For 15 years, “06880” has been where Westport meets the world.
We’ve done it mostly through the written word.
A couple of years ago we added a podcast, thanks to the Westport Library’s great Verso Studios.
Occasionally, we’ve included student-produced “06880 on the Go” video.
Now we’re upping our Instagram game.
Big-time.
Longtime Westporter Dave Briggs — a nationally known broadcaster (CNN, NBC Sports, Fox News and Turner Sports), with a passion for local merchants, restaurants and organizations — heads up the project.
He’s an Instagram pro.
The goal is to help local businesses tell their stories. Each week he’ll interview a different retail store, restaurant, home builder, fitness establishment, etc.
Dave Briggs
Dave’s very informative and entertaining Instagram reels, stories and IG Live interviews will live on our “06880” Instagram feed (“06880danwoog”), this blog (via the “Video” tab) and the app, and be posted on Briggs’ feed (“DaveBriggsTV”). He’ll follow up daily with stories about that week’s feature.
As with all things “06880,” this is a community effort. So we want you to choose the name.
Which do you prefer: “Vide06880” or “0688Vide0“? Click “Comments” below — or vote in the Instagram poll.
We kick off our new feature with JL Rocks. Dave chatted with owner Jamie Camche about her Mother’s Day offerings. (It’s this Sunday, in case you forgot!)
And — under the leadership of Doug Grabe, who owns 5 Little Pubs and has now taken over operation of the Saugatuck landmark — it aims to be around for at least 40 more.
But not every restaurant makes it that long.
Even the landmarks.
To honor them, Dunville’s has unveiled a new “icons mural.”
Some flourished nearby. Others were across town.
All are gone, but warmly remembered.
There’s still some room left.
Any suggestions? Click “Comments” below.
===============================================
James Comey returns to Westport on May 23.
The former FBI director will be at the Westport Library. He’ll discuss his new book with TV host (and Westporter) Dave Briggs.
Comey’s book is called “Westport.” The suspense thriller features Nora Carleton, lead counsel at Saugatuck Associates, the world’s largest hedge fund.
What a coincidence! Before entering government service, Comey was general counsel of Bridgewater Associates — the world’s largest hedge fund. He and his family lived in Greens Farms, just a couple of miles from his office.
Click here for more information, and to register. Books will be available for purchase at the event.
===============================================
Henry Wynne has set many Connecticut and collegiate running records.
Now he’s part of a new world mark.
The 2013 Staples High School and 2017 University of Virginia graduate anchored the Brooks Beasts team that won the men’s distance relay at Friday night’s Oregon Relays.
Their 9:14.58 time sliced nearly a second off the record that stood for nearly a decade: 9:15.50.
It’s not his first world record, either. In 2019, Wynne’s Brooks Beast team won the 4 x 1 mile relay in 16:03.68, smashing the previous mark by as astonishing 9.13 seconds.
Wynne covered the 1600 meters — the longest leg of the 4 runners — in 3:52.64.
He told DyeStat.com that he fed off the energy of the crowd. “It was pressure,” Wynne said, “but such a fun atmosphere.”
Teammate Brandon Miller said: “Seeing Henry, that last 200, pulling away from the lights – it was so hype for me and the boys. It was a dream come true.”
(Click here for the full story. Click here for a video of Oregon Relays highlights. Hat tip: Jeff Mitchell)
Henry Wynne crosses the finish line, with a world record. (Photo/Becky Holbrook courtesy of DyeStat.com)
But the celebration continues this Saturday (April 27, 10 a.m.)
Members of the Westport Police and Fire Departments, Staples Service League of Boys, Police Athletic League, VFW Post 399, Sons of the American Legion Westport Animal Shelter Advocates will gather at the animal control building on Elaine Road (off Compo Road South, between the I-95 underpass and railroad tracks), for a trash pick-up.
Even more help is needed. The area — which includes the state boat launch — is a mess.
Bring gloves and trash bags. Questions? Email acolabellartm4@gmail.com.
Westporters of all ages — including RTM member and organizer Andrew Colabella (standing on trash bags) and Police Chief Foti Koskinas (2nd from right) turned out for an earlier trash pick-up. Among the items: the large discarded signs (left).
The most famous pair nest on a tower next to Fresh Market. Others find homes on platforms at Burying Hill Beach and Sherwood Island State Park, drawing admiring gazes from springtime visitors.
Another osprey couple is less visible. Johanna Keyser Rossi’s eagle eyes (ho ho) spotted them high up on the cell tower next to the Westport Weston Family YMCA.
