Tag Archives: Mar Jennings

Roundup: Hook’d, Blu Olive, Melissa & Doug …

Posted on November 15, 2025 | 25 comments

The Board of Finance voted unanimously yesterday to recommend a $275,000 payment to Hook’d.

That would enable the Compo Beach and Longshore concessionaire to leave their 10-year contract early — possibly this summer.

Details have not been finalized between Parks & Recreation director Erik Barbieri and the company. Westport’s Representative Town Meeting (RTM) must give its approval too to the agreement.

“06880” will keep you posted.

The door may close soon on Hook’d’s time in Westport. (Photo copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)

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Speaking of food: When Harvest Wine Bar closed in August, the Railroad Place place promised it would reopen, with new partners joining the ownership. The menu would be Mediterranean-based, including seafood.

The new restaurant will be called Blu Olive. A Facebook post promises “beautifully plated dishes of fresh ingredients, meticulously curated wines, and sparkling ambience.”

NOTE: Blu Olive is no relation to Blu Parrot, the similarly oddly spelled, short-lived (2012-13) restaurant/bar/music venue that occupied what was once the longer-lived Arrow and Jasmine restaurants — and is now Riko’s Pizza — around the corner on Charles Street.

Coming soon: Blu Olive. The shutters may need to be replaced.

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Speaking of Saugatuck: The annual Cribari Bridge lighting ceremony takes place tomorrow (Sunday, 6:30 p.m.).

But before the official flip of the switch, strands had to be replaced — and bulbs tested.

It took just 4 hours yesterday. Huge thanks to AJ Penna & Son Construction, Westport PAL and president Craig Bergamo, and the lights’ sponsors. (Hat tip: Andrew Colabella)

Volunteers, after testing the Cribari Bridge lights. From left: David Floyd, Robert Caporale, Kevin Ancker, Craig Bergamo, Andrew Colabella, Andrea Moore.

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It’s not Cooperstown.

But being inducted into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame is a great honor. Congratulations to 2 new members: Melissa and Doug Bernstein.

The brains behind Melissa & Doug — the legendary business, founded in Westport — join honorees like Walt Disney, Sesame Street’s Joan Ganz Cooney, and leaders of companies like Mattel, Toys “R” Us, Milton Bradley and Hasbro.

Greg Ahearn, president and CEO of The Toy Association, says, “Melissa and Doug built a legacy of timeless, beautifully crafted wooden toys that have sparked imagination and discovery for decades.”

They’ll be honored February 13. The Toy Industry Hall of Fame is part of the Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York.

Melissa and Doug Bernstein.

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Mar Jennings — the lifestyle guru/realtor/figure skating champion — posted this teaser on Instagram:

“The Minuteman statue isn’t just iconic — it’s part of our hometown heartbeat. A symbol of courage, readiness, and civic pride, he’s stood watch over Westport for generations. And now, I’m bringing him back into focus… because something extraordinary is about to happen.

“In the coming days, I’ll be sharing an announcement that’s close to my heart—one that uplifts our community, honors our legacy, and inspires the next generation to rise with purpose.

“For now, let the Minuteman stand tall in our minds. Good news is coming. And it’s coming home to Westport.”

That’s certainly intriguing.

But what’s even more compelling is the video that accompanied the announcement. Thanks to AI, it shows our Minute Man in a way we’ve never seen before. Click here. to watch.

Trust us: It’s worth the 3 seconds.

Screenshot from Mar Jennings’ Minute Man video.

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Cat Malkin writes: “I know people are suffering with food insecurities. But their pets struggle too, because pets are important family members.

“When food runs out families may have to make heartbreaking choices, like surrendering their pets, who have been their comfort and emotional lifeline.

“Many pet parents will literally go hungry to keep their pets fed. Pet food is often the last thing families ask for, because they feel ashamed or guilty. A small donation of pet food can prevent a family from being torn apart.

“Homes with Hope is collecting canned dog and cat food, as well as dry food in bags weighing 25 pounds or less (larger bags are difficult for families to manage). Drop-offs can be made Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.”

