Tag Archives: 246 Hillspoint Road

Roundup: Lyman Attack, Hillspoint Demolition, Dolby Talk …

Two 550-pound Russian guided bombs injured at least 5 people on Monday, in Westport’s sister city of Lyman, Ukraine.

A photograph in the Kyiv Independent showed some of the damage:

 (Photo/Vadym Filashkin for Telegram)

Aid for our sister city is always needed. To donate to the non-profit Ukraine Aid International — founded by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer — click here. Click the “I want to support” box; then select “Support for the City of Lyman.” Scroll down on that page for other donation options (mail, wire transfer and Venmo.) (Hat tip: Thomas Jendrock)

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The tiny cottage sat at 246 Hillspoint Road, across from Old Mill Beach, for a century.

It took just a day for it to be gone.

The home — the last remaining non-modernized structure on that stretch of the street — was demolished this week.

Here was the scene yesterday:

(Photo/JD Dworkow)

Construction begins soon on its replacement.

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A large crowd enjoyed Thomas Dolby and Chris Frantz in conversation yesterday, at the Westport Library.

Dolby — a musician, producer, composer, entrepreneur and teacher who played synthesizer for David Bowie, Stevie Wonder, Joni Mitchell and others during his eclectic career — discussed his new book, “Prevailing Wind,” with the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, former Talking Head and longtime Library supporter.

Thomas Dolby (left) and Chris Frantz. (Photo/Dick Wingate)

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Also yesterday: “06880” founder Dan Woog — hey, that’s me! — was the guest speaker at the Westport Rotary Club’s weekly lunch meeting.

I had a great time, offering a peek behind the scenes at our town’s hyper-local blog.

There was a robust Q-and-A session too. Among the most interesting questions: My take on the most important events in our town’s history — the ones that helped make Westport what it is today.

My answer was — nope, sorry. What’s said at a Rotary meeting stays at a Rotary meeting!

Dan Woog, at yesterday’s Rotary Club meeting. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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This Saturday, Stop & Shop is the place to stop, shop — and donate food.

The Westport Police Department and Westport Sunrise Rotary are hosting a food drive, at the Post  Road East supermarket. All donations support Homes with Hope and the Department of Human Service’s food pantries.

Police officers and volunteers will accept non-perishable food items and cash donations, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Suggested donated items include applesauce, breakfast bars, macaroni and cheese, canned vegetables, canned fruit, canned meat and tuna, canned Soup & Stew, Cup of Noodles soup and ramen noodles, cereal, gluten-free foods (pasta, soups, cereals), granola and protein bars, hamburger or tuna helper, Hearty Soups, ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, oatmeal, pancake mix and syrup, pasta and sauce, peanut butter and jelly, rice, and miscellaneous snacks. No glass jars, please!

If you would like to volunteer or have a large pick-up, call Anna Rycenga (203-763.9656).

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“The Best Is Yet to Come!”

That’s the message from the Westport Country Playhouse — and the name of the show celebrating Cy Coleman’s greatest hits. (It’s also the title of one of his most famous songs.)

The September 14 fundraiser features Kristin Chenoweth and Mary-Mitchell Campbell, performing the multiple Emmy, Grammy and Tony Award winner’s music.

In addition, the Playhouse’s 2024 Leadership Award will be presented to longtime board member (and TEAM Westport chair) Harold Bailey, Jr., and his wife, civic volunteer Bernicestine McLeod Bailey.

Tickets are $1,000, $500 and $300. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

Kristin Chenoweth

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The Wednesday Norwalk Community Health Center Farmers’ Market has included onsite meals made by Katie Gervasio. She uses farm produce, and offers samples along with recipes to make them at home.

A voucher program provides customers with bags of fresh-picked vegetables.

What’s makes the market special is its voucher program for the NCHC’s patients with low income. Vouchers have been funded primarily by sponsors, but they have to be rationed near the end of the season.

To supplement the funds, the Health Center hosts a comedy night at Westport’s Joseph J. Clinton VFW Post 399 on Friday, July 26 (7 p.m.).

There will be 3 comedians, plus raffles, a live auction, cash bar and pub grub. Click here for tickets.

