No announcement has been made about a new tenant for the 12,230-square foot space.
But if a pre-application meeting request is approved — and that meeting goes well — Westport could welcome a 25,000-square foot Sprouts Farmers Market diagonally across the street.
The Phoenix-based chain — with more than 410 stores in 23 states — is not mentioned specifically, in the pre-app request filed by architect Rick Hoag.
But an artists’ rendering of 1460 Post Road East prominently shows Sprouts’ name.
Artists’ rendering of 1460 Post Road East
Hoag’s letter says that renovations to the existing building would improve the façade, enhance safety within the parking area, and increase landscaping.
BevMax — one of the current anchor tenants — would be relocated to the lower level. The rest of the lower level space would be converted from retail to storage and utility use.
1460 Post Road East, with Julian’s Pizza (left) and BevMax.
If approved, Sprouts would be the third major supermarket in a 1.5-mile stretch of Post Road East. The other 2 are Stop & Shop and Big Y.
A pre-application meeting is a non-binding forum. It allows an applicant to obtain feedback on a proposal from the P&Z, without expending resources associated with filing a formal application. (Hat tip: Peter Gold)
Site plan for 1460 Post Road East, prepared by Langan Engineering.
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“If you’re a homeowner, the first termite you see is not the first termite that showed up.”
With that analogy, Jelani Cobb wove together 2 strands of his talk — America’s history of slavery and civil rights, and today’s threats to our democracy — yesterday.
The 20th annual Westport Weston Martin Luther King Day celebration at the Westport Library drew a full crowd. Cobb — a noted New Yorker writer, scholar, and dean of the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism — was joined in conversation by novelist, playwright, filmmaker (and Westport resident) Trey Ellis.
Jelani Cobb (left) and Trey Ellis.
Asked by Ellis what King would think of the United States today, Cobb said, “It would be very familiar to him.”
Anti-democratic forces, he added, are “congenital problems that don’t go away by ignoring them.”
“My father had a 3rd grade education. I have a Ph.D.,” Cobb said. He vowed never to forget the democratic rights that enabled his achievement — and to “not tolerate intrusions on them.”
Recalling King’s famous quote — “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice” — Cobb noted the “fine print”: “We have to get out and bend it.”
Senator Richard Blumenthal spoke briefly. Referring to recent events, he said, “the totalitarian tactics used to silence non-violent protests are not America. It’s the America Martin Luther King protested against.”
The conversation was bookended by Varrick Nelson Jr. The young Stratford singer wowed the audience with stirring gospel-inflected renditions of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and “A Change is Gonna Come.”
The audience included over 40 students from the Walter Luckett Foundation. The Bridgeport non-profit provides educational and recreational opportunities for young people. The Westport Library is a longtime partner.
The annual MLK celebration is a collaboration between the Library, TEAM Westport, Westport Country Playhouse, Westport Museum for History & Culture, and the Westport/Weston Clergy Association.
Gabriel Sherman has built a career writing about some of the most powerful people in the world.
His first book, “The Loudest Voice in the Room,” told the story of how Roger Ailes built Fox News.
Sherman wrote the screenplay for “The Apprentice,” the biopic about Donald Trump’s relationship with Roy Cohn.
His latest project: “Bonfire of the Murdochs: How the Epic Fight to Control the Last Great Media Dynasty Broke a Family — and the World.”
Sherman was educated through grade 10 in Westport schools. He’s written for New York and Vanity Fair, and been a regular contributor to NBC News and MSNBC.
Sherman will be interviewed by Tina Brown at the 92nd Street Y in New York on February 5 (8 p.m.). Click here for tickets.
This month, Big Y supermarket is donating $1 to ABC — the non-profit that provides educational opportunities to academically gifted and highly motivated young men of color — for every reusable bag purchased for $2.50.
It’s a no-brainer. Buy more than one. You can never have enough bags!
On Wednesday David Guggenheim — screenwriter, producer and showrunner of Netflix’s “Designated Survivor” (and creator and writer of “Safe House,” “The Union” and “The Christmas Chronicles”) — visited Theater Camp 4 Kids Broadway Academy‘s students and interns.
He provided the young actors and writers with a “behind the camera” look at the reality of the film and TV industry, and inspired them to pursue their dreams.
Guggenheim shared insights about the creative process, including how to turn an idea into a script, and the reality of getting it produced. He also described the complex moving parts of a successful film or TV show, from how to make rainy scenes look real, to shooting on back lots and locations, and which actors he would love to work with in the future.
Youngsters came prepared with plenty of questions, which Guggenheim answered with warmth and charm.
Theater Camp 4 Kids is registering now for the winter/spring semester, and June Summer Day Camp. For information, email curleylaura@hotmail.com.
David Guggenheim (rear, center) with Theater Camp 4 Kids students. (Photo/Emily Jennings)
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Westporters using the Delta Sky Lounge at La Guardia Airport can see a bit of home.
Artist Nina Bentley’s work “He Looked Good on Paper” is on display, in Terminal C.
And finally … English author A.A. Milne was born on this date, in 1882. He died in 1956.
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Two-time Tony Award winner Judith Ivey highlights the next Westport Country Playhouse Script in Hand play reading.
“The Pancake Club” — a new comedy directed by Playhouse artistic director Mark Shanahan — is set for January 12 (7 p.m.).
Ivey plays Brenda, a waitress at a small-town diner where a group of senior men regularly meet. As Brenda struggles with the sudden death of her oldest friend, members squabble over the eulogy, the widow refuses to grieve, a mysterious stranger threatens the town’s equilibrium, and Brenda’s only daughter teeters on the brink of a meltdown. Brenda wonders: Does anybody ever truly grow up?
