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Roundup: Library, Old Mill Grocery, Motherhood Swaps …

Posted on January 26, 2025 | 1 comment

The good news: The Westport Library reopens today at its normal Sunday time: 1 p.m. It was closed Friday and Saturday, due to a burst pipe.

The equally good news: The cold weather has ended. Today’s high is predicted to be 41 degrees. On Wednesday, they could climb to near 50.

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Brava for Liana Sonenclar!

The 2014 Staples High School graduate is a New York playwright. Her latest work, “Before This New Year” begins previews at the Duke on 42nd Street off-Broadway theater on March 19. Opening night is April 4.

The play follows a high school track star, who is forced to confront old feelings and life-changing decisions when she reconnects with a former teammate after her first semester of college.

Press materials say, “sharp, funny, and poignant, ‘Before This New Year’ is a powerful exploration of love, loss, identity, and coming-of-age in today’s relentlessly high-pressured world.”

Click here for more details, and tickets.

Liana Sonenclar

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Sure, beach residents could head downtown for coffee and conversation.

But they don’t have to.

This was the scene yesterday morning, at Old Mill Grocery & Deli.

The community table was filled. The vibe was warm and welcoming. And breakfast was very, very good.

Old Mill Grocery & Deli, yesterday morning. (Photo/Jim Hood)

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“Shoulder check” is an ice hockey term.

It’s also the name of an initiative that inspires people to commit to supporting each other through small acts that have big impacts. Put simply: “‘being there’ is as simple as a hand on a shoulder.”

It’s as simple as reaching out, checking in and making contact.

On February 1 (6 p.m., Milford Ice Pavilion), Staples High School’s Stormac co-op boys hockey team will play Wilton in a “Shoulder Check Game.”

The goal is to raise awareness of mental health issues.

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This Friday (January 31, 10 a.m. to noon, 15 Myrtle Avenue), Jenni Kayne hosts a panel on “Better Swaps for Motherhood.”

Sorette founder Lanning Ardente, clean beauty expert Rachel Northway and Westport mom Becca Potolsky will offer insights.

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Former Staples High School athlete Jason Stever died peacefully earlier this month in Seneca, South Carolina, with his wife and daughter by his side. He was 50 years old.

A member of the Class of 1993, Jason captained both the soccer and lacrosse teams. He won the soccer Alumni Award for his dedication to the program, and was noted for his intelligence, athleticism and leadership. As a senior, the Wrecker lacrosse team qualified for its first state tournament ever.

At Clemson University Jason was president of the Pi Kappa Psi fraternity, and became passionate about the Tigers football team.

A skilled handyman, he often helped friends and family. His smile and generous spirit lifted all those around him.

Jason is survived by his parents, Jacqueline and Jay Stever; his wife, Tracy Stever; daughter Addison Stever and stepson, TJ Barranger; sister Jennifer Vaughn (Craig Vaughn); brother-in-lawMarty Duncan (Diana), and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and lifelong friends.

A celebration of Jason’s life will be held in Hilton Head, South Carolina at a date to be determined.

Jason Stever, in the 1993 Staples yearbook.

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As ice melts at the Sherwood Island State Park beach, it looks almost like mid-summer foam.

Pamela Docters captured the scene, for our daily “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Pam Docters)

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And finally … on this date in 1863, Massachusetts Governor John Andrew received permission from the Secretary of War to raise a militia for men of African descent.

The 1989 film “Glory” depicts the soldiers of the 54th Massachusetts Infanatry Regiment, from their formation to their heroism at the Second Battle of Fort Wagner.

(From the Library and Old Mill Grocery, to off-Broadway and beyond, “06880” brings you hyper-local news and information, 24/7/365. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Entertainment, Library, Local business, Obituaries, Sports, Staples HS

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Roundup: Tulips, Solar Eclipse, Puppy Adoptions …

Posted on April 5, 2024 | 1 comment

It’s tulip time!

Nomadica is a flower farm and garden design business in Weston, owned and run by advanced master gardener Christina Koether.

This year she’s growing over 20,000 tulips, including varieties from the 1630s that were popular during the Tulipmania craze.

There are tulips that look like peonies, double fringed varieties, and flamed striped ones. All will bloom soon.

Nomadica offers tulip subscriptions (some have already sold out). One option offers 2 weeks of large bouquets of the best and most beautiful blooms grown this year.

