Is there any place in Westport that Andrew Colabella doesn’t know?
He has correctly identified nearly every Photo Challenge of the past few years. (He did guess incorrectly several weeks ago. So did nearly everyone else though, too.)
Andrew was the first to nail last Sunday’s challenge. It was a tough one: a large rock, painted white with a red heart. (Click here to see.)
It’s there in plain sight: at the entrance to Beachside Common on Beachside Avenue, on the hill leading down to Burying Hill Beach.
But that’s a relatively out-of-the-way location. And unless you look closely — which you shouldn’t do, on that sharp curve — you’re likely to miss it.
Andrew doesn’t miss much. He was joined as last week’s Photo Challenge champ by Jeff Jacobs (who walks past it, so he’s off the vehicular hook), Judy Reid (a Greens Farms neighborhood resident), and Mary Ann Batsell.
This week’s challenge is similar: It’s in the grass, on the ground somewhere.
(Photo/Mark Yurkiw)
This is another tough one, so here’s a hint: It’s not near Burying Hill Beach.
Here’s another hint: Ask Andrew Colabella. I’m sure he knows.
If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.
(Here’s another challenge: Please support “06880,” with a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here to help. Thank you!)
A capacity crowd (including namesakes Rev. John and Judyth Branson) filled Christ & Holy Trinity Church’s Branson Hall last night, for the annual 1st Citizen Award dinner.
The 7th annual event — sponsored by the Westport-Weston Chamber of Commerce, but the first held since the pandemic — honored Westport Library director Bill Harmer, CastleKeepAdvisors founder and CEO Charlie Haberstroh, and 4 student entrepreneurs: Marley Brown, Akhila Kooma, Addison Moore and Jamie Semaya.
Charlie Haberstroh (center) and his family.
The theme of the evening — echoed by Chamber director Matthew Mandell and keynote speaker US Senator Richard Blumenthal — was “giving back to the community.”
Westport Library director Bill Harmer speaks. Westport-Weston Chamber of Commerce director Matthew Mandell is at left.
All 6 honorees have done that in major ways. And all expressed thanks that the communities of Westport and Weston have inspired, and enabled them, to do so.
Keynote speaker Senator Richard Blumental. (All photos/Dan Woog)
“Reluctant Liberators: Westport in the Civil War” was curated by students. Staples High School junior Talia Moskowitz took the lead, as part of an independent study project.
She got help from the museum’s high school interns: Amelia Gura, Devan Patel and Oscar Scher (Staples), Stephanie Field (Weston) and Tess Innes (Wilton).
The exhibit includes information on early Westporters like the Toquet, Coley and Ketchum families, and an exploration of racial issues during that time.
It runs through November 11.
Talia Moskowitz, at the Westport Museum for History & Culture exhibit.
As the end of school nears, here’s an important reminder: Not every family here can afford the camps and enrichment programs many take for granted.
Westport’s Department of Human Services can help.
Last summer, 58 income-qualified youth, from 32 families, participated in the department’s campership program.
This year, the number may be higher.
Human Services director Elaine Daignault encourages residents who can, to contribute. Online donations can be made to the “DHS Campership Fund” (click here), or mailed to 110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport, CT 06880.
For more information — including how to qualify for a campership — email youth and family specialist Annette D’Augelli: 203-341-1050; adaugelli@westportct.gov.
Summer Camp has been part of growing up for decades. In 1953, Westport artist Stevan Dohanos used Camp Mahackeno for this Saturday Evening Post cover.
Tomorrow marks the start of Wakeman Town Farm’s farm stand.
Open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., it features fresh produce, fresh-cut flower bouquets, WTF logowear and honey, and products from local vendors like artisan baked goods, extra virgin olive oils, gourmet balsamic vinegars, Chaga mushroom elixirs, homemade salsas and more.
The gardens are open. It’s also a chance to see the animals, and chat with farmers.
PS: This week: limited amounts of country and roasted garlic sourdough, multigrain pan loafs, focaccina minis, olive-Focaccia and bomboloni Nutella.
When it comes to powerful adjectives and action verbs, no one beats the New York Post.
Yesterday’s story on the the future of Phil Donohue and Marlo Thomas’ former Beachside Avenue home begins:
A Connecticut “Gold Coast” mansion sold by talk show pioneer Phil Donahue for $25 million is to be be bulldozed by its current owners who say it is falling apart and overrun by vermin.
The once-palatial Tudor on Westport’s most exclusive avenue has become a home for rats and raccoons with a caving-in roof, its new owner Peggy Reiner claims.
She is involved in a bid to tear down the 8,500 square foot manse after building a 20,000 square foot beach-view home with a commanding prospect of Long Island Sound in front of it.
The long story describes the history of the current property, and others nearby.
