against Summit Westport LLC, who owned the property. Two were mechanic’s liens against the property.

The lender — GLP 2206 LLC — initiated foreclosure action on December 2, to clear title. Any Stamford-Norwalk court action will happen in 2026.

The primary defendants are Summit Westport, LLC and James Pendry personally.

233 Hillspoint Road, in July. Not much has changed since then — except the weather.

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The Connecticut Department of Transportation hosts a “consulting meeting” on how its plan for the William F. Cribari Bridge will affect the landmark properties of the National Historic Bridge Street District.

The session is this Thursday (December 18, 6 p.m., Town Hall).

The Cribari Bridge is on the National Register of Historic Places. (Photo/Ferdinand Jahnel)

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Westporters were out in droves yesterday, photographing the very New England holiday season-ish snow.

“06880” posted more than a dozen great photos. This one from downtown came in later — and it’s a bit more whimsical than all those shots of back yards, fences and (of course) the Minute Man:

(Photo/Carrie Kuhn)

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Speaking of yesterday’s snow: It took Mark Mathias a while to clear his driveway.

But he amused himself by filming his work, then speeding it up for a video.

The result — one many homeowners can relate to — is here, and below.

All that’s missing is an appropriate soundtrack. Any suggestions?

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Friday’s first-ever Holiday Craft & Gift Sale at the Westport Senior Center was a hit!. A large crowd enjoyed — and bought — items from local artisans.

Senior Center director Wendy Petty, and her staff and volunteers, organized every detail. It was one more special offering, from a center that continually delivers them, to seniors — and many others too. (Hat tip: Linda Doyle)

The Senior Center welcomes the holidays. (Photo/Ed Simek)

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A gentle reminder: As you plan year-end giving, please keep “06880” in mind.

We’re a non-profit dedicating to educating the public and creating community, so all contributions are tax-deductible. Corporate matching grants are welcome too!

You can donate online, or by Venmo, Zelle or old-school check. Click here for details. And thank you!

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is a white-throated sparrow.

(Photo/Lou Weinberg)

Outstanding wildlife photographer Lou Weinberg. explains, “In wintertime they grow 40% more body feathers for insulation. They need it these days!”

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And finally … on this date in 1893, Antonín Dvořák’s  “Symphony No. 9” — the “New World Symphony” — premiered at Carnegie Hall.

(From the blue house to the Cribari Bridge — and everywhere in between — “06880” brings you all the Westport news. And we do it 24/7/365. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

 

 

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Posted in Beach, Real estate, religion, Transportation, Weather

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Photo Challenge #554

Posted on August 10, 2025 | 10 comments

For several years, Westporters have called 233 Hillspoint Road “the blue house.”

Or, “the !@#$%^&* blue house.”

The much-litigated, sometimes-worked-on property diagnoally across from Old Mill Grocery & Deli is no longer wrapped in blue Tyvek.

It’s still not completed. But it looks more like a normal (as in, Westport large) house.

With — very colorfully — a red door. (Click here to see.)

That door was the subject of last week’s Photo Challenge. Tom Green, Diane Bosch, Cathy Malkin, Amy Schneider, Andrew Colabella and Jonathan McClure all nailed it.

With a variety of descriptions of the house.

Meanwhile: Hooray! It’s “wine o’clock.”

If you know where in Westport you’d see this sign, click “Comments” below.

We’ll drink to that.

(Photo/Kira Ganga Kieffer)

(Every Sunday, “06880” hosts this Photo Challenge. We challenge you too to support your hyper-local blog. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!) 

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Posted in Photo Challenge, Real estate

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233 Hillspoint Road: The Follow-Up

Posted on July 24, 2025 | 13 comments

James Pendry owns 233 Hillspoint Road — the “blue house” that has been back in the news lately. He writes:

There have been several newspaper articles written about a notice of auction for the property at 233 Hillspoint Road.

Some have been full of inaccuracies and snarky, with 2-year-old photos. The “06880” post was respectful and straightforward, but also had a couple of key mistakes.

The house has a mortgage which can be foreclosed upon if the terms of the mortgage are not being followed. Such a foreclosure is a judicial process, with all its safeguards and principles of due process.

233 Hillspoint Road: The view from the street …

What has been threatened here (and buried in the very small print on the last page), on the other hand, is an Article 9 UCC foreclosure of the LLC interest — a rarely used tactic which is explicitly non-judicial, and therefore a theoretically easier and faster way to take possession of a property, albeit indirectly and full of its own vulnerabilities.

