Back in the day — long before the PAL Skating Rink at Longshore, and even before its predecessor, the rink next to the miniature golf course (for decades now, the Westport Tennis Club indoor courts behind Goodwill) — there were plenty of places to skate in Westport.
Ponds like the one on Bulkley Avenue North welcomed all. Most are gone now — though Round Pond across from Longshore (where Dorothy Hamill often skated, while visiting relatives nearby) still draws crowds when it’s safely frozen.
Not far away, the corner of Compo Road South and Bridge Street — before I-95 plowed through — was also very popular.
This was no ordinary outdoor venue. It was owned by Parke Cummings — a noted author, humorist, and frequent contributor to the New Yorker and Sports Illutrated.
Prolific Westport author Carl Addison Swanson writes: “While the book, movie and most news stories deal with the Great Ice Storm Felix of December 1973, which paralyzed the entire state of Connecticut, 50 years ago today another ice storm hit Westport and surrounding towns.
“I know it well, for it was my wedding day. It took us close to 3 hours to get from Westport to the church in New Canaan.
“The Merritt Parkway was a sheet of ice, and the caterer smashed into a telephone pole delivering yummies to the Roger Sherman Inn.
“The ice finally melted, as did the marriage.”
January 1974 ice storm. (Photo courtesy of Carl Addison Swanson)
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And “06880” is proud to partner with the Drew Friedman Community Arts Center to help the next generation of artists develop their talents.
To the tune of $5,000 worth of scholarships.
The grants will go to current high school seniors with financial need who want to pursue an arts education at any level — university, community college or an arts school. All Westport 12th graders are eligible, no matter where they currently attend school.
The DFCAC is funding the scholarships. It was founded by Friedman — the downtown property owner, restauranteur (Onion Alley, Cobb’s Mill Inn, Stonehenge Inn) and philanthropist whose first wife Bobbie was an accomplished artist.
The Drew Friedman Community Arts Center also sponsors workshops and projects for students. The center is administered by Nick Visconti, Friedman’s longtime business partner. (Click here to learn more about the DFCAC.)
To apply, students who currently participate in art classes or art activities should send up to 8 digital images (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 300 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: “2024 Scholarship”). The deadline is February 29.
Submissions will be evaluated by an independent panel of professional artists. Awards will be announced by the end of March, with the winners’ work posted on “06880.”
Drew Friedman Community Arts Center representatives Miggs Burroughs and Nick Visconti (far right) and then-1st Selectman Jim Marpe congratulate previous arts scholarship winners.
After a holiday break, Y’s Men of Westport and Weston’s “Westport … What’s Happening” podcast is back.
This week, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker looks at the year ahead. She offers updates on new and continuing projects and programs, along with her vision for 2024. Click below to listen:
Click on the links above for details, and ordering information. Click here for the Staples High School graduate’s website.
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Yesterday’s storm skirted Westport. But it dumped just enough snow for sledding at Winslow Park.
And that was enough to send a News12 crew. We have no idea what kinds of questions were asked, but the kids look like they’d rather be on the slope.
(Photo/Jonathan Alloy)
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On a beautiful day, the Trader Joe’s parking lot has issues.
Saturday — between panic buying before an inch of snow, and the opening of Cobs Bread — was not a beautiful day.
Dozens of drivers jockeyed for spots. But this driver — either slyly or sloppily — managed to snag 4 spots him (probably not her) self.
The front 2 are clearly taken. The back 2 were unavailable to any vehicle except a Mini Cooper; otherwise, your stick out too far in the already too-narrow 2 lanes by the store.
Theresa Zapata, a 25-year resident of Westport, died Friday. She was 82.
She served Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department guest services department for 12 years, with devotion.
Her family says, “Terry was a force of nature, a true spitfire who captivated those around her with a unique blend of sarcasm and unfiltered honesty. Her sharp wit and infectious laughter brought joy to countless hearts, leaving a lasting imprint on everyone fortunate enough to be part of her life.”
She was an excellent cook, and a devoted grandmother for sporting events and school performances.
Terry opened her home to countless stray dogs, providing them with love and care.
She is survived by her children Debbie (Charlie), Michael (Doreen), Barbara (Robert) and Lynn (Paul); grandchildren Dillon, Michael (Megan), Bobby, Lindsey (Eddie), Mathew, Ian, Paul and Trevor, and great-grandson Killian.
A memorial service is set for Saturday (January 13, 1:30 p.m., St. Luke Church). The service will be followed by a celebration of life, at a site to be determined. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Humane Society.
Terry Zapata
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Here’s a “Westport … Naturally” first: an animal photo without any animals.
But they let us know they stopped by, in Sunday’s snow.
And finally … on this date in 1815, during the 3rd year of the War of 1812, Andrew Jackson led American forces to victory over the British in the Battle of New Orleans.
The event made the brevet major general a national hero. In 1829 he was elected 7th president of the United States.
(Whether it’s weather, the arts, politics or parking, “06880” has Westport covered. Please consider a tax-deductible contribution, to help our work. Just click here. Thank you!)
