Fran Hoyte had the perfect spot for a Pilates studio.
Her space on the lower level of Bridge Square offered a peaceful view of the Saugatuck River. It was comfortable, inviting, and — with no advertising or social media, just word of mouth — clients flocked to Saugatuck Studios.
There was just one problem: floods.
The space was inundated by storms like Sandy and irene. Sometimes, it was swamped by high tides.
After 15 years, Fran has found a location guaranteed not to flood.
And it’s just as funky as her previous spot.
Sound Pilates has relocated to 21 Jesup Road. They’re on the 2nd and 3rd floors above the Westport Book Shop. The 200-year-old building — most recently Pause + Purpose wellness center; before that an architect’s office, and earlier a home — offers sweeping (and soothing) views of Jesup Green and the Saugatuck River.
“This is so quiet. But it’s still downtown,” Fran says. “It really feels like home for us.”
Fran has also added a physical therapist. Dr. Victoria Chiappetta has trained with Fran, developing an appreciation for traditional Pilates, alignment, and intelligent movement.
Fran now offers small group classes, in addition to individual sessions. She also teaches Pilates instructors — including many now working throughout Fairfield County.
“We’re not about working until you feel pain,” Fran says of her and Victoria’s partnership. “This is always about joyful movement.”
Werner Liepolt — a longtime Westporter whose home is near the Cribari Bridge — is closely watching state Department of Transportation decisions involving the 145-year-old span.
Congress did not extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits. But a Connecticut state subsidy program will replace some or all of the federal tax credits that lapsed on January 1, depending on enrollee eligibility for Access Health CT insurance plans.
Congressman Jim Himes’ office can help with questions: (203) 333-6600.
A recent episode is “must listen” for Westporters.
Wexler — a Westport resident herself — interviewed Fire Department Deputy Chief Matthew Cohen.
He discussed his own, and 3 other Westport first responders’, work in North Carolina, helping with Hurricane Helen relief efforts.
Cohen described the team’s role in restoring communication networks and helping local communities recover. Click here to listen.
Deputy Fire Chief Matthew Cohen, in a helicopter over North Carolina.
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“The Apprentice” began its limited theatrical release on Thursday, at Trumbull’s AMC Marquis Theater complex.
Written by Westport native Gabriel Sherman, the film explores a young Donald Trump’s rise to power, beginning in the 1970s with attorney/fixer Roy Cohn.
Westport attorney and “06880” was at the movie’s debut. He reports: “It was every bit as good as we had hoped, and even better than I had expected.
“The movie manages to be an entirely believable, enlightening and interesting glimpse of Donald Trump over several years early in his business career, without much of this early-Trump story involving politics, and just getting us up to the beginnings of ‘The Art of the Deal’ — the ghostwritten pre-‘Apprentice’ book that put Trump on the mass media map. Well worth seeing!
“We hope the word spreads quickly so that the movie can get the broader theatrical release it (and the public) deserves. It is playing all this weekend at the AMC Marquis 16 in Trumbull.
“The town of Westport should be proud to have one of its own associated with the making and production of this important, memorable and very timely biopic.”
Gabe Sherman
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Not long ago, Westport Animal Shelter Advocates organized a rescue of 5 kittens and a mother cat from a storm drain on the Post Road, near Southport.
The town-wide effort included the Fire and Public Works Departments, Westport Animal Control, local businesses and Animals in Distress, a Wilton-based cat rescue organization.
Three of the kittens and the mother cat were adopted, but 2 kittens remained.
WASA’s Julie Loparo posted on social media. The little faces caught the attention of Freda and Carleigh Welsh, longtime directors of the Levitt Pavilion. They had followed the storm drain story on “06880.”
The Welshes’ senior cat had died at the end of August. Both felt this was not the right time to adopt kittens.
They also believed the line would be long for those wanting to adopt. Maybe it was — but the Animals in Distress folks were looking for the right family.
But when Freda and Carleigh read about the 2 kittens, they decided they were needed.