Pick up is at the flower stand in Weston (where you can also shop Thursday to Saturday, weather permitting). Click here to sign up, and for more information.

Christina Koether’s tulips

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For the second night in a row, VersoFest drew a full house to the Westport Library’s Trefz Forum.

Yesterday’s show by the Lemon Twigs — the indie/power pop/glam rock band — followed the previous night’s appearance by legendary rapper Chuck D.

(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

The magic — and fun — continues tonight (Friday, 7 p.m.) with the Spin Doctors, and Nick Depuy.

Tomorrow and Sunday are filled with music- and media-related performances, panels, workshops, exhibits and more. All are free. Click here for the full schedule.

(Photo/EJ Crawford)

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Speaking of music at the Library: “Supper & Soul” returns April 20.

The unique Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce Saturday night entertainment — dinner at one of 12 downtown restaurants, then a dance party with 8-piece funk and soul band West End Blend at the Westport Library — followed by post-concert happy hour pricing for drinks at any of the 12 participating restaurants (Arrezo, Basso, Capuli, Casa Me, Don Memo, Emmy Squared, Il Pastaficio, Mexicue, Nômade, Spotted Horse, Goji and Walrus Alley).

Tickets ($87) include the concert, dinner, tax and tip (drinks are not included). Tickets for the concert only are $35. Click here to buy, and for more information.

West End Blend

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A message from the Westport Public Schools, regarding Monday’s eclipse:

Westport will experience 90% of the sun being blocked by the moon at peak eclipse. The eclipse begins at 2:10 p.m., with peak coverage (sun at its most hidden) at 3:26. The eclipse will end around 4:35.

The district has purchased solar eclipse glasses for all elementary school students and staff, so they can view the eclipse safely. Classroom teachers and science coaches will prepare students for this event, practicing proper use of the glasses and sharing information on their morning news.

Based on recent guidance from the state Department of Education and testing the eclipse glasses with young students, the district has modified the eclipse viewing plan for elementary schools.

Grades 3-5 teachers will take their students outside for a short period of time between 2:15-3:30 for observations. Pre-k through grade 2 students will be provided solar eclipse glasses to take home, but for safety reasons will not be taken outside at school to view the eclipse.

They will have the chance to view the eclipse via live stream TV.

If parents are concerned about the outside viewing of the eclipse, they may pick up their children prior to the start of the eclipse at 2:15. Due to the anticipated increase in the number of dismissals, families should try to pick up students before 1:45. I

The eclipse will occur when students are dismissed, between 3:10 and 3:45. Parents should remind children not to look at the sun on their way home.

Parents who wish to experience the event with their child off-site will be allowed to check-out their children as an excused absence for an “educational experience.” Normal check-out procedures will be in effect.

Sneak peak at the solar eclipse.

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Fetch Rescue and Jenni Kayne are teaming up, for a “puppy adoption pop-up.”

This Sunday (April 7, 2 to 4 p.m., Sconset Square), all are invited to spend quality time with some pups — and consider making one part of your family.

For more information, email jessie@fetch-rescue.com.

Everyone needs a dog. (Photo/Ellen Wentworth)

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Before the recent deluge recedes too far in the rear view mirror, here are a couple of reminders from yesterday morning. Check out Hillspoint Road …

(Photo/Matt Murray)

… and Burying Hill Beach:

(Photo/Ron Auber)

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There’s a double dose of featured artists this month at the Westport Book Shop.

Jack Geer and Ranvir Sharma are each exhibiting their drawings and illustrations.

Geer earned a graphic design degree from Norwalk Community College. He works as an artist with Team Woofgang, a non-profit that provides training for young adults with disabilities.

Sharma was diagnosed with autism when he was 2 1/2 Though non-verbal, his mother encouraged his interest in letters and numbers. During a 2018 family trip to India, he met a calligrapher who developed classes for him. His elementary school teachers encouraged him to enter a SoNo Library competition with the theme of inclusion. He won it, and last fall took 1st place in a Cricket magazinei art contest. Now a 6th grader, he takes art classes at Silvermine, and hopes to become a Hollywood animator.

Both say that art has been a transformative part of their lives, serving as a form of personal expression and communication, while fostering social connections.

A reception is set for April 10 (6 to 7:30 p.m.). The exhibit runs through April 30, and all work is available for purchase.