The 1880 Victorian just north of Saugatuck Elementary School — owned by the town, and used previously by the Board of Education — will include 5 apartments. Four are for people with special needs; one will be rented to a staff member, who also qualifies under regulations for affordable housing.
The off-site affordable housing is part of the Richmondville Mill project. Funding came from Sam Gault and Joe Feinleib.
It’s a great example of public/private cooperation to address affordable housing needs. The town gets a $500,000 prepaid lease, on property it still owns. The historic house got a $2 million restoration (and landscaping) through Redniss & Mead.
Abilis — the 72-year-old nonprofit serving over 800 people with special needs — gets a completely redone home, gratis, for clients. Each unit includes a kitchenette and private bath
The town gets moratorium points toward affordable housing units — without going through the contentious 8-30g process.
Once a certificate of occupancy is granted, residents and a staff member will move in.
Representative Town Meeting member Matthew Mandell rose, at Tuesday’s meeting, and requested time to speak on a subject he feels strongly about: antisemitism.
Less than 72 hours after announcing a holiday fund drive to heat 2,000 homes for the winter in Westport’s sister city of Lyman, Ukraine, we’re already more than 3/4 of the way to our goal.
We’re aiming for $60,000. That would pay for 2 wood pellet machines. Each would heat 1,000 homes — all heavily damaged in the Russian invasion, and all filled with families facing a cold, bleak winter.
Thanks to 2 large anonymous donations, and dozens of smaller ones, we’ve raised $48,112. We are less $12,000 away from helping 2,000 people — many of them elderly, and children — in the war-torn town.
Come on, Westport! Let’s close this out today! $30 will heat one apartment for the winter. $300 will heat 10. Any gift — of any amount — will make the winter bearable, in our sister city.
To donate by credit card, click here; then click the “I want to support” box; then select “Westport — Lyman Sister City.” Scroll down on the Donate page for other options: mail, wire transfer and Venmo. Thank you!
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The short block of Rayfield Road between Post Road East and Spicer Road is public — and gets plenty of traffic.
For years, Volvo of Westport used both sides as a parking lot. After many complaints, the Board of Selectwomen voted to ban parking there. The “No Parking” signs went up a month ago.
Big deal.
Volvo — and others — continue to park there.
This was the scene Wednesday, at 2 p.m.: 6 cars. Plus a tractor-trailer.
Police: Take note!
(Photo/Arthur Hayes)
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Speaking of parking … a reader sends a photo from yesterday morning, at the Sherwood Mill Pond Preserve:
He writes: “Granted, there might not be huge demand for the very limited parkin spaces this time of year.
“But there were 4 commercial vehicles parked there, presumably by contractors working on a nearby house.
“I know there’s not much available parking down here. But those few spaces are intended for residents’ recreational use.”
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50,000 copies of “Agent Orange” — the new book by Westport author and Vietnam veteran Carl Addison Swanson — have been delivered to 4 regional VA offices. They’ll be distributed free to former servicemembers.
“The dreadful chemicals, some 19 million pounds, sprayed on Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos during the war have now murdered over 300,000 veterans since we left Vietnam in 1975,” Swanson notes.
Click here for more information on the book, and to order. Click here for Swanson’s website.
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Ring cameras capture some plenty of prosaic scenes.
And some pretty interesting ones.
But even the cutest deer nuzzling up against a door, or the most brazen thief running away with an Amazon delivery, can’t compare with this video, from a couple of nights ago, in the Cranbury neighborhood:
Screenshot of Ring video (courtesy of Brian McGunagle)
That’s right. You’ve always been told there’s no such thing as a unicorn.
It was 10 years ago yesterday that the almost instantly popular restaurant opened in Playhouse Square.
To celebrate — and for a limited time only — they’re offering a Morning Zest Parfait.
It’s made with morning zest granola, Greek yogurt, almost butter and strawberry compote, it’s part of TGB’s 10th anniversary menu. The Classic Parfait, Shrek, Granola Bowl, Dana, The Good Date, Very Berry and Lemon Drop are all just $10.
And — if you use the discount code “GC10” — you get 10% off online gift cards. The offer is only good through (of course) December 10.
The Staples football team hopes for a great turnout tomorrow (Saturday, December 9, 5 p.m., Central Connecticut State University’s Arute Field), for their state “LL” (extra large schools) championship game against West Haven.
But if you can’t make it to New Britain, there’s a livestream. Click here (and follow the prompts to subscribe).
As exciting as the game is, it’s tinged with tragedy. Christopher Fidalgo-Pugh — a sophomore player for West Haven — died suddenly on Tuesday.
Carmen Roda — Westport Parks & Recreation Department operations manager, and director of the Fairfield County Football League — is helping raise funds for funeral costs. Click here for the GoFundMe link.
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This bobcat looked right at home yesterday, hanging out on a deck off Wilton Road and posing for his “Westport … Naturally” close-up.
And finally … Denny Laine — the singer/songwriter/guitarist who co-founded both the Moody Blues and Wings — died Tuesday in Florida. He was 79, and suffered from interstitial lung disease. Click here for a full obituary.
(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. We rely on the support of readers like you. To make a tax-deductible contribution, please click here. Thank you!)
