Tag Archives: Merritt Parkway

Roundup: HarvestFest, Merritt Parkway, StartUp Westport …

Posted on September 14, 2025 | Comments Off

Westport is awash in creative, fun fundraisers, for a wide array of wonderful, important local institutions.

But at the top of any list — for good times and great groups — is Wakeman Town Farm’s HarvestFest.

Last night’s annual shindig featured fantastic (and healthy) food, from local restaurants and caterers (and the farm itself), plus of course drinks. There was a country-style band (and dancing), along with auction items and a paddle raise.

But the coolest part of HarvestFest is that it brings so many different parts of the town together.

Including politicians.

Ywrt they’re not politicking. They serve drinks and bites.

And they do it not as political adversaries, but as neighbors and friends.

WTF?!

Taking time out from serving (standing, from left): Kevin Christie, Jimmy Izzo, David Rosenwaks, Bre Injeski, Don O’Day, Andrea Moore. Front: Sal Liccione. Christie, Rosenwaks and O’Day are running for 1st selctman. 2nd selctwoman Moore is up for re-election. Injeski is a Planning & Zoning Commission candidate. Izzo and Liccione seek another term on the RTM.

Democrat Abby Tolan and Republican Dorie Hordon share a moment. Both are Board of Education incumbents, running again.

Liz Milwe (3rd from left), and the Wormser family and friends. Liz is a longtime Wakeman Town Farm advocate and volunteer, including service as co-chair. (All photos/Dan Woog)

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Merritt Parkway Exits 41 and 42 are now just memories. (At least, in Westport.)

But they can live on in more than our minds, thanks to Jillian Elder.

She’s designed tees, hoodies, mugs, totes and more — all part of a “Vintage Merritt Parkway Collection — Exits 41& 42.”

The look pays homage to the road’s classic 1930s charm.

She says, “They’re perfect for longtime locals, proud Westporters, and anyone who loves the unique character of Connecticut’s most iconic road. The perfect gift for Westport natives, commuters, and vintage design lovers.

Click here to shop the “Vintage Merritt Parkway” online store.

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Calling all dirty cars!

And clean ones, whose drivers want to support the Staples boys soccer program too.

They’ll be washing cars today (Sunday), from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1720 Post Road East (just before Stop & Shop, on the right). The suggested donation is $20.

Even the Westport Police entrust their cars to the Staples boys soccer team.

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HarvestFest ws not the only big event last night (story above).

Comedian Vic DiBitetto headlined, at the Westport Country Playhouse. There was a meet-and-greet with his many fans afterward.

(Photo/Susan Garment)

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Two types of innovators — a UFC and WWE mogul, and a bakery offering opportunities to people with disabilities — will share the stage, at StartUp Westport’s Innovator of the Year Awards.

The October 8 event (6 p.m., Westport Library) honors Mark Shapiro and Sweet P Bakery.

As president and COO of TKO Group Holdngs, and president and managing partner of WME Group, Shapiro has helped shape some of the most infuential names in sports and entertainment.

He’ll talk about bold calls that changed the trajectory of companies, industries — even culture itself — at the StarUp Westport event.

The highlight will be a conversation with CNBC’s Sara Eisen, called “Pivotal Moments: The Risks That Paid Off (and the Ones That Didn’t).”

Sweet P Bakery will share the spotlight, as recipient of StartUp Westport’s Community Impact Innovator Award.

Founders Andrea and Bill Pecoriello will be honored for “their dedication to social good, and sustainable business practices in the local community.” Sweet P’s mission includes job creation, teaching transferable skills, and building independence, confidence and a sense of belonging.

The Innovator of the Year event is free, but reservations are required. Click here for complimentary tickets, and more information.

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Looking ahead to the day before Halloween?

CLASP Homes — the non-profit that provides care, support and services to adults with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities — hosts a “wickedly fun concert” fundraiser on October 30 (6:30 p.m., FTC Stage One, Fairfield).