The Historic District Commission meets January 13 (7 p.m., Zoom).
The agenda includes a vote on the partial demolition, renovation and addition to the main home, and demolition of a detached garage, with a new garage constructed, at 296 Main Street.
The HDC will also vote on whether to oppose demolition permits, and require the full 180-day delay, for these properties:
19 Turkey Hill Road North
11 Dogwood Lane
10 Mary jane Lane
10 Twin Falls Lane
5 Over Rock Lane
17 Adams Farm Road
9 Berkeley Road.
They will vote too on whether to rescind adoption of the motion to oppose the issuance of a demolition permit for 11 Beachside Commons, which was adopted December 9.
Up | Next Teens — the county-wide teen volunteer organization founded by Addison Moore, when the recently elected Representative Town Meeting member was a Staples High School student (just a few years ago) — partnered with Big Y to host a holiday food drive.
They collected a few hundred pounds of food, pantry staples, and essential items like diapers, laundry detergent, dish soap and personal care products, for Homes with Hope’s Gillespie Center.
Peter “PJ” Boehm Jr. died Saturday at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Bridgeport.
He graduated in May from the University of Miami Herbert Business School, with a double major in finance and economics. He was a 2021 graduate of Fairfield Ludlowe High School.
His obituary describes PJ as “fun-loving, generous, deeply kind and endlessly curious. With confidence and authenticity, he treated everyone with warmth and humility. His boundless energy infected his wide circle of friends.”
He loved boating with his father Peter, traveling with his mother Mary Kate, and his yellow lab Bella.
PJ is also survived by grandmother, Marilyn Klemish; uncles William Klemish Jr. (Lori), John Klemish (partner Dani Fernandez) and Michael Klemish (Sue), and aunts Christine Walker (John), JoAnnBoehm, and Jacquelyn Steedle.
Friends may call Friday (January 2, 4 to 7 p.m., Harding Funeral Home). A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday (January 3, 11 a.m.).
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Connecticut Humane Society.
PJ Boehm
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image shows Booler’s Point, in the fog.
I’ve lived in Westport my whole life, and never heard of “Booler’s Point.”
According to photographer Michael Tomashefsky — who found it on Google Maps — that’s the spit of land jutting into the Saugatuck River, between Grace Salmon Park and the Levitt Pavilion.
Here’s what it looks like, in Monday’s fog. And if anyone knows who Booler was, click “Comments” below.
And finally … Diana Ross rings in 2026 tonight, at Times Square. Other performers include Ciara, LE SSERAFIM, Little Big Town and Maren Morris.
Beginning in 1929 though, and continuing for half a century, Guy Lombardo & His Royal Canadians’ “Auld Lang Syne” was the way millions of Americans — live, and first listening to radio, then watching on TV — celebrated New Year’s Eve.
The intro to Lombardo’s 1947 Decca Records version is still played in Times Square, immediately following the ball drop.
So — for auld lang syne’s (time gone by) sake — we present:
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One of Westport’s signature events — the Fine Arts Festival — returns for its 52nd year on Memorial Day weekend.
On May 24 and 25 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), the national Top 20 show draws 165 fine artists from 19 states to Main Street and Elm Street. As always, there are returning faces. This year, 41 artists are new.
The Westport Downtown Association includes plenty of family activities. They include Elmo and friends, facepainting, crafts, games, dancing and photo ops.
Another great tradition — though just a decade old — is the Westport Pops Concert.
This year’s event is June 6. The Staples High School Symphonic Orchestra and Band, Jazz Ensemble, Orphenians, Choralaires and other small group ensembles will perform — and Jim Naughton will host — at the Levitt Pavilion.
Gates open at 6 p.m., with the show starting at 7. Tickets are free, but a suggested donation of $15 helps offset production costs. They’ll be available at Staplesmusic.org beginning 9 a.m. on May 28. They’re first-come, first-served, so be ready. They’re snapped up fast!
This year’s poster was designed by senior Connor Yuan.
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On Tuesday, the Westport Young Woman’s League awarded $65,000 in grants, to a dozen local non-profits making a difference locally.
They include:
• Caroline House ($10,000): Provides ESL education and early childhood support to immigrant and refugee women and children in Bridgeport, promoting literacy and life skills for the whole family.
• Circle of Friends ($10,000): Offers inclusive social experiences, and a sensory-friendly “Quiet Zone” for people with autism and disabilities.
• Filling in the Blanks ($10,000): Delivers weekend meals to food-insecure children, to close the hunger gap when school is not in session.
• Liberation Programs ($10,000): Supports childcare for mothers undergoing substance use treatment at the Families in Recovery Program in Norwalk.
• Westport Farmers’ Market ($5,000): Funds a culinary program where students prepare farm-to-table meals for residents of local homeless shelters.
• VFW Post 399 ($5,000): Launches a veteran lunch and food donation program to connect veterans — especially disabled and underserved — with critical resources.
• Levitt Pavilion ($4,000): Sponsor of a free children’s concert series.
• Staples Tuition Grant ($3,000): Supporting local students’ educational goals.
• LiveGirl ($2,500): Backing youth leadership and confidence-building programs.
• Westport Country Playhouse ($2,000): Offering free and discounted tickets to family-friendly performances based on children’s literature.
• My Team Triumph ($2,000): Covering race registration fees for athletes with disabilities.
• Positive Directions ($1,500): Promoting local mental health awareness initiatives.