A sign on the door of the clothing and outdoor gear retailer smack in the middle of downtown says: “Thank you, Westport, for letting us be a part of the neighborhood for the last 18 years. It’s been an honor to call this community home.”
Patagonia products can still be found at their wholesale partner, ASF Sports & Outdoors.
Meanwhile, we could make the snarky remark that the valuable property could be replaced by a bank.
Except that’s what it was, for its first 8 or so decades of existence. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)
Only 23 shopping days until it’s “Pata-gone-ia.”
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Looking for a good read (or holiday gift)?
Westport’s own Jo Ann Miller and Carl Addison Swanson’s “A Marathon of Changes” was called “a very interesting and motivating book for the new year,” by BookList.
Jo Ann — daughter of famed fighter pilot Thomas H. Miller. and goddaughter of astronaut John Glenn (who wrote the foreward) — grew up amid constant change, and in the shadow of the Marine Corps.
After emerging as a beautiful young career woman, the stress of work and life took its toll on her personality as well as her body. Faced with obesity, draining work demands and horrid tragic events in her past, she decided to change her life.
The culmination was the 2006 Marine Corps Marathon. The book follows her through each mile, as she reflects on the demands of the race as well as the remembrances of her past.
The book deals with the loneliness of obesity, the challenge of gastric bypass surgery, the tragedy of life and death, the intimate anger of rape, and finally the joy of financial freedom and newfound love. Click here to purchase.
The death yesterday of Sandra Day O’Connor brought tributes to the first female Supreme Court justice from around the country.
Westporter Howard Matson remembered a dinner he hosted for her 9 years ago, at New York’s Union League Club.
“She was very gracious,” he told “06880.”
“She spoke at length about her years after leaving the Supreme Court. Her favorite project was a curriculum developed to teach civics online to students. Justice O’Connor felt that there was a profound lack of understanding of the American government structure.”
Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and Howard Matson.
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Before you know it, Christmas will be here.
And the kids will be out of school.
MoCA Westport can help!
Their winter recess Art Camp for Kids runs December 18-22 and 26-29.
Morning sessions (9;30 to 11:30 a.m.) are for nursery schoolers and kindergartners. Participants must be “fully potty trained.”
Full-day sessions (9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.) are for kindergartners through 2nd graders.
One of the first compelling events of the new year is January 10.
Chabad of Westport sponsors an evening of hope and inspiration (7:30 p.m.). Esther Basch — the Honey Girl of Auschwitz — will tell her gripping story of survival and resilience. At 95, she is one of the world’s few remaining Auschwitz survivors.
Esther was transported to the death camp on her 16th birthday in a cattle car. she later faced a death march to the Salzwedel concentration Camp, where she was liberated by American soldiers in April 1945.
Despite the horrors she experienced, Esther’s unshakable faith and universal love for humankind helped her survive, then motivated her to share her story globally.
The event is part of Chabad’s new “Critical Conversation Series,” addressing contemporary Jewish and timely issues.
And finally … On this date in 1942, a Manhattan Project team led by Enrico Fermi initiated the first artificial self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction.
(Only 23 shopping days left at Patagonia. But you can make a donation to “06880′ any time. Just click here. Thank you!)
A concerned Westporter, who asks to remain anonymous, writes:
“During its October 7 terrorist invasion of Israel, Hamas and its allies kidnapped 240 hostages. Americans, Israelis and citizens of many countries are among the boys, girls, men and women still held captive, including babies, children, teenagers, adults and seniors.
“The 48 posters now on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge are just 1/5 of the total number of hostages. I laminated them and tied them to the posts with string, so there is no tape, glue or any adhesive on the bridge.
“A Westport police officer nicely chatted with me before driving off. It was very comforting to hear the many shouts of thanks and encouragement from people driving and walking on the bridge as I put these up.
“It should be beyond politics to say holding civilians hostage is a fundamentally unconscionable violation of human rights and the laws of war.”
“Agent Orange: A Short Sickening Saga of War” — Carl Addison Swanson’s startling and true tale of 300,000 servicemembers who died from exposure to the herbicide following their exposure in Vietnam — will be available on Veterans Day (November 11).
The Houston Chronicle calls it “a very short but powerful revelation of a war which still keeps killing.”
Fifty thousand copies will be sent to Veterans Administration regional headquarters in Providence, Roanoke, San Antonia and Los Angeles. All will be free to veterans.
Electronic editions, and the paperback, are on sale on Amazon. Click here to order.
Swanson — a 1966 graduate of Staples High School — spent 2 tours of duty in Vietnam, between 1968 and ’70. He is a lifelong Westport resident, and a prolific author. Click here for more information on his work.
Westport’s official service is set for this Saturday (November 11, Town Hall auditorium).
At 10:30 a.m., the Westport Community Band presents a “Patriotic Salute to All Veterans” program, with marches and patriotic tunes.
Services begin at 11 a.m. — the same time the treaty was signed, ending World War I. They include posting of the colors by VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; remarks by 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker; an address by Greens Farm Academy student Jared Lessing; and placing of a memorial wreath by VFW Auxiliary.
The Westport Police Department Honor Guard will perform a ceremonial salute.