Jack Geer (left) and Ronnie Sharma, at the Westport Book Shop.

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Jazz at the Post is a very popular Thursday tradition. This Sunday (April 7, 4 p.m.), the United Methodist Church of Westport & Weston hosts its own jazz show.

Jazz Vespers is a modern take on the ancient tradition of evening prayer service. The service will incorporate live jazz music, poetry and prayer.

This service features trumpeter Sarah Uyar, guitarist John Hoddinott, guitar, bassist Matt Dwonszyk and drummer Elijah Atkins.

United Methodist Church, 49 Weston Road. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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One more show has been added to the Westport Country Playhouse schedule.

Mike Birbiglia’s “Please Stop the Ride” comes to the historic stage on June 7 (7 p.m.).

The comedian/writer/director/actor has performed his award-winning solo shows from the Sydney Opera House to the West End of London to Broadway.

“Sleepwalk With Me,” “My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend,” “Thank God For Jokes,” “The New One” and “The Old Man & The Pool” became hit Netflix specials, merging storytelling and comedy.

Birbiglia has appeared in “Orange Is the New Black” and “Billions.”

Tickets go on sale today at 1 p.m. Click here to purchase, and for more details.

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Lorenz Esposito earned fame as a College of Charleston soccer star, then played professionally in Sweden for 5 years.

Now he’s got a new “team.” As the founder of SearchX, he leads a business that creates customized SEO solutions for clients.

The 2013 Staples High School graduate first learned about SEO — search engine optimization, which improves a company’s visibility online — while playing in Sweden. He also worked at a digital marketing agency there.

Last November, he took the leap into entrepreneurship, opening his own firm in South Carolina.

SearchX specializes in personalization. “We prioritize quality over quantity, focusing on ethical practices and long-term sustainability,” Esposito says.

They already have over 100 clients, locally and nationally.

Lorenz Esposito

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Johanna Keyser Rossi says, “Red-winged blackbirds are back. They gather in marshes. When they call out to each other, they puff out their wings.”

Here’s one she spotted, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature:

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … in honor of today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo (above):

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. We depend on support from readers like you. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Beach, Education, Entertainment, Westport Country Playhouse

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Roundup: Chino Cortez, School, Drought & Lanternflies …

Posted on August 30, 2022 | 3 comments

In December 2020, I posted an email from Katherine Calise.

After a big snowstorm, her trash collector — Chino Cortez of Cortez Refuse — had shoveled his own path to her cans.

“He is the kindest person — all around, the nicest person you could meet,” she wrote. “In the summer he sprays the garbage cans so you will not get sick.”

Others agreed. On social media they praised him for hauling away Christmas trees, making sure cans were safely stored in the wind, and texting customers if they forgot to put the trash out.

The other day, Katherine contacted me again. This time, it was about helping out with Chino’s medical bills.

At work earlier this month, a bungee cord snapped and hit his eye. His retina was severely damaged. He’ll have surgery soon, as doctors try to save his sight.

A grateful customer has organized a GoFundMe campaign. Click here for more information, and to help.

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It’s an annual tradition: On the first day of school, parents take photos of their kids at the Juniper Road/Caccamo Lane bus stop.

Here’s this year’s edition. Parents: Save for posterity. Kids: Don’t be embarrassed — decades from now, you’ll appreciate this.

PS: The little ones on both ends? They’ll be graduating before you know it.

(Photo/Pam Long)

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Speaking of school: The Porch @ Christie’s on Cross Highway is located close to 4 of them: Staples High, Bedford Middle, and Coleytown Middle and Elementary.

It’s also on the route for people heading into and out of Westport.

A good number of folks passing near, or by, are teachers. To celebrate a new school year, The Porch is offering free coffee and tea to all educators, now through September 9, with any purchase (6:30 to 9 a.m.) or salad, bowl, sandwich or grill item (3 to 5 p.m.). Just show your school ID.

What a great way to honor teachers. Owners Bill and Andrea Pecoriello have learned their customer service lessons well.

Free coffee or tea for teachers here.

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Speaking of local businesses that care:

On Sunday, Tutti’s Ristorante held a fundraiser for Jimmy Nuzzo. “DJ Jimmy James” — a friend to the owners (the Funicello family) and many others — needs a new heart and liver. 100% of the proceeds from the $25 penne-and-meatball dinner went to help.