(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)
It’s nowhere near as beautiful as the beachside nests.
Johanna Keyser Rossi doesn’t know if it’s an eel or a snake. But her Saugatuck River photo is definitely an intriguing addition to our “Westport … Naturally” series.
And finally … today is the birthday of the amazing Roy Orbison. He died far too young of heart failure in 1988. He was just 52.
The man Elvis Presley called “the greatest singer in the world” had a 4-octave range, earning him the nickname “the Caruso of Rock.”
In fact, music scholars say, Orbison and Enrico Caruso were the only 20th century tenors capable of hitting E over high C.
(“06880” can’t sing as well as Roy Orbison. But we’ve got pretty good range — at least, for our coverage of all things Westport. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Homes with Hope invites residents interested in helping young women in need of a supportive home to “Gather ‘Round the Table” on May 14 (11:30 a.m., The Inn at Longshore).
The theme of the non-profit’s annual event — “home as a place of healing” — inspires local designers and home stores to create and donate unique tablescapes. Attendees can purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win the table designs.
The luncheon benefits Project Return at Susie’s House, on Compo Road North. Plans have been approved for renovations, to better accommodate the needs of homeless women in Fairfield County.
Once completed, the unique program will offer a longer-term housing solution, in a nurturing and home-like environment.
Last night around 7:25, a truck turned into Trader Joe’s.
Literally.
(Photo/Chris Fanning)
Chris Fanning — who was there — writes: “Westport Police were soon on the scene, and smoothly straightened things out. I’m not so sure about the building!”
Picture taken at approx 8:08pm coming off of exit 18 on I-95 where we came to a full stop to view (and I’m sure the cars behind us weren’t thrilled – but were nice enough to not honk).
Fans of the “06880”/Westport Downtown Association Holiday Stroll know Frank Murgalo as the event’s Santa Claus. (Shhh…don’t tell the kids!)
On May 3 (6:30 p.m. food and cocktails; 8 p.m. show), VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399), he trades his St. Nick suit for a microphone.
Frank joins 2 other US military veterans — Rodney Norman and Howie Mason — for an evening of laughs. It’s called “The Young Guns of Comedy” (get it?!)
The 3 comedians specialize in military stories.
Dinner includes a lobster roll and wings. Click here for reservations, or call Frank: 203-856-4222.
In 2005, Allyson Stollenwerck was sworn in to the Board of Finance by Patty Strauss. The new board member was pregnant with her first child, and just beginning 6 years in office.
The 2005 swearing-in …
On Friday she was sworn in again — this time by Ruth Cavayero — to the same body. She’s filling Brian Stern’s seat, after his recent resignation.
,,, and 2024.
Her child is now 2 months away from his Staples High School graduation.
The Wheels2U app, used to book rides on Westport’s door-to-train station shuttle service, will be upgraded tonight. Riders can use the upgraded app beginning tomorrow morning (Tuesday, March 26).
To keep riding on Wheels2Um after tonight:
Log into the Wheels2U app. You will be prompted to create a new account. You can use your current one, or new credentials;
Re-enter your payment information;
Book your next ride.
Riders should add an extra 5 minutes before booking your next trip, to update your account.
Posted onMarch 18, 2024|Comments Off on Roundup: March Madness, Irish Dancing, BMS Science Olympiad …
March Madness begins tomorrow.
There are many ways to follow the action.
One of the best is with Dave Briggs.
The veteran sports broadcaster — and longtime Westporter — hosts “Fast Break” for Turner Sports.
It’s essentially Red Zone for the NCAA tournament, with live game action, analysis, post-game reaction and social media moments.
Briggs’ co-hosts are Kentucky and Wake Forest legends Tony Delk and Randolph Childress, and former Georgia Tech head coach Josh Pastner.
The show is available at MarchMadness.com, and the “March Madness Live” app.
An hour-long pre-game show — “Max Bracket Breakdown” will be streamed via HBO Max from 11 a.m. to noon EDT Thursday and Friday, and 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
So who does Briggs like to win it all?
The University of Connecticut.
And he’s not just saying that out of home state pride.
“Like most people, I believe UConn is the best team in the country,” he says.
Clients at Homes with Hope’s food pantry got a special St. Patrick’s Day meal yesterday: corned beef, cabbage, and green cupcakes.
Then they enjoyed an extra-special treat: a performance from the Lenihan School of Irish Dance.
Five young dancers wowed the crowd with their talent, agility and energy. (And it was on the Gillespie Center floor — not an easy place to kick up your heels.)