After the ceremony, VFW Post 399 will host a Veterans Day luncheon to honor veterans for their dedicated service, sacrifices, and unwavering commitment to our nation.
The public is invited to both the Town Hall and VFW events.
Westport’s World War I doughboy statue, on Veterans Green across from Town Hall. (Photo/Andrew Colabella)
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Just 2 days remain before the curtain rises on “The Prom.”
Staples Players’ fall musical promises to be one of their best shows ever. The Broadway show includes great singing and dancing, a very talented cast, plenty of laughs — and an important story line about inclusivity and acceptance.
Performances are November 10, 11, 17 and 18 at 7:30 p.m., with matinees November 12 and 18 at 3 p.m. Click here for tickets, the cast list and more information.
Every Home Should Have a Challah — the Westport-based nationwide delivery service — wants every Shabbat dinner to be meaningful.
But especially the one on November 17.
Scott Sharkey’s company has just launched Shabbat 25K. The goal of the grassroots initiative is for 25,000 young people ages 21 and up across the country to host a Shabbat dinner, and educate their friends about Israel.
Every leader will receive a gift card for nourishment, and a “Shabbat essentials box” with challah, candles, black & white cookies, a weekly prayer, and extra goodies.
Hosts will also receive an “Israel Discussion Toolkit,” combining easy-to-digest historical context with stories from the frontlines, plus a Q&A card to help spark conversations around the Shabbat table. Click here to sign up, and for more information.
Challah, from Every Home Should Have a Challah.
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Bridgeport’s The Knowlton gallery presents an art exhibit showcasing the works of local, regional and international artists. It includes Westport artists James Chantler Brown, Herm Freeman and Kate Lashin, along with over 300 artists and photographers.
The event — including a panel — is part of the 15th annual Bridgeport Arts Trail. It’s set for this Friday (November 10, 4 to 9:30 p.m., 305 Knowlton Street.) Click here for more information.
The Knowlton.
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Carl Mathis died Saturday, at his Westport home. He was 64.
His obituary calls the Illinois native “a natural performer, talented musician, capable athlete, and the easiest of friends.: He attended college at Bradley University, where he began a career in television that took him to Peoria, Denver, and Los Angeles,.
In New York City he met Risa, his wife of 32 years. They settled in Westport and raised 4 children; Robert, David, Michael and Elizabeth. He co-founded a company selling advertising on behalf of clients such as PBS and NPR.
Carl also coached basketball, and served as the president and an elder at Norwalk’s St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.
He is survived by his wife, mother, 4 children, 5 siblings and their families.
A funeral service is set for tomorrow (Thursday, November 9, 2 p.m., St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Norwalk. The family will receive friends in their home on Friday, November 10, from 2 to 8 p.m. To leave online condolences, click here. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Carl’s memory may be made at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, The Lutheran Hour, or to Carl’s favorite radio station, WNYC.
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Election Day is sort of the traditional date when the number of leaves on the ground surpasses the number still on trees.
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature shows what Compo Beach’s South Beach now looks like:
A reminder: Tonight (Tuesday, August 22) is the open house “charrette”: a public review and feedback meeting covering additional plans for the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee’s “Master Plan for Downtown Parking and Pedestrian Areas: Reconnecting the Riverfront.”
Particular focus will be on the Parker Harding Plaza design.
The session begins at 7 p.m. (Westport Library) All residents and downtown stakeholders are invited to attend.
Information on the project is available on the DPIC website. Feedback is welcome in its comments section.
DPIC also conducts regular public meetings, typically the 2nd Thursday of each month at 8:30 a.m.
Parker Harding Plaza cut-through road (left), and Saugatuck River. (Drone photo/John Videler for Videler Photography)
Westport Community Gardens continues its 20th anniversary celebration with another pop-up garden stand.
Everyone is invited to explore the Gardens — and adjacent Long Lots Preserve — and pick up very fresh produce, herbs and flowers this Sunday (August 27, 10 a.m. to noon).
Straight from the Community Gardens. (Photo/Karen Mather)
They raised over $4,000 for the great organization (which, many people don’t realize, runs almost entirely on donations).
The feeling of helping a good cause was enough. But the youngsters were rewarded yesterday. President Mike Burns led a personal tour of the facility — and personally thanked the girls.
WVEMS president Mike Burns and EMS member Sammi Henske flank the Rhimes family. (Photo courtesy of Shonda Rhimes)
James Naughton and Carole Schweid entertained a full house last night.
The “Play With Your Food” creator led the actor/director in a discussion on his life on stage and screen — and as a passionate advocate for Connecticut’s Medical Aid in Dying legislation.
Naughton talked about investing in theater (he’s been quite lucky), his work with Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward and many others, and the joys and frustrations of a life in the arts.
The evening included a screening of the short film “Not the Same Clarence.” The film, featuring Jim and his son Greg Naughton, depicts the realities of caring for a parent with dementia, and its impact on their lives.
The Y’s Men of Westport and Weston sponsored the event.
James Naughton and Carole Schweid. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Speaking of acting: Jodi Stevens and Scott Bryce are expanding SBEstudio — their Weston performing arts school — to Saugatuck Congregational Church.
