Not far away from the playground, Old Mill’s long blue nightmare may soon be over.
Workers are installing siding on 233 Hillspoint Road. The house — formerly the site of Positano (and other) restaurants — was the subject of years of litigation.
All the while, it was swathed in blue wrap.
There is now light at the end of the tunnel.
Or at least, gray.
(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)
=================================================
Gus Palmer is not related to Arnold Palmer.
But the rising Staples High School junior shares something with the other Palmer: Both are golf champions.
Arnie Palmer won 62 PGA tournaments, including 4 Masters.
Gus – a member of Staples High School’s varsity golf team — captured the Longshore club championship on Sunday. He is believed to be the youngest player ever to win it.
In a close 36-hold match play with Stephen Colodny, Palmer sunk a 15-foot putt on the last 18th green, to capture the crown.
Gus Palmer (left) receives the Longshore trophy from head pro John Janik.
Common Ground — the Westport Library’s project to bring civility back to civic discourse — sponsored a timely topic yesterday.
“Communicating to Open Minds” featured Steve Parrish in conversation with Sally Susman, Pfizer’s chief corporate affairs officer. They discussed how to share information in ways that encourage agreement, and avoid confrontation.
During the pandemic, Susman was charged with rolling out Pfizer’s vaccine to an anxious and polarized world. She offered insights learned about leadership and connectivity.
From left: Westort Library director Bill Harmer, Sally Susman, Steve Parrish.
Two dozen residents heard an update last night from the Traffic & Pedestrian Safety Task Force, at Town Hall.
Representatives from the Police, Fire and Public Works Departments, and town operations director Tom Kiely, offered updates on the coordinated effort to identify and address trouble spots.
They provided statistics — 491 special enforcement details over the past 6 months, and 2,526 traffic stops — along with tangible actions, like a new 4-way stop sign at Hillandale and West Parish Roads, and sidewalks on Main Street, Compo Road North and Cross Highway.
Traffic & Pedestrian Safety Task Force members (from left): Deputy Fire Chief Nick Marsan, Police Staff Corporal Al D’Amura, Deputy Police Chief Ryan Paulsson, town operations director Tom Kiely, town engineer Keith Wilberg, Public Works director Pete Ratkiewich. 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker also attended. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Then many residents offered trouble spots of their own.
Several mentioned Kings Highway North (east of the speed humps). Others spoke about Bayberry Lane, Imperial Avenue, Thomas Avenue, and Harbor Road on Saugatuck Shores.
A resident wants a traffic agent at Treadwell Avenue starting at 3 p.m., to handle Saugatuck Rowing Club traffic.
One person asked police to teach children about pedestrian safety. Another wondered how Westporters can help push the state Department of Transportation to move beyond its glacial pace. (One example: The town has been requesting left-turn arrows at the Compo Road South/Greens Farms Road/Bridge Street light for 3 years.)
One resident suggested painting “Don’t block the box” rectangles at intersections like Post Road West/Riverside Avenue/Wilton Road, then installing cameras and fining miscreants.
Another wondered why she never sees police ticketing drivers who run red lights on the Post Road near Trader Joe’s and Compo Road.
One Westporter urged Public Works to request more staff.
Last night’s meeting followed 9 other Task Force sessions — one for each Representative Town Meeting district — last year, and a town-wide summary meeting.
“We’ll be back again in 6 months,” promised Deputy Police Chief Ryan Paulsson.
The map on the left shows the location of “enforcement details” between April and October of this year. The one on the right shows the location of traffic stops. (Photos/Dan Woog)
As planning progresses for the Compo Beach Playground makeover, organizers want Westporters’ input.
From all ages.
The Westport Rotary Club and Westport Young Woman’s League are partnering on the rebuild. They’re the same great groups that developed the original playground in 1986, and renovated it a couple of decades later.
The Compo Beach Playground Rebuild Committee designed a survey to capture ideas. It doesn’t take long. But residents’ input will help create a fun, safe and much-loved playground.
But act soon! The survey closes Monday (October 30). Click here for the link.