Band Central — CLASP’s favorite group — plays the best of the ’80s and ’90s. There’s a pre-party too, with light bites.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

Band Central

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The Greens Farms Garden Club recently celebrated their 95th anniversary, at the beautiful Prospect Gardens.

An even bigger bash is promised, in 2030.

A beautiful arrangement, by and for the Greens Farms Garden Club.

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Staples High School’s Class of 1975 is getting ready for their 50th reunion. (Those who can believe they graduated half a century ago, that is.)

They’ll start Thursday, October 9; continue Friday evening at the Black Duck; enjoy a tour of the “new” Staples or a golf outing Saturday morning; celebrate at a dinner/dance that night at the Westport Woman’s Club, and end with brunch at a private home on Sunday, October 12.

They’ll also raise funds for Staples Tuition Grants — a very “classy” move.

Click here for the website, with details, registration and more.

The Staples Class of ’75 reunion committee — lookin’ good!

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Today’s stunning “Westport … Naturally” photo shows a bit of nature we don’t always get to see close-up. It may give you a new perspective on flowers … and bees.

(Photo/Nancy Vener)

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And finally … you may have guessed this was coming:

(Another Sunday, another work day here at “06880” central. We never stop bringing you news, photos and more. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thanks!)

Comments Off on Roundup: HarvestFest, Merritt Parkway, StartUp Westport …

Posted in Environment, Sports, Staples HS, technology, Transportation, Westport Country Playhouse

Tagged CLASP Homes, Greens Farms Garden Club, Mark Shapiro, Merritt Parkway, Staples High School boys soccer, Startup Westport, Sweet P Bakery, Wakeman Town Farm

[OPINION] “Old” Parkway Signs Merit New Consideration

Posted on August 15, 2025 | 14 comments

Weston resident Bill Dedman is a Pulitzer- and Peabody Award-winning investigative journalist, and author of the bestselling biography ‘Empty Mansions.” He writes:

Have you or your visitors been confused by the new exit numbers on the Merritt Parkway? Have you noticed the haphazard way that the small “OLD EXIT” number signs vary in placement, from one exit to the next?

As you drive north from the New York line, the first sign for Greenwich at the new Exit 3 (3 miles from the state line), has no smaller sign saying “OLD EXIT 28.”

Exit 4 does have the “OLD EXIT” number on its first sign.

Exit 5 does not.

And so it goes, with “OLD EXIT” markers for a little more than half the first signs for exits between the New York line and Westport.

Exit 42 — er, 21 — does have an “Old Exit” sign 1/2 mile away.

Confusing drivers further, many of the exits have no “OLD EXIT” number at the most important new exit sign: the one where you have to make a go-or-no-go decision to move into the turn lane to make the exit. (Perhaps astonishing other drivers by first putting on your turn signal.)

Yet nearly all the exits do have an “OLD EXIT” number placed right after it’s too late the make the turn — after the exit lane has already split completely from the parkway.

But that sign is often not visible. It’s blocked by the back of the “WRONG WAY” sign placed right next to it, to warn wrong-way drivers.

This sign comes after drivers have already had to make a decision. (Photos/Adrian Mueller)

Most GPS systems have caught up to the new exit numbers. Other systems have not.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation publicized an email address for questions and comments about the new signs: DOT.TrafficEngineering@ct.gov.

So I asked, why not put the small “OLD EXIT” numbers on every new sign? And why do some exits have the “OLD EXIT” on the first sign, when others do not?

I received a kind reply from Tyler Clark, a transportation engineer. He copied senior engineer James Massini and supervising engineer Barry Schilling.

Clark said drivers want fewer signs.

“For the ‘OLD EXIT’ signs, it has been our practice to put one sign at an advance guide sign (1/2 mile or 1 mile type sign) and one sign at the gore (sign at the location where the ramp has split from the mainline),” Clark wrote.

“From our experience, less tends to be more. We have received more complaints about having too many signs, than not enough.”

