The end for Gloria, Alan Sterling’s beloved oyster boat (Photo/Patricia McMahon)
Posted in Beach, Environment, Pic of the Day
Tagged Gloria, Gloria oyster boat, Gray's Creek
Gloria, in Gray’s Creek (Photo/Patricia McMahon)
Just before noon, Eversource reported 784 Westport customers without power. That’s 6.18% of the town.
In Weston, 366 customers lacked electricity — 9.39% of the town.
Statewide, the total was 85,360 — 6.61% of all Connecticut customers.
Canal Road and Beach (Photo/Gene Borio)
Saugatuck Island (Photo/Bobbi Essagof)
New Creek Road, near Beachside Avenue (Photo/Jacque O’Brien)
Parker Harding Plaza, from inside Lululemon … (Photo/Jennifer Johnson)
… while inside, shoppers flocked to make last-minute purchases. They used the Main Street entrance. (Photo/Jennifer Johnson)
Saugatuck River at Taylor Place parking lot. (Photo/Jennifer Johnson)
One tree took down 2 others on its way down, near Cross Highway. (Photo/David Pogue)
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Among the many trees down in today’s storm: an oak on Compo Road North. It was heavier than it looked, with all kinds of vines.
Roger Wolfe called his friend Terry Brannigan. He and his son Terry Jr. came right over, and took care of it.
The Brannigans, to the rescue. (Photos/Roger Wolfe)
“That’s the kind of people they are,” Roger says.
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Partrick Lane (Photo courtesy of Chip Stephens)
Grove Point flooding crested around 11:15 a.m. (Photo/John Kantor)
Homes at Old Mill Beach, (Photo/Matt Murray)
Gloria in Gray’s Creek (Photo/Gene Fignar)
The storm was not yet over this morning. But utility crews were already out on Rex Lane off Greens Farms Road, putting up a new pole. (Photo/Jacque O’Brien)
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The Westport Office of Emergency management says:
Temperatures will quickly drop below freezing, and are expected to remain below freezing until Tuesday.
In the event of flash freezing, Fire Chief Michael Kronick says: “If you must travel, keep a flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. Allow extra time as some roads may be icy and dangerous if untreated. Please do not drive around barricades or through waters of unknown depth.”
If you lose power to your home during freezing temperatures, follow these steps:
Notify Eversource of an outage: https://www.eversource.com/cg/customer/reportoutage
Now is the time to check your generators and charge your devices in the event of a power outage. Have a battery powered radio on hand.
Stay Safe! Never go near downed power lines including cable TV feeds. They may be live with deadly voltage.
 Stay Warm! On top of dressing in layers and huddling under extra blankets, hang your darker ones on the windows to draw in heat. Keep doors and windows closed and use towels to block drafts around them. If necessary, move to your basement, which may be more insulated by the ground.
Never use charcoal grills or camp stoves indoors. Deaths have occurred when consumers burned charcoal or used camp stoves in enclosed spaces, which produced lethal levels of carbon monoxide.
Never use a generator inside a home, basement, shed or garage, even if doors and windows are open. Keep generators outside and far away from windows, doors, and vents. Read and follow instructions on the generator label and in the owner’s manual. Any electrical cables you use with the generator should be free of damage and suitable for outdoor use.
Use caution with candles. If possible, use flashlights instead. If you must use candles, do not burn them on or near anything that can catch fire. Never leave burning candles unattended. Extinguish candles when you leave the room.
Listen for updates. If you’re using a cellphone, choose texting over calling to keep phone lines free, or use your landline. Save 911 for emergencies.
Sign up for local EMERGENCY ALERTS: Text 06880 to 888777. Or sign up now at www.nixle.com
Posted in Beach, Downtown, Local business, Weather
Tagged Gloria oyster boat, Gray's Creek, Old Mill Beach, Parker Harding Plaza, Saugatuck Island, Terry Brannigan
Tomorrow’s reproductive rights “Rally Against Regression” includes a high-profile speaker: Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz. The event begins at 11 a.m. Sunday, at the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.