Emma Rogers of Christ & Holy Trinity Church — who studied voice at Carnegie Mellon University — followed, with a stirring rendition of favorites like “Danny Boy.”
Church members — including Rev. Dylan Mello — helped serve and clean up.
It was a special day for the clients, and CEO Helen McAlinden: She’s a native of Ireland.
And her daughter was an Irish dance champion, back in the day and back in the old country.
Lenihan School of Dance performers. (Photo/Helen McAlinden)
Irish dancers Homes with Hope volunteers, staff and clients; CEO Helen McAlinden (yellow scarf) and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker (green sweater), outside the Gillespie Center. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Speaking of champions (though off the playing field): Bedford Middle School students earned first place — and individual medals galore too — in Saturday’s Science Olympiad state competition in Coventry.
Dr. Daniel Cortright led 28 students, in 25 events.
BMS will now represent Connecticut at the national Science Olympiad competition at Michigan State University, May 24-25.
It’s familiar territory. BMS has been Connecticut’s state champ every year since 2018. They’ve been to national tournaments around the country. The team travels to competitions throughout the Northeast during the school year.
They’ll announce fundraising plans soon, to help with the costs of travel for the coaches, and subsidize team expenses.
Congratulations, BMS!
Bedford Middle School Science Olympiad team: state champs!
=================================================
Speaking (again of) sports: Congratulations to Caleb Smith and Adam Behrends.
They are the Walter Camp Football Foundation state Player and Coach of the Year, respectively. The duo — who helped Staples High School win the LL state championship in December — were honored Saturday, in New Haven.
Smith and Behrends earned the same honors earlier, from the New Haven Register.
Smith — who just ended his basketball season, and is getting ready for lacrosse — will continue his football career at the University of Connecticut. Next up is UConn, as a preferred walk-on player.
Adam Behrends and Caleb Smith, at the Walter Camp Foundation breakfast. (Photo/Dave Stewart for Hearst Connecticut Media)
Speaking (still) of sports: Congratulations too to the Staples boys lacrosse team.
The defending state champion Wreckers are ranked #1 in the nation, in Inside Lacrosse’s pre-season public schools poll. That puts them ahead of powerhouses like New York’s Manhasset and Garden City High Schools — and archrival and fellow FCIAC foe Darien.
Inside Lacrosse rates Staples #18 nationally in the poll that includes both public and private schools.
Click here for the public school-only story. Click here for the public and private school story.
The first game is April 4, vs. Archbishop Stepinac High School of White Plains (5:30 p.m., Paul Lane Field).
The 2023 state champion Staples boys lacrosse team. (Photo collage/Jada Mirabelle for CIAC Sports)
Speaking of (it doesn’t end) sports: The 15th annual “Kicking + Screening” festival was held in New York.
But plenty of Westporters were involved in the event, which featured 11 film features and shorts, plus panels, special guests and more.
The venue was Football Cafe, the Lower East Side “soccer cultural center” founded by Kyle Martino.
He’s the 1999 Staples graduate — and former Gatorade National High School Player of the Year, MLS Rookie of the Year, US men’s national team player and NBC Sports Premier League broadcaster. Kyle is now a soccer analyst with Warner Brothers Discovery Sports.
“Kicking + Screening” was co-founded by Rachel Markus, a Westport resident. Since 2009, she’s grown it into a huge event, with films and speakers from around the world.
She and co-founder Greg Lalas have hosted festivals in London, Liverpool, Rio de Janeiro, Amsterdam and Abu Dhabi, Kerala (India).
Several Westporters were at the very cool Football Cafe space, including Greg Guido and Julie Blume, and others who read about the event on “06880” and wanted to see the films, and Westport’s most famous soccer star.
From left: Kyle Martino, Julie Blume, Rachel Markus and Greg Guido, at Football Cafe.
Yesterday’s “Roundup” said that the Staples Tuition Grants Fun Run is for youngsters in grades 3 through 5.
In fact, it’s for kids ages 3 through grade 5.
The event is April 6 (8 to 10 a.m., Paul Lane Field at Staples). Registration is just $25. All proceeds benefit STG.
The morning includes races, a bounce house, face painting, temporary tattoos, a bake sale and raffle.
Medals will be awarded to winners at each age level. Pre-K is a 25-yard dash; kindergartners and 1st graders run a 50-yard dash; 2nd through 5th graders race 100 yards.
Click here to register for the run. Everyone who signs up by Thursday gets a free t-shirt. Information can be found on Instagram (@stgfunrun).