The Welsh family has a long history as great cat owners. WASA was thrilled that the final 2 animals were going to an exceptional home.
Freda and Carleigh report: “The kittens are amazing — already super-social and outgoing. That is a huge credit to their foster family.”
PS: In keeping with the Welsh family tradition of geographical names for their cats, the kittens have been renamed Wolf and Daphne (Galapagos Islands).
Yesterday’s Roundup gave an incorrect date for the Westport Library’s “Common Ground Conversation.” It is Tuesday, October 15, at 7 p.m.
Ken Feinberg — who as special master of the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund was responsible for the disbursement of over $7 billion dollars — is the special guest..
At “Civil Discourse to Resolve Complex Disputes,” Feinberg will share his experience and expertise in bringing people together to analyze, understand, and resolve complex disputes. Steve Parrish will moderate the discussion.
The Common Ground initiative will also be livestreamed. Click here for the link.
Sure, you can have your pumpkin spice latte at Starbucks.
But for a real Halloween treat, head to a local coffee shop.
Amy Schneider spotted this spook-tacular display at GG & Joe’s:
(Photo/Amy Schneider)
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An interactive pop-up — including a black light exhibit, prints, merch and more — has appeared at the former Oddz space, next to Il Pastaficio at 139 Post Road East.
It’s the work of Joe Kazer (aka Gnar Giant). There’s an opening reception October 17 (4 to 9 p.m.). The exhibit runs October 18 through November 10; Thursdays through Sundays, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
(Photo/Sal Liccione)
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Mickey Herbst noticed this little bit of nature, at Birchwood Country Club yesterday:
(Photo/Mickey Herbst)
“I think it is a wonderful metaphor for perseverance,” he says.
Agreed! It’s also an inspiring image for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
And finally … happy 67th birthday today to Vince Gill!
(Happy Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day weekend. Have a great holiday! But “06880” never rests. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)
The start of construction on the new Long Lots Elementary School — originally planned for this fall — will not take place until next year.
That’s the most recent news from the Long Lots School Building Committee, which met Thursday for the first time since May.
As a result, the 125,882-square foot school will open later than the anticipated September 2026 date.
Site plan for the new Long Lots Elementary School.
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JT Penny understands the power of video games.
And not just because the Staples High School senior is ranked among the top 350 Overwatch players in North America.
He knows that gaming relieves stress, reduces boredom, and offers an escape into a digital playground when times are tough.
JT also knows that, for some children, video games can be actual lifelines.
In addition to defending his Grand Master gaming title — and rowing with the Saugatuck Rowing Club varsity — JT has partnered with a national non-profit charity.
Gamers Outreach has one mission: provide specialized video game stations (“GoKarts”) to kids receiving treatment or recovering in hospitals.
Over the past year, JT collected donations by livestreaming video game playoffs on Twitch from home, and at the Stream-A-Thon hosted by Gamers For Giving at Eastern Michigan State University.
On Wednesday, JT delivered his first GoKart to Yale New Haven Hospital’s Pediatric Unit.
It’s a great partnership. Through the process, JT worked closely with Yale New Haven’s child life gaming and technology specialist Tyler Mahoney.
JT has mastered a high-level video game. He’s won big crew races. Both are great accomplishments.
But his real prize is empowering hospitalized kids, at a time they need it most.
JT Penny (left) and Tyler Mahoney of Yale New Haven Hospital with JT’s GoKart donation, ready for its first patient/gamer.
Ever since the October 7 Israeli massacre by Hamas, Haaretz reporter Lee Yaron has been at work investigating the lives of some of the victims. She’s spoken with survivors, their family members, and first responders in Israel and beyond.
“100 Human Stories” will be published this fall.
On October 14 — one year and one week after the first anniversary of the attack — she’ll be at Temple Israel (7 p.m.). She’ll speak with Rabbis Michael Friedman and Evan Schultz about the events of 10/7, and their continuing impact on Israel today.
