The last Crossroads Hardware leaf bag (Photo/Jamie Walsh)
When Ed Simek sent in a photo for last week’s challenge, I had to admit: I’d never noticed it.
But there the statue sits, hidden in plain site, on the Canal Street/Kings Highway North corner, near Canal Park. Click here to see the image, and the (mostly wrong) guesses.
It honors the Izzo family, longtime residents of the area. Think Izzo Lane, off Richmondville — and Crossroads Hardware, right around the corner.
Complimenti to Kathi Sherman, Lee Fleming, Wendy Cusick and Alec Head. And special congrats go to Kitty Graves, who supplied this info:
The sculpture was created by Chris Ray, son of noted landscape architect Eloise Ray. She designed Canal Park — and many others around Westport. This is a copy of the original, which was stolen.
This week’s photo challenge is special. Click “Comments” to tell us where in Westport you’d find this; how it got there, and why we’re posting this today.
(Photo/Lynn U. Miller)
An alert “06880” reader who wishes to remain anonymous writes:
I just came from Crossroads Hardware, where I enriched their coffers by buying a $1.49 light bulb.
As I checked out, AJ Izzo — the store’s major domo — asked if I liked tomatoes.
“Of course,” I said.
He dug into a large shopping bag, then filled a smaller brown paper bag with 6 fresh garden-grown tomatoes just given to him by a customer.
A simple, almost trivial story — but a touching reminder of the generosity and thoughtfulness of homegrown store owners from our not-too-recent past, who treated every customer as family.
While there, I forgot to purchase a 19-cent washer. I look forward to my next visit.
Maybe AJ will be giving away some basil or olive oil.
The actual tomatoes, given away at Crossroads Hardware.
Everyone in Westport loves Jimmy Izzo. He’s a 1983 Staples grad, the owner of Crossroads Hardware, an RTM member, and an all-around great guy.
In honor of his 50th birthday — today! — alert “06880” reader/proud sister Sue Izzo offers this tribute:
Many of us have siblings we love. But I believe I have one of the most selfless, giving and amazing brothers in the world.
Jimmy Izzo, at one of his favorite spots: the Longshore golf course.
Jimmy is 10 years older than me. When I was obsessed with Cabbage Patch dolls, he was into Van Halen and was the bookie at Staples High School driving around in his Scirocco. Yet every night, it was my brother who put me to bed and read me a story.
As a junior in college I decided to study abroad. My brother handed me a credit card. He specifically said it was for emergencies.
Anyone who has traveled through Europe at the age of 19 knows how easy it is to find $2,000 worth of emergencies over 6 months. He just laughed it off.
But what makes my heart swell the most is the unconditional love and support Jimmy has given me through the years, as I dealt with my long journey with depression, building a business, and riding this roller coaster we call life. Having him by my side has made it all possible.
My sister and I abandoned my mom and dad. I left for the West Coast, my sister for Cape Cod. We completely broke the Italian daughter code.
My brother remained in Westport, and has been a pillar in my family’s life. How many sons do you know who not only bring lasagna or eggplant parm to their parents, but cook it from scratch?
The Izzo family — decked out in Italy’s colors. Jimmy is 2nd from right.
And have you met my father, A.J.? Not only is Jimmy his first and only son, but he works and puts up with him every day. My brother is definitely an amazing son!
I am confident in saying there is not one person who does not like my brother. He is the ultimate friend. His heart is so big, so giving, and unconditional. His door is always open. He is there to listen to a friend in need, lend a hand, and give advice when needed.
People are very lucky to have him their lives. It is rare to have such a loyal friend as Jimmy. When I come home to visit it is like walking into a bar with the mayor, though I doubt a mayor would be so well liked.
Jimmy Izzo (3rd from right), and a few of his many close friends.
Two words: Ice melt. Go on Jimmy’s Facebook page to see when the latest shipment came in. Crossroads is more than a hardware store; it is the local community center. I love seeing my brother, dad and the longtime employees interacting with old and new residents.
So many times I hear my brother say, “just come down the store. We’ll take care of you.” And that is exactly what he does. That store has been in business for over 20 years. I love what it represents for our town. It is the epitome of community. And I love that my brother cares so much about Westport, its origins, and maintaining what we can of the Westport we grew up with.
So on his 50th birthday, I wish my brother Jimmy many more beautiful Compo Beach sunrises, as much laughter as possible, and a heart full of love and happiness.
I am so proud to call you my brother. I love you more than words could ever describe.
Love,
Sue
Jimmy Izzo, his mother and sisters.
Posted in Local business, People
Tagged Ace Crossroads Hardware, AJ Izzo, Jimmy Izzo, Sue Izzo
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