Have you (or, more likely, your landscaper) used the proper pesticides, and put up appropriate warning signs?
There must be a better way, you think.
There is.
August 1 marked the start of the “Less Lawn, More Life Challenge.”
Co-sponsored by Aspetuck Land Trust, it’s a regional effort to create vibrant, eco-friendly landscapes that support biodiversity and environmental health.
For 8 weeks, ecological experts and pioneers in the “re-wilding” movement will offer tips and insights to help residents “unleash the full potential” of their lawns.
The “Less Lawn, More Life Challenge” includes webinars, weekly challenges, opportunities for community building, prizes and celebratory events.
Meanwhile, participants (and their lawns) will help the climate, through new habits and meaningful action.
Maintaining a lawn takes work. And it’s not great for the planet.
Leaders of the effort say:
We are participating in the first man-made warming of the climate and extinction crisis. Between 200 and 2,000 species go extinct each year. But we can address this global ecological crisis by converting some portion of our yards from an environmental liability (with chemicals, mowing, blowing and very limited number of species) to an environmental asset that sequesters carbon, retains water and provides habitat for literally thousands of species.
The variety of life on the planet is called biodiversity – there are millions of species of animals, plants, fungi, and other types of living organisms. Without variety, nature is less stable and less functional in supporting the processes that support life on earth, including us humans. It’s time we use our piece of earth – our yards – to restore the planet.
Though the challenge began Thursday, there’s still time to sign up, reimagine your lawn, and create a space that is both beautiful and ecologically vital. Click here for details.
More than a decade after his death, Paul Newman continues to give back to Westport.
His and his family’s gift of land from their property — along with their neighbors, the Poses family — resulted in a 39-acre preserve, now managed by Aspetuck Land Trust.
There is a small parking area on Bayberry Lane.
Among the woods, wetlands, open fields, stands of old white pine and a trail,, there’s a half-hidden sign. “Warning Bridge Out,” it says. (Click here to see.)
An old, broken wooden bridge lies nearby. It’s nothing that anyone would think of using.
But it was the subject of last week’s Photo Challenge. Sandra Rothenberg, Lynn Untermeyer Miller, Brandon Malin and Andrew Colabella all knew where in Westport’s woods it can be found.
Newman-Poses preserve is one more of our town’s hidden gems. Along with the hidden sign, about a long-forgotten bridge.
Today’s Photo Challenge is in Spanish. But the “May peace prevail on earth” pole can be found somewhere in Westport.
If you know where it is, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Richard Fogel)
(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!)
If it’s March, the Oscars are coming soon. (They’re March 10 — a week from tomorrow).
This year, there’s a 20% chance the winner for Best Picture will have a Westport connection. And those 2 contenders have their own close connection.
“Oppenheimer” was released by Universal Pictures. Its president, Peter Cramer, is a Staples High School Class of 1985 graduate, where he starred in soccer and track. He graduated 4 years later from Harvard University.
During his 17 years at Universal, Cramer helped the studio to record-breaking results globally, including overseeing the highest-grossing film in Universal’s history: “Jurassic World.”
“Killers of the Flower Moon” — another Oscar contender — was written by David Grann. He is a friend and former classmate of Cramer’s since childhood, and would have graduated from Staples with him had he not gone to private school.
Grann graduated from Connecticut College, and is a longtime New Yorker writer. His most recent book, “The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder” debuted at #1 on the New York Times best-seller list.
David Grann (left) and Peter Cramer
=============================================
And speaking of movie honors: 1981 Staples grad Jeanie Bacharach won her 2nd Emmy this year.
A casting director and producer, she was honored for Outstanding Casting in “The Bear.” Congratulations, Jeanie — sorry to be late with this! (Hat tip: Suzanne Propp)
Jeanie Bacharach, with her award.
=================================================
Kudos too to the Staples girls ice hockey team.
The co-op squad (with Westhill and Stamford Highs) won their state tournament quarterfinal match Wednesday night against Mercy Northwest Catholic — 3-2, in double overtime.
That vaults them into the state semis, for the first time in their history. They face archrival Darien tonight (Saturday) at 5:30 p.m. at the Shelton Rinks.
The girls lost only 4 games during the regular season — and were the only team in the state to beat Darien. The Blue Wave got revenge in the FCIAC (league) semifinal, eliminating SWS in overtime.
Coach John Fay’s squad is led by senior defenseman and captain Maya Sherman.
Darien is seeded 1st in the state tournament. The Wreckers are 4th. Go get ’em!
The Staples-Westhill-Stamford team celebrates their state tournament quarterfinal victory.
Several big capital spending projects loom in Westport.
What are the rationales, goals and processes?
Town Hall and Westport Public Schools leaders share insights on March 26 (7 p.m., Westport Library) in a community conversation.
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice will present their capital spending strategies and rationales. A panel of experts will discuss possible funding strategies, capital planning best practices, and the approval process for achieving capital spending goals. An audience Q-and-A session will follow.
The event is sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Westport, and the Westport Library’s Common Ground initiative.
Longshore is one of several large capital projects planned for the future.
“Below Surface” — the award-winning short documentary that explores the extraordinary power of community through the Westport Weston Family YMCA’s Aqua-fit program — will be screened this Monday (March 4, 6:30 p.m.).
The film is inspiring, powerful, and filled with our Westport friends and neighbors. It follows gifted, compassionate instructor Patty Kondub as she molds her multi-cultural, multi-generational exercise class into a true community.
She — and they — use exercise and friendship as an antidote for grief, stress and physical illness.