VFW quartermaster Phil Delgado (center) with the $5,000 Westport Young Woman’s League grant from Grants Committee chairi Bronwyn Cousins and president Tainara Cruvinel.
As parrt of the Sunrise Rotary Club’s Epic Day of Service this tomorrow (Saturday, May 17, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.), they’re partnering with Big Y to collect food for Homes with Hope.
This is Big Y’s first time working with Sunrise Rotary — and the cause is great — so they hope for a huge turnout.
Bring non-perishable items — and/or pick up some while you shop.
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The Westport Youth Commission’s Student Job Bank is relaunched. And it’s better than ever.
The platform helps local businesses and organizations offer part-time, seasonal and intern positions to high school students. They include retail work, business help, non-profit assistance, lifeguards, camp counselors, and many more.
The previous Job Bank was free for students, but businesses had to pay to post jobs. The Youth Commission donated a percentage of those fees to charity.
When the platform they used went out of business last year, the Commission had to fiind a new solution. Based on student and business feedback, they opened a new platform, without anyone paying. It’s now free.
Youth Commission co-chair Jake Shufro (3rd from left) presents Homes with Hope with a check, from previous Job Bank proceeds.
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May is AAPI Heritage Month. And Westport is celebrating with a wide array of events.
It began with a lunch at the new downtown hot spot, Sushi Jin. AAPI Westport members Vicky Nguyen and Anna Kai about spoke Vicky’s new bookm “Boat Baby,” at the New Canaan Library. Members then enjoyed Japanese treats and sodas while watching Gundam Gquuuuuux at Middle School Anime Night at Toquet Hall.
A conversation with Kevin Nguyen about his new book, “My Documents” (Tuesday, May 20, 7 p.m., Westport Library). It’s been named one of the “Best Books of 2025 (So Far)” by Esquire Magazine.
AAPI Westport gives a Special shoutout to the elementary school librarians and PTAs for inviting Christina Soontornvat as their visiting author this year. Students will meet her next week.
And finally … on this date in 1888, Nikola Tesla delivered a lecture about how to use alternating currents to transmit electric power over long distances.
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If you don’t think Westporters are excited about a new supermarket, you weren’t at Big Y yesterday.
The store opened at 7 a.m., in the Post Road East space previously occupied by Barnes & Noble. (Before that, it was Waldbaum’s — a now-defunct grocery chain.)
Almost immediately the bright, broad aisles were filled with happy — almost giddy — shoppers.
At 37,000 square feet, the Westport store is a bit smaller than the average Big Y. But it’s an important location for the Springfield, Massachusetts-based company, the second-largest supermarket chain in New England. (Stop & Shop is first.)
Before today, the closest Big Ys were in Stratford and Bethel.
Store director Joe Fetcho lives in Fairfield. He’s been with the company since 1996, and has long advocated for a Big Y here.
“I wanted my neighbors to experience this,” he says.
Fetcho is more than a Big Y manager. He’s a very enthusiastic ambassador.
“I’ve seen dozens of stores,” he adds. “But I’ve never seen this level of excitement anywhere.”
Why?
“The freshness, the variety — and especially the employees,” he says.
Shoppers were not the only ones smiling on Big Y’s first day.
One of those employees — bakery manager Lizzette Ruiz — echoed her boss’ sentiments.
“This is a real family organization. We all love interacting with customers. We listen to what they want. If you don’t see something, let us know. We’ll get it.”
Bakery manager Lizzette Ruiz.
Christian D’Amour is a 3rd generation Big Y executive. In 1936 his grandfather, great-uncle and great-aunts opened the Y Cash Market in Chicopee, Massachusetts. (The name came from its location: a “Y”-shaped intersection.)
Store director Joe Fetcho (left) and 3rd-generation Big Y owner Christian D’Amour, just inside the store’s entrance. The photo behind them shows D’Amour’s grandfather, the founder (right).
He spoke excitedly about the store’s 90 employees, and the high level of customer excitement.
Along with its supermarket selections, Westport’s Big Y features prepared foods (including fish and chips), sushi, made-to-order sandwiches, fresh pizza, soups, gluten-free already-baked cakes, and wings and salad bars. The seafood department includes a kosher section.
How do you like them apples?
As a former Barnes & Noble customer, Fetcho was familiar with the interior. It was challenging to turn it into a grocery store. But, he says, the layout is “efficient, roomy and shop-able.”
Shoppers agreed. Smiling more than supermarket customers usually do, they praised Big Y’s clean, fresh look. They liked the design and “sensible” organization.
Shoppers like Big Y’s wide aisles.
One woman was on her way to the airport. But she said, “I had to come see it.” She was glad she did.
Several echoed the verdict of one man, who praised the new Big Y by comparing it to another supermarket.
“I’m never going to Stop & Shop again,” he said.
(Big Y’s “grand opening” celebration is set for November 7.)
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All morning yesterday, and through 2 p.m., the Stop & Shop parking lot was packed.
Residents responded in droves to calls from the Westport Rotary Club and Sunrise Rotary to bring supplies of all kind — food, tools, medical items, generators and more — for victims of Hurricane Helene.
An enormous truck was packed. By mid-afternoon, it was on its way south.
(Photos/Connie Belta)
Many folks contributed cash too, for the Rotarians to buy more supplies.
The Rotary Clubs — and countless hungry, hurting folks in North Carolina — thank all who helped.
And if more is needed for Florida, we’ll be there too.
Over 200 years later — on October 18-20 and October 25-27 — Lachat Town Farm will be transformed into a modern-day, supernatural site.