Compo Beach playground: ready for a rebuild. (Drone photo/David Szymanski)
=================================================
VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 kicks off Halloween weekend tonight (Friday, October 27, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.; $5 cover ) with a Happy Hour special.
Beer and wine is $6, with chances at free drinks every hour. The food is (as always) great, and there are prizes for best costumes.
Matt Zako — founder of The City’s Backyard podcast — is host.
================================================
Halloween weekend continues tomorrow (Saturday, October 28, 8 p.m., Westport Library), with a Halloween Concert and Costume Ball.
Costumes are encouraged. Prizes will awarded for best outfits, in several categories. Specialty cocktails, beer and wine complement music by Bella’s Bartok, a funk/pop/folk band.
It is, says the sponsoring Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce, an event “to die for.”
Tickets are $20. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
Bella’s Bartok
=================================================
Speaking of Halloween: Wednesday’s kids’ parade downtown — sponsored by Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department, Westport PAL and the Westport Downtown Association — included these trick-or-treaters, at Town Hall.
Andrew Wilk’s “Library Medical Series” continues Monday (October 30, 7 p.m., Westport Library), with the second of a 3-part series on the brain.
“Headaches and Migraine: Better Understanding the Diagnosis and New Therapies Available” features Dr. Dario Zagar and Dr. Robert Altbaum. A Q-and-A follows their presentation.
The Saugatuck Rowing Club Junior Program had its best-ever overall showing at the Head of The Charles regatta in Boston this month.
Current and former rowers, now competing for their colleges, contributed to the success.
In a very close finish, the men’s 8+ boat, including Westporters George Bentley, Ben Whelan, Campbell Cohen and Jack Kiely, plus Gavin Marshall of Weston, placed second, behind a late entry from the U.K. That makes them the current fastest men’s youth 8 boat in the US.
The men’s youth 8+ boat.
The women’s U17 4+ boat, with Rylie Cordell and Kate Weitz of Westport, and Anne Studnicky of Weston, captured gold. That continues SRC’s’ national streak in the category.
The women’s U-17 4+ boat (from left): Grace Baker Kate Weitz, Madeline Casano, Anne Studnicky, Rylie Cordella, coach Cody Silvester.
In other Saugatuck Rowing Club women’s junior news, the public is invited to a special event on November 7 (11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Lululemon).
Rowers from novice and varsity teams will talk about their experiences, and demonstrate their rowing machine workouts. Coaches be available to talk about the benefits of the program. The event includes giveaways from Lululemon and Saugatuck Rowing Club, and treats from GG & Joe’s.
All are invited (schools are not in session, for Election Day).
Yesterday’s Roundup included a photo of a porta-potty, nestled in one of the Old Mill garages near Sherwood Mill Pond, and the pedestrian path to Compo Cove.
There’s a back story. (There always is.)
A homeowner on the Cove is having work done. Either the bathrooms don’t work, or they don’t want workers using them. So they set up the portable toilet.
Of course, those potties need to be serviced. Vehicles are not allowed on the Cove.
That’s why it’s there, in the garage.
And here is what that cleaning looked like yesterday:
Dogs are joyful: As of October 1, they are allowed back at Compo Beach.
But the other day, longtime Westporters Stefani Cohen and Cathy Malkin noticed a young child crying, afraid of the dogs.
The women kept their pets at a distance. But several other owners allowed their dogs to run up to the family. Upset and frustrated, they left the beach.
Stefani and Cathy see that scene often, at other places too like sports events and outdoor restaurants. Up to 20% of the population — adults as well as children — have some fear of dogs.
Now they’re presenting an online workshop about it (Tuesday, October 17, 7 p.m.). The material is appropriate for all ages. It covers an understanding of cynophobia, strategies to face that fear, ways to stay safe around dogs, and the importance of noticing a dog’s body language to tell when to interact and when to stay away.
In addition to anyone fearful of dogs, the webinar is aimed at therapists, dog professionals, educators and parents.
The cost is $27. Click here to register, and for more information.
A fun sight — but not for everyone. (Photo/Dan Johnson)
=================================================
Melissa & Doug — the beloved toy company founded by Melissa and Doug Bernstein in 1988, in their Westport basement and his parents’ nearby garage — has been sold.
