Tag Archives: 254 Hillspoint Road

Photo Challenge #509

Beach season may be ebbing.

But plenty of folks still drive along Hillspoint Road, from Schlaet’s Point to Old Mill Beach.

Along the way, they see the construction taking place at 254 Hillspoint Road.

A long, low wooden home has been demolished. In its place rises a massive new home. The site was extensively blasted, with plenty of concrete poured for what seemed at first like a bunker.

But the construction trailer in front looks nothing like a typical makeshift office. Instead, it’s been gussied up to show the many passersby just what the interior of the home could look like, when finished.

That was the subject of last week’s Photo Challenge (click here to see). 

It was hardly a challenge to many readers. Fred Cantor, Emily Gordon, Paul Edward Cahill, Dave Eason, Cat Malkin, Joelle Berger, Matt Murray, Andrew Colabella, Karen Como, Jerry Kuyper, Seth Schachter, Nathan Greenbaum, Seth Braunstein, Michael Szeto, Lisa Hayes, Judy Reid, Michael Simso, Laura Streitfeld, Michael Calise, Lynn Wilson, Nancie Rinaldi, Arthur Hayes and Deering Rose all knew exactly where and what it was.

A couple of readers said it was too easy. One complained, “Really, Dan??”

Yes, really.

Our Photo Challenge is only as challenging as the photos readers submit. If you’ve never contributed one, you can’t complain about what others send. As the saying goes: “If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.”

Now, if you know the solution to this week’s Photo Challenge, click “Comments” below.

(Photo/Susan Garment)

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!)

 

 

Roundup: Online Game, Theater, Bunker …

Couch Potato Salad — the very cool word game created by 2001 Staples High School graduate (and returned-to-home Westporter) Zack Gross — is better than ever.

With the help of Joshua Jordan — the spectacularly talented 2024 Staples grad (and rising Georgetown University freshman) — the game is even more engaging, and easier to use.

The game is the same: Every day, users get an AI-generated image of a word puzzle. There are 2 common phrases, linked by a common word. For example:

This is the title: “Couch Potato Salad”

Or:

“Smart Cookie Monster.”

Now, the puzzles have been organized into levels. And users can play together, in groups, on the app.

Also new: a hint systems; speech-to-text; more chances to solve; better graphics, and a cleaner interface.

Check it out. But beware: It’s addictive.

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The Westport Country Playhouse has a 93-year tradition of presenting top-notch plays and musicals. This year, they’ve added concerts, cabarets, one-person shows, and much more.

This month, they’ll host tours — and a tag sale.

“From the Page to the Stage” guided tours are available by reservation on Friday, August 23 and Saturday, August 24, from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

Participants will visit backstage, the greenroom, dressing rooms, the scene shop and wardrobe room. They’ll see posters, photos, costume designs, set models, and (of course) the historic stage.

Tour guide Bruce Miller, Playhouse archivist, will also tell tales about the productions and artists, spanning nearly a century of shows.

There is no fee for the tour, but donations are encouraged. Click here for reservations.

The tag sale is Saturday, August 10 (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.). It features wardrobe items, including more than 100 shirts – tees, casual, business, tux shirts – for only $1; pants for $2; shoes for $5, plus a selection of show pieces at special prices. Also on sale: Playhouse memorabilia including posters, scripts, and props.

The August 10 tag sale will include memorabilia from the Westport Country Playhouse’s 93-year history. (Photo/Wells Studio)

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Speaking of the Playhouse: “Cheese Fries & Chili Dips” — very funny (and equally poignant) one-man show, written and performed by Westonite Chris Fuller — comes to the Playhouse Sheffer Barn August 22 and 23 (7:30 p.m.).

It center around Fuller’s dream to play on the PGA Tour — while living with bipolar disorder. He details the difficulties of competing in tournaments while his mind raced out of control with sudden mood swings, setting him on a path to self-destruction. He tells his tale with insights, clarity — and plenty of humor.

Fittingly, it’s a benefit for the International Mental Health Foundation.

All tickets are $25. The include a pre-show party (6:30 p.m.) with music, complimentary margaritas and nachos, and tips from Golf Performance Center pros. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

PS: Fuller will give a copy of his book (“Goodnight, Golf!”) to an audience participant, after an onstage putting contest during the show.