If the event’s name — Funny Farm — is any indication, it will be a very  hilarious night.

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This photo is from Monday. But it’s so dramatic it’s worth posting, a few days late.

Jonathan Rosenour captured this lightning strike over Saugatuck Shores, during a very brief afternoon storm:

(Photo/Jonathan Rosenoer)

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It’s hot and humid.

But Westport’s beauty continues. And it’s very, very “cool.”

Here’s today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature, from George and Bevi Bullwinkel’s yard:

(Photo/Bevi Bullwinkel)

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And finally … in honor of the Westport Country Playhouse’s upcoming benefit tribute to Cy Coleman (story above), here’s my all-time favorite performance, of his all-time best song:

(From world affairs to entertainment, food drives to real estate, “06880” is your blog for hyper-local news. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

Roundup: Birds Of Prey, Little Lanternflies, Nice Threads …

Several years ago, Earthplace lost its longtime supplier of donated raptor food.

Now they have to raise $24,000 each year, to feed birds of prey that have found a home at the environmental and educational non-profit.

Among them: Moody and Marble. The barred owls arrived at Earthplace 12 years ago, with injuries that prevented them from surviving on their own.

They’ve been cared for ever since. Today, they are beloved by all who visit.

Generous donors have pledged a match up to $12,000. Between now and July 31, all tax-deductible gifts are doubled. Reaching that goal would feed all the Earthplace raptors for a year.

Click here to contribute, and for more information.

Earthplace owl.

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Speaking of nature: Linda Montecalvo read yesterday’s Roundup item about the return of spotted lanternflies.

She sends a photo of young ones, who seem to be everywhere. “People might want to ID them in their yards, since they look so different than the adults,” she writes.

Here they are — looking both beautiful and gross:

(Photo/Linda Montecalvo)

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The end is here for 246 Hillspoint Road.

The century-old cottage — the last of its kind facing Old Mill Beach — is being demolished today.

In its place: a new home. Surprisingly, given the town=wide trend, it will be non-overpowering, non-towering, and designed with its tiny lot in mind.

Early this morning … (Photo/Totney Benson)

… and less than an hour ago. (Photo/Matt Murray)

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“06880” likes to highlight local businesses, and their community work.

Suzanne Sherman Propp gives a shout-out to Nice Threads.

Tim Nash’s Kings Highway North company Nice Threads provides custom- decorated merchandise to schools and businesses around New England. Their logo-wear and swag is well known and popular throughout Westport.

Suzanne — who often uses Nice Threads to create materials for Greens Farms Elementary School, where she teaches — recently recommended Nash’s firm to he rsister Caroline, whose Broadway show “Empire The Musical” opened off-Broadway yesterday. (Spoiler alert: It’s about construction of the Empire State Building.)

Caroline and Suzanne’s niece Sophia Sherman (Staples High School Class of 2018) created the “Empire” logo. Her father Alex Sherman (Staples ’85) created the slogan: “A New Musical Based on a True Building.”

Tim helped Caroline put the logo and slogan — which has been plastered on taxis, buses, billboards and garbage cans throughout New York — on hats, water bottles and t-shirts.

It’s a great partnership. But even though 2 generations of Shermans were involved, Tim’s family has a much longer Westport pedigree.

Daniel Nash helped found the town, in 1835.

And his relatives have been in what was then Norwalk — on the pond that now bears their name — since at least 1701.

The “Empire” logo on New York buses is available on locally made swag too.

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Helen McAlinden returned this week from the National Conference on Ending Homelessness, followed by a day of meetings with legislators on Capitol Hill.

Both events provided opportunities for service providers, leaders, advocates, and people with lived experience of homelessness to learn from each other, discuss best practices, and share innovations in the field.

McAlinden — the CEO of Homes with Hope, Westport’s non-profit organization addressing homelessness and hunger — met personally with Senator Chris Murphy, Congressman Jim Himes, and aides to Senator Richard Blumenthal.

Helen McAlinden (3rd from left) and Rep. Jim Himes (far right), in the Connecticut congressman’s Washington office.