In a town filled with interesting people, Dave Briggs still stands out.
He’s a longtime national broadcaster with CNN, NBC Sports, Fox News and Turner Sports. He still does media work, but has branched out into business – with Cann Social Tonic, a drink micro-dosed with THC and CBD. He’s fully immersed in town activities, as (among other things) a Westport Library board member and Fashionably Westport MC.
Our wide-ranging chat last week at the Library ranged from national politics and the media to kids (he has 3), his varied career, and — notably — his passion for all things Westport.
Startup Westport — the public/private partnership working to turn Westport into a tech entrepreneurs’ innovation hub — drew a sold-out crowd to the Library on Thursday.
Dan Bikel — a Westporter and key member of Meta’s AI team — offered fascinating insights into the future of generative artificial intelligence.
Future Startup Westport events include focuses on women and minorities in tech. Click here to be added to their mailing list.
From left: Stefano Pacifico, Jay Norris, Dan Bikel and Cliff Sirlin. All helped found Startup Westport.
The Westport Library kicks off 2024 with 3 new art installations. They run through mid-March.
“How Beautiful, the Universe: Astrophotography by members of the Westport Astronomical Society” (Sheffer Gallery) includes 25 powerful cosmic images.
“Zen Meditations” by sculptor Lucy Krupenye, who specializes in found objects, is featured in the South Gallery. An artist reception and talk is set for January 31.
“Awakenings” — a series of nature photos by Terry Tannen — includes a reception on February 12.
Astrophotography is a special art.
=================================================
Dave Brubeck — a longtime area resident who earned a Kennedy Center Honor, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, before his death in 2012 a day before his 92nd birthday — lives on.
The Brubeck Brothers Quartet is set for a special fundraising event March 9, (Westport Library). Proceeds support the Library’s vast array of free programs and offerings.
The Brubeck Brothers Quartet is led by Chris (bass and trombone) and Dan Brubeck (drums), sons of the jazz legend. They recorded their first record in 1966. Rounding out the group is guitarist Mike DeMicco and pianist Chuck Lamb.
They have performed across North America and Europe, including Newport, Detroit, Montreal, The Hollywood Bowl, and Monterey Jazz festivals.
General admission tickets are $75. VIP tickets ($125) include a pre-event reception with the Brubeck family and gifts, including a vinyl LP exclusive pressing of “Time OutTakes,” featuring previously unreleased takes from the original Brubeck masterpiece “Time Out” — the first jazz album to sell 1 million copies.
Louis Weinberg describes today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo:
‘The red squirrel stores food for the winter in large underground caches. It is particularly fond of the black walnuts prevalent in the Long Lots Preserve. Additionally, it taps sugar maple trees for the syrup. It is a wily veteran of mixed hardwood-conifer forests.”
Posted onJanuary 3, 2024|Comments Off on Roundup: Real Estate Stats, Marigny Gifts, Early Morning Runs …
With interest rates high, how good (or bad) was the 2023 residential real estate market?
Mary Ann Lindwall of the Riverside Realty Group sends along these statistics, courtesy of SmartMLS.
Average Sales Price: The average sales price for single-family homes in Westport was $2,380,509, a modest increase of 0.6% from 2022.
Closed Sales: 327 homes were sold, a 24.8% drop from the previous year.
Inventory Reduction: The number of homes on sale now is 46, a sharp 40% decrease from the 77 homes available at the start of last year.
Days on Market: The average number of days homes spent on the market — 54 — was unchanged from 2022.
Pending Home Sales: There are 20 homes in Westport awaiting closing dates.
Months’ Supply of Inventory: The months’ supply of inventory in Westport decreased by 22.7% from 2022, ending the year at just 1.7 months. According to the National Association of Realtors, this low supply level indicates that demand for homes is outpacing the available supply, potentially leading to further price increases in 2024.
Impact of Interest Rates: The Riverside Realty Group says, “A significant factor influencing the real estate market in 2023 was the rise in interest rates…. interest rates surpassed 8% in October, reaching their highest level in 23 years.
“Since the beginning of 2022, interest rates have more than doubled. Rising rates have led to buyers being priced out of the market, while sellers are inclined to hold on to properties they purchased at more favorable rates.
“This combination of factors, especially the surge in interest rates, has profoundly impacted the dynamics of the Westport real estate market.”
The most expensive home on the Westport market right now is this 4-bedroom, 5 1/2-bathroom, 8,246-square foot house on 1.35 acres, at 279 Saugatuck Avenue. It’s listed at $13,900,000.