The screening will be followed by a panel moderated by Robert Altbaum, recently retired internal medicine physician. Panelists include Dr. Linda P. Fried, dean of Columbia’s Mailman School of Public Health; Maria Allen, president of the Southwestern Connecticut Agency on Aging; Moishi Moses, vice president of volunteerisms for the AARP Foundation, and Patty Kondub herself.
Area organizations that support healthy longevity will have information available, including the Senior Center, AARP, YMCA and Westport Department of Human Services.
300,000 American servicemembers have died since the US left Vietnam in 1973, due to exposure to deadly chemicals.
“Agent Orange: A Short Sickening Saga of War” — Carl Addison Swanson’s startling and true tale of the devastating effects of that herbicide — has passed the 500,000 sale mark.
The book is free to veterans through the Veterans Administration, and on sale at Amazon.
=================================================
As work continues on 44 Compo Cove — the often-photographed-and-painted 1917 house that’s the first one on the right over the Sherwood Mill Pond walkway — its interior has been gutted.
You can see right through now, to Long Island Sound.
But much of the exterior remains. Its bones are still strong.
(Photo/Matt Murray)
It’s withstood over 100 years of hurricanes and nor’easters.
Fingers crossed, the new/old home will be there for at least the next century.
Aspetuck Land Trust’s next “Lunch & Learn” seminar is “Native Trees, Shrubs and Perennials: Choosing Layers for Biodiversity.”
Anna Fialkoff. a Connecticut College arboretum horticulturist, will show how to
group trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants together for maximum impact and beauty, in a variety of situations and growing conditions.
Samuel Bell — who built over 200 “Bell Colonial” homes in Westport and Weston — died February 21 at his Boca Raton, Florida home. He was 94.
The Norwalk native spent his career as a residential and commercial builder/developer and entrepreneur in Fairfield County and Florida. He was active in his many business interests until shortly before his death.
He enjoyed boating, fishing, hunting and gardening. Sam and his fishing yacht “VII Bells” were fixtures at Saugatuck Harbor Yacht Club for almost half a century.
He was proud of his Italian-American heritage and enjoyed family get-togethers and reunions with his large extended family, along with the authentic Italian foods of his childhood memories. Sam was a devout parishioner at Assumption Church for many decades.
Sam is survived by his children Nicholas (Laurie Bloom) of Weston, Pamela of Villa Park, California, Melinda Bell Dietrich of Delray Beach, Florida, and Samuel F. Bell, Jr. (Melanie) of Weston; 10 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife Sylvia and son Jeffrey.
The family will receive friends on April 5 (4 to 8 p.m., Harding Funeral Home). A funeral is set for April 6 (10 a.m., Assumption Church), with a Mass of Christian burial.
The review for the appropriation for design documents for the new elementary and Stepping Stones Preschool, including the site, will be heard by the Board of Finance tomorrow (Wednesday, February 7).
The Representative Town Meeting will hold a special meeting next Tuesday (February 13).
Both meetings begin at 7:30 p.m., in the Town Hall auditorium.
First Selectwoman Jen Tooker says that the next phase of the project includes “requesting appropriations for needed studies and plans as well as the ability to perform the appropriate due diligence on critical issues such as impact studies on neighboring properties, drainage, parking, wetlands, etc.
“All land use and funding bodies will have the opportunity to opine on their given expertise and authority in public meetings throughout each stage.
“Although time is of the essence in order for construction of the new school to begin before the end of 2024, proper process and public participation will not be compromised. Most importantly, we need to ensure the Long Lots School and Stepping Stones School community is heard, and that the goal of a safe, secure environment for our children to learn and grow is realized.”
Next up for Long Lots Elementary School: the Board of Finance and RTM.
The Westport Public Schools that our Westport educators have partnered with local clergy and community leaders on an important community forum.
“Addressing Incidents of Antisemitism and Bias in our Schools” (February 13, 7:30 p.m., Temple Israel) provides an opportunity to share best practices for preventing and responding to identity-based bullying in our public schools, A Q-and-A session will follow.
Click here to attend in person, or to watch via livestream.
=================================================
South by Southwest — the annual film/interactive media/music festival/ conference in Austin, Texas — is very cool.
But it just got cooler.
Staples High School 2014 graduate Rachel Rose has joined the list of performers.
The University of Texas alum volunteered at SXSW as a sophomore. Next month, she’ll be on stage.
Rachel’s new EP, “And One More Thing,” includes original songs. She also recently worked with producers John Alagia (John Mayer, Dave Matthews), and Tyler Chester (Madison Cunningham, Joan Baez).
Click here to be added to her newsletter. Click below to see Rachel on Jimmy Fallon’s “Tonight Show” Battle of the Instant Songwriters:
Meanwhile, Fashionably Westport — the very cool runway show-and-more Westport Downtown Association show, which benefits Homes with Hope (March 28, 7:30 p.m., Westport Library) — just got even jazzier.
The Staples Jazz Band will perform during the cocktail hour.
Already announced: Dave Briggs as MC. Stay tuned for news about the models. Hint: They’re some of Westport’s coolest (and jazziest) names.
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s classic musical “Cinderella” — originally seen on Broadway in 2013 — is set for a limited run at the Westport Country Playhouse. Dates are February 17-25.
Click here for more information, including the all-star cast and tickets.
Aspetuck Land Trust welcomes spring (yes, it’s coming) with a pair of Lunch & Learn webinars.
“Attracting Birds by the Season” (February 23, noon to 1:15 p.m.): Allison Middlemass from Bent of the River Audubon explains how enhancing your garden with native plants can attract birds naturally all year long. Click here to register.