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Tonight’s free Levitt Pavilion show is a don’t-miss event, for fans of many musical genres.

Black Opry Revue honors the significant, and often overlooked, contributions of Black artists to country, blues, folk and Americana music.

The lawn opens at 6:30 (Friday, July 12). The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Click here for information, and free tickets.

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Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between July 3 and 10.

a 20-year-old Weston man was arrested for larceny, identity theft and receipt of goods from illegal use of a credit card. He allegedly stole credit cards from a Westport Weston Family YMCA locker room, then used them in the SoNo Mall.

Police also issued these citations:

  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 15 citations
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 9
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 9
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 8
  • Driving while texting: 3
  • Distracted driving: 3
  • Failure to renew registration: 3
  • Simple trespass: 3
  • Speeding: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
  • Failure to drive in the proper lane: 2
  • Reckless driving: 1
  • Illegal entry to a limited access highway: 1
  • Improper turn: 1
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
  • Failure to insure a motor vehicle: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
  • Failure to carry a license: 1
  • Improper use of markers: 1

Not everyone can drive on the Merritt Parkway. Trucks, buses and other large vehicles are prohibited.

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Pink Aid is a wonderful organization. They do wonderful work, supporting women and families in the area impacted by breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery. Pink Aid provides compassionate support, critical resources and emergency financial assistance.

But they can’t do it alone.

On July 22 (11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.), a “Play 4 Pink Aid” event at Rolling Hills Country Club will raise crucial funds.

They’ve covered all their bases. “Play” opportunities include golf, tennis, pickleball, mah jongg and canasta.

Every attendee receives a code for a $125 shopping spree from fashion sponsor Golftini. Click here to register, and for more details.

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MoCA CT’s Artisan Marketplace Summer Series continues this Sunday (July 14, noon to 4 p.m.).

It’s a chance to support local artisans and their creations — jewelry, pottery, textiles, artwork — in an outdoor setting. Click here for details.

MoCA’s unique building, on Newtown Turnpike.

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Playing with Legos is a growing-up experience for many children. Their parents participate with varying degrees of enthusiasm.

Abby Margolis Newman dreaded the time her middle son Aaron spent with the interlocking pieces.

But he loved it — so much so that it became his career. He found an adult community of Lego lovers, learned Danish, was hired by the company as a designer, and has built a career with them.

Recently, Abby — a 1979 Staples High School graduate — got a glimpse into her son’s world, on a trip to New York. She writes movingly about her new understanding of the importance of Legos in his life, in an essay published Monday in the Los Angeles Times. Click here to read.

Abby Margolis Newman

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Before the town of Westport bought Longshore in 1960 ($1.9 million, including the golf course, tennis courts, pool, Inn and more), it was a failing country club.

That’s about $16 million, in today’s dollars.

Seth Schachter spotted a remnant of those 1950s-era days on eBay. This pin is for sale, for $59.90. (In 1960, it would have gone for $7.50.)

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” comes from Wakeman Town Farm.

Alice shows off her 3-day-old baby, Raisin. (She has another baby, named Apricot.)

They’re the newest additions, at the always-exciting Cross Highway farm.

(Photo/Tracy Porosoff)

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And finally … Rod Argent — founding member, keyboardist and songwriter of one of the most underrated ’60s groups, the Zombies — will retire from touring, after a recent stroke. The band canceled all upcoming tours. (Hat tip: Michael Taylor)

(It’s always the time of the season to support “06880.” Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thanks for your help!)

Pics Of The Day #2616

Classic Hillspoint Road scenes: Old Mill Grocery & Deli …

… and the last, soon-to-be-demolished cottage (Photos/Dave Dellinger)

Roundup: Another Hillspoint Home, ShoutOut LA, Church Organ …

Yesterday’s Roundup featured a $7.9 million house. It’s being built on one of the most famous spots in Westport: 233 Hillspoint Road, site of the former Positano restaurant.

Diagonally across the street, at 246 Hillspoint, there’s another well-known home. Built in 1930, it’s the last remaining bungalow on the increasingly modern (and pricey)  stretch of water-view road.

Of course you know it:

At 695 square feet, with 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom on a 3,049-square foot lot, it could have been yours — for a mere $2 million.