Westporters, Norwalkers and others came through — big time. Tutti’s raised nearly $4,000 for Jimmy.

Maria Funicello asked me to thank the “06880” community. Consider it done — and thank you, Tutti’s, too!

Tutti’s owners Pasquale and Maria Funicello opened their restaurant (and hearts) to Jimmy Nuzzo.

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There are many new families on Ludlow Road, Wright Street and Orchard Lane recently.

So the neighborhood near Old Hill threw an old-fashioned block party on Sunday.

There was food and drinks. Adults chatted; kids romped. It was a great way to come together at the start of the school year.

One attendee suggested that every neighborhood with new families should do the same.

Or how about: Every neighborhood in Westport, with or without newcomers?

Send us your block party photos. Party on!

Seeking shade, and familiar and new faces.

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Weston is taking steps to address its drought.

Yesterday, residents received this message from 1st Selectwoman Samantha Nestor:

“I am reaching out to remind residents that Weston (and all of Fairfield County), have been experiencing Stage 2 drought conditions since mid-July due to below normal precipitation levels across Connecticut. Stage 2 identifies an emerging drought event that could potentially impact water supplies, agriculture, or natural ecosystems.

“Per Governor Lamont, ‘Residents should be mindful of their water consumption and take sensible steps to reduce impacts on other water uses and on the environment. We must begin early steps now to mitigate the potential for harm should the drought become prolonged.'”

Weston asks residents to voluntarily take measure to help reduce the impact of the drought conditions, including:

  • Reduce watering lawns, gardens, and other landscaped areas; if watering is essential, late evening hours are best
  • Avoid burning in or near woodlands or brush-lands
  • Take shorter showers
  • Run dishwashers and clothes washing machines with full loads
  • Shut off water while washing dishes, shaving, brushing teeth, and lathering up to wash hands, rather than running the water continuously
  • Avoid washing vehicles or power-washing homes and other buildings
  • Do not use water to clean sidewalks, driveways, and roads
  • Postpone planting new lawns or vegetation
  • Minimize overall water use by fixing leaky plumbing and fixtures
  • Follow any additional conservation requests

For more information from the Connecticut Drought Information Center, click here. (Hat tip: Gloria Gouveia)

Meanwhile, one more indication that Westport is in a drought too:

Near Levitt Pavilion. (Photo/Seth Schachter)

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Speaking of environmental threats, consider the spotted lanternfly.

It’s crossed Connecticut’s southwest border — that’s us — and could threaten businesses, nurseries and homeowners, causing billions of dollars in damage while devastating the landscape, in 2 years.

The SLF is a sap-feeding plant hopper native to China. It is believed to have entered this country as an egg mass stuck to a shipment of stone sent to Pennsylvania in 2012. Since then, that state’s agriculture, vineyards, forests, nurseries and residential areas have suffered serious damage.

The SLF started making its way into Connecticut last year. The state Agricultural Experiment Station issued a quarantine order. The hope is that the pest will be slowed long enough to find a treatment to control or eradicate it.

The beautiful-looking insect affects fruit trees, grapes, hops and ornamental trees. The nymphs (immature stage of the SLF) and adults feed on sap from trees and vines, causing them to weaken. Excretions from the SLF stick to the leaves; black sooty mold grows, reducing the plant’s ability to photosynthesize properly.  This reduce crop yields, and weaken trees and plants further, eventually destroying them.

Spotted lanternfly

It can also wreak havoc on lawn furniture, sidewalks, sides of buildings, car tires and everything else outside, making them a sticky mess.

The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station urges everyone to report any sightings.

If you spot an SLF, kill it right away. Report it here; include a photo if possible. (Hat tip: Susan Iseman)

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Jenni Kayne opened its 4th store last weekend. The location for the “California lifestyle brand” is Sconset Square.

It showcases the interiors arm of Jenni Kayne Home, with furniture set in “real-room environments,: and home accessories. The store also carries Jenni’s skincare line, Oak Essentials.

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“Westport … Naturally” returns to the theme of drought. Deadman Brook looked particularly low the other evening:

(Photo/Seth Schachter)

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And finally … in honor of back-to-school (and The Porch @ Christie’s celebration of teachers — see story above), here’s this long-forgotten Elton John classic.

Okay, the lyrics are not exactly a paean to a classroom education. But still …

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Posted in Children, Education, Environment, Local business, Restaurants

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