Jodi (a Broadway veteran and voice, singing and acting coach for over 20 years) and Scott (her Emmy-winning producer/director/actor husband, and a former Staplesl Player) offer new programming too, including a spring 6-week film and TV intensive course.
A grand opening is set for this Sunday (August 27, 2 p.m.).
Musical theater group classes and private lessons are available from ages 4-5 (Broadway Beginnings) all the way to 15-18 (Young Professionals). A new Broadway Babies class, for ages 2-3, is in the works.
The Bryce family has a long history with the Saugatuck Church. Scott’s mother Dorothy was deacon emeritus, a founding member of the Interfaith Council of Westport, Weston, Wilton, and a founder of the Theatre Artists Workshop.
Jodi’s scholarship program for talented students without means will continue, under a new name: The SBEstudio Dorothy Bryce Scholarship Fund.
For more information on the Saugatuck Church and Weston programs, click here, email info@sbestudio.com, or call 203-247-6569.
Scott Bryce and Jodi Stevens (Photo courtesy of Celebrity Parents)
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Agent Orange has killed more than 300,000 US military veterans since our country left Vietnam in 1975.
The toll continues to rise.
In his new book “Agent Orange: A Short Sickening Saga of War,” Staples High School graduate/longtime Westport/prolific author Carl Addison Swanson explores the subject.
Amazon calls it “the tragic story of a Vietnam Veteran who, after 50 years of good health, is stricken with a heart disease connected directly to his exposure to the chemical AGENT ORANGE during the war.”
It is available on Kindle. Click here to order, and for more information.
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The last date of lifeguards at Burying Hill Beach is this Thursday (August 24).
Compo Beach lifeguards continue through September 4.
Beach stickers are required through September 30.
Burying Hill Beach lifeguards’ last day is Thursday. (Photo/Yvonne O’Kane)
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Traffic alert: The Department of Public Works’ annual roadway crack seal program begins this Thursday (August 24).
The work will continue for 2 weeks, on 15 miles of roadway. Be alert for 1-way traffic throughout the project.
MoCA’s fall exhibition — “Purvis Young: This is the Life I See” — features 36 large scale works by the American “outsider artist.”
This is the first time that the works, from the collection of Lynne and Jack Dodick, have been on public view.
The exhibition open September 15, and runs through December 29. A reception is set for September 14 (6 p.m.; free for members, $10 for non-members. Click here to register.) Advance registration is required.
Purvis Young (1943 – 2010) was a self-taught artist who dealt with the plight of the underprivileged and the consequences of racism and daily violence through a highly distinctive visual style. He lived his entire life in the Miami neighborhood of Overtown, once an entertainment destination as well as a Black neighborhood in the segregated South. Click here for more details.
Barry Kresch has spent several months observing nature, up close and personal.
He writes: “A pair of cardinals built a nest in a small tree outside my kitchen window. It was fairly low, so I was able to get some shots into it without disrupting the proceedings.
“I got much of the life cycle: first egg, mom sitting, chicks hatched, dinner is served, junior ready to take wing.
“After they left, I removed the nest. My wife told me they decay and get parasites, so the birds don’t reuse them.
“The same or another nesting pair then repeated the cycle. This time the nest was higher in the tree, not conducive to photos.”
This “life cycle” photo is perfect for our “Westport … Naturally” feature:
And finally … on this day in 2011 Nick Ashford — half of the husband-and-wife songwriting/production team Ashford & Simpson, and a former Westport resident — died of throat cancer. He was 70 years old.
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Bobcats have recolonized this area for over a decade. Numerous recent sightings have caused alarm on social media.
According to the Westport Police Department, bobcats are “generally unobtrusive neighbors. They are very focused on finding prey, which primarily consists of rodents like mice, rats, chipmunks, squirrels and rabbits. They also prey upon young or infirm deer.
“Bobcats avoid conflict with humans and pets, but could pose a threat to small, unattended dogs, particularly if the dog were to chase the cat.”
Police recommend close supervision of small pets. Dogs smaller than 35 to 40 pounds can be at risk from coyotes, particularly if the dog is older.
“Bobcats generally retreat from encounters with dogs, but there is potential for a dangerous encounter if the cat is cornered,” police say.
“As we enter late summer, parent coyotes and bobcats leave their denning areas. Several citizens have seen bobcat kittens and coyote pups playing in their yards. These juvenile animals pose no threat to humans, and they will gradually become more wary of people as they get older.
“Any time you see a coyote or bobcat in your yard, it is advisable to keep your pets indoors for a few hours, then walk the dog on a lead when going out. Bobcats and coyotes typically cover a fair amount of ground each day, and they move on quickly.
“The same hazing strategies used for coyotes (high-decibel storm whistle or air horn) are effective for bobcats. If you are concerned about frequent sightings, or would like more information, contact Westport Animal Control: 203-341-5076.”
Tonight’s Long Lots School Building Committee special meeting (Tuesday, August 1, 6 p.m., Town Hall Room 309) begins with public comment and/or questions about the project.
An agenda revision posted yesterday notes that the public comment portion of the agenda will be limited to 15 minutes.
Members then meet for a work session with the design team, for project status updates and review. The public can attend the work session, but cannot participate.