The “gore” he refers to is an old word for the point at the crotch between the two legs of road and exit ramp. In other words: too late.

The DOT did not say why the signs vary from exit to exit as to whether the first sign has an “OLD EXIT” number.

Nor why the most important sign — the one at the point where drivers have to make a decision — usually does not have that “OLD EXIT” number.

Nor why the only sign that always has the “OLD EXIT” number is the one when it’s already too late to make the turn.

(Our “06880” Opinion pages are open to all. Email submissions to 06880blog@gmail.com. To make a tax-deductible contribution, clikc here. Thank you!)

14 Comments

Posted in Transportation

Tagged Connecticut Department of Transportation, Merritt Parkway

Roundup: Merritt Parkway Exits, Main Street Stores, LobsterFest Volunteers …

Posted on July 31, 2025 | 14 comments

As “06880” reported more than 2 weeks ago, the state Department of Transportation is changing the near-century-old Merritt Parkway exit numbers.

The new ones — “20” for our familiar Exit 41, and “21” for 42 — conform to federal standards, which mandate that exits show the approximate mileage from a starting point. With the Merritt, that’s the New York border.

Old habits die hard. This may take some getting used to.

Fortunately, for at least 2 years small signs underneath the larger ones will say “old Exit 41” or “42.”

Fingers crossed that GPS picks up on the change pretty quickly.

(Photos/Adrian Mueller)

In a couple of years, an even bigger change is coming.

Say goodbye to Westport’s I-95 exits 17 and 18. (Hat tip: Bill Dedman)

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All is ready for Alo’s opening.

The “activewear brand,” offering “studio-to-street clothing, yoga gear and luxury skincare,” replaces Oka — previously Banana Republic, and before that, Klein’s Department Store — tomorrow (August 1).

Can’t wait? There’s an Early Access Shopping event today (Thursday, July 31, 4-7 p.m.), at their “newest sanctuary.”

There’s a DJ, yoga performances, beverages, and a $500 Alo gift card giveaway.

The first 100 shoppers get an “exclusive gift” with their purchase.

RSVPs are required. Click here to register.

But that’s not the only new activewear store opening downtown tomorrow.

Or the only one with a special opening event.

Beyond Yoga opens their second Connecticut store (after Greenwich) near Lux Bond & Green, in the “Elm & Main” shopping plaza (formerly called Brooks Corner).

They’ll host their own preview party tonight (Thursday, July 31, 5 to 7 p.m.), with their own DJ, light bites, sips, 20% off purchases, and a gift with any purchase of $300 or more. Click here to RSVP.

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LobsterFest is one of our town’s greatest parties.

The Westport Rotary Club event features lobsters (duh), steak, drinks, live music, kids’ activities and much more, all on a beautiful late summer day at Compo Beach. (This year it’s September 20.)

Over 1,500 guests help raise over $400,000, for nearly 50 community organizations.

But all that fun takes work.

At least 250 volunteers are needed — and as hard as Rotarians work, there are not that many club members.

Volunteers can purchase a lobster or steak ticket, or get a free hamburger or hot dog. All volunteers enjoy free drinks too.

All ages (youngsters and up) are needed for set-up on Friday, September 19 (3 to 6:30 p.m.) and Saturday, September 20 (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.); shifts during the September 20 LobsterFest (from 2 to 7:30 p.m.), and clean-up on Sunday, September 21 (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.).

Click here for details, and to volunteer. Questions? Email
lobsterfestvolunteers@gmail.com.

Those lobsters don’t recycle themselves! (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Town officials celebrated Eileen Zhang last night.

Westport’s director of information technology retires today, after 31 years of service.

Zhang built the town’s IT systems from the ground up, and helped transform how our local government serves residents.

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker says, “her dedication, leadership and impact will be felt for years to come.”

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker (left) and Eileen Zhang.

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Also last night: A very “clubby” party.