Spin Master announced yesterday that they bought the Wilton-based firm for $950 million.
Spin Master was attracted by Melissa & Doug’s trusted brand of early childhood toys, and timeless products. They are sustainable wooden toys, without screens. Last year’s net sales were $490 million.
Click here for the full story.(Hat tip: David Loffredo)
Some Bridgeport artists are in serious straits. Lynn Flint is doing what she can to help.
She’s running a 1-day estate sale at her home. Proceeds will help them meet immediate needs, including rent, food, fuel and art materials.
A member of the Bridgeport arts community will be there, offering information on the arts (who will have their own open studios in November).
So I am having an experimental one day only estate sale in the ground level area of my home since I am handicapped and can no longer run up and down stairs.
It’s Saturday, October 26 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), on Belaire Drive. A sign on Saugatuck Avenue (near the Norwalk border) will direct art lovers to the sale.
=================================================
In just over one year, Club 203 has become one of Westport’s most important non-profit organizations.
Yesterday, the Westport Rotary Club learned about the town’s social club for adults with disabilities from co-founders Stacie Curran and Sharuna Mahesh. They told moving stories of the need for such a group — and the joy and bonds created at every monthly meeting.
A host of Westport groups and businesses have hosted Club 203 activities, in a town-wide showing of interest and support.
Stacie Curran (left) and Sharuna Mahesh of Club 203, at yesterday’s Westport Rotary Club meeting. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
Rick Benson — one of Westport’s more energetic and productive members since joining in 1989 — recently received a huge honor.
In Toronto, Rick was recognized with a zonal Donald MacRae Peace Award. It celebrates members who demonstrate the advancement of international goodwill, understanding and peace through peacemaking efforts or humanitarian activity of international significance.
Rick is a previous recipient of local, district and zone honors — and the Rotary International Service Above Self Award, in 2020.
Rick Benson, his wife Totney, and his Donald MacRae Peace Award.
=================================================
STAR Inc. and Voices Center for Resilience present a special program: “A 22-Year Journey from 9/11 to Today: Helping Families and Communities Prepare for Emergencies” next Wednesday (October 18, 7 p.m., Westport Library).
Mary Fetchet — founding Director of Voices Center for Resilience — lives in New Canaan. Her son Brad died in the September 11 attacks.
She will share her personal experience and perspective on preparing communities in advance of a tragedy.
A panel discussion about emergency management in Westport will include 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, emergency management director and Deputy Fire Chief Nick Marsan, Deputy Police Chief Ryan Paulsson, Human Services director Elaine Daignault, and state Department of Emergency Services representative Robert Kenny.
Attendees will receive a tip sheet and emergency management packet.
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” Saugatuck River photo comes from Sunny Sherman.
Her words are as meaningful as her picture: “It’s hard to forget the horrors happening in Israel right now. But I thought you and your readers might like to enjoy (unfiltered) what I am blessed to see almost nightly.”
As Election Day looms, lawns and traffic islands will be filled with political signs. And the Westport Police Department will field complaints about the removal of them.
The WPD says: “Residents and visitors are advised against taking it upon themselves to remove signs that do not belong to them, from either public or private property.
“The enforcement of the town’s rules is the responsibility of the town of Westport, not that of private citizens. The removal of signs from public or private property by someone not authorized to do so by the town, or by the owner of the sign, may constitute theft. Entering onto private property to remove signs may also constitute trespassing. Both of these acts can ultimately result in an arrest.
“Town property includes traffic islands and road rights of way. It is not advisable to place signs on State of Connecticut property (including rights of way and islands along Routes 1, 136, 57, 33, and the Sherwood Island Connector, or on the exit or entrance ramps of I-95 or the Merritt Parkway) as the state may remove them.
“In addition, signs may not be placed on school property without permission of the superintendent’s office, nor may they be put inside Compo Beach or Longshore, Town Hall, or on trees or utility poles. Signs my not interfere with traffic visibility.
“Signs on private property cannot extend beyond the property line or into the town right-of-way. They should be removed within 2 days after the election.”
Political signs, 2012.
=================================================
Emmy Squared’s arrival was eagerly anticipated by Westporters who know — and love — its New York locations.