It also calls “06880” a “popular gossipy and newsy blog.”
Nice. But we’ll stick with “where Westport meets the world.”
Click here for the full Post story. (The “06880” mention comes near the end.)
The New York Post story includes this Google Earth photo of Phil Donahue and Marlo Thomas’ “vermin”-filled old house (rear), and the 20,000-plus square foot home that replaced it.
The recent haze from Canada’s wildfires prompts this message, from Westport’s Office of Emergency Management:
Daycare providers, summer camps and older residents should subscribe to the Air Quality Index . It is fast, easy and provides important daily information. The link includes ground-level ozone, its health effects, what to do on a high ozone day, and how to reduce ground level ozone in your backyard.
Learn how to cope with days like this. Subscribe to the AQI. (Photo/Charlie Scott)
Yesterday’s Roundup posed a question: What’s up with the Photoshopped figure on top of the Westport Country Playhouse photo I posted on “06880” a couple of days ago.
It took about 12 minutes to find the answer.
Miggs Burroughs — Westport’s graphic artist/photographer extraordinaire, who has worked with nearly every organization in town — Photoshopped Ann Sheffer on the roof of the building, several years ago.
It was a gift from the Playhouse to her, for her many years of service and support.
In fact, Ann — one of our town’s most philanthropic residents — spent one summer, back in the day, as an usher there.
Decades later, she made it onto the roof.
And now the mystery is solved.
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Also yesterday, our Roundup gave an incorrect date for this weekend’s “Last Lollapaloosa” at Blau House & Gardens.
The correct day for the Bayberry Ridge event is Sunday, June 11.
The day includes tours of the magnificent property, yoga, children’s book readings, a reception and more.
Click here to register (deadline: June 5), and for information on payment and shuttle transportation from Coleytown Elementary School.
And finally … George Winston, the new age pianist (he called it “rural folk piano”) died Sunday in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. He was 74, and had been ill with cancer.
(“06880” will cover Staples’ graduation — as we do with every big town activity, and many small ones. Please help us keep doing it. Click here to contribute — and thank you!)
Over the holidays, the alert and environmentally minded “06880” reader decided to take one of his favorite walks: from Burying Hill around the cove to Frost Point.
The rocky promontory is named for one of the original Bankside Farmers — the first settlers of Greens Farms — but the attraction for Scott is something that came much later: a line of concrete pilings extending far out into the sand flats. He believes the scenic ruins were once a deep-water dock serving the Bedford estate.
Of course, he notes, the walk is possible only at low tide — not just to stay dry walking down the beach, but even to make it into the parking lot. The roadway is underwater at most high tides. Scott hopes that the jetty project — if it happens — also includes flood mitigation for the road and lot.
Burying Hill Beach entrance and parking lot at high tide.
Yet, he says, it looks like a big construction project is already underway nearby. A homeowner on Beachside Avenue is repairing the seawall. Huge boulders tumble across the sand, many well into the water line.
Boulders on the sand.
Scott says, “I’m all for homeowners keeping their property shipshape. But I also want to know that once the work is all done, Westporters will still have access to this beautiful stretch of beach. I take the graffiti on the seawall as an ominous sign.”
But leave time for the Slice of Saugatuck. The 9th annual event runs September 25, from 2 to 5 p.m.
Over 50 restaurants and stores will participate. Over 2,000 people will stroll the streets, snack on samples, enjoy music and kids activities, and learn more about the joys of Westport’s original town center.
This year’s footprint expands to include Riverside Realty (with a band in the parking lot), and the VFW and Westport Paddle Club across the street.
The Maker Faire area will once again be in Luciano Park.
There’s live music at 7 locations: Outside Chance, Silver Steel, Otis & the Hurricanes, The Howling Barncats, Elana Zarabi, Accidental Breakdown and School of Rock. Plus roving theatrical performances, and taekwando demonstrations.
New this year: boat rides, courtesy of Carefree Boat.
Two beer gardens (with wine — hey, this is Westport) are located on Bridge Square and Railroad Place. Many of restaurants will also offer specialty drinks indoors. Many will also hold special Saugatuck Happy Hours, with more food and drink after 5 p.m.
The price is again $15 per adult (with a two-for-$25 option). Kids under 13 remains $5; age 5 and under are free. Cash only!
The sponsoring Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce has donated over $30,000 to the Gillespie Center’s food pantry, with proceeds from prior events.
For more information and a Slice of Saugatuck map, click here.
From Bridge Square to Railroad Place — and everywhere else — Slice of Saugatuck is packed. (Photo/Terry Cosgrave)
Dr. Scott Gottlieb’s new book will not be released until tomorrow. But — based on pre-orders — Uncontrolled Spread: Why COVID-19 Crushed Us and How We Can Defeat the Next Pandemic — is already a best-seller.