The event is free, but pre-registration is required. Click here for details. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)
Three exciting and diverse events have been added to the Westport Country Playhouse fall calendar.
At “Perfectly Westport: A Fireside Chat with Westport’s Bestselling Author Emily Liebert,” the “Perfectly Famous” writer chats with Westport Magazine editor-in-chief Samantha Yanks about story inspiration, finding an agent, getting published, editing, ghostwriting for celebrities, and balancing career and motherhood.
It’s September 30 (7 p.m.). Click here for tickets, and more information.
Hitchcock fans will enjoy “Rear Window: A Night of Suspense.” In advance of the WCP production of “The 39 Steps,” there’s a special screening of the “Rear Window” movie.
Artistic director Mark Shanahan — a Hitchcock scholar and fan, who taught a course on the director at Fordham University for over 21 years — shares his knowledge and insights about Hitchcock.
He’ll highlight key details to watch for. After the movie, Shanahan will explore why “Rear Window” is such a classic.
It’s October 2 (7 p.m.). Click here for tickets, and more information.
Then comes “Ghost Stories and Legends” — an evening of classic stories of the supernatural with Broadway’s John Rapson (“Sweeney Todd,” “Les Misérables”).
He’ll present a special version of his solo show of Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” plus other ghostly tales.
It’s October 10 (7 p.m.). Click here for tickets, and more information.
Featured authors include Clay McLeod Chapman, May Cobb, Gabino Iglesias and Cynthia Pelayo.
The evening also includes a performance by author/puppeteer GennaRose Nethercott, a story told by acclaimed photographer Jesse Freidin, and an appearance from Northeast Storytelling President ChaChanna Simpson, who oversees the Library’s Storytelling Sundays monthly series.
The Power of Story kicks off at 7 pm in the Library’s Trefz Forum. Light refreshments will be served.
StoryFest writers include (clockwise from top left): Clay McLeod Chapman, May Cobb, Gabino Iglesias, ChaChanna Simpson, Jesse Freidin, GennaRose Nethercott, and Cynthia Pelayo).
The switch of 95.9 The Fox — from rock to simulcasting WICC’s news and talk format — has Westport connections, beyond listeners losing a longtime Fairfield County music staple.
WFOX is owned by Westport-based Connoisseur Media. It says the move was made in part because of the departure of New York’s WCBS Newsradio 880.
The other “06880” angle: Westporter Lisa Wexler, host of a very popular morning talk show on WICC, will now be heard by many more listeners.
Lisa Wexler
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How old is the universe?
Pretty old. 13.8 billion years (give or take a hundred million years).
Don’t take my word for it. Ask David Weintraub.
The Vanderbilt University professor of astronomy discusses “How Old is the Universe?” at the Westport Astronomical Society’s next virtual lecture (September 17, 8 p.m.). Click here for the link.
A spectacularly small portion of the very old universe.
Our “Westport … Naturally” feature sometimes showcases egrets doing their thing: hanging out, looking smooth, in water.
This one is doing its other thing: soaring majestically, above the Riverwalk by the Westport Library.
Kudos to Johanna Keyser Rossi, for this very cool capture:
(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)
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And finally … in honor of our 13.8 billion-year-old universe (story above):
(“06880” is where Westport meets the world — and the universe. But we can’t do it without our loyal readers’ help. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. And thank you!)
Every weekday mornings since 2006, she hosts a very popular talk radio show on WICC. She’s won 5 Connecticut Press Awards, and has interviewed everyone who is anyone in the state. Plus, nearly everyone else too.
In the afternoons, she is the Westport and Weston probate judge. She’s been elected 4 times, as both a Democrat and Republican. She graduated from Johns Hopkins University with honors, and the New York University School of Law. After practicing on Wall Street, she hung out her shingle here. She’s served on Westport’s Planning & Zoning Commission, and Zoning Board of Appeals.
The other day — moving between her 2 jobs — Lisa sat down on the Westport Library stage for the “06880” podcast.
Click below for our wide-ranging conversation about radio, the media, the justice system, Westport, and much, much more.