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Speaking of entertainment: Westport’s own Drew Angus entertained a large, enthusiastic crowd last night, at the Levitt Pavilion.

The free shows continue tonight (7:30 p.m.). Blue Note supergroup Artemis takes the stage, en route to the Newport Jazz Festival. They’ve been named Downbeat Readers’ Poll Jazz Group of the Year, and Jazz Journalists Association Mid-Sized Ensemble of the Year.

Saturday’s 5:30 p.m. concert (Pink Talking Fish, with Telula) is a ticketed event ($25).

Sunday (7 p.m.) features the West Point Concert Band. That’s another free one.

Click here for tickets (free and paid), and more information.

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Speaking still of entertainment: The Westport Community Theatre has announced its 67th season.

Shows include “The Pavilion” (September 13-29), “The Other Place” November 15-December 1), “Pride and Prejudice” (January 31-February 16), “Agnes of God” (March 28-April 13), and “Ken Ludwig’s The Gods of Comedy” (June 6-22).

Click here for tickets — including discount prices, priority seating, bonus tickets to share with friends, and free admission to staged readings and special presentations.

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Looking for family- and ecologically friendly activities for August?

Here are some of the activities at Earthplace:

  • Butterfly ID Walk (August 3, 10 a.m.; $10 members, $15 non-members)
  • Winged Wonders: Meet Freckle (August 4, 1 p.m.; free with admission)
  • Craft ‘n’ Sip: Butterfly Puddlers (August 8, 6 p.m.; $30 members, $40 non-members)
  • Build a Bouquet (August 7, 10 a.m. members only, $20 per family; August 16 and 25, 3 p.m., open to all, $25 per family)
  • Summer Blooms: Wildflower ID Walk (August 10, 1 p.m.; $8 members, $10 non-members)
  • Organic Gardening (August 15, 3 p.m.; $5 members, $10 non-members)
  • Invasive Plant Removal Day (August 21, 10 a.m.; free).

Click here for registration, and more information.

Butterflies are just one attraction at Earthplace. (Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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The Westport Farmers’ Market is a great place for fresh produce, herbs, meats, bread, baked goods, pet food, pizza and tacos.

The Imperial Avenue parking lot is also the spot every Thursday for live music, and a rotating series of informational booths for very worthy non-profits.

Yesterday, shoppers were reminded to vote.

The message was delivered — typically, for the Farmers’ Market — in a sustainable way.

A non-partisan project — backed by the office of Connecticut’s Secretary of the State — uses recycled wire lawn signs to spread the word that a primary election is August 13. The general election follows in November.

Shoppers were urged to make their own signs, to fit into those wire holders.

And when those reminders are over, maybe candidates will use those wire lawn signs a third time.

New use for old signs. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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What’s with the new construction at 254 Hillspoint Road?

After blasting into the hillside below Sherwood Drive, builders laid a foundation that’s a lot sturdier than you see in a normal home.

The newest addition: very strong steel beams.

(Photo/Richard Fogel)

Passersby — and there are many, on the well-traveled road, wonder: Is it a home?

Or a bunker?

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Howard Edelstein spotted this sight at Saugatuck Shores:

(Photo/Howard Edelstein)

He writes: “I know that there are a million very good reasons to live in Westport. But this photo — taken at 6:30 a.m. — says it all.

“I’ve seen paddle boarding and yoga. But to do yoga and meditate on a paddle board while standing on your head is a first for me.”

Howard says the man — whose name is Gil — floated out toward Longshore, then back.

Very, very peacefully.

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Speaking of the water: The 37th annual Swim Across the Sound splashes off tomorrow (Saturday, August 3).

The open water event draws swimmers from across the country and raises thousands of dollars to support cancer patients and their families.

The event is sponsored by Hartford HealthCare St. Vincent’s Medical Center.

Among the scores of swimmers: Westport resident and orthopedic surgeon Dr. Lauren Fabian.

This is her second Swim Across the Sound. Last year, she swam with friends she met at the Westport Weston Family YMCA.

This year, she’s part of the Orthopedic Specialty Group team, based in Fairfield.

“We always look for opportunities to get involved and give back to the community,” she says. “My partners are excited to get out of their comfort zones for a great cause.”