The book by the former FDA commissioner (and our Westport neighbor) describes how the coronavirus raced through our nation. Gottlieb had a front row seat: he was in regular contact with President Trump, key players in Congress, and the drug industry.
Meanwhile, new dangers lurk around every corner. Gottlieb addresses our preparations for the next virus. Are we ready?
Click here for more information, and to order his book.
Save the Children is no longer headquartered in Westport. But it maintains strong ties here.
On September 30 (6:30 p.m., Westport Library), they’re sponsoring an evening with Christina Baker Kline. The best-selling author will join STC’s CEO Janti Soeripto and chief strategy officer Mark Shriver to discuss what the organization is doing for vulnerable children, here and abroad.
The evening includes wine and hors d’oeuvres. To purchase tickets, click here. Questions? Email mleffel@savethechildren.org.
To many folks, it was an abstract image. Some may have realized it was a stone wall.
But to the elite subset of “06880” readers who specialize in figuring out each Sunday’s Photo Challenge, it was child’s play. They quickly identified its location on Beachside Avenue, just past the Greens Farms Academy entrance on the left heading toward Southport. (Click here to see.)
Don’t ask me how they do it. But kudos to Chris Swan, Andrew Colabella, John Richers, Seth Schachter, Judy Reid and Seth Braunstein, who once again rose to the challenge.
And surpassed it.
This week’s Challenge shows 2 culverts. Hint: They’re not the ones featured in a recent story about the culverts linking Sherwood Mill Pond to Burying Hill Beach.
If you know where in Westport you’d see this pair, click “Comments” below. Bonus points for identifying the body of water.
Non-COVID health emergencies don’t take a break during a pandemic. Unfortunately, Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Services had to.
Not responding quickly, professionally and compassionately, of course. Their service never wavered. But they did have to pause their public education.
Now, with threats lessening, WVEMS is cleared to resume reduced-capacity classes at their Police headquarters facility. CPR/First Aid and Stop the Bleed courses begin this month. EMT certification is set for the fall.
All classes have limited capacity. For more information, click here.
Construction of the I-95 overpass at Beachside Avenue is cruising along. (As opposed to, say, the Kings Highway Bridge replacement near Canal Street — a far less complicated project).
Posted onApril 21, 2021|Comments Off on Roundup: Teacher Of The Year, Outdoor Dining, NY Knicks …
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CORRECTION: “06880” erroneously reported yesterday that the Board of Education will ask the RTM for an annual 3% budget increase. There was no such motion. We apologize for the error.
Staples High School social studies teacher Suzanne Kammerman has been named Teacher of the Year by the American Lawyers Alliance. The honor comes on top of — and in part because of — her role in leading her school’s “We the People” team to their 2nd consecutive state championship. They hope to follow in their teacher’s footsteps, and win a national title. Last year’s team placed 5th.
Kammerman initiated the “We the People” class and competition at Staples, after competing herself in high school.
A 14-year educator, Kammerman was previously selected by the League of Women Voters to train at Harvard Business School.
During COVID — and despite distance learning — she continued to develop created, engaging ways for students to learn about democracy. They researched Supreme Court cases, discussed hypotheticals, learned how to analyze and synthesize facts and opinions, and honed presentation skills.
Congratulations, Ms. Kammerman, for your passion, dedication, and profound impact on the next generation of citizens.
Volunteers help Staples students prepare for the 2021 “We the People” competition. Suzanne Kammerman is in the top row, 2nd from left.
State Senator Tony Hwang hosts lunch next Wednesday (April 28, 12:30 p.m., Tarantino’s). He’ll be joined by 1st Selectman Jim Marpe, Police Chief Foti Koskinas, State Representative Stephanie Thomas and Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce director Matthew Mandell.
The event — in coordination with the Chamber — will promote outdoor dining. The group will discuss ways to continue to support local businesses during COVID.
Restaurants on Railroad Place, Church Lane and other areas of town have set up tables, tents, domes and other structures for outdoor dining. The state and town have eased regulations, and owners look forward to a robust spring and summer scene.
Speaking of COVID regulations: Governor Lamont is easing earlier restrictions.
Effective May 1:
Bars that do not serve food can open for service on an outdoor-only basis. They still cannot serve only alcohol indoors.
The 8-person per table limit will be lifted for outdoors only. The limit remains in effect for indoor service.
The curfew for restaurants, entertainment venues, recreation venues and theaters will be moved back an hour, to midnight.
Effective May 19:
Contingent upon sufficiently low rates of infections and increasing vaccination rates, all remaining business restrictions will be lifted. The Department of Public Health will issue recommendations for indoor and other large outdoor events, such as concerts, and clarify where masking will continue after May 1.