If local farmers grow it, you can buy it at the Westport Farmers’ Market.
And if you grow it — and have too much of it — the Market wants it.
Extra lettuce, tomatoes, zucchini, whatever — donate it, through the WFM and Grow-a-Row.
Grow-A-Row is a volunteer effort to grow and donate fresh local seasonal produce to food-insecure populations in Fairfield County. Based at the Westport Community Gardens, Grow-A-Row plants, tends, harvests and collects nutritious donations of fresh produce and herbs, then delivers it directly to agencies in need.
You don’t even need to grow it yourself, though. If you bought too much fresh produce, bring it too.
Deliveries are at the Farmers’ Market (Imperial Avenue parking lot), any Thursday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Produce will be delivered by Food Rescue US – Fairfield County volunteers. The Bridgeport FEED Center, Fridgport, Career Resources CT, and Westport Housing Authority will receive the donations.
If your cup (and table) runneth over, donate produce to Grow-a-Row, at the Westport Farmers’ Market.
Music Theater of Connecticut’s stirring production of “Falsettoland” — starring a Westport father-and-son acting duo — took top honors at Monday’s Connecticut Critics Circle Awards. The event, which celebrates work from the state’s professional theaters during the 2021–22 season, was held at Long Wharf Theatre.
Westport’s Dan Sklar won Outstanding Actor in a Musical. His son Ari was honored for Outstanding Debut.
Kevin Connors was named Top Director for “Falsettolands.” He also earned the Tom Killen Award, for lifetime service to the theater.
The Westport Country Playhouse was cited too. Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical went to Daniel J. Maldonado for “Next to Normal”; Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play was won by Sharina Martin, for “Doubt.”
Speaking of awards: “The Lisa Wexler Show,” hosted by Westport’s own, won 1st place for Best Radio Interview at the National Federation of Press Women’s awards ceremony on Saturday in Fargo, North Dakota.
The honor was for Wexler’s live interview with Congressman Jim Himes on January 7, 2021, just hours after he had spent the night at the Capitol following the January 6 riot. Click here to hear the show.
“The Lisa Wexler Show” is broadcast weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon on AM WICC, AM 600 and 107.3 FM.
An application by Tarpon Towers to build a 124-foot structure on private property at 92 Greens Farms Road was filed with the state on May 26. The town of Westport received notice of this filing and is coordinating logistics with the applicant.
Town officials notified Tarpon of a desire to explore an alternative site along the railroad right of way, and is trying to get the state Department of Transportation to approve that site. Information is available on the Connecticut Siting Council’s website.
A public hearing is scheduled for August 9. A final decision is expected a month or two later. (Hat tip: Stephen Goldstein)
A cell tower been proposed for the property on the left: 92 Greens Farms Road. (Photo courtesy of Google Maps)
If the fireworks are not for you, but you don’t want to stay home tomorrow (Thursday, June 30), consider Jazz at the Post.
Guitar master Paul Bollenback headlines this week’s 2 shows at VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 (465 Riverside Avenue, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.; $10 cover). He’s joined by Mark Lewandowski (bass), Jason Tiemann (drums) and the Jazz Rabbi himself, saxophonist Greg Wall.
In addition to cool jazz, there’s a hot new menu from chef Derek Furino (from 6:30 p.m. on). Reservations are strongly suggested: jazzatthepost@gmail.com.
The Westport PBA Scholarship Fund helps college-bound children of our Police Department. Two scholarships are also awarded to Staples High School seniors who will pursue degrees in law enforcement.
Major funding comes from an annual golf tournament. This year’s is set for July 18, at Tashua Knolls in Trumbull.
It’s a scramble tournament, shotgun start. The day includes breakfast, the tourney itself (9 a.m.), and a cocktail reception with open bar (1 to 3 p.m.).
There’s a 50/50 raffle, other raffle prizes, and prizes for longest drive, closest to pin, closest to line, and the winning foursome.