The new restaurant in the old Bedford Square Amis space has not disappointed.
Its square Detroit-style pizza, mammoth burgers and decadent brownie dessert draw big crowds and great raves.
Emmy Squared prides itself on friendliness and customer service. Here’s how they walk the talk: I was there last night. When it came time to bring out the meal, there were apologies instead.
My friend’s pizza had not come out right. The server did not want us to have a less-than-perfect experience. They were making a new one.
The attention to quality — and honesty — was refreshing.
And the wait was worth it. Emmy Squared is a winner.
The Westport Weston Chamber of Horrors –er. Commerce — has conjured up a new event to die for. A Halloween Concert and Costume Ball, featuring Bella’s Bartok, is set for Saturday, October 28 (8 p.m., Westport Library).
The event is an adult alternative to the Children’s Halloween Window Painting Contest, held earlier the same day (also run by the Chamber).
Costumes are encouraged. Prizes will awarded for best outfits, in several categories.
Specialty cocktails, beer and wine will allow patrons to pick their own poison.
Bella’s Bartok is an inspired choice for entertainment. Their raucous theatrical performances edge toward the macabre. Their high energy mix of funk, pop and folk will have even the deadest attendees dancing.
Tickets are $35. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
Declining audiences is not just a Westport Country Playhouse woe.
It’s a national issue.
Several days ago, the New York Times examined the trend. Yesterday, they published letters in response.
Among them: Carole Schweid’s.
The organizer of the “Play With Your Food” series — which never went out of style — wrote:
As I like to say: “If Joe Papp can do ‘Shakespeare in the Park,’ we can do Chekhov in the parking lot.” Performances like these are one of the ways my nonprofit arts organization brought our audiences back at the end of the pandemic.
As producers of Connecticut’s popular lunchtime play-reading series, “Play With Your Food,” we’ve learned a lot about survival from our five-star Westport Library, which has evolved from an excellent library into a vibrant center for the community. Like it or not, books are not enough, and I fear that it is much the same for theater.
We have been developing programs: talkbacks, theater lovers’ book groups, reading lists, a book group where we read plays out loud together, and, my current stock in trade, staged readings, to name a few low-cost, engaging, community-building activities.
We try to remind our audiences of the joy and the unique fun that can be had being part of our community. I think of it as an investment in our future.
Carole Schweid/Westport, Conn. The writer was in the original Broadway cast of “A Chorus Line” and is the author of “Staged Reading Magic.”
Carole Schweid
================================================
Speaking of the Playhouse: If you missed “Justin Paul & Friends” Saturday night there, what a shame.
The evening was both joyful (high energy, huge talent, memorable music) and important (it was a fundraiser).
Justin — the 2002 Staples High School graduate/Grammy-, Emmy- and Tony-winning songwriter (“Dear Evan Hansen,” “La La Land,” “The Greatest Showman) — brought his “A” game. He not only rocked the piano and vocals, and not only enlisted a ton of great friends (Kelli O’Hara, James and Greg Naughton, Jacob Heimer, Staples Players …), but he described — again and again — the lasting influence that both Westport and Staples had on his development as a musician and a person.
If you were not there, this photo will have to suffice. If you were, you’ll appreciate once again Justin’s connection with the sold-out audience
Speaking of pianists: Ragtime rang out yesterday, at Green’s Farms Congregational Church.
The Y’s Women hosted Orin Grossman, professor emeritus of visual and performing arts at Fairfield University. His “From Ragtime to Stride: American Music Comes of Age” spanned many ages, from Scott Joplin to novelty piano and George Gershwin.
Grossman noted that when jazz was first introduced in the 1920s, it was looked upon as disparagingly as when Elvis burst on the scene 3 decades later.
Dr. Orin Grossman, at Green’s Farms Church. (Photo/Molly Alger)
Speaking still of pianists: Ethan Iverson makes his first-ever Jazz at the Post appearance Thursday (Sept. 14, 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; cover charge $15).
Iverson — also a composer and writer — was a founding member of The Bad Plus.
Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall met Iverson in 1998 at a Brooklyn recording session. They recorded together … and the rest is jazz history.
