Tag Archives: James Comey

Roundup: James Comey, Lynsey Addario, Staples Kids …

Posted on May 19, 2025 | 23 comments

James Comey is in the news again — a lot.

The former Westport resident and FBI director is being investigated by the Secret Service. His new book, “FDR Drive” — a legal thriller and exploration of political extremism — will be published tomorrow.

Meanwhile, 2 other Westporters — TV journalists Alisyn Camerota and Dave Briggs — taped a fascinating interview with him, for their “Sanity” podcast.

They talked about Comey’s viral “86-47 post,” the Trump administration, right wing outrage, extremism, the FBI, the Supreme Court, the 2016 election, and much more. 

Including Westport.

Comey reveals what he’d say to Hillary Clinton, if they bumped into each other at Viva Zapata (one of his favorite restaurants). And he adds that his next book will include a scene there.

Listen to the “Sanity” podcast with James Comey here.

Screenshot from the “Sanity” podcast (from left): Dave Briggs, Alisyn Camerota, James Comey.

==================================================

As the world focuses on Gaza and Ukraine, another humanitarian crisis continues — with much less attention — in Sudan and Chad.

New York Times Pulitzer Prize, MacArthur “genius grant” recipient (and 1991 Staples High School graduate) Lynsey Addario is making sure it’s not completely forgotten.

Her photo essay in The Atlantic — “The Crisis of American Leadership Reaches an Empty Desert” — shines a heart-wrenching light on this other humanitarian disaster.

Lynsey’s photos and text are available here (paywall). (Hat tip: Claudia Sherwood Servidio)

Sudanese refugees in the hot sun near a United Nations truck. (Photo copyright Lynsey Addario for The Atlantic)

==================================================

The Westport Library Spring Book Sale would not be possible without the help of dozens of volunteers.

Among them on Saturday: 2 Jenns (below):

(Photo/John Karrel)

The Book Sale continues today (Monday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; fill the Library logo bag for $10, or your own equivalent bag for $8; individual books half price).

==================================================

Westport PAL awarded 8 college scholarships last week, to Staples seniors who will graduate next month.

Honorees included Chloe Barnes, Katie Fitzgerald, Aiden Goldenberg, Rachel Pontoriero, Lily Rimm, Eva Sladek, Edward Van der Merwe and Olivia Zhou.

All proceeds from PAL’s golf event go to the scholarship fund. The 63rd Chief Samuel Luciano Golf Tournament is set for September 8, at Longshore.

The shotgun start is followed by cocktails, dinner, raffles and prizes. Registration and more information is available here.

Westport PAL president Craig Bergamo (far left), with scholarship honorees.

=================================================

More awards: On Friday, the Sunrise Rotary Club gave Paul Harris Awards — one of the highest honors the international service organization can give — to 16 people.

Recipients included Charlie Adams, Daniel Ambruso, Brien Cartagena, Sister Maureen Fleming, William R. Harris Jr., Jay B. Paretzky, Vincent Penna Sr., Anna Rycenga, Frankie Smith, Anne Lowrie, Ines SaCouto Curwen, Tomas SaCouto Curwen, Susan Hawley, Jonathan Hendrickson, Matthew Hendrickson and Robert Rubenstein.

 

================================================

Meanwhile, both Sunrise Rotary and the Westport Rotary Club participated in Saturday’s international Epic Day of Service.

Among the projects: Sunrise Rotarians helped out at the Open Doors shelter in Norwalk. “What a great feeling to give back,” says volunteer Alma Sarelli.

Volunteers at Norwalk’s Open Doors shelter.

==================================================

Yesterday’s “Day of Champions” raised $175,000 for Westport-based Experience Camps — the non-profit that runs summer camps and year-round programs for children and teens grieving the loss of a parent, sibling or caregiver.

“06880” ran a few photos yesterday. Here are some great bonus shots:

(All photos/Kerry Long)

==================================================

There’s plenty of great fresh produce at the Westport Farmer’s Market.

And plenty that if not sold, would be wasted.

Food Rescue rescues food. They work with restaurants, supermarkets and grocery stores, to pick up unused, perishable meat, fruit, vegetables and more, and deliver it to food pantries and homeless shelters.

Every week, Farmers’ Market vendors donate food that is still fresh, delicious and healthy but unsold. It would go to compost or into the waste stream — but instead it is distributed it neighbors in need, including the Gillespie Center (around the corner from the WFM), and Fridegeport in Bridgeport.

The program is funded through donations and grants.  The Westport Farmers Market continues every Thursday (10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Imperial Avenue parking lot), through November.

==================================================

More than 3 years ago, “06880” profiled Matt Yemma.

The 2002 Staples High School graduate had just started his own crypto PR firm.

He’s now launched Endeavor Communications. The agency provides media guidance to clients in financial and professional services, fintech, real estate, advertising, adtech, and climate services.

Already they’ve held Qualitative Brokers, a fintech firm that creates algorithms for advanced execution trading, leading to Deutsche Borse scquiring a majority stake. And 427, a tech company that analyzes and predicts climate risk for governments and private businesses, which led to an acquisition by Moody’s.

Matt Yemma

===============================================

Longtime Westport resident Esther Brodie died peacefully in her home of 71 years on Thursday. She was 98.

She and her husband Richard built their Burr Farms Road home largely by hand, in 1954 and ’55.

A Bronx native, her parents were recent immigrants. Born during Purim, she was named for the holiday’s heroine queen.

After graduating from Hunter College, where she competed on the diving team, she taught physical education at Taft High School in the Bronx. She met her future husband at Camp Berkshire.

Their son Scott was in the first kindergarten class at Burr Farms Elementary, a few yards from their home. In 1962 Esther returned to teaching phys. ed., in New Canaan. She earned a master’s degree and 6th-year certificate in counseling. She taught for 3 decades, including some children of former students.

Esther served as president of the local chapter of Hadassah, and was active in the Temple Israel sisterhood. Her avocations included modern dance, tennis and meditation. She attended concerts in the area, and enjoyed Broadway shows.

For over 3 decades, Esther was a senior staff member at Camp Berkshire. When it closed in the 1980s, she and Richard built a vacation home on the lake. They spent every summer and frequent Thanksgivings there.