The announced auction will never take place, and should never have been noticed.

The attorneys are talking. The mortgage (only 35% of the property’s appraised value) will be repaid in full by the end of the month, in all likelihood.

The notice became public when the auctioneer disingenuously inquired about the cost of running the notice for budgetary reasons. Disingenuous in that the property owner has to pay for notice in any event, and the price could have been easily ascertained by describing the number of lines that would run.

Given the property’s unfortunate and somewhat notorious history, the publisher considered the announcement “news,” and published.

… and the beach.

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“Blue House” Faces Foreclosure Future

Posted on July 19, 2025 | 19 comments

A lot has happened since 2019.

President Trump left office, seethed during the 4-year presidency of Joe Biden, and is now back in the White House.

The world went from never having heard of a “coronavirus,” to shutting down for months, to getting vaccinated, to hearing that vaccines are not really needed anymore — and now, pretty much forgetting that COVID ever existed.

Queen Elizabeth died. Pope Francis died. Taylor Swift took over the planet.

In all that time though, the “blue house” at 233 Hillspoint Road remains unfinished.

233 Hillspoint Road (outlined).

It will be for the foreseeable future, too.

The property is now in foreclosure.

An auction date of September 3 has been set for the land and building. It is marketed by Northgate Real Estate Group as a “single family home, mid-construction,” on a “rare beachfront property featuring 2 stories with an elevator.”

The 4-bedroom, 4 1/2-bathroom home sits on a 5,663-square foot Old Mill Beach lot, a “5 minute drive from the Compo Beach Yacht Club and Marina.”

Current status of 233 Hillspoint Road.

The saga began in 2015, when Positano restaurant — the successor to the popular Café de la Plage — closed.

(Positano subsequently reopened next to the Westport Country Playhouse. After several years, it was replaced by Gabriele’s. That’s not part of the story, but it does illustrate in another way how much time has passed.)

The restaurant building was demolished in 2018.

On July 24, 2019 — almost exactly 6 years ago — “06880” reported that a new 4,200-square foot home would replace it. The asking price would be $7.5 million.

Artists’ rendering of the house going up at 233 Hillspoint Road (July 24, 2019 “06880”).

Construction began.

And then … crickets.

For months — as COVID came and went — the house sat behind a construction fence, half-finished.

Wrapped in blue Tyvek, and swaddled in litgation, it spent years as a large headache for neighbors, and eyesore for all.

Finally — more than a year ago, on February 18, 2024 — “06880” posted good news.

The property had a new owner. He introduced himself to the town, via our blog:

My name is James Pendry.

I have lived in Westport since the late 1980s. I sent my children to Staples High School.

I was a member of Westport Rotary for years, and have lived in an antique home on the Mill Pond for over 2 decades.

I have logged many hours sipping coffee outside Elvira’s, and many summer days reading at Old Mill Beach. I’d like to think I know the neighborhood.

I know there have been many rumors, many fingers pointed, much outrage and vituperative attacks on everyone from the seller, Planning & Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals and Building Department.

Virtually everything I’ve heard is the worst form of gossip: false and mean.

A photo that ran with James Pendry’s story.

Unfortunately, and I guess to disappoint many of you, there is no villain here. There is only a profound lack of communication, the lost years of COVID, and the ill-effects of “silo-ing.”

At each turn in this drama, every actor was doing the logical and right thing from their specific and singular point of view. Omniscience was required — someone or some authority to look at the big picture, and forge a workable compromise.

That entity does not exist in the land use departments of the town of Westport — or in the halls of Congress of the United States. The result is the same: missed opportunities, little productive debate, and either no outcome or a bad outcome.

In the last week we have cleaned up the site, moved the security fence so as not to impede pedestrian traffic, and replaced all the blue skin on the exterior of the building.

233 Hillspoint Road in February 2024.

The neighbors, who had sued the previous owner, were gracious enough to meet with me and keep an open mind to some changes.  Ultimately, we were able to reach a compromise that each of the plaintiffs and I can abide by.

Construction will start in earnest, as soon as the ZBA signs off on the compromise reached.

I am hopeful that that can happen at their next meeting.

Hope springs eternal.

But as Vince Lombardi may have said, “hope is not a strategy.”

The ZBA did sign off.

Construction did resume.