For months, residents of Marigny-le-Lozon gathered Christmas gifts for the children of Lyman, Ukraine.
More than 70 years after Westporters sent gifts to the French village — rebuilding, after the devastation of World II, the town not far from the D-Day beaches was paying it forward.
It was our friends in Marigny who suggested, a year and a half ago, that we and they join together to help another town — this one in war-torn Ukraine.
Ukraine Aid International — a non-profit founded by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer — facilitated the sister city partnership. They also ensured that Marigny’s gifts made their way directly to 300 children of Lyman.
Here is one of the many Ukrainian youngsters whose holiday was made brighter. Merci, Marigny.
On the agenda for next Monday’s Planning & Zoning Commission meeting (January 8, 7 p.m., Zoom; www.westportct.gov ): a text and map amendment, and special permit/site plan application, to allow the use of medical offices at 55-57 Greens Farms Road, the office park next to Assumption Cemetery.
Click here for more details, and application materials.
Officials have implemented new town records management system software. In an effort to combat property and mortgage fraud, residents who sign up will receive notification when official documents are recorded on their property.
Town Clerk Jeff Dunkerton says, “Property fraud can occur if someone forges your identity, transfers your property into their name, and records the document. This fraudulent activity can make it appear as if that person owns your home or property, and you may not have any idea that this happened. It is, unfortunately, becoming more prevalent today as cyber criminals exploit every avenue to cause harm and steal from citizens.”
Last year in Fairfield, a homeowner claimed a $1.5 million home was built on his property without his permission after someone fraudulently sold the land to a property developer.
For more information on the RecordHub software, click here.
Westporters took over the WCBS Channel 2 news yesterday — or at least, the weather and sports departments.
Regular chief meteorologist Lonnie Quinn was joined by substitute sports reports Dave Briggs.
Quinn has been with the station for several years. Briggs has been seen on Turner Sports/CNN, NBC Sports, FOX News and Yahoo Finance.
Lonnie Quinn (left) and Dave Briggs, on set.
=================================================
Longtime Westporter Maria Teresa Sales Ludovice de Gusmão Sá Couto died early Sunday away after a fierce, prolonged struggle with various health challenges. She was 81.
She was born and raised n Lisbon, Portugal on Nov. Her family says, “with extraordinary courage and resilience, Teresa and her husband Mário Luis Neves Sá Coutomade a home with her family on 4 continents. They lived in Lisbon; Bissau, Guinea; Rio de Janeiro and Westport. She took great joy in, and was deeply dedicated to, raising her children and tending to her grandchildren.”
Teresa is survived by her husband; children, Inês Ludovice de Gusmão SáCouto Curwen (William), Susana Ludovice de Gusmão SáCouto (partner Manuella), and Nuno Pedro Ludovice de Gusmão SáCouto (Carrie); sister Maria Isabel Sales Ludovice de Gusmão; grandchildren Tomas Patrick, Maia Amelia, Daniel Kelly, Madeleine Eve and Max Leo, and extended family in Portugal.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Teresa will be held at St. Luke Church on Friday (January 5, noon).
Jim Hood has seen a lot of things from his home on Soundview Drive.
But never — until this year — did he see kayakers on New Year’s Day.
They were joined by more common denizens of Long Island Sound, which qualifies this as a “Westport … Naturally” feature.
(Photo/Jim Hood)
============================================
And finally … on this date in 1870, work began on the Brooklyn Bridge.
(Westport connection: Johnny Maestro — former lead singer of the Crests, Del-Satins and Brooklyn Bridge — was a frequent performer at, and longtime favorite of, Festival Italiano.)
(The worst that could happen is that no one contributes to “06880.” But you can make sure it never does. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)
Comments Off on Roundup: Real Estate Stats, Marigny Gifts, Early Morning Runs …
Posted onMarch 15, 2023|Comments Off on Roundup: Sweetgreen, Y Memories, March Madness …
As reported last July on “06880,” Sweetgreen will be opening in Westport.
The salad-and-bowl fast casual restaurant — with over 150 outlets in more than a dozen states — will replace Organic Krush.
Although Sweetgreen representatives went before the Architectural Review Board with plans for their new restaurant in July, Organic Krush protested vociferously that they were not leaving.
After 100 years, the Westport Weston Family YMCA knows plenty of folks have lots of memories. And memorabilia.
As part of their century celebration they ask members, former members and everyone else to haul out their photo albums, think back on the past, and share what they find. Click here to submit.
All year long, the Y will feature those photos and stories on their lobby monitor, website and social media, and in email newsletters.