After retiring Esther studied piano, participated in a labyrinth project for women in prison, and volunteered for the census. She joined the Y’s Women investment club, and greeted new residents to her road with welcome gifts.

Esther is survived by her sons Scott (Susan) and Bruce Marie), grandchildren Joshua, Emma, Melissa, Clara and Ben, and their respective spouses and companions Hilary, Kevin, David, Mariah and Claudia.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be sent to the Hunter College Foundation.

Esther Brodie

===============================================

It’s been a crazy month. There’s a lot coming up.

But the star of today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature has not a care in the world.

(Photo/Susan Garment)

==================================================

And finally … in honor of yesterday’s Experience Camp “Day of Champions” (story above):

(Be a champ! Support “06880”! Please click here! Thank you!)

 

 

23 Comments

Posted in Environment, Library, Media, Obituaries, Politics

Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Roundup: Staples Lacrosse & Pops, Wynston Browne, RTM Agenda …

Posted on May 25, 2024 | 2 comments

The Staples High School boys lacrosse team is 2-time defending state champions.

But until Thursday night, they’d never won an FCIAC (league) championship.

They did it dramatically, in Wilton. Adam Udell scored 3 goals in just 4 minutes, 20 seconds, rallying his 5th-seeded squad from a 6-3 deficit late in the 4th quarter, to a 6-6 draw.

Just 8 seconds into sudden-death overtime, Udell fired a shot. His 4th — and most dramatic goal — gave the Wreckers the win, over #2 Darien.

This was not the first clutch score for Udell. A year ago, as a sophomore, he stole an inbounds pass in the basketball state semifinal, then calmly scored a layup, to lead Staples past Fairfield Warde, and into the finals.

The lacrosse title — keyed also by goalie Josh Marcus — capped a very satisfying 5 days for Staples. During the FCIAC tournament they thrashed Wilton (9-1) and New Canaan (11-5), avenging regular season losses.

Darien also beat the Westporters, in the regular season.

The goal now is to be the first Staples boys lax team to win both an FCIAC and state title.

The road to the Connecticut crown is not easy. It begins Wednesday at home (5:30 p.m.) vs. Trumbull. Tough teams like Ridgefield, Fairfield Prep and New Canaan lie ahead.

But — with Udell, Marcus, coach Will Koshansky and a host of talented players — the Wreckers are ready.

Click here to see the full FCIAC final. Click below for Udell’s 4 goals (including his game winner), and the wild celebration that followed, courtesy of The Ruden Report.

================================================

Speaking of Staples, a reminder: Free tickets are available at 9 a.m. this Wednesday (May 29), for the annual Pops Concert at the Levitt Pavilion.

This year’s show is Friday, June 7 (lawn opens at 6 p.m.; concert at 7; BYO chair; food trucks on site). The always sold-out event features the Staples Symphonic Orchestra and Band, Jazz Ensemble, Orphenians, Choralaires and other small group ensembles.

Once again, media personality David Pogue will serve as the warm, welcoming emcee.

Click this link — staplesmusic.org — beginning Wednesday at 9 a.m. Tickets are free, but a $15 contribution is suggested to help offset production costs.

==================================================

Speaking of the Levitt Pavilion: They’re part of today’s big Westport day.

In addition to the Fine Arts Festival downtown, and the Parks & Recreation Department Summer Kick-off at Compo, there’s a 3-band festival at our favorite outdoor entertainment venue.

Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Andy Frasco & The UN and Dogs in a Pile — those are all band names — take the stage, beginning at 4:30 p.m. The gate opens at 4.

Food trucks on site include the Blind Rhino, Melt Mobile, Little Pub Lobster Roll and the Dough Girls Wood-Fired Pizza.

Limited tickets ($55; $125 premium) remain. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

More Levitt news: Super Sonic Shorties has just been signed. They’ll be there June 14, en route to the Northlands Festival.

==================================================

Among the items on the agenda for the next Representative Town Meeting (Tuesday, June 4, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium):

A $265,000 appropriation from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, to develop a Parks Master Plan.

A $990,000 appropriation for Phase I of the Cross Highway School Zone Corridor Improvements.

A petition from Westporters “to review, discuss and reject the new Parks & Recreation regulation, or modify it in order to preserve the gardening hours at the Westport Community Garden to their prior hours during school days (i.e. no gardening between 8-9 a.m. and 3-4 p.m.).”

===============================================

Congratulations to News 12 Connecticut — and to Wynston Browne.

Our local cable station was named an Edward R. Murrow Award New England regional winner, in the annual Radio Television Digital News competition.

News 12 won in the “Excellence in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion” category, in the Television/Large Market division, for their broadcast of “My Name is Wynston Browne.”

The segment featured Wynston, a Staples High School junior who — despite being a non-speaking autistic young man — has learned to communicate using a typing device. In 2 years, he has shared his remarkable mind and keen insights with the world.

It’s a very inspiring story, told with care and compassion by News 12.

Regional winners advance to the national competition. Winners will be announced in August. Click here for a list of all New England awards.

Wynston Browne (Photo/Dan Woog)

==================================================

As Memorial Day nears, American flags are sprouting around town.

Lauri Weiser was heartened to see these, lining the Lansdowne condominium driveway:

(Photo/Lauri Weiser)

=================================================

An inspiring photo of a different kind is Andrew Colabella’s image of Long Island Sound.

(Photo/Andrew Colabella)

It’s a nice reminder too that — though the sign says otherwise — lifeguard coverage starts Monday, at Compo and Burying Hill Beaches, and the Longshore pool.

==================================================

But Westporters got an early start yesterday on the holiday weekend. This was the Friday late-afternoon scene at Compo Beach:

(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

Unfortunately, another tradition continues: Hook’d’s closed doors.

Despite the crowds — and their supposed closing time of 7:30 p.m. — the doors were locked before then.

=================================================

The sold-out crowd at Thursday’s Westport Library conversation with James Comey was surprised.

Most attendees figured the former FBI director, former Bridgewater Associates counsel and former Westporter would talk about his new book “Westport” — the plot involves the fictional world’s biggest hedge fund, Saugatuck Associates — and avoid or deflect questions about the most controversial aspect of his career: his decision in late October 2016 to announce that the FBI had reopened an investigation into presidential candidate Hillary Clinton’s emails.

