Tag Archives: Bed Bath & Beyond

Roundup: New Trash Pickup Site, Starbucks Garbage, Sabrina & Senator Murphy …

Posted on February 19, 2023 | 8 comments

There’s a new site for today’s weekly volunteer trash pick-up.

It’s now set for 11 a.m. at the Westport Animal Control building (6 Elaine Road, off Compo Road South between I-95 and railroad overpasses). It’s near the Saugatuck River public boat launch.

Organizer Andrew Colabella says that the previous scheduled site — the Saugatuck train station — is almost free of trash.

All volunteers are welcome. They’re advised to dress warmly, and bring garbage bags.

Questions: Email acolabellartm4@gmail.com.

Westport Animal Control building, on Elaine Road.

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Andrew Colabella and his band of civic volunteers do a great job every week, cleaning up public spaces.

They shouldn’t have to, but there’s enough trash to keep them busy.

They should definitely not have to pick up private property. That’s the job of owners and tenants.

For example: Here’s the area around the drive-through Starbucks:

(Hat tip and photo/Scott Singer)

Pretty gross. In addition to tons of garbage, there are knocked-over stanchions. How hard is it to send someone out from the frappuccino machine, to fix this mess?

And while they’re at it, maybe the manager could help move the concrete parking slab back to where it belongs, so vehicles won’t have to poke their tails out even more into the already dangerously narrow parking lot.

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Last week, “06880” reported on Sabrina Guerra.

The non-speaking autistic 10-year-old Weston girl was one of 15 winners statewide, in Senator Chris Murphy’s 7th annual MLK Day essay challenge. She wrote eloquently of her life in “a marginalized group fighting for our right to be heard, the right to define ourselves, and the right to belong.” (Click here, then scroll down for her superb insights.)

Last week, she attended an award ceremony with Senator Murphy. He cited her out by name during his speech, then sat with her for 10 minutes as she presented to him.

It was a great day for her — and the senator. Click here for the inspiring video.

Screenshot of Senator Chirs Murphy and Sabrina Guerra.

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There is a time for taking … and a time for giving.

The Remarkable Bookcycle — Jane Green’s creative free library that’s parked for the winter on Main Street — is wildly popular with readers.

That’s a problem.

Annette Norton owns Savvy + Grace, a few feet away from the Bookcycle. The other day, she added some books to the nearly bare shelves.

It looks fuller. But there is still plenty of room for more.

Any and all books are welcome. To contradict William Shakespeare, both a borrower and a lender be.

Remarkable Bookcycle (Photo/Annette Norton)

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The other day, “06880” reported that Bed Bath & Beyond’s Norwalk store would close in March.

Judging by this photo, they may not make it to next month:

(Photo/John Karrel)

Reader John Karrel asked one of the very helpful employees whether he’d be moving to another BB&B location. His response: “They’re all closing.”

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It may be a while before orchids bloom outdoors.

But these flowers — a gift to Matt Murray’s wife — give all “Westport … Naturally” readers hope that spring is just around the corner.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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And finally … on this day in 1940, Smokey Robinson was born.

The very prolific and hugely talented singer/songwriter/Rock & Roll Hall of Famer/Library of Congress Gershwin Prize winner performed at a Levitt Pavilion benefit concert, more than 2 decades ago. He also was a guest at Ashford & Simpson’s annual 4th of July party, back when they lived on Cross Highway near Bayberry Lane.

Happy 83rd birthday, Smokey! I know all “06880” readers second that emotion.

8 Comments

Posted in Downtown, Local business

Tagged Annette Norton, Bed Bath & Beyond, Remarkable Bookcycle, Sabrina Guerra, Senator Chris Murphy, Starbucks

Roundup: The Porch, Club 203, Westport 100 …

Posted on February 5, 2023 | 5 comments

Bitter temperatures, then quick warming yesterday caused a frozen pipe to burst during lunch at The Porch @ Christie’s.

A screen shot from a video by Dylan Curran (below) shows water cascading between 2 light fixtures, down the front of a display case, and into one of several trash cans.

But nothing stops Andrea and Bill Pecoriello. The owners worked their magic tirelessly, and opened again this morning.

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Speaking of The Porch:

The popular Cross Highway deli/restaurant is the site of the next Club 203 party. Westport’s great social group for adults with disabilities celebrates St. Patrick’s Day there the night before: March 16, 7 p.m.

Westport Country Playhouse was the scene of the club’s recent Valentine’s dance party. Over 120 guests and a dozen volunteers enjoyed stacks of heart-shaped pizzas donated by Planet Pizza, sweetheart cookies courtesy of Stew Leonard’s and The Pantry, and a jewelry-making and artful “live love” project sponsored by MoCA of Westport.