The Clubhouse — Westport’s very popular sports simulator/big TV screen/ karaoke/rooftop event space hosted Club 203’s volunteers.

The town’s social club for adults with disabilities, and their partner Westport’s Department of Human Services, said “thank you” to the men and women who make each monthly gathering special.

“They are the glue to all of our celebrations. We would be nothing if not for them,” says Club203 co-founder Stacie Curran. She also thanked owners Tim and Emily Zobl of The Clubhouse, for their help.

Volunteers were the first to see the 2025-26 calendar. The year kicks off with a bash at Lachat Town Farm in Weston, and continues with Halloween, Thanksgiving and holiday gatherings. January brings a night at Westport Country Playhouse.

Click here for details, and more information about Club203.

Club203 celebrates in the dart room.

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Temperatures reached the mid-90s again yesterday.

And — because heat rises — it must have been even hotter on this Morningside Drive South roof.

(Photo/Bob Weingarten)

But work had to be done. And this man was doing it.

Let’s hope he took frequent water breaks.

Today’s forecast is for a high of 81, with thunderstorms possible this afternoon.

Tomorrow’s high is expected to be only 75.

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Susie Kowalsky spotted this yesterday:

(Photo/Susie Kowalsky)

It’s on the bank of the Saugatuck River, behind the Levitt Pavilion.

She worries it may become a hazard.

“06880” often reminds drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians: “Be careful out there.”

Now we’ll add rowers and boaters to the list.

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Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest bewteen July 230 and 29.

A 40-year-old Norwalk man was charged with failure to appear. The warrant stemmed for a previous motor vehicle arrest. He posted a $10,000 bond.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

Traveling unreasonably fast: 4 citations
Failure to obey stop sign: 2
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 2
Failure to renew registration: 2
Criminal trespass: 1
Distracted driving: 1
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
Failure to insure a motor vehicle: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
Improper use of markers: 1

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Noted lawyer and 1959 Staples High School graduate Michael Cardozo died July 23 in White Plains, after a short illness. He was 84.

His career included over 45 years at Proskauer Rose, and 12 as New York City’s corporation counsel (appointed by Mayor Bloomberg). He also served as president of the New York City Bar Association, the New York State Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government, and on many non-profit boards.

He earned a BA political science in 1963 from Brown University, and a JD 3 years later from Columbia Law School.

Michael is survived by his wife Nancy Cardozo; daughters Hedy Cardozo (Michael Rosenblut) and Sheryl Cardozo (Adi Diner), and grandchildren Lucy, Josh and Ellie.

Michael Cardozo

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo asks the age-old question: “what’s for dinner?”

Sherwood Island State Park (Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … happy 82nd birthday, Lobo!

(Sure, the Merritt Parkway may switch numbers. But “06880” will never change. We’ll keep delivering news, features, history, photos an much more. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

14 Comments

Posted in Environment, Local business, Obituaries, Transportation, Weather

Tagged Alo, Club203, Eileen Zhang, Lobsterfest, Merritt Parkway, Saugatuck River, The Clubhouse, Westport Rotary Club

Roundup: Sundance, Merritt, Mussels …

Posted on July 12, 2025 | 4 comments

Westport’s Sundance store will close soon.

A representative of the Main Street outlet inferred to “06880” that the entire chain is in liquidation. She passed our contact info on to the national office, which never called back.

(Photo/Sal Liccione)

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Lisa Seidenberg read yesterday’s Roundup item about renumbering the Merritt Parkway exits with interest. She writes: “This is historic for those of us who are Merritt fans.

“In 2008 I made a documentary, ‘The Road Taken …The Merritt Parkway.’ So now that film truly becomes a time capsule.

“Actually it already was, as many of those I interviewed in the film are no longer with us. The list includes Henry ‘Buzz’ Merritt (a grand-nephew of Schuyler Merritt, the Stamford congressman the parkway is named after), and humorist Alan Abel, a longtime Westport resident.”

Interested? Click here or below, to watch this 33-minute fascinating video.