Visitors will walk through a strange landscape, encounter disturbing creatures, and see scary stuff. They’ll be challenged to “solve the mystery behind the meteor before it’s too late.”
The special, immersive Halloween adventure includes a 45-minute interactive walking tour filled with live actors, horrific scenes, and chilling surprises. Lachat says: “Experience the ‘almost true’ story of the meteor, and discover Weston in a completely new light.
In a nod to 2024, seasonal treats and drinks will be available for purchase.
Parental discretion is advised, with a recommendation for ages 12 and up. All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Thirty people will be accommodated per time slot. For tickets and more information, click here or call 203-246-8431.
Candidates for Westport’s State Senate seat, and the 2 State Representative districts here, will face each other on the Westport Library stage.
The October 22 debate (12 p.m.) is sponsored by the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce. Executive director Matthew Mandell will serve as moderator.
Kami Evans and Ceci Maher are vying for State Senate District 26. Jonathan Steinberg and John Bolton are running for the State House in the 136th District; Peter Bang and Dominique Johnson are in the 143rd District race.
On October 24, the anchor tenant of Post Plaza is once again a supermarket.
BigY opens that day, at 1076 Post Road East. A “grand opening” celebration is set for November 7.
Opening soon. (Photo/Arthur Hayes)
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MoCA’s Photography Fine Art Fair will attract a large crowd (October 18 and 19, noon to 4 p.m).
An early access ticket (October 18, 11 a.m. to noon) offers a chance to browse and buy one-of-a-kind and limited edition photos from talented and emerging photographers.
Click here for early access ($100) and general admission ($10) tickets.
Supper & Soul returns to the Westport Library — and 12 downtown restaurants.
The event — which combines a 3-course dinner, rock/jam band concert at the Library, and happy hour prices for after-show drinks — is Saturday, November 9.
The band, Pajamas, will make their much-anticipated Connecticut debut. They have roots in the Grateful Dead, David Bowie, Phish and Goose.
This is the 11th dinner-and-concert event sponsored by the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce.
One ticket ($84) covers a 6 p.m. meal at participating restaurants, the 8 p.m. concert, and drinks at those restaurants afterward. Concert-only tickets are $32.
Participating restaurants are Arezzo, Basso, Capuli, Casa Me, Don Memo, Emmy Squared, Il Pastaficio, Mexicue, Nômade, Spotted Horse, Goji and Walrus Alley.
The 2017 Staples High graduate has been added to the Los Angeles Dodgers’ National League Division Series roster. They face the San Diego Padres.
Casparius replaces another right-handed pitcher, who is injured.
The 25-year-old was called up from the minors in August. He was 2-0 in 3 relief appearances, with a 2.16 ERA. He struck out 12 batters and walked 4, in 8 1/3 innings. (Hat tip: Jeff Mitchell)
Ben Casparius
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For 17 years, Earth Animal’s Mitten Project has helped CT Foodshare tackle food insecurity.
Once again, the Post Road store will match every dollar donated by customers.
Last year’s drive raised $65,000. This year’s goal is $70,000.
The Mitten Project will run through December 31. The campaign begins with “Pumpkins for Good.” All proceeds from this month’s sale of pumpkins and gourds at Earth Animal will go to CT Foodshare.
It will be followed by the sale of handmade fair-trade mittens, dog treat Advent calendars, and a “Shop & Give” program involving local businesses.
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The latest “Little Free Library” — small roadside structures, courtesy of private homeowners — is at 69 Morningside Drive South.
It’s like others around town — filled with books to borrow (with an invitation to donate your own) — but with a twist.
This one has a bench. So you can start reading even before you get home.
69 Morningside Drive South. (Hat tip and photo/Bob Weingarten)
Robert Steven Williams’ new documentary, “To the State of the Good Life,” is as timely as a film can be.
An intimate look at the American Dream through the story of a DACA recipient in Nebraska, it highlights the struggles of over 600,000 similar immigrants.
It will be shown at the Westport Library on October 17 (7 p.m.). Afterward, Williams moderates a panel discussion with experts — and Raúl Arcos Hawkins, who is featured in the video.
Tom Canavan worked on the 47th floor of the North Tower of the World Trade Center. As he escaped the wreckage on September 11, 2001, he was caught under the collapse of the adjacent 110-story South Tower.
Digging his way out of steel and debris, Canavan became one of 19 people to survive the collapse of the Twin Towers.
On December 3 (7 p.m.), Canavan will share his story in an interview with Christie Seyglinski and Andrew Colabella.
Colabella is a Westport Town Representative Meeting member, and civic volunteer.
Seyglinski grew up in the shadow of the Twin Towers. When the 9/11 Memorial opened, she became a volunteer. She is a close friend of Canavan’s.
Yesterday’s Westport Rotary Club lunch speaker, Shannon Calvert, is ab amateur astronomer, photographer, and president of the Westport Astronomical Society.
The WAS hosts viewing nights on Wednesdays at their Bayberry Lane observatory, and provides classes and workshops in astronomy, telescope training and astrophotography.
They also organize monthly online public Zoom call with experts from around the world, representing different scientific fields.
Calvert’s magnificent photos of nebulas, galaxies, star clusters and supernovas are aesthetically beautiful, scientifically informative — and the highlight of his presentation.
Tracy Porosoff describes today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo: “My sunflowers may look dead to us, but to the goldfinches, they look delicious! They are visiting and munching away.”
(Photo/Tracy Porosoff)
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And finally … on this day in 1701, the Collegiate School of Connecticut was chartered in Old Saybrook. The school later moved to New Haven, and changed its name to Yale University.