Click here for the dedicated web page. Click below for a sample submission.
The media celebrity (Fox News, NBC Sports, CNN) is hosting “March Madness Fast Break” for Turner Sports. It’s noon to midnight, Thursday through Sunday on MarchMadness.com and the March Madness Live app.
Dave calls it “Red Zone for college basketball with the best live action, analysis and social media reaction.” He partners with a pair of legends: Kentucky’s Tony Delk and Wake Forest’s Randolph Childress.
The Levitt Pavilion season is still 3 months away. But — to help raise funds for over 50 nights of free entertainment — the riverside outdoor venue has just announced 2 special ticketed events.
Samara Joy — 2023 Grammy Award winner for Best New Artist and Best Jazz Vocal Album — takes the stage June 3. Triple Grammy winner Bruce Hornsby follows with the Noisemakers on July 1. Both Saturday shows begin at 7:30 p.m.
Member pre-sales start today (Wednesday, March 15) at 10 a.m. Public sales start Friday (March 17, 10 a.m.).
Tickets are already on sale for the June 24 show: Michael Franti & Spearhead Big Big Love Tour, with Phillip Phillips.
Representative Town Meeting member Matthew Mandell joins other elected officials this morning (Wednesday, March 15, 10 a.m.; Zoom).
They’ll speak prior to the state General Assembly Planning & Development Committee’s public hearing on HB 6890, the “Live Work Ride” bill that proposes withholding, withdrawing and perhaps clawing back state infrastructure funding from communities that fail to adopt regulations permitting greater density, with limited parking and a prescribed affordability component, around transit areas.
Mandell and his colleagues are part of “CT169Strong.” It’s a statewide non-partisan group “dedicated to local control and oversight, and protecting the unique qualities of Connecticut’s 169 towns.
Click here for a link to Mandell’s meeting. The ID is 455 019 2513; the passcode is 6C436A.
Love the Westport Library? Want to help make it even better?
The Library and Representative Town Meeting are seeking candidates to fill vacancies on the Library board of trustees.
Trustees work closely with the executive director, in areas like funding, policies and planning. They develop long-range plans, monitor the budget and help oversee fundraising. The board meets monthly; there are also committee meetings.
Trustees must be Westport residents. There are 20 members. Half are appointed by the RTM, half by the Library board itself.
More information about the role of trustees is available here.
Applicants should email a resume and letter of interest to rpowell@westportlibrary,org. by April 17, with information on how past work and experience qualify them for consideration as a trustee.
How can parents and caregivers support healthy identity development in young children?
Many ways. And you can learn about them at “Supporting Healthy Identity Development in Young Children: Race, Culture and Beyond.” The Westport Library keynote (April 4, 7 to 8:30 p.m.) is led by Takiema Bunche Smith, founder and CEO of Anahsa Consulting and a noted executive leader, advisor, coach and educator.
The session will explore “how adults socialize young children into racial, cultural and other social identities, and what that means in the context of an inequitable US society.”
Click here for more information. The event is sponsored by TEAM Westport.
Less than 24 hours remain, to reach our goal of $250,000!
That would help rebuild every home and apartment in Lyman — our Ukrainian sister city — that can be salvaged. It would give them each a generator. It would provide a water filtration system for the town. (Click here for the first story about Westport and Lyman, with important details.)
It would get them through a dark, dangerous winter. Those brave, embattled men, women and children need to know that they are not alone.
They already know that Westport has their back. They are very, very grateful for what we’ve done.
Westporter Brian Mayer (right) and his on-the-ground support team of Richard von Groeling and Liz Olegov flank Lyman Mayor Oleksandr Zhuravlyov. Brian, Richard and Liz wear protective equipment, because they’ve just been outside. The Ukrainian and Lyman flags will soon be joined by one from Westport.
Now, on Christmas Day, let’s give them everything they need.
$250,000 sounds like a lot. But it breaks down to just $10 for every resident of Westport.
Can you spare that? If not, no worries. Someone who can, will cover you. Right?
Just click here for the credit card “Donate” button. Click the “I want to support” box; then select “Support for the City of Lyman.” You can also scroll down on that page for other donation options (mail, wire transfer and Venmo.) Or you can donate directly, via Stripe (click here).
Meanwhile, our online auction for an oil painting of Marigny — our other sister city in France, which joins us in helping Lyman — ends at 11:59 p.m. We began the bidding at $1,000. It is now up to $1,500. Email 06880blog@gmail.com, or click “Comments” to bid; you don’t need to fill out your real (but please include your email).
