He only ate (and/or drank?) at the Disbrow Tavern. But that’s the one with the plaque that was featured as last week’s Photo Challenge. (Click here to see.)
The Disbrow Tavern — which the Father of Our Country visited as a general, leading patriot troops in the Revolutionary War — was at the site of the current Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, on Church Lane at Myrtle Avenue.
The plaque was placed in 1932, to commemorate the bicentennial of Washington’s birth.
His visit to the Marvin Tavern — near the present-day Post Road West and Kings Highway South — came later, during his presidency. The owner went all out to prepare a feast, but Washington ate and drank sparingly. And though he appreciated the effort, he was not pleased with his accommodations.
There is apparently also a plaque on the front lawn of a house at the corner of Hillandale and West Parish Roads, in the first president’s honor. Several readers thought either that, or the Disbrow Tavern site, was the subject of the photo.
Congratulations to John McCarthy, Elaine Marino, Seth Schachter, Peter Hirst, Jonathan Prager, Robin Jaffee Frank, Marcia Falk, Andrew Colabella and Matt McGrath for knowing exactly where George Washington slept.
Or, at least, ate.
The stone masonry in today’s Photo Challenge hints at an earlier age. But it’s more modern — perhaps, once, a way to protect mailboxes from destruction by what were then called “juvenile delinquents.”
If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.
Common Ground — the Westport Library’s project to bring civility back to civic discourse — launches this Tuesday (May 2, 7 p.m.).
The event includes a conversation with former Congressman Roy Blunt — a Missouri Republican known for his bipartisan work — and attorney Steve Parrish, whose consulting firm specializes in corporate social responsibility and public affairs.
The aim of the initiative is to host positive, productive conversations on how we work together as a civil society, encouraging respectful, constructive dialogue while tackling challenging, controversial issues.
The Library leads the effort, with community leaders representing a wide array of constituents and views. Click here for more information.
Senator Roy Blunt
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A follow-up on the Representative Town Meeting’s recent “Community Conversation on Affordable Housing” promises to be as important and illuminating as the first.
“Our Town’s Affordable Housing Needs and Solutions: What Westporters Should Know and How They Can Help” will be held — virtually — on May 17 (7:30 p.m.).
RTM moderator Jeff Wieser will lead a panel of men and women who know the topic intimately: State Senator Ceci Maher, State Representative Jonathan Steinberg, Planning & Zoning Commission chair Danielle Dobin, RTM Planning & Zoning Committee chair Matthew Mandell, and Westport Housing Authority director Carol Martin.
As with the first session — which drew 200 people — there will be plenty of time for public questions.
New construction at the Wilton Road/Kings Highway North intersection — opposed by Westport’s Planning & Zoning Commission, but allowed by a judge based on Connecticut’s 8-30g affordable housing regulation — is on many residents’ minds.
The final Westport-sponsored project in Lyman, Ukraine has been successfully completed.
Thanks to $252,000 raised — in just 3 weeks — over the holidays, Westport has helped our sister city in many ways. They include:
Repairing 6 apartment buildings, housing 132 people
Purchasing and delivering 2 patrol cars, and communications and other equipment, for the police department after their station was destroyed
Purchasing and delivering 2 trash trucks, to haul away debris and garbage that piled up during 5 months of Russian occupancy
Purchasing bulletproof vests and other protective gear for utility works, who restored electricity near the front lines
Delivering food kids to hundreds of family, including holiday meals for 1,000
Delivering Christmas presents for nearly 500 children
Supplying 2,940 families with seeds for their farms and gardens.
Non-monetary support included 200 cards and artwork, created by Bedford Middle School 7th graders.
There’s still time for other Westport students — and their families — to add to the packages, which will be delivered next month.
Letters, drawings and posters of encouragement can be dropped off on the front porch of 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore’s house: 2A Baker Avenue (between Compo Road South and Imperial Avenue). Blue and yellow balloons (Ukrainian colors) are on the mailbox.
The deadline is May 5. Questions: Email amoore@westportct.gov.