But under pointed and persistent questioning from Westport’s Dave Briggs — a well-established TV personality — Comey was honest, self-reflective, forthcoming, and quite opinionated.

If you missed the event, no problem. The Library’s recorded it. Click below, for an insightful, insider’s view of Washington and the world:

==================================================

This sign was just posted near the “blue house” at 233 Hillspoint Road, diagonally across from Old Mill Grocery & Deli.

(Photo/Michael Friedland)

It’s big.

There are substantial cement footings.

And since when has Westport been a “city”?!

==================================================

Brian Lewis — chef ad owner of The Cottage and OKO — adds a new dining twist this summer.

BANA is a “seasonal and elevated pop-up dining experience. Each menu draws inspiration from global gastronomic traditions and cultural richness, promising an exhilarating exploration of flavors” in Fairfield and Westchester Counties.

That first BANA is Saturday, July 20 (7 p.m., Wakeman Town Farm). The event celebrates “the treasures and techniques of both the New England and Japanese coastlines.” Lewis’ tasting menu will showcase fish, shellfish, and vegetables sourced from the New England coastline and local farms.

Tickets are $200 per person, or $275 per person with a special sake and wine pairing (including sales tax and a 22% service fee).

25% of all proceeds support Brian Lewis’ Family Meal Foundation. It provides comfort and support through delicious meals, brought to the homes of people in need when they are healing from the loss of a loved one, or face medical and emotional challenges.

For tickets and more information, click here.

Chef Brian Lewis

=============================================

Westport is looking particularly beautiful these days.

Among the spots to admire: Lynda Ialeggio’s patio, on Old Mill Beach. It’s a perfect “Westport … Naturally” scene this Memorial Day weekend.

(Photo/Lynda Ialeggio)

=======================================================

And finally … on this date in 1878, Gilbert and Sullivan’s “H.M.S. Pinafore” opened in London.

(It’s a holiday weekend. But “06880” never takes a break. We’re here for you 24/7/365 — 366, this leap year. If you enjoy our work, please click here to support us. Thank you!

 

2 Comments

Posted in Beach, Library, Local politics, Sports, Staples HS

Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

James Comey’s “Westport”

Posted on May 24, 2024 | 7 comments

If he had the chance to go back in time, James Comey would change little about the way he handled the re-opening of the investigation into Hillary Clinton’s emails in the final days of the 2016 election.

Yet the former FBI director is fearful of a second Donald Trump administration. “He means what he says,” Comey notes. “It is clear he intends to use his enforcement power to go after his enemies.”

And he misses a lot of things about this area, including Angelina’s pizzas, the Horseshoe Café in Southport, and sunsets at Compo Beach.

Those were some of the topics covered last night. A capacity Westport Library crowd listened raptly as TV personality Dave Briggs quizzed his former Westport neighbor about everything from the state of the world to his work with Bridgewater Associates (the hedge fund that brought him here in 2010), and then his work in Washington, where he commuted for 2 years while his daughters finished school, near their Greens Farms home.

Comey’s appearance was in part to promote his latest novel. “Westport,” a crime thriller about the world’s largest hedge fund, Saugatuck Associates (fictional, but sound familiar?).

But under Briggs’ skillfully engaging, yet probing, questioning, it was a chance to learn more about the man who, while he will go down in history as playing an outsized role in the election of the 44th president (and thus all that followed), is also someone whose love of a Viva Zapata margarita we all can relate to.

Briggs surprised Comey with a Mason jar filled with the drink. The two sipped them on stage, then got down to business.

James Comey (right) and Dave Briggs share a Viva Zapata margarita, on the Westport Library stage.

Westport, Comey said, is “strikingly beautiful, with great food and all kinds of cool stuff.”

Comey described some of the locales in “Westport,” including the opening scene on Seymour Rock, offshore. (He gave a shoutout to “06880” founder Dan Woog by name, for helping Comey’s friend Jack Menz do research about that site.)

Comey called his former Bridgewater colleagues “earnest people trying to make money, while being honest about their work.” But his job there as chief counsel was not fulfilling. He missed teaching and public service.

He left the hedge fund in 2013, to teach at Columbia University Law School. When Attorney General Eric Holder called to say President Obama was interested in him as a possible FBI director, Comey — a former US Attorney for the Southern District of New York and Deputy Attorney General in the George W. Bush administration, thought it would never happen.

He’d given money to the presidential campaigns of John McCain and Mitt Romney because, Comey said, he was “worried that unprincipled people would take over the Republican Party.”

His wife urged him to go the interview, even though Obama would not select him.

She was wrong. Obama wanted someone with integrity for the job, he told Comey. When the president offered him the post, he accepted.

 One view of James Comey, at the Westport Library … (Photo/Dan Woog)

When Briggs addressed the elephant in the Library’s Trefz Forum — the controversy surrounding the Clinton e-mail investigation — the former FBI director addressed it directly.

He was fully aware of the potential effect, he said. But he also was committed to transparency — a core value he had learned to appreciate at Bridgewater.

In hindsight, he might have done a few smaller things differently, including the way he “articulated” certain ideas.

“I knew how bad this would be. I knew everyone would look back down at this fork in the road. But we had to make decision.”

Not revealing that the investigation had been reopened would have been an even worse course, Comey said.

“I couldn’t make my decision based solely on the (possible) election of a president.”

That decision, many political analysts believe, played a major role in swinging undecided voters away to Trump.

Nearly 8 years later, the former president is making a serious bid for re-election. The prospect alarms Comey. Trump does not share Comey’s respect for the rule of law.

Briggs — who said he is a life-long Republican — asked Comey, a Republican who is now unaffiliated, whether he could vote for “an 82-year-old who can barely get the ball to the plate.”

Comey disagreed with that characterization.

“We have 2 choices. I think Joe Biden is a person of integrity, especially compared with his opponent. He is a competent person, committed to the rule of law. He did not sack the US Capitol, or send the FBI against his enemies. He just won’t do that.

“You may not love our choices. But a vote for Cornel West or the guy with a brain worm is a vote for the guy who sent people to sack the Capitol.”