This Marigny scene is being auctioned to the highest bidder.
Westporters have been supremely generous so far. We are nearing our audacious — but crucial — $250,000 goal. Every dollar helps our sister city of Lyman. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Eversource earned props for putting crews on the road early during Friday’s wind and rain storm. The number of outages in Westport was halved throughout the day, from 700 or so to about 350.
Their performance since then has been less praise-worthy.
An “06880” reader wrote last night, just before midnight:
“I am spending the holidays with my 92-year-old homebound mom on Bayberry Ridge Road. Power has been out for the whole street since 4 a.m. Friday. Despite 40-plus hours elapsing, Eversource still has no projection for repair, citing ‘To Be Determined’ as the date when one inquires.
“They no longer even list Westport on the updated outage report, because over 99% of homes have power. This is cold comfort to residents on this street, who cannot get any information out of this vastly overpaid and underperforming public utility. With zero communication since the beginning, we worry that they’ve forgotten about us entirely.”
The reader responded at 1:04 a.m. that his power was back on. He doesn’t know if it was the result of his phone call, Tweet, or because they were about to do it anyway.
I’m keeping his complaint up though, because it’s not isolated. I’ve heard from other readers in the north end of Westport, who also had issues with Eversource.
Most seemed to understand the severity of the problem. What bothered them was Eversource’s lack of communication about when power was expected to return.
“We just want to be able to plan,” one reader said.
Compare the situation in Lyman (top story above) with the behavior of one Very Entitled Driver downtown yesterday.
He ignored several “One Way/Do Not Enter” signs. He headed past all the cars, on 2 sides of the street, facing toward him.
Drivers stopped. One rolled down his window, and explained the driver was going the wrong way.
He couldn’t be bothered. Perhaps backing up was too difficult or time-consuming. Maybe doing so would be admitting wrongdoing, or a blow to his masculinity.
So he got out of his car. He had angry words with one of the right-way drivers.
Then he got back in his vehicle, swerved around a couple of cars, and kept driving.
All the way to the Post Road.
Very Entitled Driver — after already being told he is going the wrong way on Main Street.
Also downtown: Our own Barnes & Noble was featured in the opening seconds of Yahoo News’ recent feature on the chain’s resurgence.
Young readers in particular have driven the opening of new (and newly designed) stores.
CEO James Daunt was interviewed by Dave Briggs. The Yahoo journalist knows what he’s talking about — he lives here in Westport, just a couple of miles from one of those slimmed-down, brighter, more open and less “library-looking” Barnes & Noble’s than the previous one.
The Burying Hill High Tide Club has earned an “06880” mention — and props — for weekly swims at that Greens Farms beach, all the way through fall.
Now another group is earning even more awe (and raised eyebrows).
Nico Eisenberger reports: “This year we spawned a crazy cousin of the High Tide Club. Inspired by some of the hardy originals, and carried forward with an unreasonable and illogical vigor, is Club Plunge.
“We’ve done it every week since early November. It’s amazing and wonderful — and makes you think that maybe the extremophiles one sees on YouTube are really on to something.”
The group includes 8 regulars.
“We try to stay in for at least 3 minutes,” Nico says. “The screaming subsides after 1 minute, then picks up again after 2.”
And finally … Christmas music ends tonight. Whether that’s good or bad depends on your threshold for jinglyness.
But before we say goodbye (till next year) to Mariah Carey, Josh Groban, Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, Bobby Helms, Bing Crosby and Gene Autry, let’s tip our Santa hat to Johnny Marks.
He lived for many years on Green Acre Lane, off South Compo. He died in 1985 from complications of diabetes. His son still lives here.
Who was Johnny Marks?
Just the guy who wrote “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”
And “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” “Run, Rudolph, Run.” “Have a Holly Jolly Christmas.” And many others.
Not bad for a Jewish kid from Mount Vernon, New York.
Club 203 — the new Westport organization providing social and fun activities for adults with disabilities — launched with a bang Wednesday night.
Over 100 people gathered at MoCA for the kickoff event. DJ Joe’s great playlist got everyone on the dance floor from the moment they arrived.
The dance floor was filled.
Participants came from as far as Middlebury, Connecticut. DJ Joe rocked the night! Everyone was in on the dance floor. MoCA, The Porch at Christie’s, CVS for providing the venue and snacks. We would also like to thank all the volunteers from our community who helped us last night. We could not have done it with out them!
