Tag Archives: distracted driving

Roundup: Golf Course Opens, Cops Target Distracted Drivers, Heroes Save Owlet & Dog …

Posted on April 2, 2026 | 1 comment

Fore!

The Longshore golf course and driving range open for the season this Friday (April 3).

That’s good news. Even better: There’s a new reservation system, new carts, enhancements to communication, and continued course improvements.

The ForeUp reservation service will provide a more user-friendly interface for booking and managing tee times.

Booking begins tomorrow (Thursday, 6:30 a.m.). Tee time booking windows remain 5 days in advance, starting at 6:30 a.m.

Golfers should check their email for a message from ForeUp, with details on setting up an online booking account. That includes a credit card, as no-show fees will be enforced.

Also new: electric lithium-ion Club Car carts. They’re equipped with GPS technology, allowing golfers to have distances available on the course.

A new phone system will be introduced too, to cut down on the general information phone calls going into the pro shop. The website remains the most easily accessible place for info on pricing, tee times, instruction and more.

Westport residents wishing to purchase or renew a golf handpass can do it online or at the Parks & Recreation office in Longshore (weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).

Almost open! (Dave Dellinger)

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The Westport Police Department has joined a statewide distracted driving enforcement campaign, and public awareness initiative.

Both run all month, as part of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

Law enforcement agencies across Connecticut will ramp up distracted driving enforcement efforts. The focus is on identifying and citing drivers who text, use electronic handheld devices, or otherwise divert their attention from the road.

In 2023 alone, 5,202 crashes involving distracted driving resulted in 12 fatalities and 78 serious injuries.

Tips to avoid distracted driving:

• Pull over safely if you need to text or make a call.
• Ask a passenger to manage navigation or messages.
• Avoid checking social media while driving.
• Limit interaction with in-vehicle technology. Program
navigation or music before starting your trip.
• Use your phone’s “Do Not Disturb While Driving” feature, or
silence notifications to reduce the temptation to check your device.

Distracted driving? Conditions sure don’t look dangerous.

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Two saves in one week, both worth noting:

Yesterday, Westport Police Officer Bernie Kelley assisted Westport Animal Control Officer Peter Reid in the rescue of a baby great horned owl at Longshore.

The bird was transported to Wildlife in Crisis for treatment of a small wound. If re-nesting proves feasible, it will be attempted. Residents interested in contributing towards the owlet’s care — or that of many other locally rescued and abandoned wildlife can click here.

Officer Bernie Kelley with owlet. 

Last Thursday, Westport Police Officer Daniel Lovallo responded to a roaming dog near I-95. The rottweiler was transported to Westport Animal Control, and received Westport Animal Shelter Advocates-funded care the next day.

She has been named Dottie, and is loved by the Westport Animal Control officers and WASA volunteers. No microchip was located and no owner has claimed her, so she is available for adoption. If interested, call WASA (203-557-0361), or email wasa1@optonline.net.

WASA will help with veterinary care. Residents interested in donating to that cause can click here.

Dottie the rottie.

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The Jazz Society of Fairfield County presents the wildly popular “Jazz at the Post” series. Every Thursday night, they bring musicians — some internationally famous — to VFW Post 399, for 2 great shows. The price is low; the talent level very, very high.

But Jazz FC does much more. Among their projects: outreach and scholarships.

To fund those endeavors, they’re sponsoring a “Jazz Cruise by the Saugatuck” (April 23, 6 to 10 p.m.). NOTE: It’s at the VFW, not actually on the river.

Over 25 award-winning artists will jam. There’s a silent auction and lavish dinner too. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Congratulations to Harry McLaughlin and Eva Slossberg!

The Staples High School seniors were honored Monday, at the Connecticut Association of Schools’ 31st annual High School Arts Banquet.

Harry McLaughlin (visual arts) and Eva (music and theater) were selected by Staples faculty members for their outstanding achievement, dedication, and impact within their disciplines.

The evening included a keynote address about how the arts shape identity, give voice to personal expression and create lasting impact, and a performance by Rubyfruit, a University of Connecticut a cappella group that promotes women’s empowerment through music.

Harry McLaughlin and Eva Slossberg.

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Congratulations too to Staples seniors Justin Halky, Ford Epstein, Patricio Garcia and Kai Schwartz.

The students in Stacey Delmhorst’s Financial Decision Making course placed 2nd at the Tuesday’s state finals of the National Personal Finance Challenge.

In the nationwide competition, student teams analyze case studies and respond to complex financial scenarios involving budgeting, saving, investing and managing risk.

From left: Ford Epstein, Patricio Garcia, Kai Schwartz, Justin Halky.

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Scott Brodie has lived in New York for decades.

But the 1970 Staples graduate grew up here. He visited his parents regularly; his mother Esther died less than a year ago, at 98.

So Scott was intrigued to read in yesterday’s Roundup that one of the homes the Historic District Commission will discuss on April 9, for a demolition permit, is 48 Burr Farms Road — a few houses down from the one his parents built in the 1950s.

He writes: “The house is one of about a dozen cookie-cutter split levels built by Norman Shapiro, who first developed the northern half of the road in the early 1950s.

“Over the years these have been either heavily modified, or torn down to make room for much larger houses. Indeed, #48 has been for many years pretty much the only one of these original houses in essentially its original state:

48 Burr Farms Road

“Only the few folks with long memories and a historically-trained eye can ‘see’ the bones of the original splits in the other, heavily-modified buildings. For example, here is #43:

43 Burr Farms Road

“The dormers, porch and front-facing gable are all add-ons.  The original garage with flat ‘sun deck’ survives, but was made into living space, with a new garage added at far left.

” expect the Commission will find little or no historical value in #48 — perhaps the last of its kind. Thus, the end of an era.”