But you had to act fast. Offers were due by Sunday

I don’t know a lot about real estate. But I’m guessing the buyer does not plan to live there as is.

So that $2 million is just a starting point. (Hat tip: John Richers)

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David Winther graduated from Staples High School in 2006. He went on to a career as a talent agent (focusing on music and arena touring. He works now in Los Angeles at Elite World Group as a director of global partnerships. He also owns Winther Agency, which strikes brand and licensing deals for content creators.

The other day, he was interviewed by ShoutOut LA. Asked who deserved credit for his success, he gave shout-outs to 2 people from his Westport past: his mother Lynn, and his mentor Jack Klinge.

David said:

My 2 sisters and I got to grow up in Westport, CT, an affluent town with great education systems that push kids academically, athletically etc. to excel. She worked 2 fulltime jobs to get us a “slot” in that town. Ma missed a lot of soccer games, football games, lacrosse games, band recitals to afford that town. I think there was a certain teenage angst I had where I didn’t understand it and actually grew distant from her for a while. Now, in my mid-30s I see what she did and what she keeps doing and how much she gave for her kids. I know she would do it again in a second.

Second, Jack Klinge. I didn’t have a father figure at all my entire life. The town of Westport has a great program that mentors kids who may not have the “typical” nuclear family… In my case I was a latchkey kid in a rich town. Jack and I met when I was in 2nd grade and we started off our first day by going outside and playing soccer against each other. The relationship was great. He became more like a grandfather figure who would give me sage advice and be at my games. He would be proud. I know he is proud, even though I thoroughly believe he still doesn’t understand what I do, haha!

Thank you Mom. Thank you Jack.

In a follow-up conversation, David told “06880”:

I owe everything I am as a person and a professional to my upbringing and my roots. My roots will always be with Westport. Without the strong leaders like Cathy Schager, Jack Klinge, John Dodig, David Roth and many many more, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

To any parent reading this: Please trust in Westport. There is a special love and care for its community to succeed in whatever they want to do in life.

Click here to read the full ShoutOut LA story.

David Winther (Photo courtesy of Steven Shutters/ShoutOut LA)

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Rick Tripodi was the beloved music director and organist at Green’s Farms Congregational Church.

That organ was close to Rick’s heart. As a teenager in 1965, he attended its  dedication.

Classically trained, with a master’s degree in organ performance from Juilliard, Rick designed the refurbishment of the Peragallo/Walker organ during the church’s recent renovation project.

Sadly, he died just 2 days before the instrument was reinstalled.

The organ will be re-dedicated this Sunday (November 20, 4 p.m.). Justin Bischof — known internationally for his improvisations — will play. His program will include themes submitted by the audience.

The public is invited. A reception will follow.

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More than 5 weeks ago, an “06880” Roundup featured a gaunt deer, whose entire face was entangled in a badminton net.

It was gaunt — probably because it could not see to eat.

The deer is still wandering around Westport. Yesterday, it was in Jilda Manikas’ yard.

The good news: The net no longer covers its eyes. It looks a bit healthier — though certainly not happier.

(Photo/Jilda Manikas)

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Pianist Brian Marsella returns to “Jazz at the Post” this Thursday (November 17; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 6:30 p.m.; VFW Post 399, 465 Riverside Avenue).

He’s joined by bassist Reid Taylor, drummer Brian Floody and the “Jazz Rabbi,” saxophonist Greg Wall.

The cover charge is $15. Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.

Brian Marsella

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George Billis Gallery hosts an opening reception for artists Elizabeth Higgins, Dean Fisher and Josephine Robinson.

It’s this Thursday (5 to 8 p.m.) at Billis’ new location: 180 Post Road East. New work is also available.

“Pear Tree” (Dean Fisher)

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The entrance to Burying Hill Beach teems with life.

Peter Gold captured today’s “Westport … Naturally” image at that often-overlooked site.

(Photo/Peter Gold)

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And finally … what will you see and hear if you visit Green’s Farms Church on Sunday, for the dedication of their new organ?

If you’re intrigued by the idea of an improvisational organist (story above), click below:

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