And then — like a Metro-North train offering false hope when it starts chugging along after stopping randomly on the tracks — it halted again.

Now we know why.

The financing is not there.

The foreclosure notice described the property as “mid-construction.”

Let’s hope that “mid” does not literally mean “in the middle.”

Because if it’s only halfway done, that means it won’t be finished until 2031.

(“06880” reached out to James Pendry for comment. As of last night, he had not replied.)

Another recent view of 233 Hillspoint Road (foreground).

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Posted in Beach, Economy, Real estate

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Roundup: Slice Of Saugatuck, Ukraine, Fentanyl …

Posted on August 7, 2024 | 1 comment

It’s hard to believe: The Slice of Saugatuck is 12 years old.

This year’s street festival is set for Saturday, September 7 (2 to 5 p.m.).

Over 4 dozen restaurants, shops and galleries — in the “slice” between Riverside Avenue, Railroad Place and Saugatuck Avenue — will offer samples and tastes.

The Slice features 7 bands, 4 bounce houses, the Fire Department’s antique engine, a balloon bender, face painter and more. Adults can enjoy 2 beer gardens, and specialty drinks from most restaurants.

Ticket sales ($15; children 5-12, $5; sold on-site, cash or credit card) benefit the Homes with Hope food pantry. To date, the Slice of Saugatuck has donated $49,000 to the non-profit.

The event is sponsored by the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce.

A small “slice” of the large crowd. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Do you know a great pediatrician, who is interested in joining a popular Westport practice?

Village Pediatrics is looking for one.

There’s a nationwide shortage of pediatricians. But Dr. Nikki Gorman’s group should be a good fit.

Interested candidates — or anyone who knows any candidates — should email nikki.villagepedi@gmail.com.

Doctors and office staff from Village Pediatrics volunteered at this year’s County Assembly dance. Dr. Nikki Gorman is bottom right.

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Though the war in Ukraine has faded from the front pages of American newspaper, it continues to rage fiercely.

Every day, there is more human suffering.

Yesterday’s New York Times included a story headlined “Long Battle for a Ruined City Takes a Desperate Turn.” It described the struggle for Toretsk, a city in eastern Ukraine under relentless attack by Russian forces.

The photos were taken by Tyler Hicks. The Times‘ Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer is a 1988 Staples High School graduate.

Click here for the full story, and harrowing images. (Hat tip: Drew Angus)

Lyudmilla Petrovna, 74, in a church between Kostiantynivka and Pokrovsk that was damaged by Russian shelling last month. Ms. Petrovna was injured. (Photo/Tyler Hicks for the New York Times)

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“06880” reports regularly on the continuing saga of 233 Hillspoint Road. Our most recent photo was yesterday.

Looks like just a few finishing touches remain …

(Photo/Mary Sikorski)

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Fentanyl is a real danger.

Recently, a 1-year-old child overdosed on the drug at a Connecticut park. Last week, fentanyl-laced cannabis products were found for sale at a smoke shop in Norwalk.

Fentanyl is the primary driver behind the increase in overdose deaths over the last 10 years, and it can hide in plain sight.

On August 15 (6 to 7 p.m., 90 Post Road West), Positive Directions, The Center for Prevention & Counseling, offers a free workshop for college students from Norwalk and Westport to learn about risks and resources on campus, including how to save a life using Narcan.

Attendees will receive a harm reduction kit, with Narcan, fentanyl test strips and more. T

Pre-registration is required at www.positivedirections.org/events.

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For 40 years, Open Doors has battled homelessness in Norwalk.

On Tuesday, development and donor relations manager Maria Davis — a longtime Westport resident — spoke to the Westport Rotary Club about the organization’s work preventing homelessness, and placing families in shelters if they lose housing.

Open Doors’ work includes financial coaching, a savings program and jobs center.

Maria Davis, at Westport Rotary Club. (Photo/Ellin Curley)

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Lou Weinberg’s very-close-up photos are highlights of our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

Today’s shot is of a dragonfly, from the Long Lots Preserve.

Lou notes: “They are awesome flyers. Each of their 4 wings can operate independently. Their muscles are attached to their wings. They can fly forward, backward and upside down. They can also hover and pivot in place.

“They are very efficient predators. They can see nearly 360° with those large eyes. And they eat flies and mosquitoes! Who doesn’t love that?”

(Photo/Lou Weinberg)

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And finally … on this date in 1789, the US Department of War was created.