“Native Trees, Shrubs Perennials: Choosing Layers for Biodiversity” (March 18, noon to 1:30 p.m.). Anna Fialkoff, formerly of Wild Seed Project, discusses how to design a native plant garden with trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants, hedges and hedgerows. Click here to register.
On Saturday, March 16 (10 a.m. to noon, Trout Brook Valley, Weston), “Ranger Jim” leads a family hike. He’ll highlight “all the wonders of nature hiding in plain sight.” Click here to register.
Free People is Westport’s oddly named women’s bohemian-inspired clothing chain store.
Bob Weingarten spotted this very un-bohemian sign in its parking lot, near Fresh Market:
(Photo/Bob Weingarten)
It is, Bob said, “a sign of the times.”
================================================
John Fumasoli and the Jones Factor Lite headline this week’s Jazz at the Post (Thursday, February 8, shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7 p.m.; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; $20 music cover charge).
Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall met Fumasoli several years ago, at a memorial concert for Micky Golomb (namesake of JazzFC’s scholarship fund), and was wowed by his musicianship and friendly vibe. Now they both bring the Jones Factor Lite to the VFW.
Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
Longtime Westporter Robert E. McGrath died peacefully at home on Saturday, surrounded by his family. He was 93.
The Massachusetts native attended Fitchburg State College, where he met his wife of 68 years, Betty. After serving in the army during the Korean War, he began his career as a teacher. He went to school at night for his graduate degree at the University of Connecticut, then went into sales. He established his own executive search firm, Robert E. McGrath & Associates, which he ran for more than 20 years.
Betty and Bob moved to Westport in 1966, and enjoyed Compo Beach and all that Westport offers. Bob served on the board of the Stamford YMCA, and several Westport town committees. He was an active member of the Westport YMCA and the Y’s Men, which he served as president. His 2 great loves (other than his family) were the Boston Red Sox and the stock market.
Bob is survived by his wife, Betty, and daughters Maura McGrath, Kerry McGrath (Michael Cox) and Sheila Wulf (Brad).
A funeral Mass is set for Thursday (February 8, 10:30 a.m., Assumption Church). Interment will follow in Assumption Cemetery on Greens Farms Road. The family will receive friends in the Harding Funeral Home tomorrow (Wednesday, February 7, 4 to 6 p.m.). In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society. Click here to leave online condolences.
Bob McGrath
============================================
“06880” loves every creature we feature on “Westport … Naturally.”
But we have a special place in our heart for barred owls. Even AI could not come up with something this cool.
Betsy Amitin sends today’s photo, and writes: “We just got a visit from our favorite barred owl (we named him Bart!) in our backyard. Or maybe we are visiting him, if he’s lived here for a while.
“Either way, we love hearing his call ‘woo woo woo woo wooooo,’ and seeing him snoozing during the day.”
And finally … sure, Coleytown Company’s production of “Footloose” is not until April (story above).
But to get you in the mood, click below:
(If you enjoy these daily Roundups — packed with info and news you can use — well, they take a ton of work. please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)
“In June, the town and Police Department contracted with a company called RequestFOIA to give a web-based Freedom of Information Act request portal, through which people could submit FOIA requests.
“It is now live and reachable by clicking on “Public Record Request” on the Police Department website. After clicking, you are sent here.
“It doesn’t look like anyone has used it yet. I have not seen any official notice of it going live.
“This could be a great tool for the town, especially if it was expanded to all other departments and commissions.”
To make a public record request through the Westport Police Department website, click on the box at the right of the home page.
Like any good startup, Startup Westport has made a big mark in a short time.
Since its formation last winter, the citizen-led organization — a public/private partnership to promote Westport as the most attractive place in Connecticut for start-up tech companies — has brought together a diverse group of residents.
They’ve heard speakers, networked, and energetically leveraged the astonishing amount of creativity lurking here in offices, homes and coffee shops.
On Tuesday night, over 100 members partied.
Startup Westport’s first annual holiday gathering, at the Westport Country Playhouse Sheffer Barn, was a fun, festive — and intellectually fertile — event.
Founders Jay Norris, Peter Propp and Cliff Sirlin spoke. So did Dan O’Keefe, Connecticut’s first chief innovation officer (who spoke at a previous meeting), and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker.
But mostly, the evening was a chance to meet and chat with like-minded folks.
And eat, drink, and be tech-merry.
(To learn more about Startup Westport, click here.)
Scenes from Startup Westport’s first holiday party.
When Planning & Zoning Commission chair Danielle Dobin was elected to the Board of Finance earlier this month, the Democratic Town Committee was charged with recommending a replacement.
14 “outstanding” candidates stepped up, the DTC says. Tonight, members will vote to accept the Nominations Committee’s recommendation of Amy Wistreich. The full P&Z will then vote on that recommendation, at their next meeting.
Wistreich was appointed to the Zoning Board of Appeals in 2019, then elected to a full term in 2021. She currently serves as secretary. She has a degree in environmental design, and spent her career working in all areas of construction, including architecture, engineering, design, planning, project management, contracts and insurance, in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors.
Amy Wistreich
==============================================
Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between November 15 and 29.
A man was arrested, following an investigation into a December 2020 larceny at HomeGoods. He then returned stolen merchandise, got store credit, used it to purchase other items, returned those, and got full credit baci.
Police also issued these citations:
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 13 citations
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 7
Traveling unreasonably fast: 4
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 4
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 3
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 3
Speeding: 2
Driving while texting: 2
Distracted driving: 2
Passing a standing school bus: 1
Following too closely: 1
Failure to obey stop sign: 1
Failure to carry driver’s license: 1
Improper use of marker plates: 1
Learner’s permit violation: 1
The sign probably does not work. But be warned: You can be fined up t9 $500 the first time you pass a standing school bus.