Yogi Bear says “thank you!” (Photo/Cat Malkin)

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Speaking of Homes with Hope: Salon Dada celebrated its 5th anniversary by raising funds for Westport’s non-profit, dedicated to eliminating homelessness and food insecurity in Fairfield County.

For Salon Dada, this was not a one-shot deal. They offer free hair styles, color and treatments to any Homes with Hope clients.

“Amazing and generous people!” praises HwH CEO Helen McAlinden.

Salon Dada owners Benjamin Lagasse and Steven Gemignani, with Homes with Hope CEO and president Helen McAlinden.

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Westport’s first — and only — Board of Selectwomen held their final meeting of their 4-year terms Wednesday.

Second selectwoman snapped this selfie:

From left: Andrea Moore, Jen Tooker, Candice Savin — Westport’s 2nd, 1st and 3rd selectwomen, respectively.

Thank you all for your service!

The new Select Board — 1st selectman Kevin Christie, 2nd selectwoman Amy Wistreich and 3rd selectman Don O’Day — will be sworn in Monday (November 17, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall).

All other elected officials — including boards, commissions and the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) — will take the oath of office too.

The public is invited.

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For over 50 years, Positive Directions has offered professional therapy and substance abuse prevention services to everyone who needs it. They accept all insurances, and never turn away a client for inability to pay.

Every day, the staff helps people facing adversity. Their new interim executive director knows something about that.

Jessica Branson grew up in Westport, and graduated from Staples High School in 1996. Her father John is an Episcopal priest. Her mother Judyth is a therapist. She learned early the importance of listening, nurturing and empowering others.

Several years ago, Jess contracted Guillain-Barré Syndrome. The neurological nerve disease paralyzed her for over 10 months. (Click here for an in-depth “06880” story on Jess’s battle with the disease.)

After a year in a wheelchair, and much longer in physical therapy and rehab, she has regained her mobility and independence. Now she has even deeper empathy for people battling mental and physical health challenges.

And she is ready to help change their lives, in positive directions. (To learn more about the organizations, click here. Hat tip: Robin Moyer Chung)

Jessica Branson

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The Weston History & Culture Center’s Coley House is decked out for Christmas.

Christmas during World War II, that is.

Tours of the historic home — decorated as it would have been in the 1940s, when the last 3 generations of the Coley family lived there — offer an intriguing look back.

After holiday treats made from wartime ration recipes in the visitors’ center, guests follow a tour guide — dressed in period costume — to the Coley House.

They’ll view authentic decorations; listen to original radio broadcasts with Bing Crosby and Judy Garland, and learn how World War II impacted holiday celebrations here.

Tours are set for December 19 (6 and 7:30 p.m.) and December 20 (4:30, 6 and 7:30 p.m.). Tickets are $15 for members, $25 for non-members. Reservations are required. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

State-of-the-art radio, in the 1940s Coley House.

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It’s interesting that this truck takes up 4 spaces, in the Trader Joe’s parking lot:

(Photo/Matt Murray)

What’s even more interesting is that the driver could find 4 empty, contiguous spaces there at all.

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Bedford Middle School has a long driveway. Nearby are athletic fields, and Wakeman Town Farm.

But there are plenty of woods, too. Dayle Brownstein took this autumn image, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature:

(Photo/Dayle Brownstein)

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And finally …  in honor of Melissa and Doug Bernstein’s induction into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame (story above):

(From the Minute Man monument in motion to the Toy Industry Hall of Fame, “06880” is where Westport meets the world. We rely on reader support to do it. Please click here to help. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Local politics, Restaurants

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Roundup: Hook’d, Inauguration, Housing …

Posted on November 13, 2025 | 11 comments

Everyone loves Compo Beach and Longshore.

Very few people love — or even like — Hook’d (aka “Bluestone”), the concessionaire at Compo Beach and Longshore.

So tomorrow’s Board of Finance special meeting agenda (Friday, November 14, 10 a.m., Zoom) caught our eye.