(From Saugatuck to Ukraine, “06880” is where Westport meets the world. Please help us meet our funding goals. Just click here — and thank you!)

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Roundup: Compo Playground, Longshore Golf, Common Ground …

Posted on August 6, 2024 | 10 comments

The Compo Beach playground renovation project is more than halfway to their fundraising goal.

So far, they’ve received $332,333 in donations. They’re aiming for $650,000.

The final push is underway. 360 fence pickets are still available for purchase. Other funding options remain too. Click here for details.

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Not far away from the playground, Old Mill’s long blue nightmare may soon be over.

Workers are installing siding on 233 Hillspoint Road. The house — formerly the site of Positano (and other) restaurants — was the subject of years of litigation.

All the while, it was swathed in blue wrap.

There is now light at the end of the tunnel.

Or at least, gray.

(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

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Gus Palmer is not related to Arnold Palmer.

But the rising Staples High School junior shares something with the other Palmer: Both are golf champions.

Arnie Palmer won 62 PGA tournaments, including 4 Masters.

Gus – a member of Staples High School’s varsity golf team — captured the Longshore club championship on Sunday. He is believed to be the youngest player ever to win it.

In a close 36-hold match play with Stephen Colodny, Palmer sunk a 15-foot putt on the last 18th green, to capture the crown.

Gus Palmer (left) receives the Longshore trophy from head pro John Janik. 

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There are only 86 days left until Halloween.

But Stop & Shop is ready.

This was the scene yesterday:

(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

Can “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” be far behind?

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Common Ground — the Westport Library’s project to bring civility back to civic discourse — sponsored a timely topic yesterday.

“Communicating to Open Minds” featured Steve Parrish in conversation with Sally Susman, Pfizer’s chief corporate affairs officer. They discussed how to share information in ways that encourage agreement, and avoid confrontation.

During the pandemic, Susman was charged with rolling out Pfizer’s vaccine to an anxious and polarized world. She offered insights learned about leadership and connectivity.

From left: Westort Library director Bill Harmer, Sally Susman, Steve Parrish.

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Most of our “Westport … Naturally” osprey photos have been taken between Terrain and Fresh Market.

This one is from Burying Hill Beach. Laurie Sorensen did the honors.

(Photo/Laurie Sorensen)

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And finally … on this date in 1962, Jamaica gained its independence from the United Kingdom.

(Like Gus and Arnold Palmer, “06880” is a winner. If you enjoy our hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Children, Library, Longshore, Real estate, Sports

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Roundup: Blue House, Sip & Shop …

Posted on July 6, 2024 | 8 comments

It was a red-letter day, for the blue house.

Siding was delivered yesterday to 233 Hillspoint Road. That’s the house at the foot of Compo Hill — the site of the former Positano restaurant — that has been swathed in Tyvek since approximately the Ford administration.

No word on when the next phase of construction will be completed. But for neighbors — and the thousands of people who pass by daily — it can’t come soon enough.

(Photo/Robin Tauck)

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Women entrepreneurs are invited to a business owners’ “Sip & Shop” event at The Post.

The July 9 event (5:30 to 7:30 p.m.; free) features both networking and shopping, along with light refreshments and unique products.

“Professional EOS implementer” Stefani Schwartz is the host. Click here for details.

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The quirky cottage at 246 Hillspoint Road bears a demolition notice.

The hydrangeas are (thankfully) next door. Let’s hope they frame whatever (big) house replaces this one as beautifully as they do, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” image.

(Photo/Dan Woog)

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And finally … on this date in 1957, a school pal invited 15-year old Paul McCartney to listed to 16-year-old John Lennon’s skiffle group, the Quarrymen, play at a Liverpool church event. Soon after, Lennon invited McCartney to join the band.

The world was never the same.

Though they shared writing credits on dozens of songs, most were written primarily by one or the other. Among the songs they both contributed equally to:

(It’s a holiday weekend. But “06880” never takes a day off. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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233 Hillspoint Road: New Owner Has Neighborhood Roots

Posted on February 18, 2024 | 6 comments

Our long blue nightmare is over.

The sale of 233 Hillspoint Road — site of the former Café de la Plage and Positano restaurants, but since before COVID a half-finished, Tyvek-wrapped, litigation-snarled residential property, and an eyesore and headache for neighbors and passersby — closed earlier this month.

Work has already begun to finish the home.