… and another. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Meanwhile, Comey said, Trump’s current trial is “a great civics lesson. This is how the rule of law works.” Like all other defendants, the former president “is made to sit at a table, as the jury decides his fate. I’m very proud of our judicial system.”

Comey downplayed as “highly unlikely” the chance that Trump will ever go to prison. Asked by Briggs about the chance for violence if he is sentenced to jail, Comey predicted “2” for group violence, “8 or 9” for isolated, individual acts.

His fervent supporters are “not jihadis looking to lay down their life for Donald Trump,” Comey said. “They are largely misguided people.”

Nonetheless, Comey is disturbed by statements Trump makes — like his recent assertion that the Biden administration wanted to kill him during an FBI search for unauthorized documents at Mar-a-Lago nearly 2 years ago.

The agency Comey formerly led quickly put out a statement strongly refuting the charge.

“Good for them,” Comey said.

Still, “in the past, news like what Trump said would have been on the front page. Now, when the potential next president says it, people just go, ‘meh.’ We can’t elect someone like that.

“But we may.”

(“06880” is truly “where Westport meets the world.” Please click here to help us continue our work. Thank you!)

7 Comments

Posted in Library, Media, Politics

Tagged , , , ,

Roundup: Dunville’s, James Comey, Henry Wynne …

Posted on April 23, 2024 | 43 comments

Dunville’s has been around for over 40 years.

And — under the leadership of Doug Grabe, who owns 5 Little Pubs and has now taken over operation of the Saugatuck landmark — it aims to be around for at least 40 more.

But not every restaurant makes it that long.

Even the landmarks.

To honor them, Dunville’s has unveiled a new “icons mural.”

Some flourished nearby. Others were across town.

All are gone, but warmly remembered.

There’s still some room left.

Any suggestions? Click “Comments” below.

===============================================

James Comey returns to Westport on May 23.

The former FBI director will be at the Westport Library. He’ll discuss his new book with TV host (and Westporter) Dave Briggs.

Comey’s book is called “Westport.” The suspense thriller features Nora Carleton, lead counsel at Saugatuck Associates, the world’s largest hedge fund.

What a coincidence! Before entering government service, Comey was general counsel of Bridgewater Associates — the world’s largest hedge fund. He and his family lived in Greens Farms, just a couple of miles from his office.

Click here for more information, and to register. Books will be available for purchase at the event.

===============================================

Henry Wynne has set many Connecticut and collegiate running records.

Now he’s part of a new world mark.

The 2013 Staples High School and 2017 University of Virginia graduate anchored the Brooks Beasts team that won the men’s distance relay at Friday night’s Oregon Relays.

Their 9:14.58 time sliced nearly a second off the record that stood for nearly a decade: 9:15.50.

It’s not his first world record, either. In 2019, Wynne’s Brooks Beast team won the 4 x 1 mile relay in 16:03.68, smashing the previous mark by as astonishing 9.13 seconds.

Wynne covered the 1600 meters — the longest leg of the 4 runners — in 3:52.64.

He told DyeStat.com that he fed off the energy of the crowd. “It was pressure,” Wynne said, “but such a fun atmosphere.”

Teammate Brandon Miller said: “Seeing Henry, that last 200, pulling away from the lights – it was so hype for me and the boys. It was a dream come true.”

(Click here for the full story. Click here for a video of Oregon Relays highlights. Hat tip: Jeff Mitchell)

Henry Wynne crosses the finish line, with a world record. (Photo/Becky Holbrook courtesy of DyeStat.com)

==================================================

Earth Day was yesterday.

But the celebration continues this Saturday (April 27, 10 a.m.)

Members of the Westport Police and Fire Departments, Staples Service League of Boys, Police Athletic League, VFW Post 399, Sons of the American Legion Westport Animal Shelter Advocates will gather at the animal control building on Elaine Road (off Compo Road South, between the I-95 underpass and railroad tracks), for a trash pick-up.

Even more help is needed. The area — which includes the state boat launch — is a mess.

Bring gloves and trash bags. Questions? Email acolabellartm4@gmail.com.

Westporters of all ages — including RTM member and organizer Andrew Colabella (standing on trash bags) and Police Chief Foti Koskinas (2nd from right) turned out for an earlier trash pick-up. Among the items: the large discarded signs (left).

==================================================

Compo Beach was almost empty on Sunday.

There were hundreds of parking spots.

This should not have been one of them:

=================================================

A home on Pumpkin Hill is well known for its lawn signs. They celebrate big events: Halloween, Thanksgiving, graduations.

Yesterday, it was Passover.

(Photo/Ed Simek)

“06880” can’t say it with as much spirit as the sign shows, but: “Sameach Pesach!”

==================================================

Westport loves our ospreys.

The most famous pair nest on a tower next to Fresh Market. Others find homes on platforms at Burying Hill Beach and Sherwood Island State Park, drawing admiring gazes from springtime visitors.

Another osprey couple is less visible. Johanna Keyser Rossi’s eagle eyes (ho ho) spotted them high up on the cell tower next to the Westport Weston Family YMCA.

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

It’s nowhere near as beautiful as the beachside nests.

But for these 2 raptors, it’s home.

==================================================

What’s for lunch?

Johanna Keyser Rossi doesn’t know if it’s an eel or a snake. But her Saugatuck River photo is definitely an intriguing addition to our “Westport … Naturally” series.

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

==================================================

And finally … today is the birthday of the amazing Roy Orbison. He died far too young of heart failure in 1988. He was just 52.

The man Elvis Presley called “the greatest singer in the world” had a 4-octave range, earning him the nickname “the Caruso of Rock.”

In fact, music scholars say, Orbison and Enrico Caruso were the only 20th century tenors capable of hitting E over high C.

(“06880” can’t sing as well as Roy Orbison. But we’ve got pretty good range — at least, for our coverage of all things Westport. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

43 Comments

Posted in Beach, Environment, Library, religion, Restaurants, Sports, Staples HS

Tagged , , , , , ,

Friday Flashback #381

Posted on January 12, 2024 | 5 comments

With Westporters thinking about office parks — the possible construction of 14 homes at the Glendinning complex on Weston Road, most recently one of Bridgewater Associates’ 2 Westport offices; the planned zoning change to allow medical offices at 55-57 Greens Farms Road — and with the upcoming publication of James Comey’s new book (“Westport”) about a suburban-based hedge fund that looks a lot like Bridgewater, renewed attention is being paid to Nyala Farm,

That 52-acre prime property, between I-95, the Sherwood Island Connector and Greens Farms Road, was once part of E.T. Bedford’s even-much-larger estate.