The session begins with an executive session “to discuss the lease by the Town to Hooked On The Sound LLC regarding the food service operations at Compo Beach Pavilion, Longshore Pavilion and the Halfway House at Longshore Club Park.

That’s followed by a public session: “Discussion and potential vote to approve a Lease Termination Agreement between the Town and Hooked On The Sound LLC regarding the food service operations at Compo Beach Pavilion, Longshore Pavilion and the Halfway House at Longshore Club Park.”

Will Hook’d get the hook? Will they be let off the hook?

Stay tuned — via Zoom.

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A US president has 2 1/2 months after the election before taking the oath of office.

A Westport first selectman has 13 days.

The swearing in ceremony for the Board of Selectpersons — and all other elected town boards, commissions and the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) — is this Monday (November 17, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall).

The public is invited, to see democracy in action.

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HB 5002 — a controversial bill that would have eliminated much local control over affordable housing — was vetoed by Governor Lamont in June.

But yesterday, the state House of Representatives voted 90-56 in favor of a replacement bill.

According to CT Mirror, it “requires towns to create housing growth programs, changes minimum off-street parking requirements, expands fair rent commissions and incentivizes towns to take steps to allow more housing, among other measures.

House Bill 8002 is “a compromise with local leaders and Gov. Ned Lamont.” Click here for the full CT Mirror story.

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Sure, you could travel above the Arctic Circle to see the Northern Lights.

Or you could step outside your Westport home.

They’ve been visible lately, due to a powerful geomagnetic storm resulting from recent solar activity. Favorable conditions should continue through Friday.

This was the scene Tuesday night, outside RB Benson’s Compo Hill home:

(Photo/RB Benson)

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Despite more hazards than ever, drivers are thrilled that work has resumed on the Post Road project, between the Volvo dealership and Sakura.

It’s been stalled since the Nixon administration.

The new spasm of activity includes not just milling, paving and lights.

A new bus shelter is also being built, at the corner of Rayfield Road just before Cava and Westport Hardware.

Another is going up across the street, in front of Fresh Market.

That’s great news for the employees of area businesses who — since before the Nixon administration — have had to wait, unprotected, in all kinds of weather.

Looks like the shelters will be used well — and soon.

(Photo/Dan Woog)

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The curtain rises tonight (Thursday) on Staples Players’ record 10-performance run of “Les Misérables.”

As they always do, they’re tying their shows in with a good cause.

This year, it’s Homes with Hope’s food pantry. The drama troupe will be collecting non-perishable items (peanut butter and jelly, pasta and sauce, cereal, oatmeal, pancake mix, coffee, tea, condiments, spices, soup, tuna, canned veggies and fruit and chicken and beans, baking items, cooking oil, hamburger helper, toiletries and personal care items) before each show.

It’s their way of making life less miserable, for neighbors in need.

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Westporters are very familiar with National Hall.

Now, millions of Lucia Gulbransen’s social media followers know it too.

The Westport-based stylist and influencer recently teamed up with local photographer and realtor Michael Chait. He shot fall fashions, using the 19th-century former town meeting hall/bank/newspaper office/furniture store/ boutique hotel and soon-to-be AIG office building as a backdrop.]

Lucia’s “wearing vs. styling” reel reached 3.5 million views.

Lucia Gulbransen (Photo/Michael Chait)

Lucia and Michael are continuing to take photos around Westport, capturing the beauty all around us.

Lucia can be found on Instagram @luciagulbransen, and at her website. Michael is @michaelchait_realtor, and his website.

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Westporters are also very familiar with Mar Jennings.

We know him for his or his hit show “Life on Mar’s: The Home Makeover Show”; his bestselling book series, and his award-winning real estate team.

But he’s also an Ice Skating Institute World Recreational Championship gold medalist.

And he’s bringing his talents to the Westport PAL rink at Longshore.

The Parks & Recreation Department has just named Jennings head coach and program director of the Learn to Skate program.