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Nearly 100 Westport Rotary Club members and guests gathered Tuesday, to honor Win Allen.

The longtime, 93-year-old Westporter was celebrated for his service to, and leadership of, the organization. Marty Helman, a Rotary International trustee, came from Maine for the event.

The ceremony included a performance by Diego Carniero, a Rotary International Peace Ambassador, and acclaimed Ecuadorean cellist.

Win Allen (2nd from left) with (from left) Marty Helman, Rotary International trustee; Rick Benson of Westport and Billy Roberts of Massachusetts, past district governors.

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Westport Police made 5 custodial arrests between March 27 and 31.

A 29-year-old Manchester man as charged with larceny, burglary and criminal mischief, and conspiracy to commit those crimes, following an investigation into a September burglary at Westport Auto Repair. Two doors were pried open by suspects, who tried to steal the ATM but ultimately took 2 cash registers. They contained $1,000 in cash; damages were $4,800. He was held on a $50,000 bond.

A 28-year-old Bronx man was charged with larceny, after a complaint from Mike’s Factory Direct. After an online order for $33,136 worth of massage chairs was picked up by a man driving a U-Haul truck in November, the credit card company complained of fraud. The man was released on a $50,000 bond.

A 32-year-old Hamden man was charged with larceny, after 17 sets of tire and rim sets, worth over $30,000, were stolen in January from Maserati of Westport. He was released on a $50,000 bond.

A 54-year-old Middlebury man was charged with operation of a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol/drugs, and failure to drive in the proper lane, after his vehicle struck one that was parked and unoccupied on River Lane. He was released on a $100 bond.

A 69-year-old Norwalk man was charged with disorderly conduct, after an early morning argument between 2 friends in a home about the quality of food being served turned physical. He was held on a $5,000 bond.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 12 citations
  • Texting while driving: 8
  • Failure to renew registration: 8
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
  • Tinted window glass violation: 2
  • Passing a standing school bus: 1
  • Speeding in a school zone: 1
  • Reckless driving: 1
  • Speeding: 1
  • Distracted driving: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 1
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1

Tinted windows must follow state laws.

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Yogi Bear stars in today’s “Westport .. Naturally” photo.

His friend Cat Malkin said yesterday: “When I broke the news that we couldn’t walk on the beach today he replied, “Is this some kind of April Fool’s joke?’”

“Sadly, for us it’s not. Until October.”

Yogi Bear (Photo/Cat Malkin)

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And finally … on this date in 1968, “2001: A Space Odyssey” premiered at the Uptown Theater in Washington.

(“06880” has been your window on Westport almost since 2001. We launched in 2009. Whether you’ve enjoyed us all along, or just found us yesterday: thanks. And please click here to support us!)

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Posted in Arts, Environment, Longshore, Looking back, Police, Real estate, Staples HS

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Roundup: Koskoff Files Amicus Brief, VersoFest Rocks Library, Cops Ticket Texters …

Posted on April 5, 2025 | 8 comments

Over 500 law firms have backed several of their biggest colleagues. In a “friend of the court” brief, they said that President Trump’s threats against firms that have crossed him personally are “a grave threat to our system of constitutional governance and to the rule of law itself.”

Among them: Koskoff Koskoff & Bieder.

The Bridgeport-based firm — which recently won a near-$1 billion suit against Alex Jones on behalf of Sandy Hook families — was founded in 1936 by Theodore Koskoff.

His son — Westporter Michael Koskoff — was a longtime partner. His grandson Josh now carries on their long civil rights and social justice legacy.

Describing the decision to join the amicus brief, Josh writes: “Today we joined firms across the country to say to the president and others that would seek to deny access to justice for individuals wronged by the government that your threats only fill us with resolve, that we will not bend the knee and pay tribute or do your dirty work, and that we 100 percent will not yield in our service to individuals wronged by your abuse.”

Josh Koskoff

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The Wallflowers — Jakob Dylan’s band — rocked the Westport Library yesterday, on the second day of VersoFest.

The 4th annual music/media-and-more event continues today.

From 10 to 11:30 a.m., artist 5iveFingaz hosts a rotating cast of DJs. Attendees will try to set a record for “world’s loudest library” withprimal scram. There’s also live art installations, and other family fun.

At noon and 1 p.m. there’s “Graffiti 101,” followed by a 1 p.m. panel on the 50th anniversary of Bruce Springsteen’s “Born to Run”; Black Thought, lead emcee of The Roots, in a 4 p.m. conversation, and Henry Rollins at 7 p.m.

Paul Shaffer headlines tomorrow’s events (Sunday, 11 a.m.).

Click here for the full schedule. Click here for the live auction, with Keith Richards’ guitar and more.

The Wallflowers, in concert at VersoFest … (Photo copyright DinkinESH Fotographix)

… and meeting fans outside. (Photo/Matthew Mandell)

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The United Methodist Church’s Easter Egg hunt, scheduled for today at 2 p.m., has been postponed to tomorrow (2 p.m., indoors).

It’s free — but donations of non-perishable food for local pantries are welcome.

Easter Egg Hunt, at the United Methodist Church.

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April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

And local, state and federal officials are celebrating it.

Westport Police are teaming up with the Connecticut and US Departments of Transportation for a “U Drive/U Text/U Pay” campaign.

At any moment, 660,000 drivers are using electronic devices while  driving. More than 3,000 people have been killed annually in crashes involving distracted drivers — about 8% of all fatal accidents.

Connecticut law prohibits the use of any hand-held mobile electronic device while operating a motor vehicle. Drivers who are 16 or 17 years of age are prohibited from using a cell phone or mobile device at any time, even with a hands-free accessory.

Tickets are $200 for the first offense, $375 for the second offense, and $625 for the third and subsequent offenses. For more information, click here.

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Speaking of the Connecticut Department of Transportation: Last month they announced plans to build a new maintenance facility on their property, behind Walgreens and Saatva.

They have not wasted any time getting started. Clear-cutting has already begun.

View from the Sherwood Island Connector. (Photo/Matt Murray)

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Longtime Westport resident Michael Hoherchak died Tuesday. He was 94.

Michael J. Hoherchak, a beloved resident of Westport, CT for the past 68 years, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 94.

He was a member of St Luke’s parish, the Masons and the Ancient Order of the Scottish Rite.

Growing up in Brooklyn he worked a wide variety of jobs from an early age: (selling newspapers, being a messenger, helping in a meat market, and as an engineering aide, TV installer, clerk and surveyor.

The first member of his family to attend college, he received engineering degrees from the University of Virginia and New York University.

He began his professional career as a mechanical engineer at AMF. He worked as a project manager in the pollution control industry, most recently for ABB.

Mike is survived by his wife of 68 years, Gay; son Michael (Monica), daughter Karin (David) and grandchildren Sasha, Natasha, Michael, Klara and Justin. He was predeceased by his sister Mary-Ellen.

A wake will be held tomorrow (Sunday, April 6, 2 to 4:30 p.m., Harding Funeral Home). A funeral Mass will be at St Luke on Monday (noon).

His family is grateful to the caring doctors, nurses and staff at Norwalk Hospital. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association.

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Westporter Alan Nudelman died Wednesday. He was 87.

The Chicago native graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in engineering. He served as an Army lieutenant. After 25 years at IBM, he became president of Composition Materials for 30 years.

Alan is survived by his wife Kay; daughters Julie Naye and Joey Sadavrati; stepsons David Elster and Jeff Elster; grandchildren Wes, Jack, George and Jett
Naye; step-grandchildren Sydney Elster and Alex Elster, and sister Iris Anosov.

A funeral service will be held Monday (April 7, 2 p.m., Temple Israel).

Memorial contributions can be made to the Anti-Defamation League.

Alan Nudelman

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It’s a gray day morning, with rain predicted for the afternoon.

But today’s “Westport … Naturally” Harvest Commons magnolia tree — photographed at dawn — should brighten your day.

(Photo/Judith Katz)

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And finally … in honor of the Wallflowers’ show last night, at VersoFest (story above):

(Don’t be a wallflower! Take part in all the action! Be an active “06880” community member! Please click here to help support your hyper-local blog. Thank you! PS: Now you can go back to hiding …)

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Posted in Children, Entertainment, Library, Obituaries, Police, Politics

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Roundup: Dog Park, Distracted Driving, Nice House …

Posted on October 15, 2022 | 9 comments

Right now, there are no fenced dog parks in Westport. (Winslow Park is enclosed, but there are many gaps and areas without walls or fences.)

Andrew Colabella wants to change that.

The Representative Town Meeting member worked with Karen Kramer and Matthew Mandell to create a petition. The goal is to gauge support, to show town officials the need. Click here to see.

There are gates, and some new fences, at Winslow Park. But it is not a fully enclosed dog run. (Photo/Nell Waters Bernegger)

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The Westport Police Department is participating in the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s high visibility distracted driving enforcement campaign. The campaign — beginning today, and running through October 31 — will increase efforts to enforce distracted-driving laws.

Connecticut law prohibits the use of any hand-held mobile device while operating a motor vehicle. Drivers who are 16 or 17 years old are prohibited from using a cell phone or mobile device at any time — even hands free.

The fine for the first offense is $200. It’s $375 for the second ticket, and $625 for the third and subsequent offenses.

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Who knew so many “06880” readers also read the New York Post?

I’d need an entire haberdashery to hand out hat tips to everyone who sent me the tabloid story noting Shonda Rhimes’ purchase of Doug and Melissa Bernstein’s 11-bedroom home. The 7.5-acre property also includes a basketball court, bowling alleys, arcade, home theater, playroom, billiards room, 8 fireplaces, kitchen with a pizza oven, tennis court, pool, playground, and outdoor seating and dining areas.

Karen Scott was the KMS Partners at Compass broker who sold the property to the producer/screenwriter/author/global media company CEO/Television Academy Hall of Fame inductee’s agent.  Rhimes will move from elsewhere in Westport; the Bernsteins have bought another home here.

Click here for the full New York Post story.

Shonda Rhimes’ new home.

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Meanwhile, another New York newspaper — the Times — this week ran a Critic’s Notebook piece headlined: “Has War Changed, or Only War Photography?”

It begins by citing a 1991 Staples High School graduate and Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist:

Lynsey Addario began taking war pictures when the United States invaded Afghanistan in 2001. Only two-thirds of a century had elapsed since Robert Capa documented the Spanish Civil War. But to go from the exhibition of Capa’s Spain photos at the International Center of Photography to the Addario show at the SVA Chelsea Gallery is to traverse not just time and geography but a profound shift in sensibility. Capa’s pictures express his belief in war as a conflict between good and evil. In our time, which is to say in Addario’s, unwavering faith in the justice of one side has perished, a casualty of too many brutal, pointless, reciprocally corrupt wars.

Addario over the last two decades has taken her camera to some of the most dangerous places on earth. A MacArthur fellow, she is a freelance photographer who shared a Pulitzer Prize for international reporting awarded to The New York Times in 2009 for its coverage of Afghanistan and Pakistan. Like Capa, she calls herself a photojournalist, not an artist. She has said that she is dedicated to “using images to undo preconceptions and to show a reality often misunderstood or misrepresented.” She has also named Capa as one of her main influences, even though many of the preconceptions she seeks to undermine are those he enshrined.

Click here to read the full story. (Hat tip: Kathie Motes Bennewitz)

In one of Lynsey Addario’s most famous photos, Ukrainian soldiers try to save the father of a family of four — the only one at that moment who still had a pulse — moments after being hit by a mortar while trying to flee Irpin, near Kyiv. (Photo/Lynsey Addario for the New York Times)

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The Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County has received a $5,000 grant from Fairfield County’s Community Foundation.

It’s for their Dignity Grows chapter, part of a national network to fight period poverty among nearly 30% of menstruators in the U.S. Donors and volunteers fund and pack monthly totes of hygiene and period essentials. They’re delivered free of charge to partner agencies, who then provide them to their clients. 

From last September through June, the Federation organized 10 packing events — many in Westport — and delivered 800 totes. The grant will help them expand their reach, to meet a growing need.

A packing event hosted by Sharon Navarro (top right, 3rd from right) and Jen Frank (bottom row, 2nd from right). All participants are Westport residents — except the lone male, Ofek Moscovich. He’s the Federation Israel emissary spending a year here. The group packed 100 totes for LifeBridge Community Services in Bridgeport.

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Who knew there were “professional carvers”?

On Thursday (October 20), you can meet one. DeTapas restaurant hosts one. He’ll serve a “world-class jamon,” paired with special Spanish wines.

The carver will go from table to table, from 5:30 p.m. on. The cost is $45 per person. Guests can stay and enjoy dinner afterward. To RSVP, use Open Table, or contact the restaurant: hola@detapasrestaurant.com; 203-557-0257.

Owner Carlos Pia in his handsomely decorated De Tapas restaurant.

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Speaking of restaurants:

After a successful summer, La Plage pivots to fall. Highlights include “Mussels Wednesday” (Pemaquid Maine mussels with non-stop fries service, paired with a special Pilsner from Spacecat Brewing in Norwalk); “Lobster Bake Thursday” (with head-on shrimp, mussels, clams and andouille), and “Paella Sunday” (clams, mussels, calamari, shrimp, chicken, chorizo).

La Plage also offers a “Halloween Bash” (Sunday, October 30). The winning costume earns 2 tickets to the restaurant’s New Year’s Eve dinner and gala.

Killer water views at La Plage.

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Looking for money?

Connecticut has just published a new “Big List” — names of people owed money from various sources, currently held by the state treasurer.

The website (click here) guides users through a form to complete and have notarized.  

If you get a windfall, consider sharing it with Dennis Jackson — the “06880” reader who found the site.

And, of course, with “06880.”

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The Joggers Club is not running out of great ideas.

Besides Fun Runs every Saturday beginning at 8 a.m. at Compo Beach, and Track Night every Wednesday at 6:q5 p.m. (Staples High School), they’re taking part in races throughout the state. Among them:

  • Pumpkin Run: October 30 (costumes encouraged)
  • Jamie’s Run for Children: November 6 (DJ Party after)
  • Hot Coco 5K: November 12 (“Hottest Race in November”)
  • Branford Thanksgiving 5K: Thanksgiving
  • Christmas Run for Children: December 4 (free beer and live music).

The Joggers Club offers a free race bib to each of those races to one member — and discounted coupons for everyone else.

Club membership is $50 a year (new members get a free Endurance Brooks racing shirt. Click here or on Instagram or Facebook for more information.
$50 a year (And new members get a free Endurance Brooks racing shirt)

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Boo!

The scene outside Winslow Park Animal Hospital changes with the holiday. It’s clear what’s next:

(Photo/Molly Alger)

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We’ve featured wasp nests before, in our “Westport … Naturally” series.

But I don’t think I’ve seen any as large — and scary-looking — as this. Pete Powell spotted it on the Longshore golf course, opposite the green at hole 13.

You sure don’t want to hit a ball near there.

(Photo/Pete Powell)

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And finally … in honor of the Connecticut state treasurer’s trove:

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Posted in Environment, Local business, Local politics, Media, Real estate, Restaurants

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Roundup: Distracted Driving, Breakfast Club, Shake Shack …

Posted on April 2, 2022 | 6 comments

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If you drove on I-95 or the Merritt Parkway yesterday, you noticed electronic signs warning against distracted driving: “U Drive. U Text. U Pay.”

They’re part of a state Department of Transportation campaign for April — it’s Distracted Driving Awareness Month. The Westport Police have joined the effort too.

Connecticut law prohibits the use of any hand-held electronic device while operating a motor vehicle. Drivers 16 or 17 years of age are prohibited from using a cell phone or mobile device any time, even a hands-free one.

Drivers who are ticketed pay $200 for the first offense, $375 for the next, and $625 for the third and subsequent offenses.

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If you never saw “The Breakfast Club”: You missed a classic.

If you missed Triple Threat Academy’s staged workshop production of it at Toquet Hall: You missed another classic.

But you’re in luck! Excerpts have just been posted on YouTube.

The performance grew out of TripleThreat’s Zoom production, directed by founder and “Fame” star Cynthia Gibb during the pandemic.

The cast brought such energy and power to their Zoom sessions that Gibb vowed to bring it to the stage as soon as it was safe.

Despite only 10 hours of rehearsal, the show earned a standing ovation. Triple Threat plans more productions like it. Their spring session begins April 12, with acting and improv classes for youth, teens and adults at Toquet Hall.

Click here for details. As for video below: Hey, it’s “The Breakfast Club.” Beware of f-bombs.

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Could Shake Shack be leaving?

It looked that way, from from the commercial real estate listing:

Turns out it’s the small rooms that are being rented by Pinnacle Fitness — perhaps to a physical therapist, chiropractor or similar tenant. Yuri’s Gym has closed.

Sounds like a great opportunity. Especially for a health professional who likes hamburgers. (Hat tip: Steven Goldstein)

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Aspetuck Land Trust’s popular “Lunch & Learn” series returns this Friday (April 8, noon to 1:15 p.m., Zoom).

“Invasives to Natives: A Backyard Restoration” features super-gardener Pam Roman. She’ll talk about her COVID-time project that transformed her garden — and also healed her heart and soul. Click here to register.

Pam Roman, in her garden.

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Fortunately, NASA has a deflection plan. Just as fortuitously, the Westport Astronomical Society’s next online lecture is with Dr. Nancy Chabot. She’s the planetary chief scientist at Johns Hopkins’ Applied Physics Laboratory. She’ll talk about DART — the “Double Asteroid Redirection Test” defense mission.Here’s one more: an asteroid smashing into earth.

The event is April 19 (8 p.m.). Click here for the Zoom link. Click here for  the YouTube livestream.

It should be fascinating. If nothing has happened to the world in the meantime.

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Former Westporter Barbara Webster died in February at her Oklahoma City home, from complications of dementia. She was  85.

She retired in 2016 after a storied career as a teacher, counselor, professional dancer, choreographer and arts administrator. Her last appointments were as a career counselor at Bunnell High School in Stratford, and executive director of the Connecticut Dance School in Fairfield.

Webster taught dance and fitness for decades through the Westport adult education and summer school programs, and in studios across Fairfield County (including with former Broadway star Bambi Lynn).

She helped choreograph productions and enhanced costumes for Staples Players and at Coleytown Junior High School in the 1970s and ’80s, including shows like “Oklahoma!”, “My Fair Lady,” “Carousel” and “Dromio, Dromio!.” She served as a substitute teacher and guidance counselor too.

She performed with the Dancers of Faith and with Heritage Productions throughout the tri-state region, and presented her original work at the Unitarian Church in Westport. She held additional arts administration roles at the Levitt Pavilion, executive director of the Stamford Community Arts Council, and director of ARTSPACE in New Haven.

An accomplished seamstress and costume designer, Webster was one of 12 needlewomen working on Westport’s Bicentennial Quilt. She also created an original ornament for the Westport Heritage Christmas Tree.

In 1977 Webster co-founded Giftbags, Ltd. She helped develop a customized line of reusable felt bags and puppets for gifts, wine and treats that were featured at the Metropolitan Opera, and local boutiques. Later, she co-created puppets for sale at Blue Man Group performances.A native of New Jersey, Webster graduated first in her class from Barringer High School (Newark) in 1953 and received her BA degree from Douglass College, Rutgers University, in 1957. She earned a Master of Education degree from Rutgers in 1965.

Webster was predeceased by her husband Russell and brother, Dr. Edward C. Sheppard. Survivors include her children Russell Todd Webster of Anchorage, and Catherine Sheppard Webster of Oklahoma City, and grandchildren Haven Barnett, Teddy Webster, and Meredith and Thayer Dycus.

A memorial service will be held August 7 (2 p.m., Unitarian Church in Westport).

The family has requested that contributions in her memory be sent to a scholarship established in her name at the University of Central Oklahoma.

Barbara Webster

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Many “06880” readers sent photos of yesterday’s gorgeous rainbow over Compo Beach. Jeanine Esposito’s made the cut as today’s “Westport … Naturally” image.

(Photo/Jeanine Esposito)

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And finally … gamed jazz guitarist Larry Coryell was born today in 1943. He died in 2017.

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Posted in Entertainment, Environment, Police, Restaurants

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Roundup: De Tapas, Pink Floyd, Pumpkins …

Posted on October 14, 2021 | 4 comments

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One of the earliest casualties of COVID was Chez 180.

The patisserie at 180 Post Road East had been open just a couple of weeks in March 2019. It earned rave reviews, but could not weather the sudden, total town shutdown.

Now — 19 months later — a new tenant is moving in. According to a sign on the door, it’s De Tapas: a “Spanish gastropub.” Details to follow soon.

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Adventure, music, sports and motorcycles — all star in the upcoming Remarkable Theater schedule.

Films at the Imperial Avenue drive-in include:

  • “Pirates of the Caribbean” (Saturday, October 16)
  • “The Last Waltz” (Monday, October 18)
  • “Slap Shot” (with Westport’s own Paul Newman: Tuesday, October 19)
  • “Easy Rider” (Wednesday, October 20)
  • “Pink Floyd: The Wall” (Saturday, October 23).

All shows begin at 6:30 p.m. Click here for tickets and more information.

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As the leaves turn, Earthplace welcomes families for fun events. They include:

Pumpkin carving and painting (Saturday, October 23, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. — click here to register)

Halloween stories and family campfire (Sunday, October 31, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. — click here to register)

Bicycle repairs (while you wait: Friday, November 5, 12 to 3 p.m.).

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You should never drive while distracted.

Especially from tomorrow through October 31.

That when the Westport Police Department joins the state Department of Transportation’s “distracted driving enforcement campaign.”

They note that sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. At 55 mph — the average speed on the Post Road, sometimes, ahem — that’s like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed.

And did you know that driving while texting is 6 times more dangerous than intoxicated driving?

If you don’t care about that, consider this: Tickets for distracted driving are $200 for the first offense, $375 for the second, and $625 for all subsequent violations. 

Considering the consequences, that’s low.

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Bob Cooper reports vandalism at the Riverwalk downtown. He noticed a bench that was missing, except for one leg. The other leg, as well as its engraved seat, were in the water.

Fortunately, he says, the bench look reparable. It’s made from 3 piece, and each appears intact.

He also spotted engraved bricks that had been thrown into the brush:

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Yesterday’s Roundup note about the upcoming webinar on the impact of family violence on children (October 18, 7 p.m.) was missing a link. Click here to register.

The event is sponsored by the Westport Domestic Violence Task Force, Westport Human Services Department and Westport Library

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What’s better than shopping and cocktails?

How about shopping, cocktails and supporting breast cancer research?

Savvy + Grace’s fundraiser offers all that. The date is Thursday, October 28; the time is 5 to 7 p.m. (146 Main Street). Funds raised for the Cancer Couch Foundation will be matched 100%.

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Congratulations, Avi Kaner!

The former 2nd selectman and Board of Finance chair has been named to the Algemeiner’s list of “Top 100 People Positively Influencing Jewish Life 2021.”

His writeup calls the co-owner of the Morton Williams supermarket chain a “social media activist on behalf of Israel. When ice cream manufacturers Ben & Jerry’s announced in July that its products would no longer be sold to Jewish communities in the West Bank, Kaner went on the counteroffensive, securing agreement from the Morton Williams Board to reduce the Ben & Jerry’s products it sells in its 16 stores in New York and New Jersey by 70 percent.”

Avi Kaner

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Congratulations too to Lucy Dockter.

A Staples High School Inklings editor, and editor of the literary journal Soundings, was quoted at length in a Guardian story about the school surveillance tool Gaggle. The reporter found her through an Inklings editorial she wrote last year. Click here for the eye-opening Guardian article.

Talk about surveillance!

Lucy Dockter

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The outdoor fall fun celebration (with ’70s singalong) at the Unitarian Church in Westport, scheduled for this Saturday, has been moved to Sunday (October 17, 12 to 3 p.m.) due to predicted rain.

The event includes a musical mural, cake carousel, rock painting and bobbing for apples. For COVID safety, bring your own food.

Westport’s Unitarian Church

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The VFW is collecting new hats, scarves, mittens, gloves and socks, for men women and children.

There will be a drop-off box in the lobby (or patio, if closed) at their building (465 Riverside Avenue), from October 23 through November 20. They ask for only those items listed above.

VFW Joseph Clinton Post 399.

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Westporter Jim O’Donoghue died Sunday. He was 83 years old.

The Dublin native captained the rugby team at University College Cork. He earned a bachelor’ degree in electrical engineering there, and also met his wife Margaret.

Working for Quigley steel refractories, Jim travelled extensively, and brought his 3 daughters mementos from all over the world. The company was bought by Pfizer, and the family moved to Westport in 1984.

Jim ran regularly, golfed and rowed. He loved fishing, especially on Waterville Lake. He was a historian, a great conversationalist and a gripping storyteller. Dinner was punctuated with discussions on politics, as well as anecdotes about travel.

Jim wrote several books, including children’s stories, and read avidly. He was a fan of Russian classics and spy novels.

Jim is survived by Margaret, his wife of 58 years; daughters Elina (Dan), Sharon (Jack) and Lisa (Ilair); brother Neil; sister Anne, and grandchildren Ryan, Ciara, Maija and Sophie.

A viewing and farewell is set for Harding Funeral Home in Westport this Sunday (October 17, 3 to 6 pm). Mass will be held at St Luke Church also in Westport on October 18 (11 a.m.) The service will be live streamed (click here).

Jim O’Donoghue

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Fall is all about colorful leaves. But today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo takes us to Bonnie Brook Road, and a different kind of scene.

(Photo/Liz Blasko)

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And finally … Paddy Moloney died Monday in Dublin, at 83.

The New York Times called him “the playful but disciplined frontman and bagpiper of the Chieftains, a band that was at the forefront of the worldwide revival of traditional Irish music played with traditional instruments.”

They won 6 Grammys, and collaborated with everyone from Van Morrison, Mick Jagger and Paul McCartney to Luciano Pavarotti. Click here for the full obituary.

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Roundup: Easter, Daffodils, Dragon …

Posted on April 1, 2021 | 3 comments

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Westport is getting ready for Easter weekend.

A Sunday sunrise service is set for 6 a.m. at Compo Beach, between the cannons and the pavilion. It’s co-hosted by 4 churches: Saugatuck, Greens Farms and Norfield Congregational, and United Methodist. All participants are asked to please wear masks!

Also on Sunday, Saugatuck Congregational will hold a “drive-in” worship in the parking lot, at 10 a.m. The service — featuring live music, drama and Easter reflection — will be broadcast to car radios. Sit in the comfort of your car, or bring a beach chair and “tailgate.” The service will also be livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube. Click here for details.

And tomorrow (Good Friday, 11:30 a.m., Branson Hall), Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church will screen the choral piece “The Last 7 Words of the Unarmed.” It will be followed at noon by an intergenerational neighborhood walk. Following a liturgy of Stations of the Cross, it will focus on racial justice and reconciliation. Participants will make a small loop around downtown Westport, stopping at various locations to pray and reflect.

Easter sunrise service, 2018. (Photo courtesy of Rev. Alison Patton)

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It’s April — and that means National Distracted Driving Month.

The Westport Police Department is joining with the Connecticut Department of Transportation Highway Safety Office in a month-long “U Drive. U Text. U Pay” campaign.

So put down your phone — this month, and every month. The first offense will cost you $150. Then it’s $300 the second time. And $500 for the third and subsequent violations.

But if it gets to that point, you shouldn’t be driving at all.

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The daffodils all along Prospect Road are blooming beautifully.

And if you know someone who has been bullied — or helped prevent bullying — they’re yours for the taking.

Melissa Ceriale — the owner, with her husband John, of an 8-acre oasis midway down the street — invites anyone who knows people in the categories above to clip a bouquet, and give it to them.

NOTE: Please take them only from the roadway in front of #11, 13, 21 and 25 Prospect Road — and not from the gardens themselves!

Daffodils on Prospect Road. (Photo/Melissa Ceriale)

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In other nature news: Last night, a huge dead tree on the big hill at the south end of Winslow Park, not far from the North Compo parking lot, came crashing down — smack across the walking path.

Bob Cooper says: “I’ve had my eye on it for a couple years, but this was sooner than I expected. It appears the lower end was rotting inside.”

(Photo/Bob Cooper)

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The Westport Youth Commission is one of our town’s great, under-the-radar groups.

Thirty members — 15 students, 15 adults, all appointed by the 1st selectman — meet monthly. They talk about teen needs, plan projects and programs, and (this is huge) provide high schoolers with a great experience in leadership.

Of course, every year members graduate. So the YAC is looking for students now in grades 8-11 (and adult members) to serve for the 2021-’22 school year. Freshmen join a special committee, before joining the board officially as sophomoes.

The appointment process includes an application, and at least one letter of recommendation. The deadline is May 14. Click here for the application. For more information, call 203-341-1155 or email kgodburn@westportct.gov.

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The Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge is the scene for just about everything. Political protests, Memorial Day parades, fishing — you name it, it’s happened there.

Though this scene Tuesday evening was probably a first:

(Photo/Barbara McDonald)

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Aquarion has announced its 2021 mandatory sprinkler irrigation schedule.

They say: “The schedule helps conserve water supplies by reducing overwatering of lawns and gardens through a maximum 2 days per week schedule. The purpose is to ensure that local water supplies remain sufficient for critical needs such as human consumption and fire protection.

“Lawns and gardens can thrive on reduced watering. By encouraging roots to grow deeper into the soil, they’re able to absorb more moisture and nutrients, even during dry spells. Customers may continue using drip irrigation, soaker hoses and hand-held watering at any time.”

The schedule begins today, and is based on the last digit of your street address.

If your address ends in an even number, or you have no numbered address, you can water only on Sundays and Wednesdays, from 12:01 a.m. to 10 a.m., or 6 p.m. to midnight.

If your address ends in an odd, number, you can water only on Saturdays and Tuesdays, same times as above.

For more information, click here. NOTE: Some residents may qualify for a variance. For example, if you’ve installed new plantings or sod in the spring, you arw allowed to water more frequently to help get plants established.

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MoCA Westport’s new exhibit, “Smash,” is dedicated exclusively to the videos of
Marilyn Minter.

It opens to the public tomorrow (Friday, April 2). Reservations are available through the website, On Free Fridays, reservations are not required, and admission is free. Click below for a sneak peek:

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The Westport Library’s Verso Studios are certainly versatile.

Starting April 12 (7 p.m.), it’s the focus of a Video Production hybrid course. The instructor is the Library’s own Emmy Award winner, David Bibbey.

The first 4 sessions are virtual. The final 2 are in-person. Participants will learn how to use professional video and audio recording equipment, lighting, and live switching/recording/streaming equipment. Participants can also serve as live crew for video shoots.

The cost is $150. To register, click here.

Part of the Westport Library’s Verso Studios.

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With all the talk about vehicular traffic on a renovated or rebuilt William F. Cribari Bridge, no one has thought about what would happen if a super tanker got caught nearby.

Evan Stein has it figured out:

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And finally … today is April 1.

 

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Roundup: CHT Outreach, WPD Distracted Driving, More

Posted on September 26, 2020 | 3 comments

Every year at this time, the Men’s Group of Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church cooks beef through the night. In the morning they carve it up, and serve sandwiches for the parish picnic.

This year, COVID canceled the picnic.

But the Men’s Group still cooked the meat last night. This morning, CHT Outreach volunteers and the Women’s Spirituality Group made sandwiches. They brought them to King’s Pantry in Bridgeport, which will distribute them to the homeless.

Taking a break from cooking (from left0: Randy Abrams, John Sarsgard, Lloyd Nash and Rob Feakins.

Never drive distracted.

Especially from October 1 through 15. That’s when the Westport Police Department plans a high-visibility enforcement campaign.

Distracted driving includes talking or texting on a cell phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in the vehicle, fiddling with the stereo, entertainment or navigation system — anything that divers attention from safe driving.

Texting may be the worst. Sending or reading a text takes a driver’s eyes off the road for 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that’s like driving the length of a football field with eyes closed.

Connecticut fines for distracted driving start at $150. They rise to $1,000, depending on the operator’s driving history and location of the offense.

Due to heavy cloud cover, the Westport Astronomical Observatory will not be open for tonight’s International Observe the Moon Night.

You can of course try to see the moon at home. It’s still there.

Rolnick Observatory will not be open tonight. (Photo/Frank Rosen)

And finally … I never heard of Sterling Magee. But the bluesman who died this month of COVID, at 84 — sounds fascinating. His New York Times obituary say he “played a furious, thoroughly original style of blues under the name Mr. Satan, first as a solo act on the streets of Harlem and then as part of the duo Satan and Adam….

“Half bluesman, half street preacher, Mr. Magee was a fixture on 125th Street throughout the 1980s, parked one block east of the Apollo Theater, where he drew crowds of curious onlookers and fans. He played electric guitar, sang and stomped out a rhythm with a pair of hi-hat cymbals simultaneously, a feat of musicianship often overshadowed by his otherworldly charisma, bushy Moses-like beard and koan-like sayings.” Click here for the full story, and below to hear Mr. Satan.

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Roundup: Texting; Triking; More

Posted on July 28, 2020 | 3 comments

Each week, the Westport Police Department writes tickets for driving while using cell phones.

It’s against the law. Distracted driving can cost you from $150 to $1,000.

To help you avoid those fines, the WPD has partnered with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administraiton’s “U Drive. U Text. U Pay.” effort. Throughout August, the campaign will help enforcement efforts to catch distracted, texting drivers.

The WPD says: Pull off the road safely to text. Or let your passenger text. And don’t forget to activate your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature. Or just put your phone in your trunk, glove box or back seat!

The pandemic can’t keep David Bibbey down. Or in the studio.

The Westport Library media studio producer brought his Van Raam trike to down, and rode around. Guided by Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce director Matthew Mandell, he set out to discover how the town is reopening.

Click here for interviews with 2nd Selectman Jen Tooker, Westport Downtown Merchants Association head Randy Herbertson, artists Miggs and Trace Burroughs, and folks at Savannah Bee Company, Fleet Feet, Walrus Alley and New England Hemp Farm.

David Bibbey

And finally … Hurricane Hanna hit the southern Gulf Coast this weekend. The area was already reeling from the coronavirus. Here’s to all our friends in that big, wonderful state.

 

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Distracted Driving Event Set For Saturday

Posted on October 10, 2018 | 5 comments

It’s a recent, and potentially fatal, phenomenon: a car crashes into a tree or telephone pole. It’s the middle of the day — often in fine weather — and there are no other vehicles around.

The cause is almost always distracted driving. And the driver can just as easily be an adult as a teenager.

Meanwhile, for decades, many other accidents — at all times of day — have been caused by impaired drivers. Those under the influence of alcohol or drugs can be any age too.

Staples High School’s Teen Awareness Group wants to do something about it.

This Saturday (October 13, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Staples football field), the club hosts a Distracted Driving event. It’s free, and open to all high school students.

Plus their parents, and any other interested people.

Drivers can be distracted by texting, as well as by alcohol or drugs.

The State Police will be on hand with a simulator. Attendees can experience first-hand the power of an impact by a moving vehicle — this time, fortunately, in a safe, controlled environment.

Westport police officers will create an obstacle course and other simulations. Using special goggles, participants can experience the effects of substances on depth perception, coordination, decreased reaction time and impaired decision-making.

You can also take a field sobriety test.

TAG has organized this Distracted Driving Day with support from the Westport Youth Commission and Westport Police-Youth Club.

It’s an important event. Drive safely — there, back and always.

(NOTE: Attendees should park by the Staples fieldhouse and pool. Staples boys soccer’s 60th anniversary celebration will fill the parking lot by the soccer field and baseball diamond.)

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Westport’s Newest SafeRide: A Life-Saving, Anti-Distracted Driving App

Posted on August 4, 2017 | 4 comments

SafeRides — the local teen-run ride-sharing service that gave free, confidential rides home — shut down last month.

But SafeRide — an app that automatically locks a driver’s phone, eliminating temptations, distractions and possible disaster — is about to take off nationally.

It’s moving from a soft launch to a full-scale roll-out. And it’s happening right here, in a Westport home office.

SafeRide is the brainchild of Scott Rownin. He’s an eclectic guy. His degrees are in engineering and economics; he plays drums; he’s worked as an accountant, management consultant, equity trader and wealth adviser. But until he addressed the problem of distracted driving, he hadn’t found his true passion.

It happened several years after he and his wife Lauren moved to Westport. (Their first visit came during a Sidewalk Sale. “It was like the movie ‘Funny Farm,'” Rownin recalls, “where the entire town was set up just to sell a house.” They’re still in their “temporary” home, and love everything about the community.)

Scott and Lauren Rownin

A few years ago, Walmart ran a “Get on the Shelves” promotion. The megastore was looking for new products, from anyone.

Rownin had an idea: create a device to stop drivers from texting.

He hired a design firm, and began researching what’s legal and what’s not. Within 2 weeks, he had the beginnings of a device.

Since then, it’s evolved. There are a number of products already on the market. But they’re hardware-based.

SafeRide relies almost entirely on software. It uses Bluetooth as a beacon. Rownin says around 90% of cars now include Bluetooth. And those that don’t almost always have another device that does — say, GPS or a Bluetooth charger.

Recognizing any Bluetooth device, SafeRide locks the driver’s phone while the car is in motion. All phone calls and email sounds are turned off. Navigation and music apps are still available. And drivers can use a hands-free system (in-dash or headset) while the phone remains locked.

In an emergency, calls can still be made to a local responder.

Users can also set up customized auto-text replies, letting anyone who calls or texts know that the message will be responded to soon.

There is an on/off mode, so passengers can use their phones. Rownin is working on an “intelligent” aspect, where the app recognizes if a user is not in his or her own vehicle (and thus is, presumably, a passenger).

“If I were a teenager, I know I’d try to get around it,” he acknowledges. He’s worked to make SafeRide “teen-proof.” It reports misuse to a server — and parents can generate alerts and reports that show exactly when “passenger mode” was enabled.

Texting is so much more interesting than paying attention to the road.

(Of course, as anyone who ventures out on Westport roads knows, the problem of distracted driving is hardly limited to teenagers.)

Rownin has relished every moment of this project. From product design and patent research to capitalization and marketing, he’s been driven by “making the world a safer place.”

His wife has been his biggest booster. “Every 6 months we have a heart-to-heart about this,” he says. “Lauren always pushes me forward.”

She’s also a “fantastic saleswoman,” and joined the team. “She’s killing it!” he says proudly.

SafeRide had a soft launch in March. Now publicity is ramping up.

Rownin hopes to keep the app free for parents. He foresees revenue coming from trucking companies and other organizations that employ large numbers of drivers, along with insurance companies that would license it, then provide it to their customers.

Further in the future, he says, SafeRide might come installed in every car that is sold.

It would be one more life-saving device no one even thinks about. Just like seat belts. Air bags. Or brakes.

(For more information on SafeRide, click here.)

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