Last month — in anticipation of yesterday’s Supreme Court ruling outlawing Roe v. Wade — Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont signed a bill protecting medical providers, and patients seeking abortion care here who travel from states that outlaw it. The legislation — the first in the US — expands abortion access in the state, by expanding the practitioners eligible to perform certain types of care.
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Cavalry Road residents were up in arms recently. The long-running bridge replacement ended with a surprise: industrial-looking guardrails and a chain link fence suddenly appeared. Neighbors claimed they had not seen those in any previous plans. They appealed to officials in both Westport and Weston.
Late yesterday, Weston town administrator Jonathan Luiz said:
“The new bridge is open to traffic!
“We understand that Westport and Weston residents have concerns about the bridge. Staffs from both Weston and Westport have collated the concerns that were communicated to us in person, via email and by phone. The list was shared with the project engineer/designer who has already begun to examine each of the issues.
“At the advice of the Weston Police Chief and the Westport Police Chief, the Weston Public Works staff has performed stop sign related work near the bridge. Specifically, they have reset stop signs, repainted white stop bars on the ground, and cut back vegetation near a particular stop sign. A speed monitoring sign has also been placed near the bridge by Westport Police.
“Weston invites the public to attend a virtual meeting on Wednesday, July 6 at 7:30 p.m. for the purpose of discussing the concerns that have been raised to date. The Weston First Selectwoman, Weston Town Administrator, Westport staff, and the project engineer/designer will be in attendance. The meeting will be held via Zoom. To join via internet, use this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84296566039 To join via phone, dial: 646-558- 8656. The Webinar ID is 842 9656 6039.”
That’s a start, for sure. But I don’t see any reference to “guardrails” or a chain link fence anywhere in the Weston town administrator’s response.
Buckle up for that July 6 meeting.
Guardrail and fencing on the Cavalry Road bridge.
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As yesterday’s “06880” noted, Chris Bousquet’s “Gloria” — an ode to Alan Sterling’s oyster boat — is the theme song for a CPTV/PBS documentary about oystering in Connecticut.
The film airs just as the craft is in its final stages of disintegration. Gloria has floated — and broken apart — in Gray’s Creek, ever since owner Alan Sterling’s death nearly 8 years ago.
Bruce McFadden regularly paddles past. The other day, he snapped this sad — and perhaps final — shot:
(Photo/Bruce McFadden)
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Wafu is technically just over the town line, in Southport. But the Post Road restaurant has many Westport fans. They’re drawn by — as its website says – “the warmth of our hospitality and our pride in offering you an elegant combination of traditional Asian recipes and innovative sophisticated dishes.”
But it just got tougher to order a sake or Kirin with your meal.
Its liquor license has been suspended by the state Consumer Protection Commission. The action came after a “brawl” there last Sunday. At least 10 shots were fired, and one person was hit.
That was not an isolated instance. The day before, a patron was assaulted there. In March, 10 minors were served alcohol. A couple of weeks before that, the fire marshal closed Wafu, due to overcrowding. And in February a bouncer allegedly pepper-sprayed 6 guests.
WTF, Wafu? (Hat tip: Chris Grimm)
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Alan Fiore — the on-fire 2021 Staples High School graduate studying at Berklee College of Music — has just released his newest song.
“Locked Up” is an indie pop/rock tune, inspired by artists like Sarah and the Sunday, COIN, Why Don’t We and Jeremy Zucker.
Click here for a “Locked Up” link. Click here for the musician/producer’s website.
Alan Fiore
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Up next at the Remarkable Theater: “Caddyshack.”
The 1980 classic — starring our much loved (seriously!) late neighbor Rodney Dangerfield — screens at 8:30 p.m. Monday (June 27); gates open for tailgating at 7:30. Click here for tickets.
Fore!
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This stunning Northern catalpa sits at the entrance to Marion Road, off the Post Road near Norwalk. It’s a great way to celebrate “Westport … Naturally.”