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Alert — and environmentally conscious — “06880” reader Rick Benson writes: “Someone is dumping mussel and oyster shells, with lemons and forks, into Sherwood Mill Pond by the kayak launch, and at Old Mill Beach by the boat ramp.”

(Photo/Rick Benson)

Definitely not cool.

Rick suggests “neighbors should report suspicious activity to the police.”

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VFW Post 399 reaches out to veterans in many ways.

Next up: a Veterans Benefits Luncheon on July 17 (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.).

It’s free, and 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!

All veterans are invited to the VFW’s free June 12 luncheon.

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The Levitt Pavilion drew another large crowd last night, for Umphrey’s McGee.

(Photo/Copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)

Tonight’s free show features Indie folk-rocker Sway Wild (Satruday, 7:30 p.m.),

Michael Franti & Spearhead, with Cimafunk take the open-air stage tomorrow(Sunday, 5 p.m.), for a paid-ticket concert.

Click here to purchase tickets, and for more information.

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Meanwhile, both Jimmy Izzo and Jamie Walsh spotted this new way of ensuring your mailbox does not get knocked over, on Gorham Avenue:

(Photo/Jimmy Izzo)

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Here’s a first for our “Westport … Naturally” feature: a wasp nest.

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

Johanna Keyser Rossi spotted it at the Senior Center.

For a cool look at what can be done — artistically — with these amazing works of nature (once the creators move on), click here.

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And finally … Dave “Baby” Cortez — whose 1959 song “The Happy Organ” was the first instrumental song to top the Billboard Hot 100 — died 3 years ago.

But his death — and his burial in a Bronx potter’s field — only recently came to light, thanks to the work of a 15-year-old doo wop fan in Australia. Click here to read the full story, and obituary.

(The weekend is here! But “06880” never takes a break. We’re here for you: 7/24/365. If you appreciate our multi-daily work, please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!

4 Comments

Posted in Beach, Environment, Local business, Transportation

Tagged Merritt Parkway, Sherwood Mill Pond, Sundance, VFW Post 399

Roundup: Don Memo Closing, Merritt Parkway Exits, Parks & Rec Programs …

Posted on July 11, 2025 | 9 comments

One of Westport’s favorite restaurants will soon become a different favorite spot.

On August 16, Don Memo will serve its last meal. In early September, it reopens as Massi Co.

Named after owner Massimo Tullio, and backed by the Don Memo oand Whelk team, the new restaurant in the iconic stone building (Westport’s original Town Hall) will feature a “deeply personal Italian-American” concept

It will include Neapolitan brick oven pizzas, house-made pastas and craft cocktails. Chef Zach Hinman is in charge of the kitchen. (Hat tip: Dave Briggs)

Massimo Tullio (Photo courtesy of The Connecticut Edit)

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For as long as the Merritt Parkway has existed — nearly 90 years — Westport has had 2 exits: 41 and 42.

Soon, they’ll be gone.

In their place will be Exits 20 and 21.

The new numbers conform to federal standards, which mandate that exits show the approximate mileage from a starting point. With the Merritt, that’s the New York border.

New signs will be installed on the parkway beginning July 28. There will also be signs noting the “old exit” numbers. They’ll be in place for at least 2 years.

Other state highways have already been renumbered. The “Connecticut Turnpike” (I-95) will follow, either next year or in 2027.

So say goodbye to the Exit 42 cluster****. Soon, it will be the mess at Exit 21.

(For more information, click on this state Department of Transportation page.)

The sign may change. The traffic won’t.

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Summer is in full swing.

And Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department wants to make sure no one misses out on any action. For example:

Beach volleyball: Middle and high schoolers, all levels. Led by Brendan Giolitto, Staples High School coach.

Youth tennis (including peewees): All levels; fundamentals, technique and match play.

Swim lessons: Beginners and advanced; Stroke development, water safety and confidence.

Football skills and drills: Non-contact; focusing on speed, agility and position-specific drills. Led by LST Pro staff.