(Hat tip: Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce)
The Levitt Pavilion — and many other organizations — wait for an announcement about what kind of gatherings will be allowed this summer.
“I am blessed to be able to walk to Compo Beach. This area has a very special vibe. The downside is that the vibe encourages people to drive down South Compo Road like lunatics. disregarding speed limits, crosswalks, even common sense and courtesy.
“Compo Road from Greens Farms Road to the beach might as well be the Autobahn: screeching tires, ignoring full stops, flying through crosswalks. These are not just visitors — they are locals too, rushing, blowing off stop signs and exceeding speed limits by over 25 mph.
“We have a wonderful Police Department, but they can’t be everywhere. This is going to get worse as the weather gets warmer. The weekends are a drag race by noon, through 11 p.m.
“Many dog walkers, children and elderly walking on Compo Road. Will it take someone getting killed or seriously injured to finally address the situation?”
“06880” readers know Fred Cantor as a passionate Westporter. If you’ve read many of his comments here, you know he’s an avid Knicks fan too.
He’s also proud of his roots. Until he was 10, he lived in Fresh Meadows, Queens. That’s where he learned to love the NBA team. And it forms the background of his most recent book, Fred From Fresh Meadows: A Knicks Memoir.
It’s getting great looks. Yesterday, NY1 aired a story about Fred, including 3 generations of Cantor Knick fans: his 93-year-old mother Pearl, and his brother Marc’s older son, Sam. Click here to see.
The day before, the New York Post‘s Mike Vaccaro called Fred’s book “delightful. The stories ring like a trusted friend’s from the neighboring barstool.”
The Knicks may not be at the top of the standings. But Fred From Fresh Meadows is definitely a winner.
And how about this: All proceeds benefit the John Starks Foundation. The Knick legend started the charity, which gives scholarships to teenagers in need.
Speaking of sports: There’s a Westport connection even to the controversy over a proposed “Super League” of top international soccer clubs.
Joaquim Monnerat played freshman soccer at Staples High in 2019. His family has moved to London. But there he was — photographed all over social media — protesting with over 1,000 others outside of Stamford Bridge (the Chelsea team’s home stadium).
The protest worked. The plan collapsed a few hours later when 6 of the 12 clubs — including Chelsea — dropped out.
Joaquim is in the center below, with a (dangling) face mask. And though you can’t tell, he’s wearing a Staples Soccer shirt in the image that went ’round the world. (Hat tip: Bruno Guiduli)
The I-95 Beachside Avenue bridge reconstruction project is proceeding well. As with any work like this, the landscape gets rearranged a bit. Here’s one view:
And finally … rapper Black Rob died on Saturday of cardiac arrest in Atlanta. He was 52, had numerous health problems, and struggled with homelessness.
The New York Times said his “husky, seen-it-all voice powered turn-of-the-millennium hits.” Click here for the full obituary.
Comments Off on Roundup: Teacher Of The Year, Outdoor Dining, NY Knicks …
After New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson’s great game Saturday night, Dallas Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle had an unusual way of comparing Williamson to an express train:
“It’s not just an Amtrak, it’s the Acela. it doesn’t stop in Westport, it just goes straight to New York City.” (Hat tip: Fred Cantor)
That’s not just my opinion. The Jesup Road used book store — which also sells vinyl, CDs, DVDs and audio books — is so successful, it’s expanding its hours.
They’re now open Tuesdays through Fridays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays, noon to 5 p.m. They’re closed Mondays.
COVID knocked out every in-person Seder last year.
This Passover, some Westport families gathered in small groups. Others celebrated virtually.
Below, David Ader joins the Yormark Seder. Pippa Bell Ader notes: “In the interest of saving paper, this year we read from the Haggadah via the second computer, on the right.”
Easter is Sunday. Which means there are only a few days left to get your Easter basket.
Savvy + Grace has great ones. You can head to the popular Main Street store and pick what you want.
Or email savvyandgracewestport@gmail.com. Include your name, phone number, and the age, likes and interests of the recipient. Annette Norton and her staff will put baskets together, and call for your review.
Not sure? Check out some pre-made baskets online (click here).
International Mother Earth Day is coming soon. To celebrate, the United Nations Association’s Southwest Connecticut Chapter is running a Student Creativity Contest.
They’re looking for ways to promote the UN’s sustainable development goals, legal protections for nature, and efforts to preserve biodiversity.
Submissions in any form are welcome: posters, flyers, stickers, postcards, videos, tweets, web pages, poems, songs, social media posts, whatever.
Cash prizes are awarded: $300 for 1st place, $150 for 2nd, $75 for 3rd, $25 for 4th through 10th place.
The deadline is April 16. Email a JPG, PDF, PowerPoint, MP3, MP4 or hyperlink to unaswct@gmail.com. For more information, click here.
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