More monetary help is needed. A new drive will begin soon. In the meantime, watch “06880” for news of a giant “thank-you” party for Westport. Save the date now: Sunday, July 9.
PS: To donate now, click here (and select “Westport” from the “Where it is needed most” dropdown menu.
The other day Wynston Browne — the non-speaking autistic Staples High School student who has made spectacular progress since learning to communicate less than 2 years ago — wowed the crowd of 200 people at the Circle of Friends celebration.
The event — celebrating teenagers who model inclusion and service to the community, by providing social experiences for children and teens with special needs — featured Wynston and his communication partner Elisa Feinman.
He earned 2 standing ovations, as he described his journey. Once thought to be intellectually disabled, he now shares deep insights about himself and the world, with many people who are eager to listen.
Also honored: Westporter Stephen Schwartz. Jenn Falik served as MC; 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling, Circle of Friends founder and director Freida Hecht, and Caroline Caggiano and James Dobin Smith, co-presidents of Staples’ Circle of Friends Club, offered remarks.
Wynston Browne (center) with his brothers BK (Staples High Class of 2016 graduate) and Harrison, a Staples junior, at the Circle of Friends celebration.
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Pierrepont – the small, non-traditional and very low-profile private school on Sylvan Road North at Post Road West — invites everyone to a big, non-traditional but very intriguing Arts Festival.
The event begins Thursday, May 4 (3 to 5:p.m.) with lectures on raga and contemporary opera, plus poetry. There’s a 5:30 p.m. reception, then at 7 p.m. music from Voices of Hartford and a raga ensemble.
Friday, May 5 includes a 4:30 Urban Bush Woman Workshop, 5 p.m. reception and 7:15 p.m. dance performance.
The 3-day festival concludes on Saturday, May 6 with 8:30 a.m. coffee, and 10 a.m. “Conversations in Art.”
Pierrepont School, on Sylvan Road North. The entrance faces Post Road West.
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“The Gospel of Soul” comes to Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church tomorrow.
The Empire Voices — regular performers at the Metropolitan Opera, on Broadway, and back-up for artists like Josh Groban, Michael Bublé, Pete Townshend and David Bowie — will take the Branson Hall “stage” at 5 p.m.
The church’s own Choristers will be make a guest appearance. A reception follows.
Organizers says, “This concert will fill your soul and have you on your feet.” Click here for tickets, and more information.
As outdoor dining returns to Church Lane, the Westport Downtown Association is finalizing its summer concert series. Musicians will provide over 35 evenings of entertainment, al fresco.
A GoFundMe collection will help offset the cost of the singers and bands. Click here to help.
The Levy Family of Westport will lead the 18th Annual STAR Walk & Roll fundraiser on Sunday, May 7 at Sherwood Island State Park.
The Levys have supported STAR — the 70-year-old not-for-profit that serves over 700 people with disabilities, from birth to their senior years, and their families –since their daughter Ariel began attending its day program.
Over the past several years, the Levy Family’s “Team Ariel” has raised over $100,000 for STAR.
The Walk begins at 10 a.m. May 7 with a 1k route suitable for any ability (walkers, strollers, wheelchairs and baby joggers are welcome). There’s a continental breakfast, and family activities including live music, arts and crafts, Bollywood dancing, a photo booth, face-painting and food trucks. Click here to register for the walk, or donate to Team Ariel or other teams. To learn more about STAR, click here.
Ariel Levy (center) with her parents.
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When you live on Myrtle Avenue, sooner or later nearly everyone in town passes your house.
Former Wesptorter Marie “Tina” Jennings-Kamber died April 15 in Sarasota, Florida. She was 98.
Tina came to the US from Venice, Italy in 1948 as a war bride. She established and ran a Ridgefield children’s clothing store, the Cortina Shop.
She married Sereno Jennings of Westport, where they eventually settled. She was a member of Greens Farms Church.
They spent winters in Islamorada, Florida. The couple built the first tennis club, “The Net,” in the Keys, then moving to the mainland in 1983.