The cost is $250 per golfer. Sponsorships are available at the $1,000, $3,000, $5,000 and $10,000 levels. Checks should be sent to the Westport PBA Scholarship Fund, 50 Jesup Road, Westport, CT 06880. Questions? Email jlauria@westportct.gov, or call 203-803-0215.
They can’t believe it’s time. But Staples High School’s Class of 1972 holds its 50th reunion September 9-11. Events include a Saturday night dinner at the Gaelic-American Club in Fairfield. with music by the Reunion Band. There’s an informal gathering Friday night at the Black Duck, and a get-together Sunday at Compo Beach. For more information and reservations, click here.
“I just returned from Block Island for a few days. Even in that short time, these guys grew so much. The chicks are exercising their wings and getting ready to fledge (if they haven’t already.) I didn’t see them lift up from the nest today, but they are ready!”
Luxe Nail Spa — in the shopping plaza opposite Fresh Market — has closed, reportedly due to high rent. The owners are seeking a new location, perhaps in Stamford.
Staples High School Class of 2019 graduate and former Saugatuck Rowing Club member Justin Schmidt is part of a team that beat the defending men’s lightweight quadruple sculls 2 weeks ago in Florida. They’ll represent the US at the U23 World Rowing Championships next month in Varese, Italy.
Schmidt now rows at the University of Delaware. He and his Conshohocken Rowing Center teammates have set up a GoFundMe page, to help offset costs of the trip. Click here to help.
Justin Schmidt (3rd from left), with teammates and coaches.
Carol Fisher died in her Westport home on Sunday. She was 94, and had fought Parkinson’s disease for a decade.
The New York City native graduated from Queens College at age 19. She worked at Little Golden Books and for a movie magazine before taking a job as acquisitions editor at Pyramid Books. There she developed and edited a book by Peter Max, plus health-focused cookbooks and short biographies of movie stars. Pyramid Books became, as a result of her efforts, the US publisher of bestselling author Barbara Cartland. Carol also worked as an editor at Harcourt Brace.
Her life changed in 1978, when she married longtime Westport resident Milton Fisher, an attorney, investment banker, author, and teacher of the popular Applied Creativity adult education class.
Together they founded Wildcat Publishing Company. Carol brought her editorial skills and experience to the publication of books including the Holocaust memoir Dry Tears, by Nechama Tec, a resistance classic, and The Fall of Japan by Westporter William Craig.
Carol Fisher was a devoted participant in and organizer of stimulating programs at the Westport Senior Center, Westport-Weston Arts Council, and Westport Library. The Senior Center recognized her efforts to enliven and improves the lives of seniors with a Service to Seniors Award in 2013.
As executive director of the Renée B. Fisher Foundation, she was instrumental in creating and sustaining initiatives including Milton Fisher Scholarship for Innovation and Creativity, the annual Renée B. Fisher Piano Competition, and the Books for Teachers program that has built thousands of classroom libraries in under-resourced schools across the country. The Pequot Library in Southport, where the program began, remains its flagship program.
Carol Fisher was an enthusiastic member of several book clubs and a movie discussion club, and was also an avid bridge player. She was a member of the Westport Rotary Club, and a longtime member of Temple Israel.
She loved hosting multi-generational gatherings on Thanksgiving and Passover every year, as well as month-long family reunions during summers. The last gathering she hosted coincided with her 94th birthday this year.
She was predeceased by her husband Milton and brother Leonard Plaine. Carol Fisher is survived by her stepdaughter Shelley (James Fishkin) Fisher Fishkin, grandchildren Joseph and Robert Fishkin, and great-grandchildren Anna Ardith Fishkin Franklin and Simon Asher Fishkin Franklin, all of California.
A private virtual memorial service is planned for late summer. Friends interested in attending should email sfishkin@stanford.edu. Contributions in Carol’s memory may be sent to the Anti-Defamation League.
Carol Fisher
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Eileen Lavigne Flug spotted these “Westport … Naturally” birds early the other morning, along Soundview Drive.
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