Hanging with the DJ …
Club 203 organizers Stacie Curran, Kathryn Sonne, Joe Anastasi and Sharuna Mahesh thank MoCA, The Porch @ Christie’s and CVS for providing the venue and snacks — as well as the many volunteers who made the night special.
Next up: a Halloween celebration (October 23, Remarkable Theater). For more information, click here.
Who was Sigrid Schultz, for whom part of the newly designed Elm Street parking lot is named?
She was a pioneering female reporter, social justice activist — and longtime Westporer — who played an important role in exposing the growing Nazi threat during the lead-up to World War II, and beyond.
Last night, the Westport Museum for Culture & History hosted Professor Dr. David Milne of the University of East Anglia. He is writing her biography, and shared fascinating details of her life. The “Dragon Lady” exhibit is open to the public at the museum through the end of the year. (Hat tip: Dave Matlow)
Dr. James Milne, at the Westport Museum for History & Culture. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
Wondering about all those yellow ribbons downtown?
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The ribbons create awareness too: for Circle of Care, a Wilton-based organization that helps families deal with the diagnosis of a child with cancer.
Click here to learn more about Circle of Care. Then click below, for a local video:
With autumn around the corner, it’s time for Aspetuck Land Trust’s fall native plant sale.
Hard-to-find plants, trees, shrubs and perennials can be ordered online, and picked up September 30 to October 2 at the Caryl & Edna Haskins Preserve off Green Acre Lane. Click here for details.
Aarti Khosla believes that teachers are the backbone of our society. In these unprecedented times, she says, they need our love more than ever.
Aarti owns Le Rouge Chocolates, on Main Street. So she’s in a position to make it happen. Sweeeeet!
Her “Give a Little Love” chocolate heart campaign works like this: For $8 each, customers can sponsor a heart for one Westport teacher. Aarti hand-delivers the treats to each school.
This is the third year in a row for “Give a Little Love.” Teachers have been very touched by this small gesture, she says.
To donate one or more chocolate hearts online, click here.
MoCA’s next show — the premiere of the From The Pen To The Knife exhibition, featuring close to 300 watercolor paintings by Marian Christy, who creates watercolors using only palette knives and puddles of paint — is on view from October 15 to November 27.
An opening reception is set for October 15 (5 to 7 p.m.).
Christy was a Pulitzer Prize-winning Boston Globe journalist, covering fashion and celebrities, for the first chapter of her life.
In the second chapter, she pivoted from “the pen to the knife.” Christy, now 90, had no formal training. She has worked for the last 15 years in her basement at an easel, held firm by used bricks to sustain her forceful palette knife strokes. For more information, click here.
One of Marian Christy’s nearly 300 works, exhibited soon at MoCA Westport.
Cohl Katz’s clients have included Al Pacino, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Barbara Bush, Bob Dylan, Cal Ripken, Cindy Crawford, Ellen DeGeneres, Hillary Clinton, Hilary Swank, Jerry Seinfeld, John McEnroe, Johnny Depp, Katie Couric, Keith Richards, Leonardo DiCaprio, Martha Stewart, Mary Tyler Moore, Mel Gibson, Mick Jagger, Muhammad Ali, Nicole Kidman, Phil Donohue, Ray Charles, Robert Redford, Robin Williams, Rod Stewart, Rosie O’Donnell, Sting and Tom Cruise,
The hair stylist and makeup artist recently moved back to Westport. She’s offering a back-to-school special for new clients (of all ages): a 50% first-appointment discount. Call 917-848-9596 — and mention “06880”!
Several Westport chefs will prepare 4-course tableside meals at Greenwich Wine + Food. The fundraiser for the Jacques Pépin Foundation and Wholesome Wae is set for October 7 (at Abigail Kirsch The Loading Dock, Stamford).
The local contingent includes Jes Bengtson (Terrain Garden Café. Amis Trattoria); Debra Ponzek (Aux Delices), Matt Storch (Match Burger Lobster) and Bill Taibe (The Whelk, Kawa Ni, Don Memo).
The evening includes honors for the Serendipity’s 2022 Most Innovative Chefs. Among them: Will Friedman of Kawa Ni.
Click here for the full schedule, and ticket information.
Bill Taibe and Jes Bengtson will cook at Greenwich Wine + Food.
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: dwoog@optonline.net. Thanks!)
GET THE “06880” APP
The “06880” app (search for it on the Apple or Android store) is the easiest way to get “06880.” Choose notifications: whenever a new post is published, or once or twice a day. Click here for details.
Occasionally, we’ve included student-produced “06880 on the Go” video.