After her husband’s passing she met United Nations Diplomat Hans W. Kamberg. Because of their European connection they became close friends. and married soon..
Tina is survived by her step-grandchildren, including former daughter-in-law Ruth Jennings of Westport.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Resurrection House, 507 Kumquat Court, Sarasota, Fl. 34230.
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When you live in Westport, you get used to cormorants.
Still, William Whitmal says — today’s “Westport … Naturally” photographer — he’d never seen so many as the other day, in the Saugatuck River.
For more than 20 years at Christ & Holy Trinity Church, Rev. John Branson was a conscience of Westport.
His commitment to social justice, and his efforts on behalf of his entire community, were hallmarks of his service here.
After he retired, Rev. Branson and his wife Judyth moved to North Carolina. But he was called back to several pulpits. Now he’s back in Westport.
In a wide-ranging chat the other day at the Westport Library, Rev. Branson talked about his route to the ministry, the evolution of the Episcopal Church, the “least and the lost,” the people and places of this town, and much, much more.
But it’s not just for people who identify as LGBTQ (or IA+)*. All allies — and there are many in the Westport community — are invited to join the fun (and serious stuff).
The main event is the June 12 celebration at Jesup Green. But there’s much more too, including:
June 2: To Wong Foo, Thanks Julie Newmar! (Remarkable Theater, 8:30 p.m.)
In the 1995 comedy with Wesley Snipes, Patrick Swayze and John Leguizamo, 3 New York drag queens on their way to Hollywood for a beauty pageant are stranded in a small Midwestern town — and show residents that looking different doesn’t mean they don’t have humanity in common.
June 3: Bedford Middle School, Coleytown Middle School, and Staples High School Pride Day Celebrations
Bedford and Coleytown make history, by hosting Connecticut’s first middle school Pride Day celebrations. Hosted by the Westport Public Schools Pride Coalition, it features the debut of a new Staples and middle school mentorship program led by Staples faculty and coalition chair, Kayla Iannetta. Staples’ celebration will build on last year’s inaugural event.
June 4: All 4 Drag and Drag for A ll (MoCA Westport, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.)
A fun, family-friendly drag experience; all ages invited and welcome. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for cocktail hour (with a cash bar); the show begins at 6:30, with 4 great entertainers.
Headliner Desmond Napoles (stage name: Desmond is Amazing) is a 15-year old award-winning New York City LGBTQ advocate, performer, model, public speaker and fashion designer.
June 8: How to Survive a Plague (Remarkable Theater, 8:30 p.m.)
This 2012 documentary about the early years of the AIDS epidemic, and the efforts of activist groups, was culled from over 700 hours of archived footage: news coverage, interviews, and videos of demonstrations and meetings.
June 12: Westport Pride Celebration (Jesup Green, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.)
The 2nd annual community-wide event includes music and other great performances, speakers, local clergy, a proclamation from 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, and a pride flag flying over it all.
Plus: children’s art activities, face painting, hair and makeup, pride merchandise and swag, and educational materials on hand.
Showing the flag at last year’s Westport Pride celebration. (Photo/Kerry Long)
June 12: Pride Eucharist (Christ and Holy Trinity Churh, 5 p.m.)
A come-as-you-are in-person service of scripture, song, prayer and Holy Eucharist in the Christ & Holy Trinity Courtyard (Branson Hall if it’s cold or raining.) For more information, click here.
June 15: Pride Spirit Day (Westport elementary schools)
The elementary schools focus on families, and the many different ways they can be. Students learn about important LGBTQ+ figures from read-alouds and bulletin boards. Outside the buildings, chalk drawings and messages spread love and the message that everyone deserves to be proud of who they are.
June 17: Pride Cabaret Night (Westport Library, 6:30 p.m.)
An evening of music, performing arts and comedy, hosted by comedienne and activist Mina Hartong.
June – August: Summer of Love | Merchants of Pride – Various Locations
All summer long, merchants offer pride-themed items, events and more. NOTE: These offers begin June 1. Don’t click the links, or visit the stores or restaurants, until Tuesday!