Nyala Farm (Photo courtesy of Paul Ehrismann)

In 1970, Stauffer Chemical Company bought it the land, for their international headquarters. It was Westport’s first corporate office park, and they were one of the first major firms to flee New York City for the suburbs.

As Carl Addison Swanson notes, Stauffer was founded in 1885 in California. The company manufactured fabricated plastic and agricultural products.

In April of 1972, they moved in.

Stauffer Chemical Company, at Nyala Farm. (Photo courtesy of Carl Addison Swanson)

Despite fears of many Westpoorters, most of Nyala Farm remained — and still is — rolling hills and meadows. Even the iconic well is there.

(Photo/Beth Murray)

Stauffer was not as fortunate. Facing fallout from the Environmental Protection Agency over pollution issues, and an audit by the SEC, it was sold to Rhone-Poulene, S.A, a French company in 1987.

And — tying together today’s mentions of both the Glendinning office park, and James Comey’s book — the major tenant at Nyala Farm today is … Bridgewater.

=================================================

50 Years Ago Today:

Little League Baseball announced they would allow girls to play the sport. Westport Little League soon followed.

(Whether you’ve lived in Westport since the Bedford family owned Nyala Farm, or did not hear of it until just now: “06880” welcomes your support. Please click here to donate. Thank you!)

 

5 Comments

Posted in Friday Flashback, Local business, Sports

Tagged , , ,

Roundup: Sailing School, Lynda Bluestein, James Comey …

Posted on January 4, 2024 | 5 comments

Though the Parks & Recreation Department has recommended that current Longshore Sailing School operator Jane Pimentel’s lease with the town be extended another 10 years, the Board of Finance last night asked for more time.

And for questions to be answered.

Heidi McGee and Jeff Manchester — Westporters who are involved in competing bids — challenged the transparency of the process, along with the low $5,000 rent proposed. She also said she would make a Freedom of Information Act request about the bid.

After much discussion, including remarks endorsing the current operators, Parks & Rec director Jen Fava’s request was tabled until the next Board of Finance meeting.

Longshore Sailing School. (Photo/Stefen Turner)

=======================================================

Lynda Bluestein has begun her final journey.

The longtime Westport resident and active Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport member left her Black Rock home yesterday.

News12 Connecticut reports that her husband Paul drove her to Vermont. Last year, she won a lawsuit to allow her — despite being a non-resident — to use the state’s medical aid in dying statute.

Lynda suffers from ovarian and fallopian tube cancer. Her condition deteriorated rapidly this week, News12 says. She was carried out of her home by her son Jake Shannon, and twin granddaughters.

Bluestein’s legacy will live on in many ways. She has been a longtime voice against gun violence. She has advocated for a Connecticut medical aid in dying law.

And last year, she helped place wind phones — disconnected telephones that allow loved ones and friends to “call” people who have died — throughout the area.

A ceremony at the Westport Library — the first such indoor space for a wind phone in the world — drew dozens of friends and admirers.

Click here for the full, loving report from News12’s Mark Sudol.

Lynda Bluestein, during yesterday’s News12 interview.

==================================================

In November, “06880” reported that James Comey’s new book will be published in May.

The murder mystery novel from the former FBI director — and also former Westport resident — is about a “make-believe hedge fund called Saugatuck Associates, billed as the world’s largest.”

Aspiring authors are told to “write about what you know.”

Hmmmm … let’s see ,,,  well, Comey was general counsel of Westport-based Bridgewater Associates.

Oh, yeah. The book’s title is “Westport.”

The cover has just been released. Look familiar?

If Comey has a book-signing here, we’ll let you know.

Perhaps at Barnes & Noble.

Or Bridgewater. (Hat tips: Sean McGee, Dick Lowenstein)

================================================

Robin Moyer Chung sends this message to “06880” readers:

“As the editor of Westport Lifestyle magazine for the past 5 years, I’ve been fortunate to pen so many fascinating features of Westport and its residents.

“Every time I left an interview I couldn’t wait to tell the story (well, with one exception). I’d sit down at my laptop and write the first sentence: ‘This will blow your mind.’ ‘What she’s doing is amazing.’ ‘This guy is unbelievable.’

“Then I’d stop and re-examine the superlative. How can I best convey how amazing this person or story is without a ham-handed declaration of adoration?

“For 5 years I’ve loved this challenge. I’ve loved discovering and writing about the outstanding contributions of those who do so quietly and without seeking fanfare. Of those who sculpt our unique landscape of commerce, design, and entertainment. Of those who speak up, dress up, act out, and sing out loud.

“Regretfully, this January 2024 issue is my last one.

“I look forward to the next chapter of Westport Lifestyle, and hope it continues to reflect the dazzling community in which it lives.

“Thank you all! It’s been fabulous!”

Robin Moyer Chung

=================================================

The Westport Inn is gone.

A new boutique hotel — owned by the same company that runs the famed Delamar properties in Southport and Greenwich, along with La Plage restaurant and the soon-to-be-renovated Inn at Longshore — is rising in its place.

The target date is this fall.

Construction work on the new Delamar hotel.

Meanwhile, eBay is offering a remnant of the previous incarnation of the Westport Inn: this key from the original “New Englander Motor Hotel.”

Postage may no longer be “guaranteed.”

(Photos/JD Dworkow)

===============================================

Westport Police made no custodial arrests between December 27 and January 3.

In the same period, they issued these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 7 citations
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 6
  • Improper use of markers: 6
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 5
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 4
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 3
  • Evading responsibility: 2
  • Failure to obey a stop sign: 2
  • Larceny: 1
  • Breach of peace: 1
  • Speeding: 1
  • Failure to yield right of way: 1
  • Failure to drive to the right: 1
  • Failure to insure a motor vehicle: 1
  • Failure to register a commercial vehicle: 1
  • Possession of an abandoned marker: 1

It’s no laughing matter: You can’t put an abandoned license plate on your car.