At first glance, this looks like a major catastrophe. A cop car, ambulance and fire truck — all with flashing lights — right on the holiday-lit William F. Cribari Bridge.
No worries.
It’s a posed shot, showing Westport’s 3 vital first responders, at a site we all love.
Westport Police, the Westport Fire Department and Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service wish everyone in town — residents, business, employees, visitors — a happy, healthy holiday.
In other words: One in which their lights are not needed. And instead, we all enjoy the lights on the bridge.
=================================================
Yesterday’s story on Lucia Palmieri — the very generous Westporter who is inviting kids and parents to meet the Westport Fire Department’s Santa on December 8 — left out one very important detail: the time.
It’s “after 5 p.m.,” Lucia says.
For details on how to participate — including donations made to the Westport Uniformed Firefighters Charitable Foundation, and how to drop off the wrapped gift for your child ahead of time (that’s how “Santa” knows what to give) — click here.
=================================================
David Bowie will have a big role at VersoFest 2024.
Sure, the English singer/songwriter/musician/actor died in 2016. But Tony Visconti — who was his producer and arranger, along with T. Rex and Thin Lizzy — will offer the keynote address at the Westport Library’s 3rd annual event.
The Saturday, April 6 discussion of Visconti’s art and career is set for Saturday, April 6 (1 p.m.). The event is free, but requires registration. Click here for tickets.
The 4-day music festival and conference runs from Thursday, April 4 through Sunday, April 7. It includes panels, workshops and performances. Further details will be announced soon.
If you’ve been wondering about “The Miyawaki Method: Microforests in the Age of Climate Change”: You’re in luck!
That’s the topic of Aspetuck Land Trust’s next “Lunch & Learn” webinar.
Set for Friday, December 8 (noon to 1:30 p.m.), it features micro-forest creator and environmental advocate Maya Dutta. She’ll discuss this unique method for reforestation, and how micro-forests can build communal and climate resilience.
And finally … in honor of VersoFest 2024 — and the keynote address by David Bowie’s former producer and arranger (story above):
(VersoFest — set for next April — will be here before you know it. So will December 31. Give yourself a tax-deductible break before the New Year. Please click here, to support “06880.” Thank you!)
Hundreds of Westporters gathered yesterday at Town Hall, as the town honored its — and America’s — men and women who served in the military, on Veterans Day.
As he has done for decades, Korean War vet Bill Vornkahl helped organize the ceremony.
Participants included the Westport Police Department, Connecticut Air National Guard, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Greens Farms Academy student Jared Lessing, Westport poet laureate Jessica Noyes McEntee, and the Westport Community Band.
The World War I doughboy statue on Veterans Green, at dusk on Veterans Day. The holiday began as Armistice Day, honoring the 11 a.m., November 11 official end of “the war to end all wars.” (Photo/Andrew Colabella)
A luncheon at Veterans of Foreign Wars Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 followed the official town ceremony.
A table is always set at the Riverside Avenue club, in remembrance of prisoners of war and those missing in action.
Yesterday, it was decorated especially for Veterans Day.
Tradition rules at the bespoke clothier’s shop. But there’s always something new and different too.
Next up: “Sip and Shop, With Live Jazz.” It’s this Thursday (November 16, 5 to 8 p.m.), at the intriguing Post Road Space overlooking the Saugatuck River.
And finally … on this date in 1984, Madonna released her 2nd studio album. “Like a Virgin” became her first #1 record in the US. The producer was Chic front man — and not-yet Westport resident — Nile Rodgers.
(“06880” relies on reader support. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)
Yesterday’s “06880” story on Board of Education write-in candidate Jill Dillon noted one particular challenge: educating voters on how to do it.
Several readers wondered how.
There are 2 steps: fill in bubble 5E, 6E or 7E (under “Board of Education”; then write in “Jill Dillon.” (“Dillon,” “J Dillon” and “Jill D” are also acceptable.)
Sample ballot for a write-in candidate.
=================================================
It’s leaf season. And time to remind Westporters that dumping leaves and debris in a wetland or watercourse is illegal.
Several leaf disposal options are available to Westport residents. One is to compost leaves in the back yard within a fenced area or a composting receptacle, located at least 20 feet away from any wetland or watercourse. Click here for details.
Another option for Westport residents with a valid sticker: Deliver collected leaves to the yard waste site at 180 Bayberry Lane, behind the Aspetuck Health District (no plastic bags).
The yard waste site is open Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Also, the Department of Public Works begins curbside leaf collection on November 6.
For more information about leaf removal or the yard waste site, call the Department of Public Works: 203-341-1120. For more information on wetlands or composting, call the Conservation Department: 203-341-1170.
Compost, don’t dump!
=================================================
Before leaving Halloween in the now-November dust: Here’s one last look back at last night, from Gorham Avenue:
(Photo/Jamie Walsh)
================================================
Everyone needs to laugh.
Especially these days.
This weekend, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport offers 3 evenings of 4 one-act comedies.
The UU Players present the uplifting shows on Friday and Saturday, November 3 and 4, 7:30 p.m.) and Sunday, November 5 (2 p.m.). The suggested donation of $20 will be collected at the door.
“Miss You” explores the tangled webs we weave with the aid of telephones. “Baby Food” and “Crazy Eights” highlight the extreme and bizarre lengths people go to to get what they want. “Sure Thing” proves that connections are all about timing.
A $10,000 grant from AT&T to Friends of the Westport Center for Senior Activities will be used purchase connected devices, and to support technology instruction programs (including workshops conducted by high school students).