Iverson and saxophonist Wall will be joined by bassist Yuriy Galkin and drummer Vinnie Sperrazza.
Dinner service begins at 7 p.m. Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com
Westport plastic surgeon Flora Levin and her daughter Miri — a 10th grader at Hopkins School — recently returned from Guatemala. For the second year in a row, they volunteered with the International Esperanza Project to provide medical and surgical services, as well as building stoves and installing water filters 2 hours outside of Guatemala City.
Supplies are limited, in the poverty-stricken area. Levin brought sutures, lighting and anesthetic from her Connecticut office.
On the last day she did 8 lachrymal surgeries, but had only enough post-operative medication for 5. She went to a pharmacy and bought eye drops for $7 — an unaffordable cost for her patients.
Though Miri missed the first week of school, her mother says, “it was definitely worth the experience, and I am glad Hopkins appreciates that. The kids are amazing, always willing to help, first ones to get there, last ones to leave with the group. This is no summer camp, but there is an amazing sense of purpose and teamwork for a common cause.”
Click here for more information on the International Esperanza Project, including ways to help.
Dr. Flora Levin (left) and a Mexican colleague operate, in Guatemala. Miri Levin (rear) assists.
And finally … in honor of “ragtime professor” Dr. Orin Grossman, and his Y’s Women appearance (story above):
(If you enjoy our daily Roundup, please round up some loose cash, and toss it our way. “06880” relies on support from readers like you. Please click here — and thank you)
Tomorrow (Tuesday, November 1, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall), the Representative Town Meeting holds a first reading. of the newly revised leaf blower regulation.
Click here to read the full proposal. (Hat tip: Peter Gold)
Jim Kemish — son of former 1st Selectman John Kemish — now lives in Boca Raton, Florida.
The other day his neighbor Adam, and Adam’s daughter, knocked on Jim’s door. She was selling coupon books to fund her class trip to Washington.
Jim asked them in, and Adam admired the art on the walls.
Jim pointed to his favorite print and said proudly, “That was done by one of my high school art teachers.”
He was stunned when Adam replied, “That’s a Jim Wheeler!”
Jim Kemish and Adam Goby had been dog-walking buddies for a couple of years. But they never knew they both went to Staples — in fact, Adam’s father Dave was a highly respected biology teacher there — and that, to top it off, both were Jim Wheeler fans.
Jim and Adam both wondered if Jim is still alive.
I told them: Not only alive, but healthy, active — and still drawing!
Meanwhile, as Halloween fades into the rear view mirror — except, of course, for your kids’ 3 tons of candy — it’s time to think about our 2nd “06880” Holiday Stroll.
Mark your calendar for Friday, December 2 (5:30 to 7:30 p.m.). It’s right after the tree lighting — just walk down the Town Hall hill to Main Street.
This year, we’re partnering with the Westport Downtown Association. Details will be announced soon — but right now we’re looking for a Santa Claus and a face painter.
If you can help in either role, please email 06880blog@gmail.com. Thanks in advance!
Staples Orphenians’ will once again sing at the Holiday Stroll.
The weather is turning colder. But last week was delightful — perfect beach weather. And there’s no better place to catch some rays — and catch up on reading than Compo.
Claudia Sherwood Servidio took her first hike yesterday at Haskins Preserve. Like everyone who discovers the hidden gem on Green Acre Lane, off Compo Road South, she was awed.
For a bit of what you’ll see, at this Aspetuck Land Trust property, check out this “Westport … Naturally” image:
For several years, a proposed gas-powered leaf blower ordinance has been blowin’ in the Westport wind.
On Tuesday (November 1, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall), a proposal — already approved by the Ordinance Committee — heads to the full Representative Town Meeting. for a first reading.
The text of the amendment is not yet available online. It is available at the Town Clerk’s office during business hours.
On Thursday (November 3, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), the same site — the Imperial Avenue parking lot — turns into the Great Pumpkin Toss.
The free community composting event returns for its 4th year, at the Westport Farmers’ Market. Action Waste Solutions will collect pumpkins — aka “Halloween food waste” — while also having some fun.
Just “toss” your pumpkin (or gourds) in the bin, and go.