Dr. Lauren Fabian

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The early bird gets the worm.

And the craft beer.

“Early bird tickets” are on sale for Westoberfest. The 7th annual craft beer-and-fall festival is set for September 21 (2 to 5 p.m.), in downtown Westport. The event is sponsored by the Westport Downtown Association.

The price through August 31 is $45. Tickets go up to $50 on September 1, and are $55 at the event. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

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Jill Schary Robinson, an author and journalist who chronicled her life growing up in Hollywood — but spent several years in Westport too as an adult — died  July 19 at her Beverly Hills home. She was 88.

Robinson was the daughter of  playwright, screenwriter and MGM executive Dore Schary. She wrote her first novel, “Perdido,” while living here.

Click here for a full obituary. (Hat tip: Fred Cantor)

Jill Schary Robinson (Photo/Bernard Gotfryd, via Library of Congress)

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As July turned to August, only a few of these were left at Baron’s South.

Today’s colorful “Westport … Naturally” feature comes courtesy of Molly Alger.

(Photo/Molly Alger)

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And finally … today is the first day of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

The event – begun in 1938 in the Black Hills of South Dakota, originally for stunts and races — has grown into a 10-day event. It draws 500,000 people, and generates $800 million in revenue.

(Get your motor runnin’. Head out on the highway. Then click here to donate to “06880,” your hyper-local blog. Thanks for your support!)

 

Roundup: Lyman Library Talk Video, Kindergarten Change, Paul Newman’s Projectors …

Earlier today, Russian artillery killed 8 civilians and injured 13, in Westport’s sister city of Lyman, Ukraine.

Just 2 days ago, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Police Chief Foti Koskinas and CNN’s Alisyn Camerota drew a large crowd, for their discussion of the town officials’ recent trip to the Donetsk region.

Plenty of others could not make the 2 p.m. event.

Fortunately, the Westport Library and Y’s Men of Westport and Weston taped it all. Click below, for a very important hour.

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A little-publicized state law change may have big implications for Westport’s littlest residents.

And their parents.

Governor Lamont signed bill HB 06880 (a total coincidence; nothing to do with the name of this blog) into law on June 27.

It covers a variety of education topics. But one significant change is that beginning with the 2024-25 school year, the kindergarten age cutoff changes from December 31 that school year to September 1, so that any student entering kindergarten must already be 5 years old.

Because enrollment in private “5s” programs generally begins in early fall, families with students who will now be ineligible for kindergarten for the 2024-25 school year may need to think about private options.

Click here for the full bill. The relevant section begins on page 3. (Hat tip: Caroline Ferson)

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Ever wanted to go inside Paul Newman’s projection room?

Now you can. It will just cost you at least $700.

Liveauctioneers.com posted this listing for “The Projection Room, Westport, CT”:

“Simplex 35 mm Projectors PR-1003 with Kowa Company Ltd. and other lenses; Kni-tron Xenon Lamp Houses L-100-3 (5134, 5138) with Simplex Electric Changes Overs SA5 (188C, 182C) …” — and 8 other lines of similar technical stuff.

Then came the money shot: “The Newman’s [sic] Westport, CT barn housed a full projection room for screening movies. The above-listed equipment is being sold as-is, to be de-installed and picked up by the buyer in Westport, CT at their expense.” Click here for more information, and to bid. (Hundreds of other Newman items are listed too.)

The projection equipment’s estimated worth is $1,500 to $3,000. The cost of de-installing it yourself in the late actor’s barn: priceless. (Hat tip: Frank Rosen)

A small part of Paul Newman’s projection equipment.

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The teardown of 254 Hillspoint Road has been followed by demolition of a rock ledge.

The work has been followed closely, by the hundreds of people who walk daily between Compo and Old Mill Beach.

(Photo/Nathan Greenbaum)

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David Bigelow — who lived most of his life in Westport, and with his wife Eunice helped turn Fairfield-based Bigelow Tea company. and its “Constant Comment,” into a national leader in flavored tea — died last month. He was 96.

A celebration of his life is set for August 25 (11 a.m., Greenfield Hill Congregational Church, Fairfield). Memorial contributions to the David and Eunice Bigelow Foundation can be made online, or to 201 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield, CT 06825.