==================================================

He’s 2 years away from getting his driver’s license.

But 14-year-old Vivek Kanthan is a world junior kart racing champion.

Currently competing in Europe, he’ll be at the Westport Library this Sunday (January 7, 2 p.m.), for a “Motorsports 101” presentation.

The teenage racer will discuss his journey, and answer questions.

Vivek Kanthan, with his trophies.

==================================================

Ken Runkel — whose works are showcased regularly in “06880”‘s Saturday online art gallery — is the Westport Book Shop’s guest exhibitor this month.

He describes himself as “a digital photographer, photoshop artist, and AI explorer with an unusual imagination, and sometimes twisted sense of humor.”  His work ranges from nature, landscapes and waterscapes to abstracts and surrealistic images.

Runkel spent 4 decades in advertising, corporate identity development and brand consulting with major international firms serving Fortune 100 clients worldwide.  

After retiring in 2017 he focused on digital photography, and digital post-production editing. He now explores the power of artificial intelligence, and how it can expand visual creativity.

A reception is set for January 17 (6 to 7:30 p.m.). RSVP by phone (203-349-5141) or email (bookshop@westportbooksaleventures.org).

All work on display is available for purchase.

Ken Runkel and his art, at the Westport Book Shop.

================================================

Sure, it’s New Year’s.

But flowers are blooming. Susan Leone spotted these, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Susan Leone)

==================================================

And finally … today was the birthdate, in 1838, of Tom Thumb. Born with dwarfism, he became a world-famous performer under the direction of P.T. Barnum.

Local connection: Tom Thumb (Charles Sherwood Stratton) was born in Bridgeport. After he died of a stroke at 45, Barnum placed a life-sized statue at his gravesite, Mountain Grove Cemetery in Bridgeport. His wife, Lavinia Warren, died more than 35 years later, and is buried next to him.

(Where else but “06880” can you read about old and new hotels, kart racing and digital art — all in the same place? If you appreciate this hyper-local blog, please click here to support it. Thank you!)

5 Comments

Posted in Arts, Library, Local business, Media, Police, Sports

Tagged , , , , , , ,

Roundup: Holidays Are Here; Bathrooms Are Closed …

Posted on November 17, 2023 | 16 comments

Holiday garlands are up on Main Street. As always, they’re courtesy of the Westport Downtown Association.

And — right on cue — I heard my first Christmas carol yesterday.

For the record (ho ho ho), it was “Joy to the World,” at Fresh Market.

Only 37 shopping days left …

(Photo/Dan Woog)

==================================================

A reader writes:

“A walking friend and I just learned that all the bathrooms at Compo are closed. Even the one at Ned Dimes Marina is locked.

“With all the active people who love walking around Compo, can’t we find the extra money to keep at least one set of restrooms open all year?

“A mother at the playground is not going to want her kids going inside that germ-infested port-o-potty, nor are senior citizens who have difficulty getting into and safely out of it.

“People need real restrooms, and ones that are open until at least 8 p.m. so we can workout outside after work

“Can we get this situation turned back to the way it always was, with restrooms open all year, or at least keep the new handicap accessible restrooms open and pay a cleaning company to maintain them?”

I asked Parks & Recreation Department director Jen Fava about this. She said:

“While I understand the comments from your reader, the bathrooms were not designed for year-round use. The pipes would freeze and burst if left open, which is why they get blown out each winter.

“The only ones that had heat were at the marina. But we have had consistent vandalism, and have therefore closed them in the winter over the past few years.

“We provide porta-johns, so there are facilities available.”

The bathrooms at Compo’s South Beach — and others by the pavilion, playground and marina — are closed until spring. (Photo/Miggs Burroughs)

==================================================

Six members of the Representative Town Meeting received a standing ovation, at Tuesday’s meeting.

The members — who either did not run for re-elected, or were not returned to office — are from left, in the photo below: Harris Falk, Brien Buckman, Stephen Shackleford, Jamie Bairaktaris, Liz Milwe and Lori Church.

They received thanks, and proclamations, from RTM moderator Jeff Wieser.

(Photo/Andrew Colabella)

==================================================

Three local women have organized a “Bring Them Home!” event, drawing attention to the plight of hostages held by Hamas.

Set for this Sunday (November 19, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) near the Compo Beach playground, the aim is to set up seats for each of the missing men, women and children. The visual image would represent the plight of the 240 hostages.

Supporters can drop off chairs, or stay at the beach.

Speakers include Rabbi Zach Plesent of Temple Israel and Carin Savel, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County.

Questions? Text Inda Sade: 917-440-6067.

==================================================

Restoration of the stormwater detention pond at Wakeman Town Farm has completed its first phase.

Located on the farm’s north side, the rehabilitation protects nearby Deadman Brook and other downstream waterways from the pond’s storm water runoff, excess nutrient impurities and mitigate urban pollutants.

Phase I included site surveying, debris clearing, mowing, water testing, pond and flora mapping, planting cover crop, and installing a fence with gate between the Farm and the pond.

Westport’s LandTech donated time and expertise, for a bathymetric survey of the pond and its surrounding property. LandTech also teamed up with Staples High School senior interns for water quality testing.

The 1-acre wooded pond was built in the 1990s by the town. Over time, the pond fell victim to invasive vegetation and sediment accumulation.

A grant from Patagonia was instrumental in the project’s success.

Wakeman Town Farm storm water detention pond. 

==================================================

A cappella fans: Rejoice!

Two Westport favorites — the Dartmouth College Brovertones and Staples High School Orphenians deliver delightful, melodic holiday cheer on December 4 (7 p.m., Saugatuck Congregational Church).

Admission is free, though goodwill donations are accepted to support the church’s concert series.

Staples High School Class of 2021 graduate/current Brovertone senior (and musical director) Sam Laskin is happy to return to his home town for the show.

The group has many connections to Westport, from former members who grew up here (or lived here now), to singing impromptu at a wedding proposal near the Compo Beach house where they stayed on a previous tour.

The group also took a photo on the Compo jetty that was used on an album, “Bro Ties.”