All pumpkins and gourds in their natural state are welcome. Squishy and rotted ones are fine, but decorated or painted pumpkins cannot be composted.
In addition to creating compost, pumpkins provide food for livestock. Stephanie Maynard from Ox Hollow Farm will fill her truck with good pumpkins that will serve as food for her cows .
Last year’s Great Pumpkin Toss diverted one ton of pumpkin waste from landfill. Can we break that record this year?
Last Saturday, over 75 children painted 63 store windows throughout town this past Saturday, in the annual Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce Halloween Contest.
Winners received gift certificates for an ice cream cake at Gofer Ice Cream.
They are:
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Scariest: Chloe Robbin (Cycle Dynamics; Long Lots grade 4)
Best Halloween: Scarlett Nathan (Stephen Kempson, Saugatuck grade 4)
Most creative: Calvin and Julian Carreras (ASF, Long Lots grades 1 and 3)
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Scariest: Hailey Kipperman (Sephen Kempson, The Southport School grade 8)
Best Halloween: Linda Morgan and Julie Ferraro (Cold Fusion, Bedford grade 6)
Kaitlyn Steffa loves living on High Point Road. “There’s always something fun going on,” she says.
Like her neighbor at #26, For the past few weeks Sarah Maraun has entertained anyone driving, biking or walking by with creative skeleton displays in her front yard.
One day they’re out playing Twister; the next, they’re doctors performing surgery, or having a potato sack race.
As you can see, Sarah does not mess around. These are some hard-core decorations — and some very hard skeletons.
More than 200 movie lovers thronged the Westport Library this week, for the opening night of “Short Cuts.”
Five international short films were screened, followed by a conversation.
The next installment of the “short film” festival (Thursday. November 17) features documentary films, with guest Oscar-nominated Kevin Wilson Jr. Click here fpr tickets. and more information.
“06880” does not often post wedding announcements.
But this one has a twist.
Staples High School graduates Juliet Senia and Josh Jeavons are getting married November 18, at Town Hall. State Representative Jonathan Steinberg will perform the ceremony.
Bride and groom live in England. A celebration is planned there in June.
What makes this special is that Juliet was the first baby born to a Westport couple in the new millennium.
Billy and Linda welcomed their 7-pound, 5-ounce daughter into the world at 9:09 a.m. on January 3, 2000.
Julia’s parents are not the only ones thinking right now, “Time sure does fly!”
Westport PAL’s first-ever gala on Thursday was a hit.
The Inn at Longshore was packed, as residents dined, drank, danced, and raised funds for the kids-first organization’s projects like renovating the clubhouse at PJ Romano Field. Click here to see all that PAL does.
Westport PAL gala-goers (from left):Anna Rycenga, Pam Romano, PAL president Craig Bergamo, Kristen Zygmant, Catrina Hegarty, Emma Rojas, Georgia Rojas. (Photo/Andrew Colabella)
Longtime Westporter Nancy Gershon died last month, 10 days before her 87th birthday, of multiple medical causes.
The Brooklyn native was a stellar student, and an excellent pianist and flutist.
After graduated from James Madison High School and Barnard College, majoring in math, then earned a master’s degree in education from Teacher’s College.
Nancy married Richard Gershon in 1957. She worked as a calculator (a pre-computer-era job) at the Harvard-Smithsonian Astronomical Observatory. After he graduate from Harvard Business School they moved to Queens NY, where she worked as a substitute high school math teacher.
The couple moved to Westport in 1963. Her 4 children, born in 6 years, kept her busy, but she took up cello. She played in the Norwalk Symphony and in informal Westport chamber groups. Nancy ‘s oldest child went on to a career as a professional musician.
Nancy and Richard divorced in 1980e. Once her nest was empty she continued with musical activities, including learning jazz piano and taking up saxophone. She also studied computer science at Norwalk Technical College. She collected large quantities of music books, which her musician son has been distributing to music students.
She is survived by her children Russ of Chelsea, Massachusetts, and Andrew, Jill and Laurie of Manhattan; 3 grandchildren; sister Maryanne Lehrer of Oceanside, New York and brother Dr. Robert Leon of Scottsdale, Arizoba. She was ably cared for in her home by Lorna Jones for the last 6 years of her life.