Click here for a full CT Insider story. Click here for the full obituary.

David and Eunice Bigelow

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Longtime Westporter Gerald “Jerry” Minsky died Thursday at Yale New Haven Hospital. He was 78.

A graduate of Abraham Lincoln High School of Coney Island, New York and the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, he earned an MBA from the University of Buffalo.

Jerry was an executive and mentor in the finance industry for many years. He was an innovator of computer leases and tax shelters, and was involved with the program that put the first camera on the moon.

His family says, “He was a world traveler, who always knew the best places to eat. He loved jazz and blues, and enjoyed cigars in the backyard. He played basketball, and was the first Ben Franklin Mascot.

“Jerry was also an avid tennis and pickleball player, and a late believer in the game of golf. He was an extremely intellectual person who loved reality TV, and family was the center of his world.”

Jerry is survived by his wife Lynne Minsky of Westport; sons Greg and Geoff;  grandchildren Jack, Maddie and Sadie Minsky; nephews Richard (Som) Stein and Daniel (Wannarawee) Stein; great-nephew Tankhun Stein, and his cherished dog, Mickey. He was predeceased by his sister Arlene.

A memorial service will be held tomorrow (Sunday, July 9, 3 p.m., Temple). To join a live stream and share a condolence message, click here. Shiva will be observed at the Minsky residence on Sunday following the service, and on Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Mozaic Senior Life (formerly Jewish Senior Services), 4200 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604.

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Milkweed comes in many forms — all vital for monarch butterflies Here’s one, courtesy of Werner Liepolt, for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

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And finally … on this date in 1889, the Wall Street Journal published its first edition.

(Hey, Mr. Businessman: “06880” is a great investment! If you appreciate what we do every day — and have done for 14 years — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Please click here. Thank you!

Roundup: College Choices, Hillspoint Teardown, Lyman Party …

The Staples High School Class of 2023 graduated Tuesday.

This fall, they’ll head out across the country — and beyond.

Here are the top college choices for the 430 graduating seniors:

  • University of Connecticut (includes Storrs, Stamford and Waterbury campuses): 19 students
  • Indiana University-Bloomington: 15
  • Pennsylvania State University-main campus, and Syracuse University: 11 each
  • University of Colorado-Boulder: 10
  • Northeastern University: 9
  • University of Wisconsin-Madison and Virginia Tech: 8 each
  • Tulane University: 7
  • American University, Lehigh University, Miami University, Norwalk Community College, the University of Texas-Austin and University of Miami: 6 each
  • Boston University, Elon University, Fordham University, New York University, University of Vermont and Vanderbilt University: 5 each.

Twelve students are attending universities outside the US. The furthest is the American College of Greece. All told, they will attend 179 different post-secondary institutions.

The #1 intended major is business/accounting/finance. Second is “undecided,” followed by political science/international relations.

Four are joining the military, or attending a military academy.

In addition, 20 graduates have these plans:

  • 2-year college: 7 students
  • Vocational/trade school: 6
  • Employment: 4
  • Post-graduate year: 3,

(Hat tip: Staples High School counseling department; Inklings)

The most popular school for Staples graduates.

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The wrecking ball came today for 254 Hillspoint Road.

The 3-bedroom, 2 1/2-bathroom, 2,866-square foot home on .54 acre, with 120 linear feet of waterfront, was built in 1952. It’s a familiar sight to the many people who walk between Compo Beach and Old Mill.

It sold recently for $5 million.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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When Westporters gather July 9 to celebrate our new sister city — Lyman, Ukraine — we’ll do so with a boost from our long-time and first sister city, Marigny-le-Lozon, France.

The ties forged nearly 80 years ago still endure. Our French friends — who first came up with the idea of joining to help a Ukrainian town, just as Westport did for Marigny after World War II.

Marigny is sending:

  • 3 special sweatshirts, which say “Westport/Marigny-le-Lozon/Lyman”
  • 3 copies of the 700-page book “601 Towns & Villages in La Manche,” with a special bi-lingual, handwritten dedication
  • 1 bottle of “hors d’âge” calvados. It’s a drink that American GIs enjoyed in 1944.