Click here for more information on Club 203, and the St. Paddy’s Day social.

Rockin’ Club 203’s Valentine’s dance, at Westport Country Playhouse.

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Yesterday’s Roundup noted that although the Norwalk Bed Bath & Beyond store is not accepting coupons — and everything is 20% off — it was not on the chain’s list of hundreds of stores slated for closing.

But Bobbie Herman — who told “06880” that both it and the Fairfield store will close — was right.

A call to the Norwalk location yesterday confirmed the news. The person who answered said the news has not yet been announced officially. The final day is “sometime in March.”

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Two years ago, Jay Norris sat with 4 other Black men. Their goal was to create a social community in Westport for people of color.

The men would network. They and their spouses would attend cultural events, and dine out together; they’d organize beach parties and other events for their kids.

Hoping for a few more men, they chose an optimistic name: Westport 10.

They’ve met at places like La Plage, Autostrada and Hudson Malone. Their children have gotten together. By their presence and involvement in local affairs, they’re making Westport more comfortable for themselves — and more welcoming for all.

Westport 10 has grown rapidly. They’re now up to over 50 men and their families.

So Jay has announced a new name: Westport 100.

Congratulations! Here’s hoping for more name changes in the future.

At a recent Westport 100 lunch at Hudson Malone, clockwise from bottom right: Titus McDougal (wearing a cap), Alexis Johnson, Lorenzo Wyatt, Kevin Christie, Dr. Stephan Grevious, Ron Gordon, Trey Ellis, Vinny Spencer, Roy Adams, Timothy Tanksley, Jay Norris, Ted Parker, C.D. Glin,

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New York Times crossword puzzle editor and NPR puzzle master Will Shortz entertained hundreds of puzzle solvers and word lovers yesterday, at the 24th annual Westport Library contest.

The crowd worked on 3 puzzles he brought — all yet to be published in the Times — and then followed along as 3 finalists competed onstage. Before the final round, Shortz led a series of word games.

“You’re sharp!” he said, as one man took about three nanonseconds to turn one word (“mechanize”) into the name of an animal by adding another (“chimpanzee”).

The crossword champion — who won a previous contest here — was Glenn Ryan. He finished the final puzzle — an always-tough “Saturday” one — in 6 minutes, 48 seconds.

The rest of us are still working on it.

Will Shortz, leading word games at the Westport Library. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Last week, Matt Murray’s radar detector started going bonkers at various spots it never had before.

He realized it was triggered by boxes on telephone poles. Looking closely, he saw that they’re property of the Connecticut Department of Transportation. He worried that “Big Brother” was monitoring speeds.

A state Department of Transportation traffic study box. (Photo/Matt Murray)

They are on (among other roads) North Avenue, Cross Highway and Bayberry Lane — all areas that are being studied for traffic patterns, prior to recommendations for improvement.

Westport Police Chief says, “the data is not vehicle specific. Nor is it being used for enforcement.”

Matt sends along this link, from a barcode on the radar box.

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Kat Evans is this month’s featured artist at the Westport Book Shop.

Her luminous color field paintings are on display through February 28. All are available for purchase.

Kat’s art has been shown in juried solo and group exhibitions, and hangs in collections throughout North America, Europe and Japan. She is a member of the Artists Collective of Westport.

Kat Evans, at the Westport Book Shop.

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The Westport Country Playhouse Script in Hand 2003 play reading series begins with “As Bees in Honey Drown.”

The fun-filled, insightful social satire is set for Monday, February 13 (7 p.m.). Script in Hand eadings offer intimate storytelling. Professional actors bring words to life, without sets or costumes.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Readers submit many great sunrise photos.

This one — from a few days ago, at Compo Beach — makes it to the top of the “Westport … Naturally” queue. The birds add a special touch.

(Photo/Simon Gurvets)

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And finally … today is National Fart Day. No s—.

(If you click here to contribute to “06880,” I’ll keep posting final items like this. If you contribute a lot, I’ll stop.)

5 Comments

Posted in Arts, Library, Local business, Transportation, Westport Country Playhouse, Westport life

Tagged Bed Bath & Beyond, Club 203, Jay Norris, The Porch @ Christie's, Westport 100, Westport Book Shop, Westport Library Crossword Puzzle Contest, Will Shortz

Roundup: Water Main Breaks, Arts $$$. 8-30g …

Posted on February 4, 2023 | 3 comments

The second burst pipe in 2 days affected 1,600 Westport customers in the Newtown Turnpike neighborhood last night.

That one was a 24-inch main. Aquarion. A.J. Penna and the Westport Fire Department assisted in repairs, in bitterly cold weather.

Repairs to the Newtown Turnpike main. (Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)

Adding to the woes, at the same time high winds brought down a tree, also on Newtown Turnpike.