Who bought it? Read on …

Work resumed this month at 233 Hillspoint Road. (Photo/John McKinney)

The cat is out of the bag. My identity is public. I am the owner of 233 Hillspoint Road, and have been in contract since mid-July. My name is James Pendry.

I have lived in Westport since the late 1980s. I sent my children to Staples High School.

I was a member of Westport Rotary for years, and have lived in an antique home on the Mill Pond for over 2 decades.

I have logged many hours sipping coffee outside Elvira’s, and many summer days reading at Old Mill Beach. I’d like to think I know the neighborhood.

I know there have been many rumors, many fingers pointed, much outrage and vituperative attacks on everyone from the seller, Planning & Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals and Building Department.

Virtually everything I’ve heard is the worst form of gossip: false and mean.

For years, 233 Hillspoint Road looked like this.

Unfortunately, and I guess to disappoint many of you, there is no villain here. There is only a profound lack of communication, the lost years of COVID, and the ill-effects of “silo-ing.”

At each turn in this drama, every actor was doing the logical and right thing from their specific and singular point of view. Omniscience was required — someone or some authority to look at the big picture, and forge a workable compromise.

That entity does not exist in the land use departments of the town of Westport — or in the halls of Congress of the United States. The result is the same: missed opportunities, little productive debate, and either no outcome or a bad outcome.

In the last week we have cleaned up the site, moved the security fence so as not to impede pedestrian traffic, and replaced all the blue skin on the exterior of the building.

The neighbors, who had sued the previous owner, were gracious enough to meet with me and keep an open mind to some changes.  Ultimately, we were able to reach a compromise that each of the plaintiffs and I can abide by.

Construction will start in earnest, as soon as the ZBA signs off on the compromise reached.

I am hopeful that that can happen at their next meeting.

(“06880” has followed the saga of 233 Hillspoint — and plenty of other real estate and beach news. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Roundup: 233 Hillspoint Road, Downtown Plan, Woman’s Club Murder Mystery …

Posted on February 7, 2024 | 8 comments

Our long blue nightmare may be over.

The sale of 233 Hillspoint Road — site of the former Café de la Plage and Positano restaurants, but for the past several centuries decades years a half-finished, Tyvek-wrapped, litigation-snarled residential property that’s been an eyesore and headache for neighbors and passersby — closed last week.

Work has already begun to finish the home.

It may take a while. But whenever it’s done, all of “06880” will rejoice.

(Photo/Totney Benson)

(Photo/John McKinney)

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Meanwhile, there’s more going on in that historic neighborhood.

Old Mill Grocery & Deli by Romanacci has posted its menu online — and it’s an extensive one.

There are many lunch and dinner favorites from the popular Railroad Place restaurant, plus lots of breakfast items. Catering options are available too. Click here to see.

A grand opening is set for this Saturday (February 10, noon to close). “Celebrate with us, and taste a slice of Italy,” say the new operators, who had a soft opening last month in their newly renovated space — which dates back to 1919.

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The Downtown Plan Implementation Committee has a full agenda for tomorrow’s meeting (Thursday, February 8, 8:30 a.m., Town Hall Room 201).

It includes: parking lots reinvention; downtown lots design master plan; Parker Harding status; Jesup and Imperial lots; other projects status, Avery Street pole removal, and sustainability.

To contact the committee, email: DPIC-comments@westportct.gov.

On the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee agenda: the Imperial Avenue parking lot. From 2020-22, it was the site of the Remarkable Theater drive-in. This photo shows a COVID drive-in concert, sponsored by the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce. (Drone photo/John Videler for Videler Photography)

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It’s been a big month for Jane Pimentel.

On Monday, the Board of Selectwomen unanimously granted her — as owner/operator of Longshore Sailing School — a 1-year extension to her contract.

An RFP for a longer contract will be posted this summer.

A few days earlier, at US Sailing’s National Sailing Programs Symposium in Savannah, Georgia, Pimentel received the Sail Training Service and Support Award in honor of Virginia Long.

The award — commonly called “The Ginny” — goes to an individual who “unselfishly assists and enables a sailing program or sailing instruction in a supportive role.” Recipients’ “outstanding efforts improve sailing education programs and instruction in the United States.”

US Sailing said Pimentel “has seemingly made it her dual mission to create new sailors while simultaneously improving the level of instructor training in her region…. Longshore Sailing School puts over 1,000 junior sailors and 250 adults on the water annually, with many coming by way of scholarship. Many adults also go on to become instructors at the school.