Westport Parks & Recreation is proud to announce that Mar Jennings—America’s Top Lifestyle Expert, Emmy®-nominated television host, bestselling author, and World Championship gold medalist—has been named Head Coach and Program Director of our 2025-2026 Learn to Skate program.

Parks & Rec recreation superintendent Carm Roda says, “His appointment marks a new chapter for the program, which follows the US Figure Skating Basic Skills curriculum, and serves skaters of all ages and abilities.

“His passion for skating, his commitment to youth development, and his deep ties to Westport make him the ideal leader for this program.”

The 10-week Learn to Skate program, for ages 3 and up, offers structured instruction, merit badge evaluations, and a supportive environment for growth. All students — whether skating for fun or aspiring to compete — are welcome.

For more information, click here. 

Mar Jennings, having fun on the ice.

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The next Veterans Benefits Luncheon is today (Thursday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.), VFW Post 399).

It’s open to all veterans as part of an ongoing effort to check in on all veterans’ welfare, and connect them with the benefits and support they earned.

Representatives will answer questions, and provide information on services and assistance available to veterans.

RSVPs are encouraged (but not required). Email vfw399ct@gmail.com, and include the number of attendees, or call (203) 227-6796.

PS: If you’re not a veteran, but know one: Please pass the word!

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The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport shows off members and friends’ artistic talents this weekend.

And everyone is invited.

The “UU Art & You” exhibit and sale begins with a reception tomorrow (Friday, 6 p.m.). Weekend hours are Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 3 p.m.

Some items are for sale. Others are shared, “in the spirit of community and a love of creating beauty.”

Andrew Graham’s “Torment” is one of many works on display.

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Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between November 5 and 11.

A 27-year-old Waterbury man was charged with reckless driving and engaging police in pursuit, after an investigation into a May 31 incident.

A Westport officer spotted a vehicle traveling southbound on Wilton Road near Newtown Turnpike, whose operator was wanted for charges by Stamford Police and other agencies. The driver disregarded a signal to stop, driving recklessly while continuing south on the Merritt Parkway. In Norwalk, the vehicle was involved in an accident, and was taken into custody. Last Friday, appearing in court in Hartford on an unrelated matter, he was taken into custody relative to the outstanding warrant for his arrest here. He was released on $50,000 bond.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast (8 citations)
  • Speeding in a school zone: 3
  • Driving while texting: 2
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
  • Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 2
  • Disorderly conduct: 1
  • Speeding: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
  • Operating a unregistered motor vehicle: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
  • Failure to renew registration: 1
  • Failure to insure a motor vehicle: 1
  • Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
  • Failure to drive right: 1.

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There’s nothing like eye contact for an intimate conversation.

These 2 friends — or more?! — were deeply engrossed the other day, in the Saugatuck River.

Dayle Brownstein did not want to interrupt, but took this stealthy photo for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Dayle Brownstein)

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And finally … to celebrate tonight’s opening of Staples Players’ “Les Mis” (item above):

(There is so much going on in Westport these days — well, there always is. In addition to reading all about it on “06880,” please take 12 seconds to click here and support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Beach, Police, Politics

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After LA Wildfires, Rebuilding A Life In Westport

Posted on June 2, 2025 | 9 comments

Marina Drasnin was a Holiday on Ice figure skater.

She married, got divorced and remarried. Eight years ago, her second husband passed away.

Marina Drasnin

All along, she enjoyed a career as a photographer and artist. She worked for Larry David, arranging flowers and creating other art projects for his events. She developed books of photos, for private clients.

Marina had a beautiful home, with a garden she loved, in Pacific Palisades, California.

Life was great — until this past January, when wildfires raged. Then came torrential rains, and mudslides.

Marina’s home suffered extensive smoke damage. Most of her neighbors’ were destroyed.

After living with her friend Randy Gardner — the figure skating star — in Manhattan Beach for 2 weeks, and 2 more weeks with other friends in Ventura, she decided to take up friends’ suggestions to move east.

A Southern California native, she’d gotten to know — and love — this part of the country as a Tufts University student.