Baseball: Hitting, fielding, base running and teamwork; led by LST, in partnership with Westport Little League.

Tot N’ Play Camp: A week of sports, crafts, beach time and class camp, for pre-schoolers. Flexible scheduling, with a focus on friendship, teamwork and adventure.

Skyhaws Volleyball: Fundamentals like passing, setting, hitting and serving, in a fun, beginner-friendly environment.

Next Generation Skateboarding: From beginners to advanced: skate and shred safely and confidently.

The Grit Ninja: Obstacle courses challenge youngsters physically and mentally; build strength, agility and grit in an exciting, supportive setting.

Squirt & Parent ‘n’ Me programs: Introduce little ones to soccer, t-ball, lacrosse, track and field and more, with a helping hand. Build confidence and coordination in a playful, comforting environment.

Outdoor Fitness with Andrew Berman: An invigorating bodyweight workout class at Compo Beach. Focus on strength, balance and mobility, in a beautiful setting.

Click here for more information; then click the “Programs & Activities” tab on left. Questions? Call 203-341-5087.

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Jay Schadler is a noted journalist, photographer and artist.

For more than 3 decades he traveled the world as a correspondent and anchor for ABC News, “20/20,” “Nightline,” “Good Morning America,” National Geographic TV and others. His work has been featured too on Bravo and Discovery.

His new gig: podcaster, with Verso Studios at the Westport Library. Through intimate interviews, he tells stories of Westporters’ life transitions.

Many names are familiar. The 5 episodes in Season 1 include living a life with no memory, with Doug and Patti Brill; the grief of loss and the gift of love with Jenny and Anthony Capalbo; a new heart and a new life with Gerardo Lambert; turning tragedy into legacy with Jim Kudzo, and exploring talent and opportunity with Andrew Wilk.

Click here to listen on the Verso Studios podcast page, via the Turning Point webpage, or through podcast distributors like Spotify, Apple and Amazon.

(PS: If you’d like to be a guest in Season 2, fill out this form on this page.

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Two ticketed events, and one free show, highlight this weekend’s Levitt Pavilion schedule.

Umphrey’s McGee (tonight, Friday, 7 p.m.) and Michael Franti & Spearhead, with Cimafunk (Sunday, 5 p.m.) are the paid-ticket events.

Indie folk-rocker Sway Wild take the stage tomorrow (Satruday, 7:30 p.m.), for a free show.

Click here to purchase tickets, and for more information.

Michael Franti

Meanwhile, last night Richiman & Groove Nice brought their “American-style blues” all the way from South Korea to Westport.

Last night at the Levitt. (Photo/DinkinESH Fotografix)

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Sure, Paul and Joanne Woodward will always be associated with their Westport home.

But they also owned a little 1-bedroom place in Manhattan.

Okay, not so little. It was 3,000 square feet — pretty big for a New York apartment.

And it was half of the top floor of a 15-story limestone co-op at 1120 Fifth Avenue.

With several terraces. and sweeping views of Central Park.

The property recently sold — after an intense bidding war — for $14 million. That’s more than 40% over the asking price.

The buyers’ names were not disclosed. They work in finance.

Click here for the full Wall Street Journal story. With photos. (Hat tip: Douglass Davidoff, Mary McGee)

In Westport, Paul Newman’s home overlooked the Aspetuck River. His New York apartment has a view of Central Park’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir. (Photo/Evan Joseph Studios, courtesy of the Wall Street Journal)

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Hitch & the Giddyup are heading to Weston. Yee haw!

The country/bluegrass/soulful American band plays at “Music at the Barn” — the Weston History & Culture Center’s outdoor summer series — on July 27 (5:30 p.m.).

Tickets are $15 for members, $20 for non-members; children under 12; click here or purchase there. Bring a lawn chair, food and drinks (no food truck!).

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Francesca “Franny” Cenatiempo died at home, surrounded by her family. She was 33, and hahd battled cancer.