This is the 3rd straight year Sam and the Brovertones will sing here. They were at Christ & Holy Trinity Church in 2021, and at a private MoCA party last year. They also performed at Staples for the choral groups, and described how great an extracurricular experience a cappella has been for all of them.

Staples’ Orphenians, meanwhile, need no introduction. The holidays are their busiest time of the year, and they’ll be in fine form under new director Lauren Pine.

================================================

James Comey may have left Westport — and Bridgewater Associates, which brought him to town — for the equally shark-like waters of the FBI.

But he hasn’t forgotten his former home town.

The New York Post reports that his second murder mystery novel, set for publication in May, is about a “make-believe hedge fund called Saugatuck Associates, billed as the world’s largest.”

The teaser from Mysterious Press reads: “A red canoe sits abandoned on Seymour Rock, right where the Saugatuck River hits the Long Island Sound. The elegantly dressed corpse of a woman lies inside….”

The Post adds:

The book is called “Westport,” a posh Connecticut town which, it turns out, is not only where the headquarters of the fictional Saugatuck hedge fund lies, but also that of Bridgewater Associates, the giant hedge fund founded by billionaire Ray Dalio.

And while the protagonist of Comey’s book is a woman, she previously worked as a federal prosecutor before becoming general counsel at Saugatuck – just like Comey did before he became general counsel at Bridgewater.

To read more in the Post about Comey and Bridgewater — where he was “feared,” according to a new book, “The Fund,” by Rob Copeland — click here.

James Comey

==================================================

The Weston History & Culture Center concludes its World War II lecture series with author Jeffrey DeWitt.

He’ll discuss his book “Connecticut Military Heroes of Pearl Harbor” on — appropriately — December 7 (1 p.m.), followed by a Q-and-A and book signing.

Guided tours of the Coley House, which represents life on the home front during World War II, will be available after the lecture.

=================================================

Westporters Mia Khamish (a Duke University sophomore) and her sister Izzy Khamish (a Staples High School junior) both won gold medals at the 2023 Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston last month.

Both are coxswains, and products of Connecticut Boat Club.

The Duke 4+ crew’s winning time of 17:46 was 15 seconds ahead of silver medalist Radcliffe.

The next day, Izzy led her youth women’s 4+ to first place, in 19:12.

Mia (left) and Izzy Khamish, with Connecticut Boat Club head coach Liz Trond.

==============================================

Staples High School Class of 2002 graduate Andrew Aster died unexpectedly on Sunday, in his native city of Dallas. He was 39.

At Staples Andrew was a wrestler, cheerleader, and track and field athlete (pole vault, 110m and 300 m hurdles).

He graduated from Lafayette College in 2006, with a BA in history (focusing on medieval European and French studies). He was president of Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity, and participated on the track team.

He then worked with Club Med, rising from a GO (Gentils Organisateur) to sports and entertainment manager in Mexico, Israel, France and the Dominican Republic. He was fluent in French, Spanish and Hebrew.

After returning to Dallas, where his family had relocated, he was employed in sales and management in retail and technology, and began a new, exciting opportunity in October.

Andrew is survived by his mother Paula; father Charles (step-mother Ellen); twin brother Jason; sister Raye; step-siblings Kristen, Jessica and Cara, and many loving friends and relatives.

in lieu of flowers the family requests that donations in Andrew’s name be made to a local youth sports organization of your choice, honoring Andrew’s commitment to sports and youth development.

To share a story, photos and condolences with the Aster family, email remembering.andrew.aster@gmail.com. To read Andrew’s full obituary, click here.

Andrew Aster

==============================================

Lucy Ambrosino does not have to go far to find “Westport … Naturally” beauty. This is the scene, in the back yard of her Crescent Road home:

(Photo/Lucy Ambrosino)

==================================================

And finally … in honor of the “06880” reader searching for a bathroom at Compo Beach (story above):

==================================================

(If you enjoy our daily Roundup — even just the song of the day — please consider a contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)

16 Comments

Posted in Beach, Downtown, Obituaries

Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

Roundup: SLOBs, AWARE, ROMEOs …

Posted on May 21, 2023 | 17 comments

Yesterday’s weather drove all but the hardiest yard workers indoors.

In anticipation of today’s sunshine — and, more importantly, to get ready for the 7th annual Dog Festival (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), a crew of SLOBs (Staples Service League of Boys) headed to Winslow Park to help.

“This was Westport at its best,” praises Matthew Mandell, executive director of the Dog Fest sponsor, the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce.

“This was the most challenging prep for the event ever.”

Winslow Park will look great today, as thousands of dogs and their owners enjoy everything from obstacles courses and competitions to a K-9 demonstration and vendors.

And they’ll have a bunch of SLOBs to thank.

SLOBs set up for the Dog Festival. (Photo/Matthew Mandell)

==================================================

Also working outside yesterday: a hardy bunch of Westport Sunrise Rotary volunteers.

As they had promised Westport’s Department of Human Services, they showed up — dressed for the occasion and with their usual boundless energy — to help clean up a local resident’s home. The event was part of the international organization’s annual Day of Service.

They removed high grass, tree limbs, weeds and more from the property of a resident who was unable to do so, or afford to pay for it.

A brief pause from hard work. (Photo courtesy of Rob Hauck and Bruce Fritz)

==================================================

The foul weather also forced AWARE’s annual soiree indoors.

Over 100 folks crammed into a private home — rather than the back yard — to celebrate the organization, and its partner.

AWARE stands for Assisting Women through Action, Resources and Education. Each year, they work with a different organization, offering financial resources, hands-on and moral support, and friendship.

For the past year, they’ve joined with Her Time. The Bridgeport non-profit assists women affected by incarceration and domestic violence.

The food and drinks were delicious. The fundraising went well. And “AWARE-ness” about Her Time was raised high too.

AWARE members and Her Time representatives spent a “family” evening together. (Photo/Dan Woog)

==================================================

Also indoors last night: Actress/singer/songwriter (and 2013 Staples High School graduate) Michelle Pauker returned to MoCA Westport. Her Joni Mitchell tribute was part of the “Music at MoCA” series.

Last summer, Michelle performed “Broadway Through The Ages” for a sold-out crowd in the Museum’s gallery.