For example, new iPads will allow the Senior Center to offer regular classes focusing on computer skills like navigating the internet, scam awareness, video conferencing with family members, and more.
Displaying a new tablet (front row, from left): Diane Bosch and Marsha Darmory, co-presidents of Friends of the Senior Center; rear: Harry Carey, AT&T director of external affairs’ Wendy Petty, Senior Center director; State Representative Jonathan Steinberg.
================================================
Speaking of the Senior Center: Here’s how a few folks looked yesterday:
(Photo/Bob Weingarten)
No, it’s not their normal look. It was Halloween, and they posed behind the pumpkin contest entrants. (The winner was #2 (hidden), courtesy of Jason Wilson.
It just goes to show: You’re never too old to dress up for this holiday.
Tickets go on sale today for Coleytown Company’s music revue, “Pure Imagination”. Songs from Broadway Junior musicals include “Seussical,” “Shrek The Musical,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “Frozen.”
Launching a new format this fall, the group of professionals leading the production broadened the cast to include students in all three grades (6-8). Veterans and newcomers bring their singing and dancing talents to the stage.
Performances are Thursday, November 16 (6 p.m.) and Friday, November 17 (7 p.m.). For more information and tickets, click here.
Westport Book Shop hosts a children’s book reading and signing of “Bradford’s Walk” == with author Denis O’Neill and illustrator Cyrus Quadland this Saturday (November 4, 10:30 a.m.).
As any parent of a Bradford fan knows, the tale follows the adventures of a lovable brown dog, set against the backdrop of, yes, Westport. It captures the simple pleasures of daily walks that everyone relates to.
Denis is a Westport native, and has lived here for 6 decades.
. Space is limited. RSVP by email or by phone (203-349-5141).
There will be available-for-adoption furry friends to meet (no on-site adoptions, though).
There’s also a raffle with donations from restaurants, merchants and animal service providers (plus New York Yankees merch). Food trucks will feed hungry humans.
For additional information, call 203 557 0361.
One of the dogs that will be at William Pitt Sotheby’s on Saturday.
=================================================
The Short Cuts Film Festival returns to the Westport Library on Thursday, November 9 (7 p.m.).
Six short narrative films will be screened, on the state-of-the-art 18-foot video wall.
Curated from the Tribeca Film Festival, Short Cuts showcases current trends in filmmaking. Selected films are a diverse cross-section of stories and perspectives, including one animated short.
“Fourteen years ago, when we began Short Cuts, it was difficult to find films directed by women, people of color, or LGBTQ communities,” says producer Nancy Diamond.
“Now filmmakers of all genders, cultures and life choices abound. Short Cuts brings these award-winning short films to you.” Click here for details on the 6 films.
Following the screenings, Olivia Shapiro, Let Liv writer and actor, will join Diamond on-stage for a conversation. Questions will be taken from the audience.
Tickets are $26.50; click here to purchase. Refreshments and popcorn will be served.
It’s just a coincidence, but Aspetuck Land Trust’s next “Lunch and Learn” — the noontime webinar series — is about food.
Expert forager and author Russ Cohen hosts “Wild Plants I Have Known and Eaten” (November 10, noon to 1:30 p.m.).
He’ll featuring at least 2 dozen species of native edible wild plants suitable for adding to your landscape, or nibbling on when you find them. Click here for more information, and to register.
Pat Auber was at Compo Beach (with hordes of others), to enjoy it.
Also having fun: many unleashed dogs (in the leash-only area). She writes:
“This Animal Control officer policed the area. As he said, ‘it’s like putting my finger in a dike.’
“This is not the off-leash area!” a security officer explains. (Photo/Pat Auber)
“Dog owners: We don’t love your dogs off leash sniffing our toes and eating our food, like you seem to think we do.
“Westport is kind enough to offer a leash off area. Respect it! So thank you to this security gentleman, who managed this and made for a pleasant experience for all.”
=================================================
“06880” has posted plenty of images of Sherwood Mill Pond, from many angles.
But today’s “Westport … Naturally” offers a perspective we rarely see:
(If you enjoy our daily Roundups, please know: The stories are short, but they take a ton of effort. Please support our work, with a tax-deductible contribution. Click here — and thank you!)
Last Sunday — just 24 hours after Hamas’ brutal attack on Israel — 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker released a strong statement.
She said then:
The attack on Israel and its citizens is horrifying. There is no justification for senseless acts of violence.
I as the 1st Selectwoman of Wesetport, along with our residents, stand with the people of Israel as they defend their country in the face of unspeakable terrorist acts.
Many Westporters have family and friends in Israel. Our community is profoundly affected by this tragedy. I extend my deepest condolences for the lives lost.
We are with you, Israel.
She reiterated her words yesterday. In a joint statement, Tooker and TEAM Westport chair Harold Bailey said:
TEAM Westport joins the Town of Westport and our First Selectwoman in offering its deepest solidarity and sorrow to the people of Israel for the unspeakable and unfathomable acts of inhumanity they have suffered at the hands of Hamas. As such, we also decry any attempts to justify or celebrate those atrocities. While there is much to be done to ensure stability over the long-term, in whatever is done, we urge the unrelenting focus on the humanity of all potential victims involved.
On the home front, we fully support the increased protection of the Jewish community within Westport and the greater U.S. against the rising scourge of antisemitism. Overall, we encourage all segments of our community to join as one in this support with the full understanding that when one of us is harmed, we are all harmed.
Many town officials — including 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, in the front row directly in front of Senator Richard Blumenthal — were at Monday’s solidarity gathering at Temple Israel. (Photo/Allison Wachstein)
The I-95 northbound entrance ramp at Exit 17 will be closed beginning Monday, October 16 through Friday, October 31. The closure is part of the ongoing bridge rehabilitation project. Traffic will be detoured to Riverside Avenue, then to the Post Road, Sherwood Island Connector, and onto Exit 18.
