Fran Hoyte had the perfect spot for a Pilates studio.
Her space on the lower level of Bridge Square offered a peaceful view of the Saugatuck River. It was comfortable, inviting, and — with no advertising or social media, just word of mouth — clients flocked to Saugatuck Studios.
There was just one problem: floods.
The space was inundated by storms like Sandy and irene. Sometimes, it was swamped by high tides.
After 15 years, Fran has found a location guaranteed not to flood.
And it’s just as funky as her previous spot.
Sound Pilates has relocated to 21 Jesup Road. They’re on the 2nd and 3rd floors above the Westport Book Shop. The 200-year-old building — most recently Pause + Purpose wellness center; before that an architect’s office, and earlier a home — offers sweeping (and soothing) views of Jesup Green and the Saugatuck River.
“This is so quiet. But it’s still downtown,” Fran says. “It really feels like home for us.”
Fran has also added a physical therapist. Dr. Victoria Chiappetta has trained with Fran, developing an appreciation for traditional Pilates, alignment, and intelligent movement.
Fran now offers small group classes, in addition to individual sessions. She also teaches Pilates instructors — including many now working throughout Fairfield County.
“We’re not about working until you feel pain,” Fran says of her and Victoria’s partnership. “This is always about joyful movement.”
Werner Liepolt — a longtime Westporter whose home is near the Cribari Bridge — is closely watching state Department of Transportation decisions involving the 145-year-old span.
Congress did not extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits. But a Connecticut state subsidy program will replace some or all of the federal tax credits that lapsed on January 1, depending on enrollee eligibility for Access Health CT insurance plans.
Congressman Jim Himes’ office can help with questions: (203) 333-6600.
Last week, Access Health CT – the state’s health insurance marketplace – sent notices that many policyholders will see monthly health insurance premiums rise in January.
Congressman Jim Himes provides links to these resources:
Click here for the Access Health CT website general information page.
Click here to see which plans are available next year.
Click here to see if you qualify for low- or no-cost coverage.
Click here to find an insurance broker who can help.
Click here for more information on changes to federal health insurance policy.
Homes with Hope’s Community Kitchen is open daily for lunch (12 noon) and dinner (5 p.m.). It’s at the Gillespie Center on Jesup Road (behind Barnes & Noble). (Hat tip: Jeff Wieser)
It’s been a busy couple of months for the Westport League of Women Voters.
They’ve worked tirelessly to educate voters, and get them to the polls.
(Just tuning it? Still trying to make up your mind? Not sure where to vote? Click here to learn more.)
But even after the races are decided, the LWV will do more.
On November 12 (9:30 a.m., VFW), they host a coffee and “post-mortem/recap” of the election. Speakers include the registrars of voters.
Two days later (November 14, 2 p.m.), the LWV has reserved a block of tickets to see “Conscience at the Westport Community Theater. It’s the Connecticut premiere of the play about Margaret Chase Smith of Maine, the only Republican senator to oppose colleague Joseph McCarthy. Tickets ($20) are first come, first served. Email Barbra Utting: kubuguzu@gmail.com.
A reader writes: “I shopped at Stop & Shop for 58 years. It’s the best: extraordinary variety, excellent staff, nice customers.
“As I got older, I migrated to home delivery. I was an engineer for 51 years, and until last week the service and quality were at aerospace level. For the last 3 years, I’ve been awed by the precision and speed with which weekly orders were delivered to our doorstep.
“They were packed in a Norwalk facility, and delivered from there. Every driver was cooperative, helpful and well trained. They should be working for SpaceX.
“Two weeks ago, Stop & Shop emailed that they are migrating to a third party delivery service.
“Last night we received the first attempt. It was 3 hours later. Four items were missing out of 24, totaling $28 of the $86 order. They were delivered in soggy, torn paper bags.
“I called the home delivery number this morning at 9, and was 9th in line. I called back at 10, and was 23rd in line.