Her composer/director, Jake Landau, was a Staples classmate. The Juilliard and Oxford graduate is a quickly rising composer and conductor.

Next in the Music at MoCA series: Vanisha Gould, a Jazz at Lincoln Center Emerging Artist (June 10, 7 p.m.). She and her quartet will perform originals and selections from the Great American Songbook. Click here for tickets and more information.

From left: Michelle Pauker, Rachel Hoy and Ravi Campbell, last night at MoCA Westport. (Photo/Lily Hultgren)

==================================================

After decades of getting ready for the 7:30 a.m. bell, retired teachers have the luxury of sleeping in.

But former Staples High School educators find a variety of ways to stay active and engaged. They lead full, interestinglives.

Every so often they get together (though a bit later than 7:30) to compare notes, and talk about their lives then and now.

They call themselves ROMEOs: Retired Old Men Eating Out.

How many of these legendary teachers did you recognize?

Here they are (clockwise from lower left): Toby Watson, Al Jolley, Stan Rhodes, Werner Liepolt, Pete Van Hagen, Bruce McFadden, Jim Honeycutt, Ed Bludnicki, John Pepe, Jeff Lea, Jim Wheeler.

==================================================

Remember James Comey?

Before he became FBI director (and was fired by President Trump), he was general counsel at Bridgewater Associates, the Westport-based world’s largest hedge fund. He lived here too, in Greens Farms.

Comey’s new gig is mystery writer. He next book — “Central Park West” — will be published May 30.

It takes place at a fiction version of “the world’s largest hedge fund.”

Hmmm … will any other bits of Westport make it into the book?

I’m not buying it to find out.

But if anyone else does, please let me know. (Hat tip: Allen Siegert)


=====================================================

Drew Angus has spent the last 3 months in Nashville. He’s writing songs, and playing with very talent musicians.

On June 8, the 2007 Staples High School graduate takes the stage at Fairfield Theatre Company, to share stories and songs from his time there.

Drew will be joined by Westonite Jeremy Goldsmith on guitar, Wilton’s Spencer Inch on drums, Nick Trautmann (Darien) on Bass, and non-Nutmegger Adam Bonomo (keyboard). A few special guests may join them.

Click here for tickets. Click here for more on Drew Angus.

Drew Angus

=================================================

Yesterday’s “06880” noted that it was the 96th anniversary of the day Charles Lindbergh took off on the first-ever non-stop solo crossing of the Atlantic Ocean.

Naturally, there’s a (sort of) Westport connection. (Beyond the fact — which I forgot to note — that Lindbergh and his family lived for several years on Long Lots Road.)

Longtime resident and avid “06880” reader Matt Murray’s grandmother was a friend of the engine builder/designer Charlie Lawrence.

The day before the flight, he asked Matt’s grandmother, “Do you want to see this fellow take off from Roosevelt Field at 5 a.m. to fly solo across the Atlantic?”

She replied, “Charlie, you’re drunk,” and did not go.

But because she was fluent writing and speaking French, Charlie asked her to write Lindbergh’s letter of introduction for when he landed.

As a thank you, she later received a picture of Lindbergh and Lawrence — and their signatures — just before he flew away.

==================================================

There’s always something to see on Soundview Drive.

Tammy Barry took the popular stroll the other day, and spotted these irises. They won’t be there long. Fortunately, she snapped this shot for “Westport .. Naturally.”

(Photo/Tammy Barry)

==================================================

And finally … on this day in 1970 Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young recorded “Ohio.”  Neil Young wrote the song about the murder of 4 people at Kent State University, 2 1/2 weeks earlier.

==================================================

( “0688o” — your hyper-local blog — is a non-profit; contributions are tax-deductible. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

 

 

17 Comments

Posted in Entertainment, Staples HS

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,

Scott Gottlieb Resigns; One Less Westporter In Washington

Posted on March 5, 2019 | 1 comment

Dr. Scott Gottlieb — commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, and a strong critic of e-cigarettes and vaping — has resigned. A Westport resident with a background as a health policy analyst, he was appointed to the post 2 years ago by President Trump.

According to the New York Times, his wife and 3 children still live here. The paper said he was “weary of the commute and missed his family.”

However, the paper added, “he has also been subject to increasing pressure from Republicans in Congress and his former associates in the conservative movement for his tough stance against youth vaping and traditional cigarettes.”

The Washington Post noted, “While Gottlieb had some policy disagreements with the White House, he is well respected, and could be invited back to another post, two officials said….

“The move came as a surprise to some FDA officials because he has recently hired senior staff and was aggressively pushing a host of new initiatives.”

Gottlieb was the highest-ranking Westporter in Washington, following the resignation and subsequent move of FBI director James Comey.

When he was nominated to head the FDA, Dr. Scott Gottlieb’s profile page proudly displayed a photo of Westport.

1 Comment

Posted in People, Politics

Tagged , ,

James Comey, The Bible, The Buddha And Westport

Posted on December 2, 2017 | 28 comments

Yesterday, James Comey joined 800 million other Instagram users.

Perhaps it was a coincidence — he may have finally gotten around to unpacking all those boxes, following the sale of his Greens Farms home and being fired as FBI director — but his first-ever post got a lot more attention than most people’s cats or restaurant meals.

Shortly after Michael Flynn pleaded guilty to lying to (whoa!) the FBI, Comey — who snagged the pretty-obvious-but-apparently-untaken username “Comey” — posted a just-subtle-enough biblical verse: “But let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” 

He illustrated it with a lovely photo of an ever-flowing stream.

It quickly racked up over 21,000 likes.

However, it was his 2nd — and so far, final — photo that makes this an “06880”-worthy story.

Two hours ago, Comey posted this shot:

It’s a scene every Westporter is familiar with — and loves.

So does Comey. His caption: “Beautiful Long Island Sound from Westport, CT. To paraphrase the Buddha — Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun; the moon; and the truth.”

It’s already gotten over 8,000 likes.

Many of his Instagram followers agree with his message.

But whatever your politics, “06880” readers agree: This “Comey” guy knows a beautiful sunset when he sees one.‬

 

28 Comments

Posted in Beach, Media, Politics

Tagged , , , ,