In addition, parts of I-95 itself will be closed — as will the northbound Exit 17 entrance and exit ramps, and the southbound exit ramp — along with nearby Saugatuck Avenue, from 8 p.m. Friday, October 20, through 6 a.m. Monday, October 23.
The closures are necessary for the new I-95 northbound bridge to be placed using Accelerated Bridge Construction techniques. While I-95 northbound is closed, 2 lanes of I-95 northbound traffic will be crossed over on the I-95 southbound bridge. Traffic flow in both directions will be severely impacted all weekend.
For additional information on the project, including detours, click here.
The I-95 Exit 17 entrance and exit ramps were closed intermittently last week. Blasting helped prepare the site for the “bridge slide” coming soon.
For several years, James Naughton has been a passionate, articulate advocate for proposed medical aid in dying state legislation.
On Monday (October 16, 7 p.m., Westport Library) the Tony-winning actor and Weston resident — whose wife died after a long battle with pancreatic cancer — leads an important discussion.
“Medical Aid in Dying: Connecticut Wants It; Why Isn’t It the Law?” includes State Representative Jonathan Steinberg (former co-chair of the Public Health Committee); State Senator Ceci Maher; filmmaker Maribeth Abrams, who is producing a documentary about advocate Kim Hoffman, who died in 2022, and Tim Appleton, campaign director of Compassion & Choices.
“Houdini” (Jackson) and well over 100 other Club 203 guests packed the Senior Center Thursday, for the social club for adults disabilities monthly get-together.
Houdini (aka Jackson) at the Club 203 Halloween party.
This one was (of course) Halloween-themed. Attendees enjoyed Spooky Bingo, a barbecue, baked goods, candy (of course) and more.
Senior Center staff helped facilitate the event. Sweet P Bakery, Fresh Market, Stop & Shop and CVS provided donations, while MOCA led “frightening” art projects. Club 203 co-founders Stacie Curran and Sharuna Mahesh also thanked the many volunteers who helped.
Good times at the Senior Center, for Club 203 members and friends.
In what has become an annual tradition, RTM members celebrated Restaurant Week with a lunch last yesterday. This year’s site: Zucca, which has replaced Tarry Lodge in Saugatuck.
On hand were 24 of the 36 representatives, plus 2 former moderators (assistant town attorney Eileen Lavigne Flug and Velma Heller), plus Town Clerk Jeffrey Dunkerton and Tatiana Plachi of the town clerk’s office.
Pro tip: Restaurant Week is actually two weeks. The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce event ends tomorrow (Sunday). For a list of restaurants and their special deals, click here.
RTM members and friends celebrate Restaurant Week at Zucca.
=================================================
Amidst a gaggle of signs — for political candidates, upcoming galas, sports registration, driveway paving companies and everything else — there is a new, official looking one, in the rear of Compo Acres Shopping Center, by Compo Road South:
That’s a sign we can all agree belongs there. 988 is the new, important, easy-to-remember 24-hour hotline for people in crisis, including those considering suicide.
=================================================
Fred Cantor and his wife Debbie Silberstein recently visited their former neighbors, Gordon and Dot Hall.
They’ve lived in the same house near Hillspoint Road since 1955.
Dot recently celebrated her 92nd birthday. Gordon will soon be 96.
This fall marks the 70th anniversary of the beginning of their Westport teaching careers.
Fred wonders if there are any other married teaching couples around from the 1950s?
To which I’ll add: Are there any other teachers — period — from that decade still in Westport?
Westport was not the only artists’ colony in these parts.
Weston had a robust arts history too. On November 15 and 16 (6:30 p.m.), the Weston History & Cultural Center offers a look into their lives — along with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and insights from curator Laurie Weiss.
It’s called “Weston Illustrated: Penned, Painted and Sculpted.” Among the featured artists, who lived and/or worked in Weston during the first half of the 20th century: Wood Cowan, Charles and James Daugherty, Stevan Dohanos, John Held Jr., Ada “Johnny” Held, William Meade Prince, Laura Gardin Fraser and Stuart Benson
The event is limited to 12 people per night. Tickets $30 for members, $40 for non-members) include a signature cocktail and light appetizers. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
Aspetuck Land Trust’s next “Lunch & Learn” webinar is Friday (October 20, noon to 1:15 p.m.).
The topic is “Cultivating Backyard Habitat for Pollinators in Every Season.” It will be led by Desiree Narango, conservation scientist at the Vermont Center for Ecostudies.
Diva Showstoppers — featuring a Glinda and Elphaba from the Broadway company of “Wicked” — flies into Westport for two shows on one day this winter: January 20.
“Good Witch/Bad Witch” has entertained audiences across the US, with its vocals and banter.
It’s recommended for ages 7 and up — including parents. All tickets are $40. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
Former Staples High School assistant coach Ty Matthew Guarente died Wednesday, surrounded by his family. He was 28.
His obituary says: “the son of the late Lisa Marie Guarente and Gary Guarente faced life’s challenges with remarkable bravery, inspiring all who knew him. Despite the obstacles he encountered, his spirit remained unbreakable. He touched the lives of many with his kindness, resilience, infectious smile and sense of humor.”
Ty was a 2012 graduate of Brien McMahon High School, where he was a varsity letterman in football, wrestling and lacrosse. He earned a bachelor of science in sports management from West Virginia University. He was treasurer and head of recruiting for Theta Chi fraternity.