A Splash of Pink: Shopping Night (Wednesday, June 1, 5 to 8 p.m.). Light bites, and a rainbow bar of cocktails. A portion of the evening’s sales will be donated to Westport Pride.
Allium Eatery: A portion of proceeds from the sale of “Fields of Love” will benefit Westport Pride. This change will change periodically throughout the summer so the culinary team can create innovative dishes. It is called “Fields of Love” to honor “embracing diversity and the beauty of all ingredients, just as we all should with the LGBTQ+ community.” June 1 through August 31.
Le Rouge Chocolates by Aarti: A portion of proceeds from the sale of the newly created AZALEA cocktail (vodka, lemonade, strawberry shrub, bubbles) will be donated to Westport Pride.
Middlemarch: Partners with Jeweled Coquette to create a special limited edition Bon-Bon necklace. The designer followed the original pride flag design from 1978. Stones are jade, sunstone, opal, chalcedony, quartz and serpentine. Necklaces are hand-knotted on 20″ silk, with a 15K gold filled spring ring closure. Orders can be placed online or at the store. Retail price is $200; 20% donated to Westport Pride. Offer good June 1-30.
Sono1420: Limited edition PRIDE bottle of SONO1420 vodka.
WEST: 20% off all Aviator Nation apparel for month of June. A portion of proceeds donated to Westport Pride.
Whoop Handstitch: A limited edition with “PROUD” stitched in rainbow thread on a white sweatshirt; also, a gray cashmere sweater with “LOVE IS LOVE” with rainbow thread. The sweatshirt retails for $95; $20 will be donated to Westport Pride. The sweater retails for $185, with $50 donated to Westport Pride. June 1 through August 31.
Finally, there’s this: Throughout June, Jillian Elder will offer special Wesptort- and Pride-themed t-shirts. hoodies, mugs, tumblers and tote bags. 10% of all sales will be donated to Westport Pride. Click here to order.
*The acronym stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex and asexual or agender; the “plus” sign indicates other sexual orientations people may identify as or with.
The Baldwin Parking Lot — the large, often unwieldy, pieced-together area off Elm Street between Brooks Corner and Christ & Holy Trinity Church — will soon get an upgrade.
A reconstruction project begins Monday, weather permitting.
Initial phases include reclamation of the existing deteriorated asphalt surface, installation of new drainage pipes; regrading to reduce frequent flooding, plus installation of LED lighting, electric vehicle chargers, security cameras and blue-light emergency stations.
Parking stalls will be realigned to conform to P&Z regulations, improving circulation and maneuverability.
Public Works director Peter Ratkiewich said that while the project will likely continue through the month of June, and lot closures will be necessary, the contractor will coordinate with town officials and the Westport Downtown Association to minimize disruptions.
This is the first of several downtown lots to be reconstructed and reconfigured. Still ahead: Taylor Lot (near Jesup Green), Imperial Avenue, and the biggest, baddest of them all: Harder Parking.
Yesterday’s “06880” Roundup noted that as of May 1, stickers will be required for all cars entering Westport beaches. It included a link to the Parks & Rec website, for easy online ordering.
Easy, that is, if you’re on a desktop or laptop.
Paul Lenihan could not order using his smartphone. Eventually he headed to the Parks & Rec office in Longshore, where they told him the link does not work on mobile devices.
Yesterday’s early morning fire at Townhouse for Dogs destroyed a 2nd-floor apartment. Cassidy Gleacher’s mother, stepfather and little brother were awakened by a smoke alarm, but their exit was blocked by flames.
They jumped from a window, with only the clothes on their backs. The family lost all their belongings, their home and their pets.
Cassidy has set up a GoFundMe page, to get them back on their feet. Click here to help.
Yesterday morning’s fire at the Townhouse for Dogs destroyed a 2nd-floor apartment. (Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)
Tree warden Ben Skykas planted a new red maple at Grace Salmon Park on Wednesday.