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For years, Westporters have been distressed watching Coastal Link bus riders standing on the side of the Post Road.
Employees of local businesses are there in broiling heat, freezing cold, torrential rain and driving snow.
Two new shelters should provide some protection.
Measuring 6 by 12 feet, with roof solar panels for light, electric heat and a small computer screen displaying bus arrival times, they’ve been built on Post Road West.
One is in front of Schulhof Animal Hospital. The other is across the street.
Each shelter costs $60,000. Funding is shared by the state and town (through an ARPA grant).
At the other end of town, Big Y took a big step toward its opening.
The logo is up over the supermarket, in the former Barnes & Noble building.
(Photo/Arthur Hayes)
A soft launch is set for October 24.
Meanwhile, they’re hiring in the bakery, meat, seafood, deli, produce and floral departments, along with cashiers, overnight stock clerks, and assistant management and management positions.
Sometimes the wheels of government grind exceedingly slowly.
Other times they work at warp speed.
On Sunday, a Westporter — frustrated he could not find a map of Representative Town Meeting districts on the town website — emailed RTM moderate Jeff Wieser and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker.
Couldn’t it be somewhere much more visible, he wondered? Like, in the main menu on the RTM page?
Voilà!
By yesterday afternoon — the first day back at work, after Sunday and the Labor Day holiday — the link was right there, just below “Members/Contact Information.”
Speaking of government: “A Public Conversation on Marxism in CT, Trafficking in America, Rank Choice Voting, and Election Integrity” is the title of a September 18 event (7 p.m., VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399.
The event is sponsored by Connecticut Centinal.
Panelists include Lt. Gen. Rod Bishop, USAF Ret., chairman of STARRS.us; Joe Oltmann, host of the Conservative Daily podcast; Connecticut State Senator Rob Sampson, and Linda Szynkowicz, founder of Fight Voter Fraud.
In-person tickets are $30 ($100 premier). Livestream tickets are $25. A percentage of the proceeds will be donated to VFW Post 399 to fund infrastructure development.
Click here for tickets, and more information. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)
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The bad news: Next Tuesday (September 10), the Starbucks near Carvel closes for a month, for renovations.
The good news: For 4 weeks, we can all drive safely on that stretch of the Post Road.
(Photo/John McKinney)
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On August 18, “Paulie” set out on his fourth “Push.”
The former flight attendant is honoring the heroes of American Flight 11, the first aircraft hijacked on September 11, 2001.
Paulie left from Boston’s Public Garden 9/11 Memorial. He’s pushing an airline beverage cart 210 miles, to the National 9/11 Memorial & Museum at New York’s Ground Zero.
This morning (Wednesday), he’ll come from Fairfield through Westport. Around noon, he’ll stop at Westport Fire Department’s Post Road East headquarters.
Keep your eye open for Paulie, as he “pushes” his way through town.
“Paulie” pushes his cart through Westport, on a previous journey.
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If you’ve never been to an Artists Collective of Westport pop-up exhibition: You’ve missed some of the most creative shows in town.
The opening receptions are especially fun.
The next one is set for Thursday, September 19 (6 to 8 p.m., Westport Country Playhouse barn).
It runs Friday and Saturday, September 20-21 (noon to 4 p.m.), with an artists’ talk on Sunday, September 22 (4 p.m.).
Exhibiting artists include Peter Mendelson, Lisa Silberman, Lois Goglia, Rosalind Shaffer, Melissa Newman, Lucienne Buckner, Erin Nazzaro, Elizabeth DeVoll, Andrew Graham, Nancy Woodward, Miggs Burroughs and Susan Lloyd.
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Sara Deren — yesterday’s Westport Rotary Club lunch speaker — has a unique job, and a moving story to tell.
She is founder and CEO of the Westport-based national non-profit, Experience Camps. They provide a free week of sleepaway camp for 1,300 children a year who are grieving the loss of a parent, sibling or caregiver.
Deren noted that the camps don’t try to “fix” the grief. Instead, they ameliorate the sense of isolation it causes, by teaching youngsters how to talk to the staff and with other youth in the same situation.
That, and the support of others, gives them the tools they need to move on with their lives in a positive way.
Sara Deren, at the Westport Rotary Club. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
Norwalk native Mike Camacho headlines this Thursday’s Jazz at the Post (September 5, VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7 p.m.; $20 music cover, $15 for veterans and students).
The drummer will be joined by pianist Ben Rice, bassist Alec Safy, and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall. Click here for tickets.
Nature photographer Lou Weinberg took today’s very compelling “Westport … Naturally” image. It shows a green sweat bee on Autumn Joy Sedum, at the Westport Community Gardens.
(Photo/Lou Weinberg)
Lou explains: “The green sweat bee gets its name from the fact that is attracted to the salt in human perspiration. (Don’t worry — it won’t sting unless it is really threatened; even then, its sting is mild.)
“These beautiful critters live in the soil and feed on the nectar from flowers and a sweet ‘honeydew’ created by little bugs called aphids. They store ‘pollen bread’ for themselves and their young.
“Green sweat bees add to the incredible biodiversity found in the Long Lots Preserve surrounding the Community Gardens. They are one of over 300 species of native bees found in Connecticut. Native bees are incredible pollinators, more efficient than the European honeybee.
“They have innate habits adept at pollinating hundreds of important native plants — the same plants (trees, shrubs and wildflowers) that have been planted in the Long Lots Preserve.