(Photo/Mike Vitelli)
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And finally … in honor of Monday’s showing of “Caddyshack” at the Remarkable Theatre:
(Alright — just a reminder that “06880” relies completely on reader support. Please click here to donate.)
Another view of Gloria (Photo/Oliver D’Anna)
Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #1850
Posted in Beach, Environment, Pic of the Day, Transportation
Tagged Gloria oyster boat, Gray's Creek
Gloria has long been a part of Westport.
It was Alan Sterling’s working oyster boat for years. In the winter, he moored it in Gray’s Creek.
It stayed there after he died, in 2014. Michael Calise and others tended to it well.
Now — nearly a decade later — it is on its last legs.
Gloria, in Gray’s Creek. (Photo/Bruce McFadden)
Click here for an “06880” archive of Gloria stories.
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The men and women of the Westport Weston Family YMCA’s Aqua Fit classes are an energetic bunch.
They’re also community minded. All month long, they’re joining with Westport veterans’ groups, to raise awareness and help.
Yesterday, after class, a coffee hour and informational table in the Y lobby was staffed by members of VFW Joseph Clinton Post 399, and the VFW Auxiliary. They explained all the good things they do, for veterans and Westport.
Next Saturday (May 7, 10 a.m.), the Staples high School girls golf team — coached by beloved Aqua Fit instructor Patty Kondub — will tidy up and pay respect at veterans’ graves in Assumption Cemetery on Greens Farms Road. Everyone is welcome to help.
On Saturday, May 21 (4:30 to 5:30 p.m.), the public is invited to join a “drop-in” Aqua Fit class. Get healthy, see why members are so loyal — and the $20 fee for the drop-in class will benefit the VFW Auxiliary.
All month long, the Aqua Fit program is sponsoring a donation box, with “Wish List,” in the Y lobby. Both collections support Homes for the Brave, the nonprofit that helps homeless veterans.
For more information, email Patty Kondub (nortonpk@icloud.com) or Joan Evon (joanevon@optonline.net).
Westport Weston Family YMCA CEO Anjali McCormick (directly under the “Y” signs) joins members of the Westport VFW, VFW Auxiliary and Aqua Fit to promote the month of awareness of veterans’ issues.
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Beginning yesterday, stickers are required for parking at all Westport beaches.
The lifeguard chairs are not yet in position, but will soon be. Meanwhile, 2 varieties are being stored — along with what look like new chairs — at the Soundview lot.
(Photo/Robin Myers)
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The Westport Weston Cooperative Nursery School hosts a great, on-brand event this Saturday (May 7, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Imperial Avenue parking lot). It’s presented by Longshore Sailing School.
The 15th annual event includes vehicles of all shapes and sizes (for kids of all ages to climb on, and take photos of): fire trucks, police cars, ambulances, cranes, dump trucks, buses, big rigs, boats and more.
Plus food trucks, live entertainment, merchandise for sale, raffle tickets, “roaming railroad trackless train rides,” face painting, balloon animals, sensory play and more.
It can get loud. Guests with sensitivity to noise can enjoy a quiet hour from 9 to 10 a.m., with no sirens or horns.
Admission is $35 per family. Click here to purchase. All proceeds benefit the Westport Weston Cooperative Nursery School.
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Saturday night’s benefit concert in Trumbull for cancer research began with a “stick tap” honoring Charlie Capalbo. The former Fairfield Ludlowe High School goalie died last month, after battling 4 cancers. He was one month shy of 24 years old. Charlie’s grandparents are Westporters Richard Epstein and Ina Chadwick, and his mother is Staples High grad Jennifer Wilde Capalbo.
Click below to see the very moving ceremony.
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Skunk cabbage makes its first appearance in “Westport … Naturally” today.
Claudia Sherwood Servidio spotted this field at Earthplace.
(Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)
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And finally … on this day in 1952, a De Havilland Comet made the first jet flight with paying passengers. The route was London to Johannesburg.
Gloria, in Gray’s Creek (Photo/Betsy P. Kahn)
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A rash of car break-ins and thefts is bad enough. Yesterday, a different crime was committed: an alleged robbery, just before noon on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.