Today’s spectacular “Westport … Naturally” fall foliage photo is from Compo Road South, near Bradley Street. Thanks, Matt Murray, for the image — and kudos too to whoever takes care of this beauty!
And finally … rock ‘n’ roll pioneer Jerry Lee Lewis died yesterday in Mississippi. He was 87.
He was a legend. Just imagine what his career would have been like if he hadn’t married his 13-year-old cousin. He was 22 years old at the time — and still married to his second wife. (Click here for a full obituary.)
(Great balls of fire! Just click here for a chance to support “06880”!)
The print version of the Westport League of Women Voters’ voter guide has gone the way of much of the print media: It’s disappeared..
But the LWV still provides important information. And it works for anyone, anywhere in the United States.
Just click on vote411.org. Enter your address. You’ll see every race being contested at your polling place. Clicking any office and candidate’s name brings up plenty of background information.
It’s a rich resource. And a lot better way to decide who to vote for than yard signs. (Hat tip: Charles Wiseman)
In August, the Board of Finance unanimously approved funds for a traffic and safety study of Cross Highway, at the North Avenue and Bayberry Lane intersections.
Monitoring devices have been installed. They’ll measure things like traffic volume and patterns.
No — they’re not cameras catching stop sign violators.
Although that might not be a bad idea.
Traffic monitoring device at North Avenue/Cross Highway stop sign. (Photo/Matt Murray)
Westport Chinese Takeout — the bare bones, simply named but popular restaurant on Saugatuck Avenue at Franklin Street, closed recently.
The location is historic. It was the original site of the Arrow Restaurant. The Nistico family eventually moved their famed Italian eatery to larger digs on Charles Street.
When the Arrow’s run ended there, it became Jasmine — a Chinese restaurant. When that closed, the owners opened the much smaller Westport Chinese Takeout — in the Arrow’s first spot.
Jasmine then became Blu Parrot, and later Mystic Market. Now it too is gone.
And the original Chinese Takeout owners sold to others too.
For now, a phone message says: “We’re sorry. Westport Chinese Takeout is no longer in business. In the meantime, we’re getting ready to bring you the best of Peruvian food at this location. We’ll see you soon!” 9(Hat tip:
Westport Chinese Takeout is now closed.
Halloween alert: Tomorrow (Saturday, October 29, 2 to 4 p.m.) — not Monday — the United Methodist Church of Westport and Weston hosts their annual (and very popular) “Trunk or Treat,”
The parking lot will be filled with car trunks from church and community members, Staples PRIDE, and more, decorated for (non-scary) Halloween. Kids (up to age 12) can pick up candy and other goodies.
It’s free for the community — but there’s a chance to give back too. The church is collecting canned goods for the Person to Person food pantry. A donation of 5 cans of food per child attending is requested.
All (kids up to age 12) are indeed welcome at the United Methodist Church’s “Trunk or Treat” tomorrow. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Speaking of Halloween: Wednesday’s downtown parade was a smashing success.
We can’t ask the kids — they’re still devouring their candy — so here’s the perspective of a parent. Tyler Errickson writes:
“Westport is a special town, and my son Henry had a special time at the Halloween parade. He was proud to mount the Westport fire truck, on a very special day.”
Henry Errickson, on a fire truck at the Halloween parade. (Photo/Tyler Errickson)
Jonathan Alloy reports on a long-running projecct:
“The bridge on Bayberry Road North Extension saw major progress on Thursday: The deck rails arrived.
“Each of the 7 concrete and steel rails is more than 50 feet long, and weighs over 19 tons.
“They came from Vermont, each on its own special 24-wheel trailer truck. A portable crane lifted them into place.
“Instead of being flat, the rails are built with a camber (arc) to allow for flex with weight and weather. Inside the concrete, steel cables allow for that bending.”
The trucks caused a traffic mess on Bayberry. Westport Police soon straightened things out.
Plenty of work remains. But yesterday marked a big step forward.