The species is native to North America, can grow over 100 feet, may live over 200 years, and hosts a spectrum of wildlife, from caterpillars and squirrels to a wide array of birds. It’s also a valuable climate change-deterring shade tree and carbon converter.
For more Arbor Day-related activities, click here and scroll down. (Hat tip: Dave Lowrie)
The NAACP’s Million Jobs Campaign helps people leaving prison make a fresh start — and reduces recidivism.
This Sunday (April 24, 11 a.m.), Christ & Holy Trinity Church’s Racial Justice Working Group invites everyone interested for coffee, donuts, and a conversation with Connecticut State Conference NAACP and national board member Scot Esdaile.
He’ll talk about the program, which focuses on jobs in hospitals and healthcare. It will launch in Fairfield County this fall.
Questions? Email fkgarden13@gmail.com. (Hat tip: Jeff Wieser)
Like many stop signs, the one by Elvira’s/Joey’s by the Shore at the foot of Compo Hill is treated more like a suggestion than a command.
In just 30 minutes the other, standing at the corner with the team that’s raising funds to save the near-century old market/deli, I watched at least a dozen drivers blow blithely through.
Here’s hoping this new addition helps. Fingers crossed, at this very popular — and dangerous — crossing.
As the pandemic eases, will people return to movie theaters?
AMC is betting yes. Bow Tie seems to think no.
Just a few years after spending millions of dollars on new seats and food options, Bow Tie Cinemas sold 5 Connecticut theaters to AMC Entertainment. Included in the deal: the 6-plex just over the line in Norwalk.
The news owners are so excited, they list themselves as the “coming attraction.” (Hat tip: Mark Mathias)
Last night at MoCA Westport, Monte A. Melnick, the band’s former tour manager, shared stories of touring with them.
The event was part of the museum’s “Cocktails and Conversation series, which presents free programming related to exhibitions on Thursday evenings. The current exhibit is “Punk is Coming.”
Talking Heads co-founders Chris Frantz and wife Tina Weymouth were part of the crowd.
Next Thursday (April 28, 6 p.m.), MoCA features Richard Hell, a founder of several important early CBGB punk bands, including Television and the Heartbreakers, and whose Richard Hell & the Voidoids’ 1977 album “Blank Generation” influenced many other punk groups. The event is free, but advance registration is requested (mocawestport.org).
Last night at MoCA (from left): Monte A. Melnick, Tina Weymouth, Chris Frantz, Ruth Mannes (MoCA executive director) and Liz Leggett (MoCA director of exhibitions)(Photo/Cynthia Dempster)
John Weiss, a Westport resident from 1979 to 2015, died peacefully at his Southport home on Tuesday. He was 88.
Born in Manhattan, he graduated from the Horace Mann School in 1951 and earned a BA from Cornell University 4 years later. Following college, he served as a communications officer in the Navy for several years, stationed in the Pacific.
John then joined Bache & Company. He was a floor broker and general partner. The firm became Prudential Securities, from which John retired as a senior vice president.
In retirement, John served the Y’s Men as membership chair for several years, and arranged annual meetings and picnics. He pursued his interests in sailing, tennis, photography, travel, theater, current events and music. He played clarinet in the Westport Community Band for many years.
John is survived by his wife Sheila; sons Graham and John Jr.; stepsons James (Polly) Bienen and Jonathan (Tracy) Bienen; grandchildren Chantal (Jay) Crompton, Hunter Weiss, Cheyenne Weiss, Carl Jason Tondo; and Owen Bienen; great-granddaughters Lola and Millie Crompton, and brother Georgia (Jack) Morris.
Contributions in John’s memory may be made online to support Dr. Richard Frank’s pancreatic cancer research. Gifts also may be mailed to the Norwalk Hospital Foundation, 34 Maple Street, Norwalk, CT 06856
A memorial service is set for Monday (April 25, noon, Temple Israel).
This is Claudia Sherwood Servidio’s first spring in town.