Francesca was born on July 4th, 1992 to Carmine and Sandra. At age 7 she was enrolled in Saint Catherine Academy; then as an adult, at Saint Catherine Center for Special Needs.

She loved school and her program, and was celebrated, cared for and loved by the staff. She was surrounded by friends who reciprocated her unique love. At Saint Catherine Francesca met her longtime caregiver, Sonia Vielot, who became an integral part of her family.

Her obituary says, “Francesca had a gift for deeply touching the lives of everyone she met. She greeted people with open arms, accompanied by the biggest hug and an unforgettable smile. Her laughter echoed everywhere she went, as she saw the beauty and joy in every person and part of this world. She was a pasta lover, a Disney fanatic, and had an eye for all the cute boys. She enjoyed music, dancing, and splashing around at the beach.”

Francesca is survived by her loving parents, Carmine and Sandra Calise Cenatiempo; siblings CJ and Charlotte Cenatiempo; grandparents Michael Calise, Sally Palmer and Barbara Mehle; aunts and uncles Filippo and Pina Cenatiempo, Leonardo Cenatiempo, Alfredo and Rosa Cenatiempo, Stefano Cenatiempo, Giulio and Gabby Cenatiempo, Catherine and Don Lawson, Maria and Jon O’Herron, Bettina and Michael Colleen, and Frank and Robin Calise, and many cousins.

A celebration of her life is set for tomorrow (July 12, 11 a.m., St. Francis of Assisi, Weston). Donations may be made in her name to Saint Catherine Center for Special Needs. Condolences for the family may be left online.

Francesca Cenatiempo

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Frances Mande — a Westporter for nearly 70 years — died Wednesday. She was 103.

Born in Russia in 1922, she came to Brooklyn with her family when she was 7. She and her husband Irving met when she was 17, and married when she was 19.

Fran and Irv moved to Westport in 1956. They raised 3 children in the house where she lived until passing. The couple traveled the world together, until Irv’s death in 2006.

Fran loved attending shows at the Westport Country Playhouse, and taking her children and grandchildren to Compo Beach and Mario’s restaurant. She was a regular at the Senior Center, Westport Library and Levitt Pavilion.

She also enjoyed the Westport Road Runners program. Her photo was in the Westport News after finishing a 10-mile race, in her 70s.

After “06880” wished her a happy birthday last month, she was lifted up by emails from readers.

A funeral is set for Sunday (July 13, 10 a.m., Temple Israel of Westport). Shiva will be held at her home. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Westport Library or Westport Senior Center.

Fran Mande recently, at Compo Beach.

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Like any good mother, this one fed her little one:

Johanna Keyser Rossi — who took today’s spectacular “Westport … Naturally” image near Fresh Market — reports, “She fed him for a long time. So I assume there is only one baby osprey.”

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And finally … in honor of the new Merritt Parkway numbering system: This is the closest I could get.

(Whether you live in the 06880, 25 miles away, or 2,500, if you’re reading this, you’re part of our great online community. Thank you — and thanks too for clicking here, to support our work!)

9 Comments

Posted in Library, Media, Obituaries, Real estate, Restaurants, Sports, Transportation

Tagged Don Memo, Massi Co., Massimo Tullio, Merritt Parkway, Parks & Recreation Department, Paul Newman

Friday Flashback #433

Posted on January 17, 2025 | 5 comments

Back in the day, the Merritt was a parkway — not a parking lot.

This was the scene for one of the few motorists taking advantage of its wide-open spaces. back in the 1940s or early ’50s.

Look closely at the sign (in the days before federally mandates for such things).

Those sharp edges must have done quite a number on any vehicle unfortunate enough to hit them.

(Friday Flashback is one of “06880”‘s many regular features. If you enjoy this — or anything else on our website — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)

5 Comments

Posted in Friday Flashback, Transportation

Tagged Merritt Parkway

Fred Cantor: This Parkway Earns Merit

Posted on October 27, 2024 | 18 comments

Avid “06880” reader Fred Cantor spent many years in Westport. He lives now in Stratford — just up the Merritt Parkway from here.