Her son went to Sarah Lawrence College, and now lives in Brooklyn. Marina’s best friend lived in Westport, and is now in Weston.

Moving was a daunting decision. She navigated a tight real estate market, from 3,000 miles away.

Suddenly, something came on the market: a 900-square foot cottage on Richmondville Avenue.

The wooden floors were new. It was clean and fresh. In back was a beautiful garden.

Marina’s Richmondville garden.

She put in an application, sight unseen. Then she googled the name of the realtor: Mar Jennings.

Amazingly, Marina learned, he’d been a figure skater.

They chatted, and found several friends in common. Mar has been “an angel,” Marina says.

And that was just the start of her love affair with her new home town.

Marina (and her 2 cats) arrived on May 1. Since then, life has been wonderful.

Marina has enjoyed photographing scenes like this. 

Outgoing by nature, Marina met many new people. They’ve quickly become friends.

The staff at the Parks & Recreation office were extremely helpful. A girl working at the Longshore tennis courts introduced her to a woman, who invited her into a doubles game. The other women were equally warm.

The woman’s Greens Farms home was surrounded by lilacs and dogwoods. “I’m in heaven here, with them all around,” Marina says.

Marina is enchanted by scenes like this.

The garden in her new home — and shops like Terrain — enthrall Marina. She looks forward to checking out Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Shop, which she’s heard so much about.

“I almost got in a car accident today, looking at all the peonies and rhododendrons.” (She’s already driving like a Westporter, it seems.)

She went to the Memorial Day parade. She’s been invited to a clambake.

Memorial Day photo collage, by Marina Drasnin.

And Jenny Bentley — half of the 2Jens organizing business — is helping Marina unpack and get settled. (They met through a mutual friend, who works for Westporter Shonda Rhimes.)

Through Jenny, she’ll be going to Andrew Bentley’s “Talk of the Town” musical at the Westport Country Playhouse. Marina sure gets around.

“I love all these old houses and country roads,” she says.

“People in L.A. seee my Instagram and say, ‘You’re in love with Westport.’ I am. I feel safe here. I can go places by myself. I’m so happy.

“I’m happy with my neighbors. I’m happy to see people walk by. I just saw an old-fashioned ice cream truck!'”

After we chatted, Marina was off to the Westport Book Shop. She loves it too — and hopes one day to have a show there.

Compo Beach lifeguard chair (Marina Drasnin)

Soon, Mar Jennings — the realtor who helped her find the cottage she loves — will be taking her to dinner.

They’ll have a lot to talk about, from their ice skating past to the home town they now share.

Mar Jennings and Marina Drasnin.

(Welcome to Westport, Marina! Whether you’re a newcomer or a native, we hope you enjoy “06880.” A reminder: We rely on readers’ support. If you like this hyper-local blog, please click here. Thanks!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

9 Comments

Posted in Beach, Local business, Real estate, Westport life

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Roundup: Aquarion Water Tanks, Levitt Pavilion, Just Salad …

Posted on June 1, 2024 | 9 comments

Connecticut’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority continues to hear testimony about Aquarion’s construction of 2 large water tanks on North Avenue, opposite Staples High School. They replaced 1 smaller one on the same site.

Marc Lemcke has fought the water company since the tanks were first proposed in 2017. On Thursday, he testified before PURA, on behalf of Smart Water Westport and a group of neighbors.

Lemcke described his group’s investigation into Aquarion’s actions. His 4 main points:

  • The Westport tanks were not needed, and Aquarion knew it.
  • The tanks are part of a $200 million project that was not needed. and Aquarion knew it.
  • The tanks are larger than authorized.
  • Aquarion tried to conceal certain facts.

Specifically, Lemcke said, Aquarion blocked the disclosure of public records; hid payments to their Westport town lawyer’s firm, which had a conflict of interest; concealed information about contamination; knew that tank screening was not possible; engaged in illegal marketing; failed to provide “critically important” reports; violated terms of length of construction, and built the tanks without a wetland permit.