After graduating Ty returned home to Norwalk and began a career in coaching, impacting the lives of student-athletes at several local high schools across many different sports, including football, wrestling and lacrosse.
“Despite being involved in a car accident in 2019 that deprived him of the ability to walk, Ty endured, continuing his coaching career and remaining a fixture in the local sports community. His family and many friends from both near and far made sure that Ty was never without love and support, and he cherished every call, text, and visit.”
In addition to his father, Ty is survived by his brother Michael (Luz), sisters Jessica Guarente and Jessica Wilchfort (William), brother John Andresen (Jennifer), 8 nieces and nephews, and grandmother Ginger Sollazzo Raymond.
A celebration of Ty’s life will be held tomorrow (Sunday, October 15, 3 to 7 p.m., Collins Funeral Home, Norwalk). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday (October 16, 10 a.m., St. Matthew Church, Norwalk).
Ty Guarente
==============================================
Today is not much of a beach day.
But yesterday was. Lauri Weiser spotted this scene — just right for “Westport … Naturally.”
(Photo/Lauri Weiser)
=================================================
And finally … Rudolph Isley, one of the Isley Brothers as well as a co-writer of many of their hits during their decades-long (and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame) career, died Wednesday in his sleep, at his Chicago home. He was 84.
The Isley Brothers pre-dated the Beatles (who had a hit with their cover of the group’s “Twist and Shout”), and lasted long after the Fab 4 disbanded. Click here for a full obituary.
Here are just 3 of their classics:
(It’s your thing … do what you want to do! But please consider a contribution to “06880.” Just click here. Thank you!)
John McCarthy wrote to Representative Town Meeting moderator Jeff Weiser, deputy moderator Lauren Karpf and Town Clerk Jeffrey Dunkerton:
“I was surprised to see that the below resolution was not placed on the RTM Agenda for its October 3 meeting:
‘RESOLVED, that the full Westport RTM at its October 3, 2023 meeting affirms that the meaning of the term ‘Shall’ in ‘Sec. A162-6. – Agenda’ of the ‘Representative Town Meeting Rules of Procedures’ as found in Exhibit A of the ‘Code of Ordinances of Westport Connecticut’ is to be ‘construed as being mandatory’, per the definition of the word ‘Shall’ in ‘Sec. 1-2. – Definitions and rules of construction’ and that ‘Sec. A162-6. – Agenda’ compels and requires the Moderator, or in the event of the Moderator’s inability to act, the Deputy Moderator or, in the event of the inability of both, the Town Clerk to place on the RTM meeting agenda such matters as petitioned by at least 20 Westport Electors not less than 14 days prior to a Representative Town Meeting.”
A petition with over 20 electors was certified by the town clerk on September 5, McCarthy says.
He adds, “I trust that this was merely an oversight and that a corrected version of the agenda with the requested resolution will be issued shortly.”
CraftWestport returns to the Staples High School fieldhouse November 4-5. Over 175 vendors kick off the holiday shopping season, with thousands of products in mediums like ceramics, textiles, woodworking, jewelry, glass art and more.
Plus food items like bourbon-barrel aged maple syrup, hand-painted chocolates, teas, honey, cheese spreads, curds, baked goods, and skincare products, soaps, candles, etc.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. All-weekend admission is $11; seniors $10, children 12-18 $5, children under 12 are free. Click here for more details. CraftWestport is presented by the Westport Young Woman’s League.
“Chapter Two: Spanning From Retail to E-Tail” — a benefit supporting expansion of Westport Book Sale’s employment and job training program for adults with disabilities, to its eBay online sales business — is set for October 25 (6:30 p.m., Westport Library).
The event will include live music, light bites, a paddle raise, and a live and silent auction of a sample of what the Book Sale sells on eBay.
Click here to see auction items. They include a first edition of Saint-Exupery’s The Little Prince; 2 copies of The New Yorker in Westport donated by authors Eve Potts and Andrew Bentley; books signed by Laura Linney; a poster autographed by Sylvester Stallone; art donated by Nina Bentley, Miggs Burroughs, Kirsten Rao, Norm Siegel, and Rowene Weems, and more.
Participants in the online sales business will learn computer, data entry and office skills, broadening their work experience and marketability.
Eager beavers will be excited about this year’s Aspetuck Land Trust Haskins Lecture.
Leila Philip — author of the bestseller “Beaverland” — speaks at the Westport Library on October 26 (7 p.m.).
She’ll discuss the animal’s large role in American history, and even larger role in our ecological future. Books will be available for purchase, and signing.
Aspetuck Land Trust will also host 2 beaver hikes (October 12 and 22) at Trout Brook Valley Preserve in Weston. Click here for details of that, and other events.
On December 2, the Westport Country Playhouse presents a production of the young adult novel. The musical follows Percy jackson as he discovers he’s a demigod.
It’s recommended for grades 3-6. Click here for tickets ($25) and more information.
And finally … in honor of the kerfuffle over the word “shall” (story above):
(Kerfuffles, controversies — they’re all part of the local journalism you find on “06880.” Please click here to support your hyperlocal blog. Thank you!)
Online registration for Westport Parks & Recreation Department programs begins next Wednesday (September 6, 9 a.m.). Click here to see all offerings (not yet viewable, however). Click here to register.
Questions? Email recreation@westportct.gov, or call (203-341-5152 weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Construction of the cell phone tower on private property at 92 Greens Farms Road is moving ahead quickly.
This was the scene yesterday, looking east. I-95 is on the right.
(Photo/Matt Murray)
===============================================
Earlier this month, Substack launched a new sports newsletter: “The Finder With Tom Haberstroh.”