“Much of her success is due to the culture she’s created. As all good leaders do, Pimentel has established a staff culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and empowerment, understanding that accountability and compassion go hand in hand.” (Click here for more information. Hat tip: David Loffredo)

Jane Pimentel, with her Ginny Award.

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Valentine’s Day came early for members of Club 203 — Westport’s great group for adults with disabilities.

They partied at the Westport Country Playhouse’s Lucille Lortel barn, where they enjoyed heart-shaped pizzas from Planet Pizza, music by DJ Joey, a “sweet” art project organized by MoCA, and mountains of pink and red desserts by Avery Horne.

Volunteers — including some from the Westport Rotary Club — joined the fun.

Dylan Curran and friends, at Club 203’s Valentine’s party.

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Speaking of Valentine’s Day: With so much contention in our town and country, the Democratic Women of Westport want to show a little non-partisan love.

This Saturday (February 10, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.), they’ll be outside Anthropologie, offering hot chocolate and cookies to all.

They’ll also have Post-Its, for people to share what they love about Westport. The DWW will hang them up, for all to see.

It’s their “valentine to our town.”

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In a town filled with fundraisers, it’s tough to stand out.

The Westport Woman’s Club has found a unique — and very fun — way: a “Death by Bathtub Gin” murder mystery dinner.

On Saturday, March 23 (6 p.m.), their Imperial Avenue clubhouse will be transformed into a Jazz Age speakeasy.

A professional troupe of Broadway actors will guide 100 guests through a hunt for the “murderer.” It may well be one of them.

The night includes cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a 3-course Italian dinner, as the “murder mystery” unfolds.

Flapper dresses and tuxedos are welcome. A photo booth will have “jazzy” accessories for all. There’s a silent auction too.

Tickets are $150. Proceeds help fun scholarships, grants and food gift cards — continuing the Woman’s Club’s 100-plus years of service to the community.

Call 203-227-4240, or email wwc@westportwomansclub.org for tickets.

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Calling all 6th through 8th grade boys who dream of playing on the Staples High School varsity team!

On Sunday, February 18 (8 to 10 a.m.), the Wreckers will host a clinic at the PAL Longshore ice rink.

Head coach Matt Bohn, his staff and current players will lead skill drills and small area games. Attendees can then watch Bohn lead a varsity practice.

For the final half hour, any current or prospective player (of any age) can sign up to “Skate with a Wrecker” during an open session. Beginners are welcome.

The program is sponsored by Westport PAL and is free, but pre-registration is required. To reserve a spot, email wreckerhockey@gmail.com

Staples High School 2023-24 boys hockey team.

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Attention all veterans coping with PTSD and anxiety: Westport-based The Harmonetiks Project‘s mind/body workshops can help.

Classes begin February 27, and will be held Tuesdays at Harmonetiks (420 Post Road West, at 9 a.m., noon and 6:30 p.m. Classes are limited to 12 in-person; there is an online option too.

Westport acupuncturist and energy medicine specialist/coctor of Oriental medicine Jeffrey Zimmerman provides the treatments and self-help workshops for veterans, teaching them concrete tools to support their well-being.

Harmonetiks exercises dial down the body’s “fight/flight or freeze” response, and transition to a state of ease and harmony.

For more information, calll 203-349-5374.

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Amy Simon Fine Art has moved.

Their new home is not far — just a few yards east of the old location, to 155 Post Road East (opposite Design Within Reach).

They’ve transitioned to a showroom with full inventory, rather than a public gallery space. They’ll be open by appointment: 203-259-1500.

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Remy romps at Compo, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo.

Enjoy it, little guy. In 53 days, you’ll be banned from the beach.

(Photo/Becky Keeler)

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And finally … country music star Toby Keith died Monday. He was 62, and in 2022 was diagnosed with stomach cancer. Click here for a full obituary.

(“06880” has covered the blue house story — and many others — for years. If you enjoy our work, please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

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Roundup: 233 Hillspoint Road, 58 Saugatuck Avenue, Goats …

Posted on July 19, 2023 | 16 comments

It may not be the biggest controversy in Westport, but it is the most visible.

On this week’s “Westport … What’s Happening” podcast, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and anti-blight officer Steve Smith discuss the history — and latest action  — involving 233 Hillspoint Road: aka the blue eyesore at the old Positano restaurant near Old Mill Beach.