The water utility’s “questionable conduct … has critical implications for future water management, and makes the case for even greater oversight going forward,” Lemcke told PURA.

A hearing on Tuesday (June 4, 10 a.m., Zoom) will be held, covering Aquarion’s permit conditions.

Click here for the full 53-page report of Lemcke’s testimony; then click “Attached correspondence” at the bottom.

Aquarion water tanks under construction, June 2022.

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The Levitt Pavilion’s 50th season features over 50 free shows. And they started yesterday.

Tonight (Saturday) at 7:30, Boston-based Couch entertains with pop, funk, rock, R&B and soul. Click here for more information, and to reserve free tickets.

Tomorrow (Sunday, 7 p.m.), the Arun Ramamurthy Trio fuses South Indian classical Carnatic music and contemporary jazz. Click here for more information, and to reserve free tickets.

For all free shows, all available and returned tickets are distributed at the box office, first-come, first-served, beginning 2 hours before show time.

And for all free shows, audience members are free to bring in outside food and drink.

For a highlight reel of last weekend’s ticketed opening — with Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Andy Frasco & The United Nations, and Dogs in a Pile, click below.

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The start of June means summer — and summer reading.

The Westport Library has every reader, of every age, covered.

Whether it’s a book for vacation, at the beach or on your couch — or for your kids or grandchildren — read on.

The 8th annual Adult Summer Reading Challenge begins today. It runs through August 31.

The rules are the same as past challenges, this year with a fresh round of 25 categories (click here to see). You can do all or only one, or anything in between. Just have fun!

There are just 2 rules:

  1. Categories may only be fulfilled once.
  2. Each book can only be used for one category.

Once you read a book that fulfills a category, submit it via the form on the Library. Then track your progress on our leaderboard.

The leaderboard is also where you can see what everyone else is reading, and give your own recommendations. You can also join the Westport Reading Challenge Facebook Group, and talk smack — er, books — all summer long.

As for kids: Starting today, children can sign up for the Library’s Summer Reading Program. It wraps up September 2.

Youngsters can read anything. Any time. And anywhere, all summer long.

Register online and keep track of minutes read. For every 100 minutes, you can decorate a summer sun that will be displayed in the Library.

Earn a treat from Shake Shack at 500 minutes. When you reach 1,000 minutes, can choose a book to keep from the Library’s selection of titles.

For more summer fun and prizes, stop in the Children’s Library to play bingo and earn more free books.

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Speaking of the Library: Martha Hodes, professor of history at New York University, speaks about her latest book, “My Hijacking: A Personal History of Forgetting and Remembering,” on June 5.

It’s a memoir about the fallibilities of memory. In 1972 she and her 13-year-old sister were flying unaccompanied back to New York from Israel. Their plane was hijacked by the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, and forced to land in the Jordan desert.

Too young to understand the gravity of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Martha coped by suppressing her fear. Nearly a half-century later, her memories of those 6 days and nights as a hostage were hazy and scattered. Was it the passage of so much time, or that her family couldn’t endure the full story, or had trauma made her repress the experience? A professional historian, Martha wanted to find out.

Drawing on archival research, childhood memories, and conversations with relatives, friends, and fellow hostages, she re-creates what happened to her. As the hostages forged friendships and provoked conflicts, the sisters learned about the lives and causes of their captors, pondering a deadly divide that continues today.

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Westport Police officers carried the Flame of Hope along the Post Road through town yesterday. The event — from the Norwalk line, to the Southport border — showed support for Special Olympics of Connecticut.

Amy Schneider was one of many drivers and passersby who slowed down and snapped photos, as the torch and flags went past.

(Photo/Amy Schneider)

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Qdoba didn’t make it.

Neither, apparently, will Salsa Fresca.

The Connecticut Scoop reports that Just Salad will replace the Mexican grill “before the end of the year.”

There is already a Just Salad location in Greenwich. Another will open in Norwalk too.

Click here to learn more about Just Salad. Spoiler alert: The menu is more than just salad. (Hat tip: Neil Markman)

A guy with Just Salad.