A man approached a couple quickly from behind, Westport Police say. The suspect walked in step with the male victim, allegedly brandishing a knife, threatening the female and demanding to be brought to the couple’s car.
The woman darted across the Post Road to escape. Her husband followed, and flagged down a patrol officer driving by. The suspect fled toward Jesup Green
A detailed description of the suspect was relayed to all officers. Patrol units flooded the area. During a search of the area, a member of the Westport Fire Department said he had seen a suspect fitting the description across from Playhouse Square.
Officers quickly James S. Cummings, 41, of Bridgeport. He was identified by the victims as the man who accosted them on the bridge. A knife was found in his possession.
Cummings was charged with attempt to commit robbery in the 1st degree, attempt at larceny in the 3rd degree, carrying a dangerous weapon, and threatening in the 2nd degree. He is being held on a $250,000 bond.
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Here’s the latest on one of Westport’s greatest, and so-glad-it’s-back-after-COVID, traditions: the Rotary Club’s Lobsterfest.
A crowd of 1,500 is expected this Saturday (September 18, 3 to 7 p.m.), for a townwide party.
Fewer than 80 tickets remain. You can get them at Hook’d by the Sound (Compo Beach concession stand), or by emailing leslie2of8@gmail.com. They’re $70 each, for either 2 lobsters or a 14-ounce steak.
Plus lots more, of course. Volunteers and Rotarians will cook and serve 2,500 lobsters, great steaks and a raw bar. They’ll serve beer and win (with a Tito’s scotch tasting). Plus there’s a great band, and plenty of kids’ activities (including magic shows, and an antique fire engine to climb on).
COVID protocols include 30% more tables, further apart, and fewer seats per tables. Masks are optional, but recommended when spacing is not possible.
There’s also a drive-through option, for guests who choose to party elsewhere.
As well as an exhibition tent, and a kickoff for Rotary’s Afghan relief resettlement project.
Volunteers are still needed! To help, click here or email lobsterfestvolunteers@gmail.com
As the sun set on Lobster Fest in 2016, no one wanted to leave.
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Burying Hill’s High Tide Club has been around a long time.
Not as long as the venerable beach perhaps. But its members have seen — and swum in — more than their share of incoming and outgoing tides.
Membership skews older. But recently an influx of younger swimmers has waded into the water. They’ve enjoyed the social gatherings too, while forming one of Westport’s most fun, under-the-radar groups.
Nico Eisenberger reports that at high tide yesterday — just after 4 p.m. — members brought food and drinks to celebrate another great season.
High Tide Club: It’s not just about swimming. (Photo/Nico Eisenberger)
The late summer weather was perfect. The camaraderie was strong. Nico says he and his wife “feel blessed to have this place, and these fun and funky folks, as part of our daily lives here.”
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Yesterday’s Westport Kiwanis Club Minuteman Triathlon was another success.
The family-friendly event at Compo Beach included a jetty-to-jetty swim, and short bike and running courses throughout the flat neighborhood streets. It was perfect for first-timers, and families that race together.
It was advertised as open to all abilities, and that was true.
MyTeamTriumph was out in force. The organization helps children, teens, adults and veterans with disabilities who otherwise could not participate in endurance events like triathlons and road races.
Volunteer “angels” take “captains” out on the water in special inflatables. They assist with wheelchairs for the biking and running parts too.
There were plenty of smiles yesterday at the Minuteman Triathlon. And regardless of times, everyone was a winner.
MyTeamTriumph captains and angels. (Photo/Peter Swift)
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Munich has Oktoberfest. Westport has Westoberfest.
Now we’ve also got Oaktoberfest.
Okay, there’s no drinking, drinking games or lederhosen. But the October 4 event (7 p.m., Wakeman Town Farm) is still worth checking out.
Sponsored by Westport’s Tree Board, it’s a chance to learn about all the good things trees do in our yards — and how to return the favor, by caring for them.
Attendees receive free samplings, too.