Seasonal employees — lifeguards, marina staffs and guest services workers — are the summer lifeblood of Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department.
Yesterday evening, those young men and women were treated to a pizza dinner at (appropriately) Compo’s South Beach.
Selectwomen Jen Tooker and Andrea Moore joined department officials in saying “thanks” to the crews that guard the Sound and Longshore pool, greet visitors, and keep our town jewels shining.
Some of the guests at yesterday’s “thank you” party. Parks & Recreation officials included (far left) deputy director Rick Giunta and aquatics director Danilo Sierra-Giraldo and, from far right, waterfront operations foreman Michael Giunta and operations director Carm Roda. (Photo/Dan Woog
A webinar on how to lower energy costs is set for Thursday (August 3, 6 p.m.).
Representatives from the federal Department of Energy and state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection will describe a variety of money-saving programs.
The online event is sponsored by Congressman Jim Himes. Click here for the link (visible when the webinar begins).
Need help paying for solar panels? Find out how at Thursday’s webinar.
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Friday’s Tacombi fundraiser for Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Services just got even better.
In addition to a sneak peek at the sure-to-be-hot new Mexican restaurant on the Post Road near Southport — and an opportunity to support one of our town’s most important organizations — guests will be entertained by Jake Bernard.
The 2011 Staples High School graduate — known then as Jake Yarmoff — will add his own special touch to the evening.
The event begins at 5:30 p.m. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Jake Bernard
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Speaking of new restaurants: Emmy Squared opens August 21.
The Brooklyn-based restaurant is known for its “Detroit-style pizza”: square, crisp bottom, fluffy dough, cheesy crust and sauce strpes.
Their double-stack burger — served on a pretzel bun — was named one of the “20 Best Burgers in New York” by The Infatuation.
There are 8 location: New York, Nashville, Philadelphia, Washington and Louisville. Number 9 is the site of the now-closed Amis Trattoria, in Bedford Square.
Pizzas from Emmy Squared.
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Speaking of openings:
Tend comes to town tomorrow.
The “national dental provider that promises to make you look forward to the dentist” unveils its first Connecticut location at 1375 Post Road East (next to Ulta Beauty).
It’s the 25th overall in the nation. The dentists also have “studios” in New York, Washington, Boston, Atlanta and Nashville. They launched in 2019.
A press release says: “Tend is a full service dentistry that aims to serve all your oral care needs under one roof — from exams and cleanings to restorative care, oral surgery, orthodontics, cosmetic treatments and more. Tend is technology-driven, which means booking online is seamless, there are no wait times when you arrive because all intake is done digitally and in advance, and they even have an app so you can track your treatment journey at your fingertips.”
Tend works with “most major insurance providers.”
Tend’s Westport location is between Ulta Beauty and Balducci’s.
Carl Addison Swanson reports that his August Book of the Month — “Fat People Are Harder to Kidnap” — is in its 2nd edition. It’s also been optioned to film.
Click here for all his books. Click the “Hush McCormick” tab for “Fat People.”
This week’s “This Week in Weston” podcast features two of the town’s 1st Selectwomen.
Elected official Sam Nestor introduces Riley Crafts, the town’s “1st Selectwoman For A Day.” Seven-year-old Riley shares her impressions, experiences and questions about her experience.
Click below to listen to the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston production.
The Memorial Day parade is one of Westport’s greatest town events.
Everyone has a favorite spot to watch from. Everyone has a favorite band, float or marcher to photograph.
But why share them only with a few hundred dear pals, casual acquaintances and random how’d-they-get-on-my-list Facebook “friends”?
Tomorrow, let all of Westport see “your” Memorial Day parade. Send a few (not all!) of your photos to “06880” (email: 06880blog@gmail.com). Deadline: 1 p.m. Please include brief identification, if needed, and of course your own name.
I’ll post some (not all!) in the afternoon.
And be creative! We want special photos, for our special parade.
Seen along the Memorial Day parade route.
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Speaking of the Memorial Day parade:
When it comes to float-making, the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston don’t mess around.
Every year, they spend hours designing, building and enhancing their creation. Every year, the crowd along the route is awed.
And every year, the Y’s Men win the “Best Float” award.
They also always hand out fliers, describing what they’ve built. This year it says:
The Y’s Men honor the military doctors, nurses, corpsmen and medics who have served on the front line saving lives. The float depicts a field hospital at the battle front. It represents the concept of forward surgical hospitals – bringing medical support to the frontlines. That idea can be traced back to the Napoleonic Wars, and translated to the mobile units used from World War I through the Iraq War.
Mobile Army Surgical Hospitals (MASH) were defined in the popular mind as a part of the Korean War (1950-1953) because of the book, movie and television series of the same name. Numbering at times about 8 percent of total active-duty strength, men and women in the medical corps are dedicated to saving lives.
But they too can become casualties. In World War II, for example, 5,000 physicians, 9,000 medical workers, and 48,000 aid and stretcher men were killed or lost in action.
We give our thanks to these lifesaving professionals who made the ultimate sacrifice and to those who returned to civilian life to provide their medical expertise to serve the Westport community. We honor them and every member of the armed forces dedicated to protecting freedom and liberty for all.