Attendees will get a chance to win the books — and much, much more — at the LymanAID event July 9 (1 p.m. to 7 p.m., Ukrainian-American Club, Southport).

It’s a chance for the community to come together, as thanks for raising $252,000 last winter for Lyman (pronounced LEE-mon).

It’s a free family-friendly day filled with food, fun and music.

There is no admission. You don’t have to pay anything for snacks, drinks and entertainment.

But there will be plenty of opportunities to help Lyman too — including raffles, a treasure sale, Yankee auction, coffee table book pull, plant sale, “LymanADE” stand and more.

There are two tiers of VIP tickets, too. $350 include reserved seating, a commemorative gift, open bar, homemade Ukrainian-inspired meal and more.

VIP Plus tickets ($1,000) receive all those benefits , plus signage with your family name or company logo, a message for the Ukrainian people, and a Ukraine flag signed by Mayor Alexander Zhuravlov.

To RSVP, purchase VIP tickets and for more information, click here. To make a direction directly now, click here; under “Designation,” click on “Westport-Lyman Sister City” in the dropdown menu.

NOTE: The entire event has been privately underwritten. No Ukrainian Aid International funds will be used. All money raised will go directly to Westport’s sister city. 

The Marigny book and dedication flank a bottle of calvados. All are gifts from our sister city of Marigny, as prizes at the July 9 LymanAID event for other city in Ukraine.

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Welcome to the Westport Police Department’s newest officer: Melissa Bike.

The 24-year-old graduate of St. Joseph High School earned a BA in criminal justice investigative services, and a master’s in emergency management from the University of New Haven (where she also starred in softball). After college, she interned with Stamford Superior Court.

Police Chief Foti Koskinas and new police officer Melissa Bike.

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Yesterday’s Pics of the Day carried an incorrect photo credit.

The beautiful shot of a rainbow over Staples High School should have been credited to Jen Kobetitsch. Apologies for the editing error!

(Photo/Jen Kobetitsch)

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The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport celebrates the summer solstice with a labyrinth walk.

Sure, it’s a bit early: this Saturday (June 17, 2 to 4 p.m.).

But there will be talks by applied mathematician Dr. Bart Stuck, and Jungian astrologer Rev. Marjorie Partch, plus sacred music; a mandala coloring meditation, and a chance to “sync up with ongoing lunar cycles to re-focus your intention to manifest your unique potential ~ as revealed in your birth chart ~ with ongoing New & Full Moon Manifestation Circles at Yoga Shala.”

The congregation adds: “Labyrinths have been used for millennia for inner peace, contemplation, walking meditation, spiritual healing, and prayer. The circular paths are a spiritual technology designed to facilitate insight, transformation, and awakening.”

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Our Minute Man looks better than ever.

But — like all of us — the town symbol needs care and attention. He got it this week.

Photographer Jamie Klein did not get the worker’s name. But we thank him for his attention to the Minute Man — and his plaque.

(Photo/Jamie Klein)

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All is set for today’s Bedford Middle School moving up ceremony, at Wakeman Field.

Congratulations, 8th graders! Enjoy the next 4 years. They will pass very, very quickly.

(Photo/Robert Augustyn)

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La Batalla del Vino — the “Battle of Wine” — takes place every June 29 in Haro, a town in the Rioja Alta region of Spain that is home to nearly half of the area’s vineyyards.

DeTAPAS celebrates the annual tradition this year. They won’t be spraying each other with wine from bottles and water guns, the way they’ve done in Haro since the 10th century.

But owner Carlos Pia promises a 6-course tapas and wine pairing, with 6 wines from Rioja.

The cost is $75 per person. Reservations are required: 203-557-0257;  hola@detapasrestaurant.com.

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MoCA Westport’s summer exhibitions feature contemporary artists Richard Tsao and Sao.

Tsao was born in Thailand, and lives in New York. Sao — a native of Portugal — now lives in Southport. Both work with color. Tsao uses accumulative, and Sao layered, washes.

An opening reception is June 28 (6 to 8 p.m.). The event is free for MoCA members, $10 for non-members. Click here to reister.

“Moon Dust” (Richard Tsao)

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Singer/songwriter PJ Pacifico kicks off the Weston History & Culture Center’s 8th annual “Music at the Barn” series on June 25 (5:30 p.m.).