Panelists include Mary Ellen Lemay (Aspetuck Land Trust), Danica Doroski (Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection), Doug Williams (Bartlett Tree Experts), and Tree Board members.
Click here for tickets, and more information.
White oak tree at Kings Highway Elementary School.
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Jesup Green is the site of this Saturday’s free, outdoor Japanese Fall Festival (September 18, 2-4 p.m.). The event — sponsored by the Japan Society of Fairfield County — features taiko drummers, an Okinawan dance performance, a live play of the Japanese folktale “Tanabata” (“Star-crossed Lovers”), traditional Bon dancing, Japanese calligraphy and a craft activity to make dance hats.
Click here for details.
A scene from the 2019 Japan Fall Festival.
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“06880” has posted many stories and photos of “Gloria,” the oyster boat owned for years by the late Alan Sterling.
It was beached this summer in Gray’s Creek, between Compo Beach and Longshore.
Bruce McFadden has watched and — photographed — the craft for years. He wonders if this is its final resting place.
“Gloria” (Photo/Bruce McFadden)
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Linda Doyle was harvesting rhubarb for jam, when she spotted this guy in her garden. What a great way to start off the “Westport … Naturally” week!
(Photo/Linda Doyle)
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And finally … in honor of yesterday’s gathering at Burying Hill Beach (see story above):
Gloria has been through a lot.
The oyster boat’s owner, Alan Sterling, died in 2014. Since then it’s drifted in Gray’s Creek, been battered by weather and — earlier this summer — was beached.
Most recently, 7 inches of rain from Hurricane Ida poured down on what’s left.
But you can still see Gloria, sitting — bent but not bowed — between the Longshore exit road and Compo Beach Road.Â
(Photo/Sandy Rothenberg)
Last week’s Question Box was a smash.
Readers wanted answers to everything from Grace Salmon Park and “Bob” to our eternally renovated bridges and old/new firehouse.Â
I did what I could to respond. Readers pitched in. (Click here if you missed it.)
Then you sent more. Here’s the next set of questions. I know some of the answers. When I don’t — someone else will. Click “Comments” below to help.
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I’m sure you’ve covered this in the past. But I’m curious about the history of the boat “Gloria” that I pass every day as I ride through Longshore. And what might the future hold for this venerable vessel? (John Richers)
Short answer: Yes, I’ve written about Gloria many times. Click here for some of those stories and photos.
Longer story: Alan Sterling built the wooden oyster boat himself. He named it after an old girlfriend, and took it oystering on 150 acres of beds, between Compo Beach and Cockenoe Island. It was a tough job, but Alan — a Staples grad — loved it from the day he began, in 1964.
Alan moored Gloria in Gray’s Creek, between Compo Beach Road and the Longshore exit. Some winters, he lived on the boat. It was cold — but it was home.
On July 4, 2014, Alan died of a heart attack.
After that, Gloria drifted. Michael Calise took care of it. Earlier this year, it washed up on shore. Its future is uncertain. It’s an old boat that’s seen a lot, and given many Westporters years of joy.
Just as it did for Alan Sterling.
Gloria, in 2017. (Photo/John Kantor)
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I am new to Westport, from Brooklyn. I know there is talk about revitalizing downtown, and bringing in businesses to fill some of the vacancies. I’m curious if there has ever been a survey of what people would like to see downtown? I am interested in business ownership, and really being part of the community. I wonder what type of businesses folks think would be needed and supported. (Travis Rew-Porter)
Travis, this is awesome. I don’t know of any consumer/user survey. It’s a great idea.
And readers: If you’d like to work with Travis on a business or revitalization project, click “Comments” below!
What kind of businesses do Westporters want? Great question! (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)
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Does Public Works have any input into local traffic lights? The timing at Morningside Drive/Post Road has changed to prioritize the Post Road more dramatically. The green light for Morningside lasts just 3 seconds. It is impossible to cross on foot. Help! (Amy Bedi)
Unfortunately, nearly every light in town is on a state road. Those balls are in the Department of Transportation’s court.