Today, Fred offers this ode to the historic road:

Sometimes it takes an outsider to remind us of the distinctiveness and beauty of something we might otherwise take for granted.

That happened some years back. A friend traveled on the Merritt — I think for the first time — and said it was one of the most beautiful roadways she had ever driven on.

This woman grew up on the shores of Lake Superior, went to college in the foothills of the Adirondacks, and has spent nearly her entire adult life in southern California, so she has been on her share of majestic roads.

That beauty of the Merritt was reinforced for me recently by the cascading leaves on a windy day from vibrant fall foliage on a trip, when I traveled the entire length of the Parkway to visit my mom. It felt almost as if I were in a scene from an MGM movie in Hollywood’s Golden Age.

I first heard about the Merritt Parkway well before I ever saw it. Friends of ours in Fresh Meadows, Queens used to go for what they called “a drive in the country” on the Merritt in the early 1960s. They would end up having a meal at a place that sounded idyllic: the Red Barn.

It would have been impossible to know back then that not too far down the road (no pun intended), the driveway entrance to our future home on Easton Road would be the distance from the Merritt Parkway bridge of a Y.A. Tittle to Del Shofner pass (and that I would go back and forth through that underpass countless times).

Merritt Parkway bridge. (Photo/David McKenzie)

The bridges that pass over the Merritt are visual attractions in their own right. Their fascinating back stories (along with other interesting history) can be found here.

Today, sculptures like this one atop the James Farm Road Bridge near our home in Stratford catch our eye:

(Photo/Fred Cantor)

Of course, that “drive in the country” is not quite the same today with the increased traffic. But if you go on an off-hour, I still highly recommend driving on the Merritt, as opposed to I-95.

(Click here for a 2009 “06880” story honoring the Merritt Parkway.)

(All roads lead to “06880” — it’s “where Westport meets the world.” We hope all readers are driven to support our work. Please click here. Thank you!)

18 Comments

Posted in Transportation

Tagged Fred Cantor, Merritt Parkway

2nd UPDATE: Suspect Apprehended After Car Theft, Merritt Accident

Posted on August 25, 2024 | 4 comments

Westport Police say:

At approximately 1:50 p.m. today (Sunday), Connecticut State Police contacted the Westport Police Department about an accident on the Merritt Parkway, near the Clinton Avenue overpass.

Three people fled from one of the cars involved. The vehicle they fled was stolen from another jurisdiction.

Westport and Norwalk police officers joined state troopers, flooding the area searching for the suspects.

One suspects was quickly apprehended, and turned over to State Police. That person suffered injuries related to the car accident, and was taken to Norwalk Hospital.

Westport’s K-9 and drone units assisted in the search for the other 2 parties, but they were not located.

It is believed that the 2 people still outstanding are no longer in the area. If anyone sees suspicious activity, call the police immediately: 911 or 203-341-6000.

State Police will release information about the suspect arrested, and the charges made.

4 Comments

Posted in Police, Transportation

Tagged Connecticut State Police, Merritt Parkway

UPDATE: Police Activity Near Merritt

Posted on August 25, 2024 | 3 comments

Westport Police say:

Please be advised of heavy traffic and delays due to police activity in the area of the Merritt Parkway, Clinton Road and Ford Road. Avoid this area.

There was a motor vehicle accident on the Merritt Parkway in the area of Clinton Road. Three suspects fled their vehicle, into the neighborhood of Clinton Road and Ford Road.

One suspect was apprehended. There are two outstanding suspects, possibly wearing masks and one with dreadlocks.

There is currently heavy police (multiple agencies) activity in the area conducting a search for the outstanding suspects.

There is no threat to the public at this time. We ask you to contact the Westport Police Department immediately should you see something suspicious that could be related to this incident: 911, or 203-341-6000.