Bring a picnic dinner, BYOB and lawn char. Tickets ($15 members, $20 non-members; children under 12 free) are available at the door (gate?) or in advance. WHCC Members: $15 per person; General admission: $20 per person; Children

In addition to the music there is a kids crafting table, lawn games, and a walk through the  sculpture garden.

PJ’s band’s debut single “Coming Up For Air” debuted on “Grey’s Anatomy.” It shot to #1 on the iTunes singer/songwriter chart, and was featured on Spotify’s New Music Friday playlist.

PJ Pacifico

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Edward L. “Ted” Garrity died peacefully at home on June 4. He was 98.

He was a Michigan native, but grew up in Missouri. After high school he enlisted in the US Army Air Corps, where he earned his wings. He became a B-24 and B-25 instructor at the age of 19.

In 1951, after completing his education at the University of Arizona he was hired as a pilot for United Airlines. He met his wife Cathym who was working in the Denver pilot office. In 1963 they moved to Westport, where they raised 5 children.

During his 34year career at United he flew over a dozen types of aircraft. He began on a Douglas DC-3, then turboprop aircraft, advancing to United’s first jets, before finishing on the Boeing 747.

He quickly rose through the ranks to become an instructor, flight manager and a chief pilot. He continued to fly smaller airplanes for fun after he retired from United in 1984.

During his free time he loved taking his family on ski vacations, sailing, collecting model trains, and staying active around the house. He could fix almost anything, and always lent a helping hand.  He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

Ted was also active in the community as a member of The Westport Y’s Men.

Ted was predeceased by his daughter Deborah. He is survived by his wife Catherine of 70 years, and their children Michael, David, Linda, Thomas, and 8 grandchildren.

A celebration of Ted’s life will be held at the Saugatuck Congregational Church on June 24 (2 p.m.).

Ted Garrity

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A gull enjoys a crabby Burying Hill Beach breakfast, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature:

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … in honor of the popular college for the Staples High School Class of 2023:

 (Click here to honor a graduate, through a donation to “06880.” Make sure to let us know who your grad is. Thank you!)

Roundup: Clocks Ahead, CHEF Fund, Verso University …

Tonight is the night we love to hate.

We lose an hour’s sleep — but we gain an hour of sunlight for the next 8 months. Set your clocks ahead for Daylight Saving Time.*

If you’re one of those who forgets between now and bedtime: Stick a Post-It note on the clock by your bed.

Sweet (if shortened) dreams!

* Yes, it’s officially daylight “saving,” not “savings.” Who knew?

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In the aftermath of the death of Matthew Balga — the chef killed on Riverside Avenue last Saturday night, after leaving work at The Whelk — his co-workers and family have organized a fundraiser. Money raised will support culinary education in Connecticut.

“Chef Matteo” had worked for For the Food restaurant owners Bill Taibe and Rachel Golan for over 18 years. Friends said he loved classic cars, played the guitar, had a sarcastic wit, and “most of all, was a loving man who loved to cook.”

The Connecticut Hospitality Educational Foundation (CHEF) is the non-profit philanthropic arm of the Connecticut Restaurant Association. It provides education for future restaurant industry professionals, workforce development opportunities and scholarships. Click here to contribute. (Hat tip: Westport Magazine)

Chef Matthew Balga

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The Westport Library offers plenty of innovative spaces and technologies, aimed at 21st century models of literacy and learning.

This spring, there will be more.

The Library is launching “Verso University.” The year-round series of high-level classes, workshops and lectures will further education and “learning for a lifetime.”

Offerings include one-time lectures, ongoing courses, and classes that meet weekly or monthly. They cover a wide variety of topics, with appeal to all ages and interests.

“Spring semester” includes

Launch Lecture: Martin Yellin on Space (Monday, March 13, 1 to 2 p.m.): Longtime Westporter and scientist Martin Yellin will provide an overview of the fascinating and unexpected discoveries made in space, and how we’ve begun to understand where we are and how we got here. Click here for more information.