“As habitat loss and decreasing plant biodiversity are the primary sources of native bee population decline, it would be incredibly disappointing to destroy the Long Lots Preserve as well as the Westport Community Gardens.
“Populations of dozens of other species are being brought back by the native plantings reestablished there. When you disturb the soil, you destroy the bees.”
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And finally … in honor of our new bus shelters:
(Politics, art, business … just another day at “06880.” If you enjoy our daily Roundups — or anything else we do — please click here, to make a tax-deductible donation. Thank you!)
How busy has the Department of Public Works been this summer?
One very visible project: the new sidewalk and re-paved 0.6 miles of Hillspoint Road, from Greens Farms Road South to Old Mill. It’s getting raves for both its quality of construction, and the safety it provides.
The summer paving program resulted in upgrades and safety enhancements on 4 miles of roadways and Town properties, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker reports.
This includes Imperial Avenue and the Staples High School and Bedford Middle School parking lots and sidewalks.
Construction and improvements continue on and around Cross Highway. It includes:
Began reconstruction of the sidewalk from Compo Road North to Roseville (0.48 miles).
Made sightline and safety improvements at the North Avenue intersection.
Installed illuminated stop signage at the Bayberry Lane intersection.
The DPW managed and oversaw:
Completing sewer extensions projects at the Evergreen Avenue/ Tamarac Road and Whitney Street neighborhoods.
Sweeping 125 miles of roadway, 25 miles of sidewalk, and all municipal parking lots.
Installing and upgrading equipment for various pump stations, including installation of new generators, lining 3,500 linear feet of sewer pipe, and installing new elevators.
Installing a new cardboard compactor, and rehabilitating and reconstructing main waste compactor #1 at the town transfer station.
Tooker says: “Many thanks are due to our hard-working highway crews and public works employees who kept these projects on track, and on budget. And thank you to everyone who remained patient while the construction work was occurring. The upgrades to Westport’s infrastructure are worth it.”
Part of the sidewalk project, at Old Mill Grocery & Deli.
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Yesterday morning, the last of 5 kittens — trapped in a storm drain with their mother, underneath a grate on Post Road East — was rescued.
They’ll be named soon (based on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, courtesy of the foster family’s 5-year-old daughter).
They will soon be vetted, and available for adoption through Wilton-based Animals in Distress.
Additional information and photos will be posted on WASA’s Facebook,
WASA thanks Katherine Reid of Animals in Distress, the Westport Fire Department (particularly Engine Company No. 5 and Jennifer Petrosinelli), Bryan Thomas and Ralph Ramos of Westport’s Public Works Department, Schulhof Animal Hospital, the kind staff of Mattress Firm (adjacent to the storm drain; they allowed WASA to use their business to transfer the kittens and wash volunteers’ sardine-scented hands as a result of trap baiting), and special WASA helpers Sandy Young and Jess Zullo, who spent countless hours setting and monitoring the trapping operation, despite family and work demands.
Rescued!
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Congratulations to the Staples High School boys golf team.
On Thursday at Longshore, they beat the team record — by 3 strokes.
And Philip Sullivan set a new school individual 9-hole match record. The junior shot a scintillating 30.
The top 4 scorers count for the team score. Besides Sullivan’s, they were George Targowski (34), Gus Palmer (36) and Tommy Riley (36). Chris Taylor came in 5th, with a 38 — but that still would have been good enough to secure Staples’ record.
The future for coach Pete Caligiure’s Wreckers is bright. All 5 golfers are juniors.
The American Parkinson Disease Association Connecticut Chapter’s 10th annual Optimism Walk is in Westport next month.
And a Westport volunteer will be honored there.
The event is set for Sherwood Island State Park on September 21 (10 a.m.). When it’s done, Holly Betts — assistant director of the Westport Senior Center — will receive the Tiedemann Award, for her support of the APDA.
Gladys Tiedemann volunteered for APDA CT for more than 30 years.
Holly schedules weekly Parkinson’s exercise classes, support groups for those diagnosed with the disease and their care partners, as well as wellness programs for the Senior Center and greater community.
For the past several years, Holly has led a fundraising team of Senior Center members called “Stand by Me,” at the annual Westport Optimism Walk. Click here to support her team.
The APDA Westport Optimism Walk is a family-friendly event. It includes a short walk of up to 1.5 miles, as well as educational opportunities, raffles, sponsor activities, music, kid’s crafts, fall risk assessments, Tai Chi, and camaraderie.
Holly Betts
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Big Y moved one step closer to opening this week.
Their shopping carts have arrived, at the Post Road East store.
(Photo/Dave Shea)
Enjoy the photo.
No matter how different the new supermarket may be from Stop & Shop, Trader Joe’s, Stew Leonard’s and any other store, the end result will be the same.
These carts will soon end up all over the lot.
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Here is our first X-rated “Westport … Naturally” photo ever:
(Photo/Jay Walshon)
In case you don’t know: It’s 2 moths mating.
Normally, we wouldn’t invade their privacy.
But they did it in public.
Or at least, on Jay Walshon’s back door screen.
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And finally … congratulations again to the record-setting Staples golf team! (Story above)
(Happy Labor Day weekend! While you’re relaxing, “06880” keeps working to serve you. We love what we do — but we rely on your support. Please click here to help your hyper-local blog. Thanks!)
The Citizens’ Police Academy is one of the best — and most unpublicized, and underrated — programs in town.
25 Westport residents participate in classes that cover many aspects of law enforcement.
They learn about specialized units in the Westport Police Department, as well as how it operates and its role in the criminal justice system.