Our new neighbor is discovering how beautiful this season is. And she’s sharing her discoveries with us all, with today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
Whether you’ve just arrived, or this is your 100th spring here: Enjoy!
Photographer Jo Shields Sherman says: “Some workers answer to a higher calling. Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church is busy restoring the steeple dormers and clock faces: rebuilding, scraping, painting and gold leaf. I think we can see a heavenly difference!”
A few dozen Westporters celebrated Good Friday yesterday through a marking of the Stations of the Cross. The walk was a call to dismantle racism, and pursue racial justice.
“Give us eyes to see how the past has shaped the complex present,” said Rev. John Betit of Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church.
Participants stopped at several sites related to Black history in Westport. Christ & Holy Trinity, Saugatuck Congregational Church and the Westport Museum of History & Culture collaborated for the event.
After an initial prayer in the Christ & Holy Trinity courtyard, the group headed to the entrance of the church parking lot on Elm Street.
Rev. John Betis, at Christ & Holy Trinity Church: the first Station of the Cross. (Photo/Rev. Alison Patton)
They looked across at Bedford Square. In the 1940s, it was the back of a boarding house — accessible through an alley at 22 1/2 Main Street (later the entrance to Bobby Q’s) — that was the hub of a thriving Black community.
By 1949 though, it was considered a slum. The town would not grant permits for improvements. In December, residents asked the RTM to be considered for the affordable housing being built at Hales Court. They were denied.
In January 1950 — 8 days after a newspaper wondered what would happen if a fire broke out there — that is exactly what happened. Unable to obtain housing anywhere else in town, the Black community scattered — and disappeared forever.
Heading to the next Station of the Cross. (Photo courtesy of Christ & Holy Trinity Church)
The next station was the site of the former Ebenezer Coley general store, at the Main Street entrance to Parker Harding Plaza. The original outline of that saltbox building remains; it’s the former Remarkable Book Shop and (later) Talbots.
The river came up to the back of the store. Enslaved people loaded grain grown at the Coley farm onto ships bound for New York. There it was loaded onto larger ships, which sailed to the West Indies where it fed other enslaved Blacks.
The group then walked a few steps to the Museum of History & Culture. Ebenezer Coley’s son Michael owned the home at the corner of Avery Place and Myrtle Avenue. He managed the Coley store, and oversaw the enslaved people.
Bricks bear the names of over 240 enslaved and 20 free people of color, part of the parish of Greens Farms Congregational Church. They appear in the church log book as births, baptisms, marriages and deaths.
Owners brought their enslaved people into church for services, though they — and freemen — had to stand in the balcony above the sanctuary.
Bricks at the Westport Museum of History & Culture honor more than 200 Black men, women and children from the 18th and 19th centuries. (Photo/Rev. Alison Patton)
A short walk up Evergreen Avenue brought the group to the Saugatuck Church cemetery. Cyrus Brown — who, like many others affecte by racism and legal bias, went from being a landowner and farmer to a servant of the Gorham family — is buried there.
Brown’s relationship with the Gorhams was evidently strong. He is buried in the family’s plot, with a high quality headstone of his own.
A stop at Evergreen Cemetery. (Photo/Rev. Alison Patton)
After that final station, worshipers walked through the woods to the Saugatuck Church property. The labyrinth on the lawn provided space and time for final Good Friday reflections.
Walking through the woods, to Saugatuck Church. (Photo/Rev. Alison Patton)
A final stop at Saugatuck Church. (Photo/Bob Mitchell)
(Historical background provided by the Westport Museum for History & Culture.)
This afternoon, the Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church youth group offered a “drive-by nativity” … (Photo/Dan Woog)
… and then parishioners strolled through the church yard and sanctuary. There were cozy fires, carols, string ensembles, a chance to light a candle and a pause for private prayer. Jo Shields calls it “achingly beautiful … a far different holiday season than any of us are accustomed to, but Christ & Holy Trinity Church brought the seasonal sights and sounds home to the hearts of all who stopped by.” (Photo/Jo Shields)
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