The Range of Literary Realism: 4 Masterpieces of 21st Century Fiction, with Dr. Mark Schenker (Tuesdays, April 4 & 18, May 2 & 16, 2 to 3 p.m.): The noted lecturer in English at Yale University examines novels that reflect the range of literary realism as portrayed in 21st century fiction:

  • April 4: Wolf Hall, by Hilary Mantel
  • April 18: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, by Mark Haddon
  • May 2: Life After Life, by Kate Atkinson
  • May 16: Small Things Like These, by Claire Keegan

Got Problems? Think Them Through for Better Problem Solving! (May) Problem-solving coaches Mike Hibbard and Patricia Cyganovich will teach problem-solving processes to use in any area of life.

Fiction Writing Master Class, with Gabino Iglesias (May): Renowned noir writer and Westport Library StoryFest alum Gabino Iglesias teaches a master class-style writing workshop.

Crew Call (Rolling admission, spring through fall): Crew Call is a training program focused on live media production skills. Volunteers of all ages gain real-world experience in video recording and production. Crew Call participants support many Library productions.

Marty Yellin launches the Verso University series.

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The walk from Schlaet’s Point to Old Mill will soon look different.

254 Hillspoint Road has been approved for demolition.

It sold in January for $5 million.

254 Hillspoint Road

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Rowers love to hate the erg machine. That’s the fitness machine they use relentlessly on land.

But recently, junior members of Saugatuck Rowing Club eagerly jumped on board. The occasion: a “Row for Dough Erg-a-thon” fundraiser for Homes with Hope. The local non-profit provides supportive housing and a food pantry, in downtown Westport.

Both boys and girls teams participated in individual 10K races (over 6.2 miles), and raised over $6,500.

SRC junior rowers also volunteer at the Gillespie Center food pantry, and helping with other Homes with Hope projects.

Saugatuck Rowing Club captains (from left): Jack Kiely, Lauren Schramm, Hannah Clemens, Dylan Halky, Cooper Levinson, Janna Moore.

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In 14 years of photos showing entitled parkers, “06880” has shown Range Rovers, BMWs, Jeeps, and just about every other make and model of car.

We’ve never called out a motorcycle, though.

There’s a reason: They can park just about anywhere.

Except like this:

Yesterday, at Wakeman Field. (Photo/Gery Grove)

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Speaking of stuff that shouldn’t be there:

Sal Liccione sends along this picture …

… and a note: “It’s been there for 3 weeks.”

I assume he’s talking about the garbage, not the car. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)

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Over 200 fans filled the Westport Library’s Trefz Forum for last night’s Blue Coupe concert. The band includes former Alice Cooper guitarist Dennis Dunaway, and Joe and Albert Bouchard of Blue Öyster Cult.

The event — a benefit for VersoFest, the music and media festival that kicks off March 30 — was co-produced by the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce.

They’re collaborating on upcoming shows too, including Verso Fest‘s Sunflower Bean (March 30), the Smithereens (March 31) and the Johnny Folsom 4 at “Supper & Soul” (May 13).

Blue Coupe, at the Westport Library. (Photo/Matthew Mandell)

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Connecticut Attorney General William Tong got up early yesterday, for an important session: He addressed the Westport Sunrise Rotary Club’s meeting at Greens Farms Church.

Tong discussed his role as the chief civil attorney for the state, including notable litigation on tobacco, opioids and gun control.

Attorney General William Tong at Westport Sunrise Rotary. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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Last night’s “Teens at MoCA” Film Showcase drew a good crowd to the Newtown Turnpike space.

More than a dozen teenagers screened films they made — each 5 minutes or less. The event — and a raffle — benefited the Teens at MoCA group.

Ava Waldman of Teens at MoCA introduces a film. (Photo/Cynthia Dempster)

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Westport author Elaine Clayton’s “The Way of the Empath” was just named one of the Best Spiritual Books of 2022, by Spirituality & Practice.

A wide range of topics and religions make up the list. Click here to see.

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Spotted at Compo Beach, and very appropriate for our “Westport … Naturally” feature: a “sea turtle.”

(Photo/Pam Kesselman)

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And finally … in honor of the very entitled dude who doesn’t know how to park  his motorcycle (story above):

(Two important things to do before bed tonight: 1) Turn your clocks ahead; 2) Thank “06880” for reminding you. Please click here to make a contribution. Thank you!)