Participants observe demonstrations, and get hands-on experience with equipment the police use every day.
Instructors include experienced officers, and attorneys from Stamford Court.
In addition to classes, students experience a ride-along with a patrol officer.
They also receive Stop the Bleed training.
The next Westport Citizens’ Police Academy begins September 19. Classes run from 7 to 9:30 p.m. for 8 weeks, on select Tuesdays and Thursdays (September 19 and 26; October 1, 10, 17, 24, and November 7 and 14).
The academy is open to Westport residents 21 and older. Applications are available at police headquarters or by email from Officer Jill Cabana (jcabana@westportct.gov), and are due by August 27.
Residents can learn about this vehicle — and many other aspects of policing — at the upcoming Citizens’ Academy. (Photo/Dennis Wong)
The supermarket — which plans a soft launch starting October 24, in the Post Road East shopping plaza best known now for Angelina’s — begins interviews on August 26.
The hiring site will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, through October 19.
Positions are open in the bakery; meat and seafood; in-store deli and kitchen; produce and floral, and center store. Big Y is also hiring cashiers, overnight stock clerks, and managers and assistant managers.
Speaking of Compo Beach: The extended Mickune family was there yesterday, celebrating patriarch Derm Mickune’s 90th birthday.
His sons and daughters came from as far as Arizona, for the birthday, bringing spouses and grandkids too.
The Mickune “kids” were well known during their time at Staples High School. They enjoyed their time back in their hometown.
And their dad was — as you can see below — all smiles.
Derm Mickune (Photo/Dan Woog)
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The demise of WCBS 880 AM took Westporters by surprise.
New York’s all-news station will end its programming this month. It went on the air nearly 6 decades ago: August 28, 1967.
It will be renamed the very unmemorable WHSQ says its owner, the oddly named Audacy.
The Philadelphia company owns more than 230 radio stations in the US, including WFAN and WINS in New York.
The new station will launch as sports radio ESPN — joining WFAN in that space.
WINS, meanwhile, becomes the only all-news station in the market.
This being Westport, we’re sure there are readers who have a connection to WCBS NewsRadio 88. If you’ve worked with or for it — or have a memorable story to tell, as a listener — click “Comments” below.
The Westporter is the founder, curator and mastermind of the Westport Tech Museum — an astonishing repository for over 400 computers, video games, calculators, cameras, radios and more.
Yesterday, the NPR station aired a feature on one of Westport’s most interesting teenagers.
Or most interesting residents of any age, period. Click here to listen.
(PS: NPR posted it on their national Facebook page. And at least for a while, Jay’s story was on the home page of the national network’s website. Very cool — and very well deserved.)
Jay Babina channels Steve Jobs, with Apple’s groundbreaking Macintosh.
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This summer we’ve seen — among other animals — bears and coyotes on the roads and in the woods of Westport.
(Spotted lanternflies too. But let’s not go there.)
Now there is at least one pig. And a bison.
(Photo/Mary Lou Roels)
At least they’re confined to the Furniture on Consignment II store on Post Road East.
Tickets for the Woodside Bash — the great Earthplace fundraiser (Saturday, October 5, 7 to 10 p.m.) featuring great food, live music and a woodsy fall evening — are available now, at a special price.
They’re $100 each through Labor Day. They’re $125 from then on. Click here to purchase.
The fun continues the next day (Sunday, October 6, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.), with the annual Fall Festival. The family fun includes food trucks, a climbing wall, corn pool, apple slingshot, donut on a string, nature exploration, animal encounters and more. Click here for tickets.
And finally … in honor of the first pumpkin (blossom) of the season (story above):
(WCBS is signing off. But your local news source — “06880” — is still here. Please help us stay strong. Please click here for a tax-deductible donation. Thank you!)
Posted onAugust 9, 2024|Comments Off on Roundup: Betty Lou Cummings’ 90th, 5 M’s Music, Big Y …
Happy 90th birthday, Betty Lou!
Betty Lou Cummings — former 2nd selectwoman, founder of the long-running Apple Festival, organizer of fundraisers like the Riverwalk and Westport Library River of Names, Senior Center advocate and much, much more — had a landmark birthday last week.
This Sunday, her extended family celebrates the big event.
Here’s to 90 more!
Betty Lou Cummings, and her husband Tom.
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There’s always something cool going on at the Westport Library.
Here are 2 of the coolest: Weston resident Richard Wiese — president emeritus of New York’s historic Explorers Club, and host of Emmy-winning TV show “Born to Explore,” hosts “A Night at the Explorers Club” (Thursday, August 15, 7 p.m.).
Wiese will be joined by a great lineup of explorers, including Lhakpa Sherpa (record holder for the most Mt. Everest summits by a woman), Dr. Nina Lanza (principal investigator on the Mars Rover’s ChemCam), and astronaut Richard Garriott (Explorers Club president, and a pioneer in private space exploration).
Also appearing: Morad Tahbaz, co-founder of the Persian Wildlife Heritage Foundation; documentary filmmaker Brendan Hall; Rebecca Hui, entrepreneur and founder of cultural preservation company Roots Studio, and artist/writer James Prosek. Click here for more information.
Explorers galore at the Westport Library.
A musical excursion to the 5 M’s — Memphis, Macon, Muscle Shoals, Motown and Miami — that influenced so much of our musical history is set for Sunday, August 18 (2 to 5 p.m.).
Part of Roger Kaufman’s “Speaking of Music” series, it includes the vocal talents of Dennis Collins (Roberta Flack/Donny Hathaway), backed by Sharon Collins, Billy Genuario, Stephanie Harrison and T’Zelle Wilson.