Y’s Men master builder and designer Roy McKay directs the assembly of this year’s Memorial Day float. (Photo/Larry Lich)
Speaking of the Y’s Men: They’ve got a new president.
Baxter Urist handed the reins recently to Dewey Loselle. The longtime member has served Westport in many capacities, including town operations director.
Baxter Urist (left) and Dewey Loselle. (Photo/Tom Lowrie)
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The Westport Country Playhouse Sheffer Studio was filled yesterday, for the town’s first-ever Literary Landmark dedication.
A plaque honoring Lawrence Langner — founder, with his wife Armina Marshall — of the Westport Country Playhouse in 1931 — was unveiled at the gazebo.
Literary Landmarks is a program of the American Library Association’s Friends’ arm. The Langner honor was sponsored by the Westport Library.
Langner and Marshall’s son, granddaughter and great-granddaughters attended the ceremony, along with many town and theater luminaries.
A panel discussed the importance of the Playhouse in American theater history. All agreed: It was profound.
This is only the 6th Literary Landmark in Connecticut. Among the other honorees: Harriet Beecher Stowe and Mark Twain.
The Lawrence Langner plaque was unveiled, after the covering — a piece of the original curtain — was removed. At the ceremony were Langner’s son Philip (front) and, standing from left: Westport Library director Bill Harmer; Philip Langner’s daughter Eve and granddaughters Brielle and Lauren; Playhouse honorary trustee Ann Sheffer; 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Was it a huge bust yesterday on Compo Road South? The end of a wild traffic chase?
Nope.
Just a few police cars, lined up to buy lemonade at a stand set up by a couple of Westport kids.
Alex and Ava O’Brien were raising money for the Connecticut Humane Society. The men in blue were happy to oblige.
The Westport Fire Department also stopped by.
Alex and Ava made the lemonade by hand-squeezing 82 lemons. It took 3 hours yesterday morning.
All told, they made $467 for the Human Society — more than double their first effort last year. Congratulations, Alex and Ava. And thanks to all who stopped by! (Hat tip: Heidi McGee)
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Back in the day, Carl Swanson and Jo Ann Miller had a hot tub outside.
It cracked every winter. Jo Ann decided to make a “Jackson Pollack abstract” out of the concrete slab.
Now, any kid who comes over is invited to throw paint on the surface.
The sculpture in the middle is by Westport artist Kelly Spearen. Both it and the abstract art are quite valuable.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a holiday without a photo of Jolantha, Weston’s favorite pig:
(Photo/Hans Wilhelm)
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Andrew Colabella’s vivid photo of a bumblebee in mid-pollinating flight, at his Greens Farms garden, shimmers as today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
And one of Westport’s most big-hearted restaurants is helping.
Jimmy Nuzzo — known to many as “DJ Jimmy Jams” — was born with a congenital heart defect. After open-heart surgery at age 7, he lived a healthy life for years. He owns Dance to the Music Entertainment, and is a loving husband and father.
Now he needs a new heart — and liver.
Jimmy Nuzzo (3rd from left), with his family.
On Sunday, August 28 (4 to 7 p.m.), Tutti’s on Riverside Avenue is offering a $25 penne with meatball dinner — large enough to feed 2 people. It’s to-go (and cash) only. 100% of the proceeds go to help Jimmy.
Chabad of Westport hosts “Kugel with a Twist” (September 7, 7 p.m.).
The Nosher editor Shannon Sarna Goldberg and Connecticut food blogger Liz Arronson Rueven will chat about modern takes on Jewish comfort food.
It’s free, and open to the community. However, attendees are asked to bring one kosher item (dried fruit, raisins, dates, nuts, tomato/spaghetti sauce, cereals, oatmeal, jelly, canned tuna, ketch, mustard, mayo, vegetable/corn oil) to stock Chabad’s mobile kosher food pantry, to arrive this fall.
Anyone donating $180 to held fight food insecurity will receive a signed copy of Sarna’s “Modern Jewish Comfort Food.”
Longtime Westporters Carl Addison Swanson and his editor Jo Ann Miller have just published their 54th book,
It details Swanson’s experiences — some fictional — during his 1969 Vietnam tour. tour.
“365 Days and a Wake-up” is “not your normal war novel with blood, guts and gore,” Swanson says.
“I was watching ‘M*A*S*H,’ the movie, on late night TV, and remembered some of the humorous things, amidst the insanity, of events which occurred. I attempted to capture them.”
Swanson, known for his fast-paced, plot-driven narratives as well as his prolific publications, owns a Bermuda publishing house, and is a senior editor at a national magazine.
“365 Days” is available Labor Day. The hardback version follows in mid-October. Click here to order. Click here for Swanson’s website.
The actor/car racer/philanthropist died in 2008, but his life in Westport with Joanne Woodward is featured in the CNN/HBO film “The Last Movie Stars.”
Arthur Klausner sends along a recent Tweet that “stars” Newman’s friend, Robert Redford. In the clip from 1980, the former Weston resident recalls a long-running practical joke the two men played on each other, involving melted-own automobiles and their homes.
The Levitt Pavilion has just added a new ticketed show.