The former Staples High School basketball star was inspired to start it in part because of his mother Patty. The longtime Westport Department of Human Services social worker — who died last month from complications of ALS — gave him “The Finder” nickname when he was young. (Click here for that back story — and a mention of Westport’s own Craig Melvin.)
Another local connection: This week, Tom published a podcast with Westporter Dan Orlovsky. The former NFL quarterback and current ESPN analyst had a great conversation with Tom. (Dan recorded it on his way to Bristol.)
The Westport Country Playhouse benefit was already shaping up as a showcase of local — but A-list — talent.
Staples High School 2003 graduate Justin Paul headlines the September 9 event. He’s joined by James Naughton, and the Weston actor’s son Greg and daughter-in-law Kelli O’Hara, along with Staples ’06 alum/Broadway actor Jacob Heimer.
Staples ’87 grad/Coleytown Middle School director Ben Frimmer is the concert producer. The director is Staples ’10/former Staples Players president/current Disney creative developer Caley Beretta.
Now 12 current Staples Players have joined the cast, for the opening and closing numbers: Yusef Abdallah, Kaya Araya, Henry Carson, Finley Chevrier, Cece Diyoka, Samantha Edwards, Ben Herrera, Alyssa Lee, Andrew Maskoff, Imogen Medoff, Cooper Sadler and Melody Stanger.
Click here for tickets, and more information.
Kelli O’Hara will be joined by many other Westporters at the Westport Country Playhouse benefit.
=================================================
It’s amazing what’s donated to the Westport Library and Westport Book Shop.
Now, several rare and unique literary works — given over the psat 2 years — will be auctioned online.
The September 6 event includes a letter handwritten and signed by former Westporter F. Scott Fitzgerald to his publisher, and a first American edition of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” signed by author J.K. Rowling.
The auction is conducted by University Archives, an online auction house operated by Wilton collector/dealer/handwriting expert/auctioneer John Reznikoff. The 2 items are among hundreds of rare autographs, manuscripts, books and sports memorabilia to be auctioned that day.
Click here to see the 7 lots to be auctioned for Westport Book Sale’s benefit. For a catalog of all 505 lots, click here.
F. Scott Fitzgerald, and his letter.
================================================
Income-eligible residents can get help with winter heating bills. Applications for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program start September 5.
Westport residents who previously qualified for assistance through the Department of Human Services will receive application instructions in the mail. Those applying for the first time should call 203-341-1050, or email humansrv@westportct.gov to make an appointment.
A household’s gross annual income must be at or below 60% of the state median income. The maximum income for households with 1 person is $41,553; it ranges up to $92,695 for families of 5.
Households receiving SNAP, SSI, State Supp or Refugee Cash Assistance may automatically qualify. CEAP recipients may also be eligible for matching payment plans, protection from shutoffs, and replacement and repairs for heating equipment and water heaters, along with additional fuel deliveries.
Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between August 23 and 30.
A woman was arrested after a domestic violence incident, and charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct, after it was determined she was the “dominant aggressor.”
After being assigned a court date and told not to return to the residence until after that court date, she attempted to do just that. She was charged with violation of the conditions of release, 2nd degree.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 5 citations
Failure to register a commercial vehicle: 3
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 2
Failure to renew registration: 2
Distracted driving: 1
Failure to yield right of way: 1
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
Failure to renew license: 1
Violation of readable plates: 1
Failure to appear: 1
Nearly every week, Westport Police issue citations for “failure to register a commercial vehicle.”
================================================
As fall nears, Aspetuck Land Trust is gearing up for another “Lunch & Learn” webinar season.
First up: “Hedges and Edges: Increasing the Resilience and Diversity of Your Garden’s Ecosystem” (September 15, noon to 1:30 p.m.).
Plant ecologist and landscape designer Heather McCargo will discuss using garden design to increase yard productivity and biodiversity.
For example, ALT says, “Group together shrubs of different species into a hedgerow for small or large spaces, add herbaceous groundcovers and small trees to the shrub layer for a multi-level garden that creates amazing habitat for a variety of species.”
Potential Pennsylvania senatorial candidate David McCormick stirred controversy earlier this month, when news outlets reported that the former CEO of Bridgewater Associates actually continues to live in Westport.
Official documents list his home here as his address; so does a $5,000 campaign contribution made this spring. McCormick, a Republican, is raising money and hiring staff as he prepares to challenge incumbent Democratic Senator Bob Casey next fall.
Now a new report notes that his 2019 Honda CR-V and 2019 Toyota Land Cruiser are both registered to his Westport address. He paid the motor vehicle taxes that were due July 1. Click here for the full story. (Hat tip: Allan Siegert)
David McCormick
===============================================
Today is the Westport Farmer’ Market.
There’s always something to see, smell and admire at the Imperial Avenue lot. Here are just a few items, photographed last week by Mary Sikorski for our “Westport … Naturally” feature:
And finally … Ray Hildebrand, the “Paul” of “Paul & Paula” fame who had a #1 love song using those names in 1963, died this month in Kansas. He was 82, and suffered from dementia. Click here for a full obituary.
(F. Scott Fitzgerald, heating bill assistance, police reports, much more … as usual, this “06880” Roundup has it all. If you appreciate our work, please consider a donation. Just click here — and thank you!)
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: dwoog@optonline.net. Thanks!)
GET THE “06880” APP
The “06880” app (search for it on the Apple or Android store) is the easiest way to get “06880.” Choose notifications: whenever a new post is published, or once or twice a day. Click here for details.
Co-sponsored by Aspetuck Land Trust, it’s a regional effort to create vibrant, eco-friendly landscapes that support biodiversity and environmental health.