“I then contacted the Greens Farms manager. He apologized, offered a shopping certificate, and delivery of the missing items today. We’re grateful.
“Their new service may be at the low end of what could be an uncomfortable learning curve. It’s sad to see such a beautiful service vanish. For all our sakes, I wish Stop & Shop the best in fixing the problem.”
The Saugatuck Congregational Church — white, steepled, set far back on a massive lawn, a few steps from downtown — looks straight out of a Hallmark New England movie.
It was in those pews, in 1835, that a group of men hammered out the details that created the town of Westport from parts of Norwalk, Weston and Fairfield.
But it did not happen exactly there.
From its founding in 1822 through August 28, 1950, the 200-ton Saugatuck Church was located diagonally across the street, where the Shell station is now.
That year — in a day-long move so impressive it was documented by Life magazine — the church was rolled across State Street to its present site.
Yesterday — 75 years and 2 months after the move — Saugatuck Church celebrated that momentous occasion. The event included a (much smaller) re-enactment of the move, food trucks, a bounce house, lawn games, a screening of footage from the move, and a few words from Rev. Steven Savides.
Celebrating an anniversary, at the “new” Saugatuck Church location. (Photo/Haris Falk)
From looking back, to looking ahead: The Westport Library Store holiday shop opened yesterday.
And it’s bigger than ever. This year, the Writing Center on the main level has been transformed into the popular marketplace for gifts.
It’s filled with scarves, hates and gloves; jewelry; home
décor like bells, candles and chimes; lanterns and lights; journals, notebooks and notepads; puzzles and games; sketchbooks, coloring books, pens, markers, watercolors — and (of course) more.
All purchases are tax-free. Proceeds support Library services and programs.
The Westport Garden Club has beautified Westport for over 100 years. They do their work quietly. Many people have no idea they even exist.
But the Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut does.
The other day, at a lunch attended by 320 gardeners from around the state, they earned an Award of Excellence in Flower Achievement, for their “Westport Town Treasures” show.
Singled out were president Nathalie Fonteyne, and show co-chairs Kelle Ruden and Kara McKenna Wong. Citations were presented to Joellen Bradford for the Best Education Division, Ann Lester (Best Design Division), Joanne Heller (Outstanding Staging), and Ellen Greenberg (for design of the commemorative program (with art by Kerstin Rao.)
The club also received The Mary Loncin Flower Show Award. and a check for $100 for the top evaluated Standard Flower Show in Connecticut.
Individual honors (not flower show-related) went to Susan Nettesheim, who redesigned and maintains the club’s website, and serves as official photographer; Dottie Fincher, a member since 1971, for her exceptional contributions to the annual plant sale over many years, and Katje Donovan, for over 20 years of service as treasurer.
The Westport Garden Club is now planning their annual wreath designs for town buildings, preparing for winter in their 7 public gardens, and developing the 2026 Youth Poetry Contest. For more information, including membership, click here.
Westport Garden Club members, at the awards ceremony.
A few years ago, Danya Herman met Dr. Tom Catena. He’s a missionary doctor, doing important humanitarian work in war-torn Sudan.
The other day, Danya hosted Dr. Tom in her Westport home. He was joined by Dr. Jon Fielder, another missionary doctor and co-founder of African Mission Healthcare,
“It was so inspiring to hear Dr. Tom’s story, the hardships he and the Mother of Mercy hospital face, the countless lives he’s saved and impacted, and to get to talk with someone living a true life of purpose,” Danya says.
“He and Dr. Fielder are heroes to my family. They represent how, through their faith and sense of purpose, they live out our Jewish values of pikuach nefesh (preservation of life), and tikkun olam (repairing the world).
Dr. Jon Fielder (left) and Dr. Tom Catena and guests, at the Herman home.
Today’s serene “Westport … Naturally” scene comes from behind the Levitt Pavilion. It’s a vantage point few people know about. It’s sure worth the short walk.
And finally … in honor of Splash Car Wash’s generous Veterans Day offer (story above):
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