Trucks line Bayberry Lane yesterday morning …
… and work is completed yesterday afternoon. (Photos/Jonathan Alloy)
The free Thinkers, Educators, Actors — “TEA” — event returns to the Westport Library on Sunday, November 6. Among the notables: an Emmy-winning composer, Oscar-nominated filmmaker, former Westport Teacher of the Year, and many more.
They’ll share the Trefz Forum stage, to explore provocative, topical subjects in the arts. Particularly apt for an event impacted for 2 years by COVID, they’ll consider the effects of recent history on creativity in film, music and visual art.
Were home-bound artists more or less creative? What new ways were discovered to express one’s creativity? Does the public now consume the arts differently from the way it did before?
Westport textile and fashion designer Shobana Mani converses with Oscar-nominated New York City filmmaker Kevin Wilson Jr.
Dr. Richard Epstein (Westport musician, dentist and WPKN radio host) speaks with Emmy Award-winning composer, music supervisor and pianist Michael Whalen
Westport 2013 Teacher of the year Cecily Anderson discusses the state of the arts with Westport artist Tom Berntsen and Norwalk street-muralist 5ive Fingaz.
TEA Talks is sponsored by the Westport Arts Advisory Committee. An audience Q-and-A and refreshments follow the presentation. For more information, click here.
Speaking of honors: The Westport Garden Club earned several honors at this week’s Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut’s 93rd annual awards luncheon.
The club received the Certificate of Achievement – Arboreal for planting a swamp white oak at Grace Salmon Park for “Oaktober 2021.”
They also won a Certificate of Achievement – Historic, Memorial and Public Gardens for their 2022 renovation of the Nevada Hitchcock Garden at the Cross Highway/Weston Road intersection. The garden — established in 1941 — was reworked to focus on native and pollinator plantings.
Two members received individual awards. Andi Turner was given a Certificate of Individual Achievement for her work as horticultural chair. At each meeting, she shares well researched and informative best practices .
The Tribute Award in Landscape Design went to Ellen Greenberg, a Westport Garden Club past president, for her leadership in the club and community, involving a diverse array of partners including the Waltersville School Garden Project with Pivot Ministries, Wakeman Town Farm Pollinator Gardens, a Kaboom playground project in Bridgeport, and Aspetuck Land Trust’s Green Corridor Initiative and Haskins Preserve Project.
Westport Garden Club members at the Nevada Hitchcock Garden.
Many Westporters know Pippa Bell Ader for her environmental activism.
She’s also a talented potter. Next Thursday (November 3, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), she’ll sell her work at the Westport Farmers’ Market (Imperial Avenue parking lot).
All money raised at the “Urban Farming and Food Justice” fundraiser go to Green Village Initiative. The non-profit grows food, knowledge, leadership and community, through urban gardening and farming, to create a more just food system in Bridgeport.
Can’t make it to the Farmers’ Market, but interested in helping Pippa and GVI? Email bellader@gmail.com.
MoCA Westport’s next 2 “Cocktails and Conversation” events are set.
On November 3 (6 p.m.), Diana Mashia — founder and CEO of Invest In Her Art — discusses “the power of story, and the role that narratives play in shaping identity, fandom, advocacy and positive social impact.” She’ll lead a conversation around “how to better utilize stories and the arts to build awareness and advance women and non-binary people.” Click here to register.
On November 10 (6 p.m.), exhibition co-curators Tom Berntsen, Liz Leggett and Ruth Mannes describes the design and installation of MoCA’s current exhibition, “From the Pen to the Knife,” and the fascinating story of artist Marian Christy. Click here to register.
Both events are free; advance registration is requested. Access to the exhibit beforehand is free; cocktails and drinks are available for purchase.
Anne Bernier explains: “Anyone has seen ‘Stranger Things 4’ episode 3 (or has heard the Kate Bush song ‘Running Up that Hill’) will understand the floating Halloween decoration my 8th grader Luke created. Hopefully it won’t scare off any potential trick-or-treaters.”
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: dwoog@optonline.net. Thanks!)
GET THE “06880” APP
The “06880” app (search for it on the Apple or Android store) is the easiest way to get “06880.” Choose notifications: whenever a new post is published, or once or twice a day. Click here for details.