Tree down on Newtown Turnpike. (Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)

The day before, a water main break on Duck Pond Road in Saugatuck Shores affected customers on more than 20 streets.

Saugatuck Shores water main break. (Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)

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“06880” has partnered with the Drew Friedman Community Arts Center to help the next generation of artists develop their talents.

Three scholarships — each worth $7,500 — will go to high school seniors with financial need who want to pursue an arts education at any level. All Westport 12th graders are eligible, no matter where they currently attend school.

Students who currently participate in art classes or art activities should send up to 8 JPEGs of their work. It can be any medium — photography, painting, sculpture, drawing, digital art, or other.

Applicants should also submit a statement of up to 500 words describing the value of art in their life, and the world at large.

Send images and the statement (or any questions) to info@DrewFriedmanCommunityArtsCenter.org (subject line: “2023 Scholarship”). The deadline is February 28.

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8-30g — the state’s convoluted, controversial affordable housing act — has been with us for quite a while.

There are rumblings of change in Hartford. What are they? What might they mean for Westport?

A community conversation called “The Impact of CT Statute 8-30g On Westport: What to Expect in 2023” may shed some light.

The February 27 event (Westport Library, 7 p.m.) features State Representative Jonathan Steinberg, Westport town attorney Ira Bloom, Westport Planning & Zoning Commission chair Danielle Dobin, and Evonne Klein of the Connecticut Center for Ending Homelessness.

The event is organized by the Westport Representative Town Meeting. RTM moderator Jeff Wieser will lead the discussion.

Artist’s rendering of Summit Saugatuck. The 187-unit development on Hiawatha Lane Extension has been mired in 8-30g controversies for years.

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The Norwalk location is not on the list of hundreds of Bed Bath & Beyond stores set to close.

However, according to alert “06880” reader Bobbie Herman, the Westport Avenue store is no longer accepting their ubiquitous coupons. No worries: Everything there is 20% off.

The Fairfield location, on Kings Highway, is set to close. Their sale began the other day.

The home goods chain announced plans last year to shutter approximately 150 stores and cut 20 percent of its workforce. Another round of closures was announced the other day, on the heels of news they defaulted on their credit line, and may file for bankruptcy.

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There are plenty of important fundraising galas in Westport. Each has its own beneficiary, theme and vibe.

But only one invites you to come in pajamas.

The 4th annual Rach’s Hope PJ Gala (March 11, 7 p.m., FTC Warehouse, Fairfield) celebrates the life of Rachel Doran — the Staples High School Class of 2015 graduate, who was also a talented sleepwear designer — with music, food, an auction and great community spirit.

Proceeds benefit local families navigating the critical illness of a child. Rach’s Hope provides nutritious food, lodging, transportation and encouragement, so family members can focus on being present for their children.

Guests are invited to wear “pajama-chic attire” to honor “Rachel’s Rags” — the business she began before her death in 2018.

An honors student and skilled costume designer for Staples Players, Rachel was a rising senior at Cornell University studying fashion design and business when she suffered a rare reaction to common medications.

The chain of unimaginable events leading to Rachel’s loss brought the Doran family’s friends together to support them when they needed it the most. That became the healing mission for Rach’s Hope: ensuring no family goes through the illness of a child alone.

Click here for tickets, and more information. To donate funds, goods, experiences or services to the auction, email teamrachshope@gmail.com.

Rachel Doran

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Only 7 VIP tickets remain for Fashionably Westport.

The raised runway show (Saturday, March 4, 7 p.m., Westport Library Trefz Forum) highlights downtown’s fashion and beauty merchants. Just as importantly, it’s a benefit for Homes with Hope.

That’s just part of the 2-day event. Also included: in-store activities and promotions.

VIP tickets include light bites, a DJ and gifts. Click here for all tickets.

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The Staples High School boys swim and dive team needs to raise funds for activities not sponsored by the Board of Education budget.

During a “Swim Challenge” (Friday, February 10, 4 p.m.), team members will swim 240 laps.

Yeah, that’s a lot: 6,000 meters (more relatably: 3.7 miles).

They’re seeking sponsors per lap. Scan the Venmo QR code in the flyer below, or send a check: Staples Swim & Dive Team, c/o Timothy Tanksley, 8 Salem Road, Westport, CT 06880. Be sure to write “Wreckers Swim Challenge.”

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The wintertime crowds at Compo Beach may not rival those of summer.

But the shoreline’s “Westport … Naturally” beauty is there, 24/7/365.

(Photo/Michelle Harmon)

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And finally … in honor of all the Aquarion, Fire Department and private contractor folks who worked over the past 2 days — in frigid weather — to fix Westport’s 2 water main breaks: