People, organizations, events, businesses, history, photos, entitled drivers — if it happens here, we post about it.
We throw an occasional bone to Weston too. Keith Richards, José Feliciano, Devil’s Den, the Museum & History Center — all are worth covering.
Very occasionally, we’ll mention something about Fairfield (their 8-30g battles) or Norwalk (Stew Leonard’s, Wegmans) — provided there is a clear and important connection to “06880.”
Today is one of those days.
Manresa Island is that piece of land we see from Compo Beach. Its most prominent feature is a power plant.
Manresa Island (smokestack in the distance), can be seen on a clear day from Compo Beach.
In fact, the reason the island has grown from its original 23 acres to its current 144 is because Connecticut Light & Power (now Eversource) filled in the titdal flats with coal ash.
One view of Manresa Island …
The plant — converted from coal to oil (which subsequently spilled, causing significant environmental damage) — was sold to NRG Energy in 1999, and severely damaged by Hurricane Sandy in 2012. It closed the next year.
Manresa Island has a fascinating history.
At one time, it was owned by the Jesuits. The established the Manresa Institute, a retreat for prelates and laymen.
… and another.
For a sight so prominent in our vista, most Westporters know nothing about Manresa Island.
Including the fact that a year ago a non-profit organization acquired the property. They hope to remediate the coal ash and asbesetos, and turn it into a park.
That vision of a wealthy couple, Austin and Allison McChord, began as they kayaked past Manresa. They created a non-profit to carry out their dream.
The transformation would open 1 3/4 miles of Norwalk’s shorefront to the public. The 125-acre park would include trails, a canopy walk, a public beach, play spaces, boat rentals, and a lawn for concerts.
Plans for Manresa Island …
The power plant would be turned into a large space with climbing walls, an indoor water park, food vendors, enviornment educational center, and flexible event space.
Demolition of the 3 7.5-million gallon steel oil tanks that sat empty for over a decade was completed last month. The smokestack will remain.
… including new uses of the turbine building …
Proponents call the project a model for the adaptive reuse of industrial sites and resilient waterfronts globally. It is expected to be fully completed by 2030.
Manresa Island is ecologically important. Undeveloped portons include a coastal forest and intertidal estuaries — some of the last remaining undisturbed marine habitats on the Fairfield County coast.
Wetlands serve as breeding grounds for migratory birds, and are home to 200 or so bird species. Waters around the island are essential habitats for many fish.
… and outdoor educational and recreational areas.
Yet Manresa is not the only Norwalk Island in the news.
ROAN ventures — developers of the Saugatuck Hamlet project — recently bought 4-acre Betts Island and 1.5-acre Calf Pasture Island. Plans for the islands are unclear.
Those for Manresa Island, on the other hand, are very clear.
Even if many Westporters — just a couple of miles across Saugatuck Shores and Long Island Sound, as the gull flies — have absolutely no idea what lies next to the smokestack.
Or what lies ahead.
(To learn more about Manresa Island’s future, click here.Hat tip: Janine Scotti)
Yesterday’s power outage at Post Road East and Myrtle Avenue seemed to come out of the blue.
But there was a good reason for it. A retired former Connecticut Light & Power director explains: “A little wind — actually just over 40 mph — but the real culprit is the very tall trees growing above the 3-phase primary.
“The company has been trimming its circuits on 4-year cycles for many decades, and patrolling all backbone primary circuits each of the 3 interim years between major cycle trims, looking for signs of trouble in any of the trees growing above the circuits.
“But in most parts of the country the utility trims all branches that are above these circuits, so there is nothing but blue sky above when standing beneath the circuits and looking up.
“Unfortunately, Westport historically denied trimming to that extent. So when a strong wind takes an overhanging tree limb, or sometimes an entire tree is uprooted, you get a major outage as occurred there Friday — keeping 597 customers out of power for hours.
“This brings back memories of major storm-related outages in town: Isaias (early August, 2020 when 97% of customers lost power, some for nearly 2 weeks!), Super Storm Sandy (October 2012), Snowtober Storm (Halloween 2011), Storm Irene (August 2011), March nor’easter (March 2010), Winter Double Nor’easter (mid-January 2006), “Perfect Storm” (late fall 1991), Hurricane Bob (August 1991), Hurricane Gloria (October 1985) … all had strong winds and with its tree cover, Westport was usually one of the worst towns in the state as measured by percentage of customers out of power at the peak of the storm.”
Eversource crews working on the outage (with tree cover above). (Photo/Mark Mathias)
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Speaking of the environment: We’re #1!
At least. Westport and Weston are in terms of electric vehicle ownership.
CT Mirror reports today that while just 2.7% of all vehicles in the state are electric, the figures are 10.4% and 10.1% respectively, for our 2 towns.
Every Thursday, the Imperial Avenue parking lot teems with vendors offering fresh ways to prepare fresh food (and not just produce — there’s meat, baked goods and more). Musicians perform. It’s fun, funky and alive.
There’s a lot to do, and see. It’s a photographer’s paradise too.
Which is why, for nearly a decade, the WFM has run Young Shoots: a digital photography competition for students ages 5-18.
Local artists will judge the entries, by age group. There’s a show on August 20 at Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center. Winners will be announced (and receive cash prizes).
New this year: Every week, a new photo will be featured on “06880” (and displayed at the Imperial Avenue market).
Take it from Miggs Burroughs, noted local artist and Young Shoots co-chair: “Not only does this contest give young talent an opportunity to shine like ripe tomatoes, but it nourishes the community with a feast of photographic goodness!”
Click here for details. The deadline is August 8. The contest is a partnership between the Westport Farmers’ Market, the Artists Collective of Westport, and the Drew Friedman Community Arts Center.
There were honors galore, at the Westport Weston Family YMCA’s 101st annual meeting this week. They include:
Lee J. Edelstein Volunteer of the Year: Kristin McKinney
Allen Raymond Legacy & Impact Award: Rosemary Halstead
Edward T. Bedford Outstanding Youth Award, Dani Schwartz, Grant Slippen
Star Employee Recognition Awards:
Paul I. Becker Employee of the Year: Patrick Freeman
Above & Beyond: Victoria Walters
Commitment to Mission: Brian Ference
Relationship Champion: Alison Ligi
Rookie of the Year: Miles Grinnell
The event concluded with US Paralympic athlete Matthew Torres’ surprise appearance to present competitive swimming director Ellen Johnston with the Order of Ikkos. The prestigious honor is awarded by Olympic and Paralympic medalists to the coach or mentor who most influenced their success.
Ellen Johnston receives her Order of Ikkos from Matthew Torres. (Photo/Emily MacDaniel)
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Congratulations to Michael Ances!
The Staples High School graduate — and longtime Monroe Public Schools music teacher — is the district’s Teacher of the Year.
Ances — now serving as Masuk High band director — has taught in nearly every school in Monroe.
He goot his start as a 5th grade trumpet player, under the tutelage of Nick Mariconda at Saugatuck Elementary School.
Ances — who also serves as musical director and pit band conductor of the annual high school musical, and the district’s performing arts coordinator — has never forgotten his Westport roots.
In a long story in the Monroe Sun, Ances recalls playing at Radio City Music Hall with the Staples band.
And when Mariconda — who went on to lead the SHS band — retired, Ances and fellow trumpeters Andrew Wilmott and Jon Owens celebrated him with “Bugler’s Holiday, at the annual Westport Pops Concert.
One character tells another that there is a hierarchy of humanity: “#1 Lesbians; #2 Gay Men.”
Then he says: “Imagine a world without us. Clothing, interior design, hair, makeup, choreography, art, theatre, food, topiary. Basically, you’d be left with the gray, ugly world of Eastern Europe during the Cold War or, worse, the soul-searching blandness of, say, greater Westport, Connecticut.”
Despite — or perhaps because of — lines like that, it’s got a 4.6 rating on Amazon. (Hat tip: Amy Schneider)
Barn swallows fly quickly, in and out of the parking garage at the Riverside Avenue medical office complex. Every year, they nest above the lights.
Johanna Keyser Rossi caught one of the birds, in a rare still moment, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)
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And finally … Lou Christie died Wednesday, at his Pittsburgh home. The falsetto singer was 82.
Best known for his #1 song “Lightnin’ Strikes,” he had several other hits. His follow-up to “Lightin'” — “Rhapsody in the Rain” — was banned by many stations, due to its explicit lyrics about “making love in a storm.” (“And in this car, our love went much too far …”) You get the idea.
(It’s a hot weekend in Westport. But whatever the weather, “06880” is here — 24/7/365. If you appreciate our hyper-local coverage of our town, please click here to support our work. Thanks!
“06880” reader Marc Lemcke lives across from Aquarion’s North Avenue water tanks. He keeps a close watch on the utility. He writes:
Did you know that our water provider is being sold again?
It’s a big deal, one that defies logic. Eversource’s shareholders are celebrating — and we should be worried about our water supply in the years to come. Our water bills will soon double, and likely rise from there.
But you can do something. You can join the public comment session of the state’s regulator Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) on June 25, and ask the regulator and our state representatives for a better deal.
In July 2017, Westport’s water provider, Aquarion, applied for a permit to replace the small water tank on North Avenue with 2 significantly larger ones.
During a presentation to our Planning & Zoning Commission, Eversource — our energy provider — announced it had acquired the water company for $1.7 billion.
Together, these 2 firms are by far Westport’s largest taxpayers. They had outsized influence — and wielded it.
In 2025, for the fourth time in about 20 years, Aquarion is being sold. This time it is to publicly owned South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority (RWA) for $2.4 billion.
PURA has invited public comments on June 25 (register here), as it must approve the deal. There may be little public comment, but the deal’s importance should not be overlooked by Westport residents. Here’s why:
Water matters more to Westport than most towns. Eversource/ Aquarion is Westport’s biggest taxpayer; Aquarion as a standalone entity is in the top 10.
While Aquarion’s facilities generate significant tax revenue, town leaders have often looked the other way on issues such as PFAS contamination, lead pipe risks, and concerns about fire protection gaps.
With the town soon to become one of more than 60 municipal owners of Aquarion, this cozy relationship must be redefined. Taxes paid by Aquarion will not increase any more, and this will potentially impact Westport’s credit rating over time.
On the bright side, the critical issues of water infrastructure will now be discussed more openly.
We might see a test soon. A judge has ordered a hearing in the PFAS class action suit against Aquarion for July 24.
Aquarion is accused of knowingly selling PFAS-contaminated water above the 4-ptt threshold. Westport has 2 of Aquarion’s contaminated wells.
Aquarion lists those wells under different system names, so most people don’t realize they are actually located here.
Did you know that with over $35 million, Westport is by far the #1 town for required PFAS treatments? As of now, the treatment is scheduled for 2028 and 2029.
So why did Eversource sell? The business model was dead. Under a new regulatory regime at PURA, the regulatory process is livestreamed, so residents can now easily follow the proceedings.
While it remains an opaque process, it marked the end of the rubber-stamping rate hike applications and ended the profit party. Private buyers were unlikely to step in under these circumstances.
In response, legislators held a rushed emergency session to let the RWA buy Aquarion. Most lawmakers had no idea what they voted for.
State Representative Jonathan Steinberg
A notable exception was Westport’s State Representative Jonathan Steinberg, who voted “no.”
RWA won the bid with an eye-popping $2.4 billion offer; most likely they were the only bidder.
Fairfield First Selectman Bill Gerber asked, “How do you pay for $2.4 billion in debt when you only make $30 million a year?” The answer: higher water bills, debt payments for the next 40 years, and new debt for infrastructure improvements.
Let’s hope RWA wins its bet on favorable market conditions and cost controls over the next 40 years. (To be fair, any private investor would have even more challenges financing $2.4 billion with Aquarion’s current business.
The North Avenue tank project was never for the reasons stated by Aquarion.Seven years after the tank construction application, we now know that itwas part of a $200 million pipeline effort, and that the project lacked any justification for Westport residents or anyone in Connecticut. The numbers presented by Aquarion in favor of the tank project in Westport were never true.
This deal seems similar: Aquarion’s balance sheet and acquisition details are considered a trade secret. First Selectman Gerber’s questions will not be answered. Essentially, the public pays Eversource’s shareholders for something it knows little about.
Why build something unnecessary? Because they can. Private utilities profit from infrastructure — the more they build, the more they earn. Building more than prudent is called “gold-plating.”
A Connecticut Department of Energy & Environment Protection study confirmed that gold-plating is a multi-billion-dollar problem in Connecticut’s utility sector.
Aquarion’s pipelines, tanks, and pump stations are all examples. The pump station on North Avenue, for instance, is designed to serve a particular area in town with 1,312 water customers, with a projected average daily water use of 1,044 gallons per day. The real average of water use in Westport is 124 gallons per day.
Construction of the water tanks on North Avenue.
We hope this practice will end with the RWA purchase, but it likely won’t.
Despite PURA’s warnings of gold-plating, Aquarion will continue spending an estimated 3 times more than what is prudent.
However, regulatory filings suggest that RWA has significantly better water quality, e.g. PFAS or lead service lines. So far, it is unclear what the new owner, RWA, can and will change about the way Aquarion’s business is currently being done.
Can gold-plating be stopped? Theoretically, yes. But it will take regulatory will to change. As DEEP states, opposing gold-plating places “an almost impossible burden on challengers.”
In its recent ratecase decision, PURA accused Aquarion of spending a total of $600 million, without clear evidence of prudence.
Why did PURA approve 93% of the gold-plating anyway? Because Aquarion is in financial distress and water service was at risk, the authority approved expenses with little to no evidence of prudence. Now the public inherits the problem — and the bill.
Interestingly, Aquarion fights at the Supreme Court for the remaining 7% of its rate hike application. The company argues that it used to get everything they asked for in the past.
The bigger picture – we’re still stuck with a broken water plan. In 2018, Connecticut approved its first State Water Plan. Thanks to private utilities, however, it was toothless — all consensus, little action.
Since then, little has changed beyond enhanced drought monitoring and some new conservation efforts, and problems are piling up. Those problems include PFAS and lead contamination, inadequate fire protection, wastewater runoff, and future strains on the existing water supply.
Many dedicated volunteers from across sectors are trying to do their best with limited resources to manage these challenges. Past leaders who were known to be cozy with the utilities have retired, and new state officials seem to make a genuine attempt to finally get things right.
In any case, real progress will take a while. Oversight of water remains opaque, and Aquarion, as the largest water company, remains a black box.
The state’s management of investor-owned utilities over the past 20 years has been costly, and undoing the damage will take time money, and effort. Still, the public option is the best of two evils.
Why don’t you hear more about this? Because it’s complicated. Because Aquarion’s public statements are legal smokescreens. Because disputes often end in settlements and nondisclosure agreements. Because ratepayer representation has very limited resources and faces private companies with nearly unlimited legal budgets; regulators are the only “competition” a monopoly has.
Currently, Connecticut’s chief regulator faces at least 4 legal challenges and a public campaign against her instigated by various private utility companies, including Eversource/Aquarion.
What’s the solution? The regulator should approve the acquisition with the condition that Eversource pays $500 million into a state water fund. and the Office of Consumer Affairs will be significantly strengthened.
This way, Eversource shareholders will not lose money on its Aquarion investment – eminent domain would cost more – and the state has resources to address critical issues of water quality and supply, and consumers have a minimum voice.
What’s next? After the regulators’ public hearing on June 25 via Zoom, they’ve scheduled a hearing on July 17, which can be followed live on YouTube. Follow the case in the PURA docket 25-04-03.
(“06880″‘s Opinion pages are open to all. Email submissions to 06880blog@gmail.com. To support this hyper-local blog with a tax-deductible contribution, please click here. Thank you!)
Fatto a Mano — Pierluigi Mazzella’s artisanal, locally sourced bakery, which has earned a passionate following through the Westport Farmers’ Market and selling directly out of its kitchen at 971 Post Road East, behind Cycle Dynamics — opens its own space tomorrow.
The new location is 1835 Post Road East, next to Fjord at the intersection of Bulkley Road North.
Pierluigi was the Connecticut Restaurant Association’s 2022 Baker of the Year. He’s gotten even better since then.
According to CTBites, “the new storefront will have all of the beloved favorites, like sourdough bread, sfogliatella, cornetto Italiano, cornmeal olive cake. Everything will be freshly baked in their production kitchen — just 3 minutes away — and delivered warm to the shop each morning.
“In addition to sourdough and dulci, Fatto a Mano will serve specialty coffees, matcha, soups and focaccia sandwiches. The weekend menu will include specials like a Roman style pizza, handmade fresh pasta, and seasonal salads inspired by the Westport Farmers’ Market.
“The storefront is mostly going to be grab-and-go, but there are 10 seats for those looking to dine-in. There’s also a high-end market section with housemade spreads (e.g. hazelnut, coffee, pistachio) and some of his favorite Italian food items: San Marzano tomatoes, fancy olive oil, sun dried tomatoes, castelvetrano olives, and San Carlo chips. Lastly, there’s 2 refrigerators, one stocked with an assortment of local and italian style drinks and another with fresh handmade pasta.”
Fatto a Mano will be open Wednesday through Sunday (8 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Click here for the website. Click here for the full CTBites story.
Pierluigi Mazzella, with his panettone.
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Speaking of CTBites: The statewide foodie’s bible — published by former Westporter Stephanie Webster — has another story this week, on a second new Westport eatery.
It’s Lyfe Café, across Long Lots Road from Pizza Lyfe.
That’s no coincidence: Both are owned by Gino Riccio and his nephew, Dimitri Pantzos. finally opened its doors and to much fanfare. (Riccio also owns Organika and Quattro Pazzi in Fairfield.)
The breakfast menu includes croissants, bagels, and creative dishes the Belly Up (2 eggs over medium, gochujang glazed pork belly, caramelized onions and cheddar cheese); Oatmeal Brulé (gluten-free rolled oats, orange zest, and almonds topped with berries and caramelized sugar), and more.
Lunch items include sandwiches, salads, a smash burger and more. Click here for the full CTBites story. Click here for the Lyfe Café website. Click here for an Instagram reel.
Lyfe Cafe. (Photo collage courtesy of CTBites.com)
The longtime Unitarian Universalist Congegation in Westport member suffered from terminal cancer. It took a court order, but she became the first non-resident of Vermont to take advantage of the state’s patient choice and control at end of life law.
Vermont now allows other terminally ill non-residents to end their lives, with physicians’ assistance, there.
The world premiere of “Other Side” is March 7, 9 and 11 at the Alamo Drafthouse Lamar in Austin, Texas. Directors Heather Hogan and Carter Oakley will participate in a Q-and-A after the screenings.
The film has been called “intimate and gripping.” Click here for details.
(“06880” covers Westport’s robust dining scene. But we need to put food on our table too. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog, with a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
In yesterday’s story about the 2024 Grand List, “06880” included a list of Westport’s top 10 taxpayers.
As it always does, Connecticut Light & Power (aka Eversource) was in first place.
We noted that much of their property consists of utility poles.
It does. But that’s not the full story.
Chris Swan — Eversource’s now retired director of transmission siting (and 1967 Staples High School graduate) — says that the largest item in their property portfolio is the double set of underground 345,000-volt transmission cables, installed in 2009.
They run from the Fairfield border, mostly under the Post Road, traversing town into Norwalk across from Whole Foods, en route from Bridgeport to the Norwalk substation at the junction of Routes 7 and 123.
Eversource also owns the 4 substations in town. The newest (the Sherwood Substation) was built on New Creek Road adjacent to the Greens Farms train station in 2009.
Chris adds: “Most of the company’s facilities are overhead poles and wires. But the biggest taxable valuation is in the underground transmission lines and substations.”
Eversource’s Main Street substation, behind Coffee An’.
Floods like these are becoming more prevalent. (Photo/Geralyn Rella Breig)
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“Native Gardens” — the Westport Country Playhouse comedy that runs February 18 to March 8 — is about fences and neighbors.
In the spirit of community-building, several special events are planned. They include:
Taste of Tuesday (February 18, 6 p.m.): Reception pairing food from Harvest Restaurant,plus wine. Exclusive for “Taste of Tuesday” season ticket holders. Click here for information.
Together at the Table (February 19, 5:30 p.m.): For $15, a family or group* enjoys a communal pizza dinner and casual conversation before the 7 p.m. show. Call 203-227-4177 for reservations.
Pride Night (February 20, 6 p.m.): Pre-show cocktail party for the LGBTQ+ community and friends, including a limited open bar and appetizers from Gruel Britannia. Use code GARDENSPRIDE online or call 203-227-4177 for reservations.
Opening Night Post-Show Reception (February 22): Celebrate with the cast, crew and creative team.
Sunday Symposium (after the February 23 3 p.m. show): No ticket necessary — open to all.
Stay tuned for an update on the speakers! No ticket necessary — open to all.
Open Caption (March 2, 3 p.m.): Deaf and hard of hearing audiences enjoy the performance while watching a digital screen with actors’ dialogue.
Backstage Pass (after the March 5 2 p.m. performance): Learn how the technical staff brought “Native Gardens” to life. No ticket necessary — open to all.
Thursday Talkback )after the March 6 7 p.m. performance: Q&A with cast members. No ticket necessary — open to all.
For more information on “Native Gardens,” click here.
Youngsters interested in sailing — and parents who want their kids to learn – are invited to a “Junior Sailing Bagel Bash” (March 1, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Cedar Point Yacht Club).
No experience is necessary. The Cedar Point program is open to all junior sailors — members and non-members, beginners to experienced.
Speaking of kids: Long QT Syndrome — a potentially life-threatening heart condition — affects 1 in 2,000 children. Early detection can help prevent serious complications.
Connecticut Children’s and Hearts in Harmony are sponsoring free EKG screenings this Saturday (February 8, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Westport Specialty Care Center, 191 Post Road West).
Children with abnormal EKG results will receive expedited follow-up appointments with Connecticut Children’s cardiologists.
The event includes kid-friendly activities, a fashion show, food and more.
For more information, contact Dr. Robyn Matloff at 917-439-8941.
Attention, Westport Library e-book and audiobook users: With a transition from CloudLibrary to Libby, patrons can access more digital titles than ever.
The transition takes place March 18. CloudLibrary. The last date for holds to be placed through CloudLibrary is February 15. (See below for important dates and FAQs.)
The Library will offer online and in-person tutorials from March 18 to March 21 (3 to 4 p.m), to help users with the transition. An “Anyone Can Use” class focused on the Libby app is set for the Library on March 19 (11 a.m. to noon).
The Westport Board of Education Policy Committee’s next meeting is February 12 (9 a.m., Town Hall Room 201A).
Discussion items include:
Second reading of possible revisions to the suicide prevention and intervention policy.
First reading of possible revisions to existing policies involving the Americans with Disabilities Act, non-discrimination, and sex-based discrimination and harassment.
First reading of a possiible new policy on transportation.
Discussion of a policy on survey of students/student privacy.
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Westport police made no custodial arrests between January 29 and February 5.
Police issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 8 citations
Speeding: 6
Operating an unregistered motor vehcile: 3
Failure to renew registrations: 3
Texting while driving: 2
Failure to obey stop sign: 2
Failure to obe traffic control signals: 2
Reckless driving: 1
Failure to yield to pedestrian: 1
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension:
Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 1
Pedestrians have the right of way in crosswalks. Even those pedestrians (and crosswalks) that are less visible.
Longtime Westporter and noted writer Barry Tarshis died peacefully at home Tuesday, with his family by his side. He was 86.
His obituary says, “He endured 2 years of brutal health challenges by drawing on a bottomless wellspring of optimism, charm, kindness, generosity, and a weak spot for mediocre jokes. Five days before he died, confined to his bed and afflicted with late-stage Alzheimer’s disease, he was asked by his hospice nurse if he was comfortable. ‘I make a decent living,’ he replied.”
He grew up in Pittsburgh. His father Max was a musician who instilled in Barry a lifelong love of music. Even into his final months, Barry retained his ability to play Bill Evans on the piano, sing along with Pavarotti, and harmonize with Elton John and Jim Croce.
Barry overcame his childhood shyness to star in his high school production of “Guys and Dolls,” play basketball, and capture the heart of his future wife, Karen Ross, who he began dating at the age of 15.
After leaving University of Pittsburgh 1 credit short of graduation, Barry traveled across Europe on a motorbike, appeared as an extra in “La Dolce Vita,” lived on an Israeli kibbutz, and moved into a Greenwich Village hovel to embark on a career as a writer.
After marrying Karen and serving in the U.S. Army in New Mexico, he settled into a 30-plus year career as a freelance author. He wrote a dozen books and hundreds of articles for the New York Times, Playbill, Playboy, Town & Country, and Tennis, among other publications.
Herallied with Chris Evert, walked on hot coals with Tony Robbins, traveled to India, Russia, Colombia and Micronesia, and interviewed a mystic who specialized in casting love spells.
He taught writing, led communications seminars for business leaders, and created the grammar and writing website Communications Fitness.
His family said, “The shaping forces of Barry’s career were an eagerness to learn and his genuine curiosity about and respect for all kinds of people — from tennis champions to the students who took his writing classes at public schools in the South Bronx. He brought these same qualities into his most prized creative endeavor, his family.
“While most fathers dream of their children achieving fame and fortune, Barry’s oft-stated parenting goal for Lauren and Andrew was to ‘raise children he would want to hang out with when they were older.’ They wanted to hang out with him, as often as possible.
“Well into his last weeks, he woke up each day with a renewed sense of life’s possibilities, deep gratitude, and an eagerness to uplift his family, his friends, and anyone lucky enough to cross his path.”
Barry is survived by his wife of 62 years, Karen; children Lauren (David Dreyfuss) and Andrew; grandchildren Leo Dreyfuss (Rebecca Goldman), Jeremy Dreyfuss (Shira), Dylan and Valerie Dreyfuss; Lily, Evi, and Ruby Tarshis, and his sister Carole Cohen.
A private celebration-of-life is planned. In lieu of flowers, consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Foundation, or tell someone a mediocre joke.
Some Westporters were surprised that Compo Beach was closed to swimmers yesterday.
Others were not. Heavy rains — like the ones the night before (Wednesday) — often lead to closure.
“06880” reader and environmental activist Toni Simonetti wrote: “I learned something, thanks to Mark Cooper, director of health for the Aspetuck Health District.
“Swimming is closed at town beaches for 24 hours after a very heavy rainfall (as we all witnessed into the night yesterday). Because of the excessive runoff of surface water, and all it collects along the way, it ends up in Long Island Sound.
“In Westport it takes 3 tides, or 24 hours, to cleanse the water tidally.
“The 24-hour waiting period is state protocol. Norwalk and Fairfield, on either side of Westport, have longer water cleansing times. Mark thinks that’s because we benefit from the ebbs and flows of the clean Saugatuck River.
“Just another benefit to living in Westport!”
Serene. But not safe after a storm. (Photo/Sunil Hirani)
Speaking of that brief but intense storm: In addition to fouling our waters, it brought down power lines and trees.
But there were bright spots, amid the bad weather. Chris Vatis writes:
“Both Eversource line people and Gault electritians were on site within 1 1/2 hours after I reported the storm ripped both my meter and electricity pole attached to my house right off, leaving live wires all over my property.
“They worked diligently to restore it.
“I and we often complain about how much money we now pay for services. But both companies deserve praise for their excellent communication and lightning speed response to my plea for immediate help. I’m very impressed with both companies.”
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Also yesterday: No, you were not imagining things.
Traffic throughout town was worse than usual.
Way worse.
The culprit was a diesel fuel spill on I-95 southbound, between Exits 18 and 17.
As often happens, more spillage followed. Car and truck drivers got off the highway, and — in a futile attempt to move more quickly — clogged our main roads and side streets.
This Bridge Street scene was repeated at many other spots:
(Photo/Susan Garment)
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Speaking of drivers: We’re not sure how this accident occurred, but someone clipped the sign — in the middle of the traffic island at the Sherwood Island Connector, by the Post Road.
(Photo/Josh Berkowsky)
Coming from I-95, we’re now welcomed to “Estport.”
Bob Newhart — the supremely talented, always understated but very hilarious comedian who died yesterday at 94 — may not have had any connections to Westport. (Though I’m sure several commenters will note otherwise.)
But this much is certain: When he gave a speech at the Kennedy Center, upon accepting his Mark Twain Prize, he referenced a Westport icon: Paul Newman.
Click below, then fast forward to 4:13 when the story begins.
The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce held a “Business After Hours” event last night, at the Levitt Pavilion.
Members and town officials celebrated the outdoor theater’s 50th anniversary — and the Chamber’s 93rd year.
At the Chamber of Commerce event last night (from left): Paul Lebowitz, Planning & Zoning Commission chair; RTM member Jay Keenan; 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore; RTM member Sal Liccione; Chamber director Matthew Mandell; 3rd Selectwoman Candice Savin; 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker; RTM members Don O’Day and Melissa Levy. (Photo/Dan Woog
Her first novel, “The Neighbors’ Secret,” was named an American Fiction Award finalist, for pre-teen fiction.
Last year, the book was a Tassy Walden Award Finalist in 2023.
The novel takes middle school readers on “an adventure filled with puzzles, secrets, and unexpected twists,” press materials say.
“With her background as a litigation attorney and her passion for storytelling, Sussman weaves an intricate tale that keeps readers guessing until the very end.”
Diana Sussman
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Spotted lanternflies are back.
We fight them with traps and white vinegar.
But we’re not the only ones. Praying mantises are natural predators.
So — as today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature photo shows: Pray for mantises.
And finally … Dave Loggins died last week, in Nashville. He was 76.
The songwriter had only one hit of his own: “Please Come to Boston.” But he wrote songs for many other artists, including Willie Nelson, Tanya Tucker, Wynonna Judd and Toby Keith.
Non-country music fans knew him too. He wrote the Masters golf tournament theme, a staple of spring sports telecasts for over 40 years. Click here for a full obituary.
(Whether you’re from Westport — or Boston, Denver, LA or anywhere else — if you enjoy “06880,” please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Westporters are wishing a quick recovery to our neighbor, Michael Bolton.
In a note to fans yesterday, the worldwide pop star revealed he was diagnosed with a brain tumor just before Christmas. He was operated on immediately.
“Thanks to my incredible medical team, the surgery was a success,” he said on Facebook. “I am now recuperating at home and surrounded by the tremendous love and support of my family.”
Bolton will take a “temporary break” from touring, he added. Click here for a full story. (Hat tip: Leah Nash)
Cobs Bread opened this morning. They replace Jersey Mike’s, in Compo Acres Shopping Center between Trader Joe’s and Pokeworks.
The “artisan bread” chain has over 700 franchises in Australia, New Zealand and Canada, with a smaller presence in the US.
Two other Connecticut locations are Stamford and Greenwich. Click here for the company website (and the menu).
(Photo/Sal Liccione)
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A box truck struck a utility pole on Post Road East yesterday morning, near Colonial Green.
Power and cable access was knocked out to nearly 600 customers in the downtown area.
Kudos to Eversource and Optimum, for their near lightning-quick response. Both restored service in about an hour.
Thanks too to the Westport Police, who quickly blocked off and diverted traffic between Compo Road, and Imperial and Myrtle Avenues.
Crews working on Post Road East utility pole. (Photo/Sal Liccione)
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Though car thefts have declined recently in Westport, vigilance is still needed.
Ray Broady sends along a brief video from Ring (click here to see). It was posted by someone at the Westport train station, who saw a car pull up next to a parked vehicle.
A man jumped out and attempted to open the doors of several cars.
44 Compo Cove — perhaps the most-photographed house in Westport, standing proudly and oblivious to hurricanes and nor’easters for over a century just over the pedestrian bridge from Old Mill Beach — has also drawn plenty of attention as its new owners have begun the process of renovating and moving it a bit from the shore.
This was the scene yesterday, as workers began to place it in its new location:
A few days earlier, she’d reported a dangerously leaning tree on Apache Trail to town authorities, and Eversource.
Sure enough, it toppled in last week’s wind storm. It took down power lines, just as she’d feared.
Trouble on Apache Trail.
After a couple of days, things got brighter.
Under the cover of darkness — and after testing the wires to see if they were live — her husband and their longtime landscaper, Tarsis Ramos of Tarsis Lawn Care, removed and cut up the tree.
Finally, residents of the private road off Bayberry Lane could get out of their houses.
Westport Police were “super lovely,” Stephanie says. They put in another call to Eversouce on residents’ behalf.
Eversource finally restored the power. But after many attempts to switch over to regular power from their generator, Stephanie and her husband realized that either their power was not actually on, or something was wrong with their electrical system.
They called Eversource at midnight, and left a message reporting the outage. They also called their electrician.
The next morning, Eversource arrived before the electrician. Technician Anthony Tucker not only found and fixed the problem at the pole, but also tested the panel in the basement, switched the generator off, then reset the switch back over to regular power.
“Well done, team!” Stephanie says.
“Many, many thanks to Tarsis ‘The Miracle Worker’ Ramos, and Anthony Tucker from Eversource.”
Tarsis Ramos to the rescue.
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