It’s quite a saga. Click below to listen to the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston production.

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For decades, 58 Saugatuck Avenue has been an object of intrigue.

The tiny brick storefront has housed, at various times, a barbershop, florist, catering kitchen and (perhaps) a pre-Prohibition liquor store.

58 Saugatuck Avenue before …

It’s been vacant for years though, ever since the previous tenant — a pop-up art gallery — closed.

Recently, it’s gotten a nice (and much-needed) makeover.

(Photos/JD Dworkow)

What’s going in?

The use of the building is up to the owner. Current zoning allows almost any retail use, from another catering kitchen or gallery to a law office, or an artist’s or interior designer’s studio.

One fairly big drawback: There is absolutely no parking.

The building has been on the market for months. It’s in a residentially zoned lot (with a 2-family home, also recently renovated) behind.

A zoning permit was recently issued for the storefront, authorizing its continued (non-conforming) retail use. (Hat tip: Gloria Gouveia)

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When it comes to pet health food, Earth Animal is the GOAT.

So it’s no coincidence that the Post Road all-natural shop is sponsoring Wakeman Town Farm’s summer goat program.

Earth Animal provides the goats with food, bedding, animal care, veterinary needs, pen maintenance and more to keep them healthy and happy.

The sponsorship also includes “goat classes.”

WTF’s goat husbandry program includes 30-minute private feeding and socialization sessions. Its “Bottle-Feed the Kids” class offers a goat-feeding experience, along with cuddling and playing.

Earth Animal funded the recent construction of a new animal barn at Wakeman Town Farm, adding an additional animal shelter, feed storage and veterinary care space.

Merritt and Abbey Goldstein, co-owners of Earth Animal, are not kidding around.

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The world changed forever on September 11, 2001.

On September 11, 2023, servicemembers who were injured in post-9/11 wars in Iraq and Afghanistan will benefit from a special event.

Catch a Lift — the national non-profit that provides combat-injured veterans with nutrition, fitness, emotional wellness and community help, to heal emotionally, physically and spiritually — returns for a 9th year in Fairfield County.

The Patterson Club event includes pickleball, golf, dinner, and an inspiring program. Click here for more information on tickets, sponsorships and donations.

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It’s official!

Senator Richard Blumenthal recently recognized the Westport Library, Verso Studios, and their compilation album Verso Records, Volume One, in the Congressional Record.

“This record is the product of collaboration among local artists and is the first of its kind issued by a public library,” Blumenthal said. “This endeavor is an example of Westport at its best — the vision and vibrancy of the community and its commitment to artistic achievement, powering culture throughout the State of Connecticut.”

Blumenthal added that the Library has enriched the community as a leading innovator for decades, noting the MakerSpace, Library of Things, Seed Library, Cafe and Store, and prized artwork collection.

“These resources make The Westport Library one of the best libraries in all of America — a ‘noisy library,’ as its supporters say, and a true jewel of the community.”

Senator Richard Blumenthal, at the Westport Library.

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In 2012, the Suzanne Sheridan Band performed and recorded a concert of Leonard Cohen’s music at Voices Café.

Since then, Sheridan’s band has continued the tradition in many venues. On August 6 (12:30 p.m.), Sheridan (vocals, guitar), Bob Cooper (keyboard) and Joe Meo (woodwinds) will add the VFW to the list.

There’s a $10 cover. Brunch and a Bloody Mary bar (plus mimosas) are available for an extra charge.

Click here for tickets. For more information, email info@firstfolksunday.com, or call 203-222-1441.

… with Suzanne Sheridan.

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Lyn McCarthy, development director of Caroline House, spoke yesterday to the Westport Rotary Club.

Bridgeport-based Caroline House — a regular recipient of Rotary grants — provides food, clothing, English language and life skills education to immigrant women.

Lyn McCarthy of Caroline House at the Westport Rotary Club. (Photo/Ellin Curley)

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Today’s very compelling “Westport … Naturally” photo comes from 14-year-old Emae Forman. It’s from the frog pond on Marion Road.

(Photo/Emae Forman)

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And finally … when Suzanne Sheridan channels Leonard Cohen on August 6 at the VFW, many of the tunes may be familiar. Here are 2 of my favorites:

(Hallelujah! You can help support “06880”! Please click here. Thank you!)

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