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Mar Jennings’ marvelous Rosebrook Gardens is one of 7 selected for the Garden Conservancy’s Fairfield County Open day (June 8, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

It features a garden studio, wisteria-covered wisteria, classic English Folly, and 2 parterre gardens surrounded by flowers anchored by boxwoods.

In the 1920s, the property served as the entire neighborhood’s vegetable garden.

Jennings purchased a then-new home in 1996. He transformed a once-vacant lot into his brand and business.

Tickets are $5 for Garden Conservancy members, $10 for non-members. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

Mar Jennings’ Rosebrook Gardens.

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Westport Pride’s Jesup Green celebration is tomorrow (Sunday, noon to 3 p.m.).

LGBTQ Pride Month continues June 16, when Saugatuck Congregational Church sponsors a Family Pride picnic and party (11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.).

The event is open to all. It includes a bounce house, lawn games, face painting, hot dogs/veggie dogs, cake and more

For more information, call 203-227-1261 or email Rev. Kari Nicewander: kari@saugatuckchurch.org.

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Gail Cohen died yesterday, surrounded by her family.

Her family says, “she was passionate about her family, the theater and canasta. She battled her terrible disease valiantly and courageously for 9 months.

“Throughout her life she inspired those around her with her passion, empathy, zest for life, and devotion to the happiness of others. Gail always led with love. She was a force and advocate for those who couldn’t advocate for themselves.”

She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Eric; children Hayley, Zach and Sydney, grandson Cooper, mother Mimi and siblings Richard, Beth Steinberg Michael and Robin.

A memorial service will be held tomorrow (Sunday, June 2, 1 p.m., The Community Synagogue of Westport). Shiva will be at 32 Burnham Hill tomorrow from immediately after the burial until 8 p.m., and Monday, June (1 to 4 p.m., and 6 to 9 p.m.).

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Cohen Family Scholarship Fund at Cardozo Law School/Yeshiva University, or a charity of your choice.

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It’s been a while since we’ve featured a mighty oak in our “Westport … Naturally” series.

This mighty fine one towers over Nancy Axthelm’s back yard.

(Photo/Nancy Axthelm)

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And finally … in light of the many headlines over the past 2 days:

(Sure, it’s the weekend. But “06880” never rests. Our Roundup continues, 24/7/365. If you enjoy our ceaseless work, please click here support us. Thank you!)

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Posted in Library, Obituaries, Police, Restaurants

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Bedford Square: Sneak Preview

Posted on March 30, 2017 | 10 comments

Guests of Anthropologie and Amis restaurant enjoyed a sneak preview tonight of the new Bedford Square.

I’m not in the market for a wedding gown — or most of the rest of what Anthropologie sells. But plenty of folks will be. Judging by the creative and stylish way they’ve repurposed the old YMCA, the 40,000-square foot store will do exactly what an anchor tenant should: draw plenty of shoppers to the entire complex.

And based on what I’ve seen and tasted of Amis, it too will be an instant hit. It takes full advantage of its Church Lane/Post Road/interior alley location — it is a true “trattoria.”

We’ve endured noise, dirt, dust and disruption for 2 years. Now the fun begins!

The 2nd floor of Anthropologie. If the view across the Post Road looks familiar, it should: For 30 years, this was the cardio fitness center for the YMCA.

Amis Trattoria. The windows actually open. As soon as the weather warms up, the downtown street scene will be rejuvenated.

Bedford Square developer David Waldman (center) and lifestyle guru Mar Jennings are interviewed for a TV special. They’re standing in one of the alleyways. Restoration Hardware is visible in the background.

A fountain is the centerpiece of Bedford Square’s courtyard. Shops and restaurants will occupy the first 2 floors; rental apartments are on the 3rd.

Amis Trattoria occupies what was once the firehouse, and later became part of the YMCA (left). Bedford Square also includes the former site of the Y’s Weeks Pavilion (right), off Church Lane. Seabury Center is in the background.