Orebolo — featuring Rick Mitarotonda, Peter Anspach and Jeff Arevalo of Goose — take the stage on September 7 (7 p.m.).
The trio has built a national following nationwide. Formed during the initial COVID surge, they shared a home. They learned new covers, and explored Goose’s deep catalog acoustically.
Tickets are $15 (members) and $18 (non-members, plus a $2 facility fee). Member pre-sale is active now; public tickets are available Monday (August 22) at noon. Click here to order, and for more information.
Orebolo
In other Levitt news, an opening band has been added to this Sunday’s (August 21, 6:30 p.m.) Allison Russell ticketed show.
She hand-picked Bailen, after opening with them at the Edmonton Folk Fest. Children under 12 are free (with an adult in the BYO-lawn chair section).
As for Allison: she released a new single yesterday, featuring Brandi Carlile:
Also this weekend: a pair of Friends of Sherwood Island State Park programs.
Tomorrow (August 20, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.), 2 interns with a big net will set up on the beach across from the Nature Center. They’ll show how many creatures they can pull out of Long Island Sound.
On Sunday (August 21, 2 to 3:30 p.m.), butterfly expert Michele Sorensen will lead a walk. She’ll start at the Nature Center porch, then explore nearby gardens and dunes for a variety of species. Buckeyes, swallowtails, sulphurs, fritillaries, monarchs, skippers and pearl crescents are all possible. It’s suitable for ages 5 and up.
Native Westporter and Pepperidge Farm manager Agnes “Aggie” Veno died peacefully last week, with her family by her side. She was 67.
Aggie was passionate about arts and crafts, and participated in craft fairs throughout Fairfield County. She was especially good at crocheting. She was also an excellent cook and baker, who enjoyed gatherings with her extended family.
She was an avid volunteer at St. Luke Church too.
She is survived by her mother Marie, sister Joann (Steve) Porch, godson Nicholas Vena, Jr., and many cousins, including Sadye Bella Bustillo, who had a special place in her heart. In addition to her father Andrew, she was predeceased by her brother, Andrew J. Veno, Jr.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held today (Friday, August 19, 10 a.m., St. Luke Church). Interment will follow at Assumption Cemetery in Greens Farms.
The other day, James Corden and Harry Styles set out on the streets of Brooklyn. They were searching apartments for a location to shoot a music video Styles’ new album. They had just 3 hours to do it.
Luckily, they found Hadley Ward, Isabel Perry and Caroline McKenchnie. All are 2015 Staples High School grads, living together. (Katie Settos — another roommate — was away.)
The British duo sure found the right people. The apartment was decorated with photos of both Styles and Corden, to their delight (and the young women’s slight embarrassment).
It’s a great video — even without the Westport connection. With it, this becomes an instant classic.
The great vibe from yesterday’s Memorial Day parade still lingers.
The winners of the float contest are feeling particularly good. Congratulations to:
Best Youth Organization Float: Suzuki Music School
Best Community Organization Float: Westport Old Fire Truck
Most Colorful Float: VFW Auxiliary #399
Special Pep Award: Junior Colonial Fife & Drum Corps.
And the winner for Best Overall Float is …
… I can’t believe there’s even any suspense …
… the Y’s Men of Westport/Weston.
Their float honored Mary Pickersgill, Francis Scott Key and the national anthem.
I’ll have to check the records, but I think the Y’s Men have won Best Overall Float every year since Francis Scott Key was hanging out at Fort McHenry.
The Y’s Men’s float. You can’t see it in the photo, but there was “smoke,” reminiscent of the 1814 battle that inspired Francis Scott Key to write our national anthem. (photo/Dan Woog)
Not to raise a big stink, but an “06880” reader sent this photo:
The reader sent a note, too: “I would like to acknowledge the anonymous donor/s who selflessly, when no one was looking, left the precious doggie gift, wrapped by the side of Valley Road.”
Another photo — not suitable for a public blog — was left “unwrapped” at the end of the reader’s driveway.
“But really,” the reader adds, “you shouldn’t have.”
The reader added this suggestion: a database of each dog’s DNA, included as part of the dog license. “The mere existence of such a database would immediately put an end to this behavior,” the reader says.
Carl Addison Swanson’s latest book, “Ipso Facto” — another in his Ian Fletcher legal thriller series — has just been published.
There’s another Westport angle, besides the author being a Staples High School graduate: It’s based on a notorious murder case here, from the 1960s.
The Amazon listing says: “When a hedge fund billionaire is murdered in a tony suburb of Connecticut, the handyman Black is the first to be arrested. Blue blood attorney Ian Fletcher to the rescue?”
Swanson has written over 50 books. In addition to the Fletcher novels, they include the Hush McCormick series, Tug Christian thrillers, Scooter mysteries and Justin Carmichael nostalgic memoirs. Click here for his website.
And finally … I first heard of Ronnie Hawkins when I saw “The Last Waltz.”
But the Arkansas-born rockabilly artist — who spent most of his life in Canada, and influenced generations of musicians with his outsized, energetic music and performing style, and was a friend of Bill Cliinton’s — led quite a life beyond The Band.
He died Sunday, at 87. Click here for a full obituary.
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