Also on stage: the Old School All-Stars band (Bob Cooper, Tim DeHuff, Dave Edwards and Tyger MacNeal), and the Saugatuck Horns (Bob Carlson, Fred Scerbo, and former Rolling Stones sideman Crispin Cioe).
Special guest — local author, bassist and musicologist Brian Torff — will tell stories of his journeys to the 5 M’s. Click here for more information.
Both events are free.
Crispin Cioe
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When will Big Y open?
We’re not sure. Progress has been slow, since the supermarket chain took over vacant space from the abortive Amazon Fresh property (which had been planned to replace the old Barnes & Noble, on Post Road East).
But they’re finally ready to hire. This sign now appears:
(Photo/Bob Weingarten)
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Also opening: Henry Lehr.
Or, we should say, re-opening. Or even, re-re-opening.
A pop-up shop appeared for a couple of weeks. Around Labor Day, a regular store will take over that 66 Post Road East location, next to the (current) Barnes & Nobel, and LoveSac.
It’s a return, of sorts. Henry Lehr was a successful business for many years, on Main Street.
They closed in 2014. There are now several successful stores in the Hamptons.
And — soon — they’ll be back to their Westport roots.
The shuttered Henry Lehr on Main Street. (Photo/Dave Matlow for WestportNow)
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Retail changes are in the works in Weston too.
According to Weston Today, Josh and Jessica Tolk — owners of Lunch Box, the diner-style restaurant in Weston Center — hope to rebrand it, into a bar and grill.
The 47-year-old spot will continue lunch and dinner service, with expanded days and hours of operation. They also may return to breakfast service in a modified format, and continue takeout and delivery service.
The Tolks also seek approval of a new entrance, facing Weston Road. Click here for the full story.
New Lunch Box: artist’s rendering (Courtesy of Weston Today)
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“Remi’s Run for Parker’s Cure” is a colorful community event, for a great cause.
The morning of fun, fitness and philanthropy is set for Sunday, August 25 (10 a.m. to noon, PJ Romano Field track).
The color run is part of Remi Rutstein’s bat mitzvah project. It’s dedicated to her cousin Parker, who is battling a rare genetic brain disorder known as HIST1H1E.
Participants — grouped by age — will run or walk around the track, while being splashed with colorful, non-toxic powders. By the end of the run, everyone is a living rainbow.
The fun also includes breakfast from Lyfe Café, a candy truck, sports and games, tattoos, a DJ, and plenty of surprises.
Remi says the event is a way for Westporters to come together and celebrate Parker, raise awareness, and contribute to the search for a cure.
The event is free, but donations are welcome. Click here to register, and for more information and contributions.
Long-time Westport resident — and 1950s country & western artist — Mimi Roman (Mimi Roth) performs this Sunday (August 11, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 148 East Avenue, Norwalk), at the 6th annual Italian American Police Society Vincent Penna Jr. Car Show. Click here for car show details.
She’ll be joined by Clue & The Honeytones.
The car show raises funds for the Vincent Penna Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund. It awards money to the education of local children.
Penna died suddenly in December 2020 at age 51, leaving behind his wife and teenage sons, plus countless family members, friends, colleagues and fellow officers who admired his passion for his family and community.
Penna was an officer with Westport for 26 years, becoming deputy chief before retiring in 2017.
The event will have hundreds of classic and exotic cars, and thousands of automotive enthusiasts. There is a $20 fee to enter a car; spectators are free.
Besides music, there are raffle prizes, food trucks, trophies and more — including over $40,000 in prizes.
Click here for a video of Mimi singing on the Orleans Hotel & Casino main stage in April — the day after her 90th birthday.
And finally … that 5 M’s Westport Library program, with music from Memphis, Macon, Muscle Shoals, Motown and Miami (story above), seems very cool.
There are squintillions of songs I could pick from those legendary towns. Here’s one, with ties to two.
Otis Redding grew up in Macon, Georgia, and lived there for much of his too-short life.
Wikipedia says: “You Left the Water Running” is a soul music song written by Dan Penn, Rick Hall and Oscar Franks. It has been recorded by Wilson Pickett, Maurice and Mac and most notably by Otis Redding….
In 1966, Redding was visiting FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama when studio owner Rick Hall requested Redding help them with an upcoming session. Wilson Pickett was to record “You Left the Water Running,” and Hall wished for Redding to record a demo to assist with the production. A simple recording was made and Redding made some overdub additions, and Pickett made his recording similar to Redding’s version.
Ten years later, (music journalist Dave) Marsh was mailed a promo copy of “You Left the Water Running” by Otis Redding on Stone Records….
Marsh was fascinated by the song, and mentioned the new single to several friends, including his attorney, who also happened to represent the Otis Redding estate. He soon found out that Stone Records had not obtained the Redding family’s permission to release the long lost demo recording, and demanded the single be pulled from circulation.
When Marsh asked the label’s distributor what was to become of the single, he was informed that they were to be destroyed. Instead, Marsh purchased the copies that remained, and gave them out as gifts, with the attorney’s permission. As a result,the single (Stone 209) is now highly valuable.
(Westport connection: 1961 Staples High School graduate Charlie Taylor — a talented singer/songwriter, and frequent “06880” commenter — is a longtime friend of Dan Penn.)
(Don’t leave the water running! And don’t forget to support “06880,” your hyper-local blog. Just click here. Thank you!)
Comments Off on Roundup: Betty Lou Cummings’ 90th, 5 M’s Music, Big Y …
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