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Posted in Downtown, Local business, People, Restaurants, YMCA

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The O’Kane Family’s “Life On Mar’s”

Posted on March 23, 2017 | 5 comments

For the first 10 years after moving to Kings Highway North, Yvonne and Neil O’Kane did not do much in the way of renovations.

They were busy with their careers. They were raising 3 kids. Besides, they liked the 1908 house in one of Westport’s most historic neighborhoods.

The small rooms were cozy. The Mexican tile in the kitchen reminded them of their years in Arizona. The house was home.

But 4 years ago they put in a pool. They terraced their yard. That added a grade, which didn’t look right. They started thinking about other changes.

The year before, Yvonne had met Mar Jennings. Now, as she visited his home during the Westport Historical Society’s Holiday House Tour, she asked the designer/stager/lifestyle expert/author/TV host for the name of a project manager to help plan a few renovations to her exterior, kitchen and bathroom. Mar said he’d take a look himself.

He stayed for 6 hours.

Mar Jennings at the O’Kanes’ house.

Yvonne — who is trained as an architect — felt something click. When Mar suggested doing the renovation as a makeover TV show, she got even more excited.

Neil agreed. But, he said, we won’t use our names. And though the house could appear on air, the family wouldn’t.

The next 18 months were, Yvonne says, “a magical fit of parts and pieces.”

The O’Kanes lived in their house throughout the renovation project.

The outside, kitchen and one bathroom were done. Then came beams, new doors and windows, insulation, new clapboard and a cedar roof.

The family room needed work, so that was next.

They added a deck off the master bedroom, then redid the bedroom itself.

After that were the kids’ bathrooms, and their son Teddy’s bedroom.

Dormers and library work opened up more space.

Dormer work added space in the bedrooms.

They turned an unused downstairs room into Yvonne’s studio. They added a laundry room.

When they were done, the only part of the house that remained untouched was the dining room.

It was as long and involved a project as it sounds. The O’Kanes were without a kitchen for 6 months, and a bedroom for 9. For a while they all lived together downstairs.

They loved it.

Neil, Caroline, Alexandra, Teddy and Yvonne O’Kane. (Photo/Carolinei O’Kane/Mercilie Chiarelli)

“It was a great experience,” Yvonne says, sitting in the sun-splashed living room, surrounded by furniture she and Mar found everywhere from Lillian August to Goodwill. (They shopped locally for nearly every item, and repurposed much of what was already in the house.)

The family grew closer during the adventure. As part of the TV show they went on a trapeze and to Six Flags. (It did not take long for Neil’s desire for anonymity to go out the newly designed window.)

“Mar was amazing overseeing the project,” Yvonne says. “He kept it running brilliantly.”

She was no slouch herself. And during it she even got her real estate license.

The exterior, at the end of a long driveway on Kings Highway North.

You might expect that in a project like this, everything that could go wrong, would.

Nope. There were very few surprises. And expect for a bit of structural work, all the surprises they encountered were good ones.

For example, workers discovered a hidden staircase. Mar and Yvonne promptly included it in their plans.

“We were a great fit,” she says. They named themselves “MY Team.” For Mar and Yvonne — get it?!

“I love every inch of this home,” Yvonne says. “The space works really, really well. We live in every room. The insulation is great. The kitchen is fantastic. Everyone has space, but we’re still together.”

Yvonne O’Kane loves her new kitchen. The family congregates there, she says.

Teddy — a Staples freshman — is still at home. Caroline — who lived through the renovation — is now a Fordham University freshman. Alexandra is a senior at Georgetown.

The TV show — said to be the first complete home makeover series filmed in Connecticut — took place while the house was still being renovated. Crews filmed Mar and Yvonne collaborating, shopping, and laughing together.

The first episode aired on ABC’s WTNH in New Haven. Twelve more followed, through last June. Despite competition from football and baseball games, the show earned excellent ratings.

Now it’s ready for prime time — that is, Amazon Prime.

You won’t forget the name. It’s called “Life on Mar’s.”

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