Click here for a link to report issues to the DOT. But don’t hold your breath.
Town officials — including the 1st selectman and Department of Public Works — are in contact with the state about traffic lights. They can sometimes push things along. But they don’t hold their breath either.
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Can Westporters use the track at Staples to run, jog or walk? If so, is it time restricted? Do you need a pass? (Carmen Castedo)
The Laddie Lawrence Track at Paul Lane Field (the first time I’ve written that!) is open to all — except during the school day, or when it’s used after school by the track team, or if there is another sports event going on.
No pass is needed. But keep Fido home!
The Laddie Lawrence Track, at Paul Lane Field. (File photo; the track is now blue.)
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Is Clinton Avenue named after the namesake of Joseph J. Clinton VFW Post 399 on Riverside Avenue? (Linda Velez)
Not only have I never been asked that — I never even thought about it.
Private Joseph J. Clinton was a Westport soldier. He was killed in France just 4 days before the armistice.
That explains the VFW name. But the road off Main Street, opposite North Compo: I have no idea. Except to say that it is not named for either Bill or Hillary.
VFW Joseph Clinton Post 399.
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What happened to the time capsule that was buried at Greens Farms Elementary School for the bicentennial? I heard that at one time 3 people had plans and permission to dig it up. There is a new road in front of the school. You have a lot of fans who were involved in the project. (A passive-aggressive reader: This was sent by mail, with no name or return address.)
I addressed this in 2012. The answer was the same then: No one knows. (Click here to see.)Â
But one reader responded with a back story:
I remember the time capsule at Greens Farms El in 1976. It was buried in the front lawn. All the classes/grades were asked to participate in drawings (I think that I was in maybe 3rd grade & our class drew pictures of ourselves and described our lives. We all mused how fun it would be for people 100 years later to see how we lived).
A crane dug a deep hole, and there was quite a bit of ceremony around the time capsule being buried. I’ve told people about it over the years, only to wonder if anyone else remembered it, as well:)
If anyone can dig deeper (ho ho), click “Comments” below.
Has anyone seen my time capsule? (Photo/Seth Schachter)
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Some 80 years ago I lived on 573 Imperial Avenue, at the corner of Wakeman Place. The numbers have been reset, but the house is still there. My brothers and I used to swim in the river. I remember diving off “White Rock,” which was close to the shore. Is it still there, or am I dreaming? (Karl Taylor)
You’re probably not dreaming, but I have not heard of it. Wakeman Place residents: What’s the deal?
Wakeman Place at Imperial Avenue. Karl, was this your house?
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Why did the state Department of Transportation remove and replace the trees, bushes and buffering hills from the northbound side of the Merritt Parkway, near the Westport Weston Family YMCA? It cost a lot of money. Was the outcome worth the expense? (Jacque O’Brien)
I asked State Representative Jonathan Steinberg, who serves on the House Transportation Committee. He says that location was a major staging area for projects up and down the Merritt.
Now that equipment and material has been moved in and out, it’s time to replace what was lost.
New trees on the Merritt Parkway, near the Y. (Photo/Bob Mitchell)
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What first inspired you to start “06880,” and did you ever think it would keep you this busy? (Jack Krayson)
Wow! I didn’t expect an “06880” question on “06880.”
I started the blog in March of 2009. I was a columnist for the Westport News (I still am!), but realized the future of print journalism was, um, iffy. I wanted to continue to write about town people, issues, events and history. Someone suggested I start a blog.
“No way!” I said. (That’s also what I said about cell phones, when they came in. And computers, before that.)
But he showed me WordPress, a great blogging platform. I learned the basics in a weekend. Here we are, 13,000+ posts (and 136,000+ comments later).
I never dreamed it would keep me this busy. If I knew then what I know now …
… I’d do it all again, in a heartbeat.
(Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)
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Why is Westport pronounced “Wessport”? The “t” is silent! (Kevin McCaul)
My guess: It takes too long to say the first “t.”
And Wessporters are always in a hurry.
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