Tag Archives: Mystic Bowie

Roundup: Helping Jamaica, Ukraine, Homes With Hope, Pink Aid …

Posted on November 16, 2025 | 1 comment

Weston reggae musician Mystic Bowie has strong roots in Jamaica. There’s a Mystic Bowie Cultural Center in Accompong Town.

But after Hurricane Melissa, nearly every home and school must be rebuilt. Families are in urgent need of safety, shelter and support.

Bowie is doing what he can to help. And he wants everyone here to join the effort.

On November 29 his Talking Dreads band take the stage at the Fairfield Theater Company’s Warehouse.

Tickets are $100, $50 and $35. All proceeds support the Mystic Bowie Cultural Center’s Jamaica Relief efforts in Accompong Town. Click here to purchase or donate, and for more information.

Special musical guests will be announced soon. Bowie says, “feel the rhythm, share the love, and stand with us in solidarity as we help bring hope back to the heart of Jamaica.”

Mystic Bowie

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Jamaica is not the only place with desperate need.

Mark Yurkiw — who has spent the past 3 years raising funds and providing material help to Ukraine, where he has strong roots.

Mark says, “each night hundreds of Russian drones descend, damaging homes, schools and hospitals and across the country. All the wiring in these buildings needs to be reconnected and made safe.

“They are in desperate need of power cords, extension cords, electrical wires, etc.

“I hope ‘06880’ readers who have wires, of any sort or size or length, can drop them at my garage doors (190 Cross Highway).

“They don’t need to work, and they don’t need connectors at the end. (Ukraine uses different connectors.)

“Any tools used to work with electricity are extremely helpful too: pliers, wire cutters, testers, electrical tape, etc. Donations for shipping are also welcome. Slava Ukraini!”

Questions? Email mark.think3d@gmail.com.

Mark Yurkiw, at his garage with Ukrainian art he created.

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There is need in Westport too.

The (thunderous and well-deserved) applause had scarcely died down after Staples Players’ (sensational) opening night performance of “Les Misérables,” when parent volunteers loaded up the first delivery of non-perishable food and personal hygiene items to Homes with Hope.

Audiences are filling bags for the Westport’s homeless shelter and food pantry. Stew Leonard’s helped, donating 1,000 reusable shopping bags for HwH.

Collections will continue at today’s 2:30 p.m. matinee, and next weekend’s 5 shows. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Staples Players’ audience donations, headed to Homes with Hope. (Photo/Kerry Long)

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Speaking of Staples: The field hockey’s team quest to three-peat as state champions came to a tough end yesterday.

Longtime archrival Darien eked out a 1-0 victory, in the state class “L” (large schools) final at Wethersfield High School. It was the Wreckers’ only shutout of the year.

The Blue Wave also barely beat Staples in the FCIAC (league) championship. That game was even closer: 2-1 on penalty strokes, after the teams were tied through 2 overtimes.

In other Wrecker sports news, the boys soccer team meets their own rival, Greenwich, in the “LL” (extra large schools) championship today (Sunday).

Kickoff is 3:30 p.m., at Hartford’s Trinity Health Stadium. Click here for the livestream.

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Speaking still of Staples: What began years ago as a simple request to help raise funds to fight breast cancer has grown into a very important annual “Get Your Pink On” campaign.

Recently, the school’s field hockey team, Gridiron Club, Pyramid Club, Boys Soccer Foundation, Pink Aid Club, and their fans raised funds for the cause.

The initiative began with Tammy Zelkowitz. The mother of a Staples football player was inspired by national sports teams promoting breast cancer awareness each October. If they could do it, she thought, so could Staples.

Pink Aid, which began as a local nonprofit, has since grown into a national organization providing emergency financial assistance and emotional support to underserved and underinsured women battling breast cancer.

Since launching the campaign in 2011, Staples has donated $95,000 to Pink Aid. Congratulations to all who have shown the power of compassion, collaboration and student action.

Staples’ Pyramid Club, Gridiron Club and captains present a $3,112 check to Pink Aid.

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The news that Bloodroot — the women’s collective vegetarian restaurant/ feminist community center, co-founded by Westporter Selma Miriam — is closing after 48 years in Black Rock has saddened its many devoted fans.

They can gather, reminisce — and learn a lot — on December 2 (6 p.m.). MoCA\CT will screen “A Culinary Uprising: The Story of Bloodroot.” The 97- minute documentary was released earlier this year.

The showing will be followed by a Q&A with Bloodroot co-founder Noel Furie, and documentary director Annie Laurie Medonis.

The film is presented in conjunction with the current exhibition, “Enough Already: Women Artists from the Sara M. and Michelle Vance Waddell Collection.”

In addition, there’s a book signing of Emily Larned’s “40 Years of Bloodroot.” It includes personal-political essays by Miriam and Furie, and photographs.

The event is part of MoCA’s continuing exploration of feminist voices in art, culture and community through Enough Already. Tickets are $10; $8 for seniors and students; free for members. Click here to register, and for more information.

Noel Furie and Selma Miriam: through the years.

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Speaking of food places: Gofer has closed.

The shop featuring “premium hard and soft serve ice cream, plant-based and fat-free options, smoothies, cakes and more” replaced Silver Ribbon, in the strip mall with Fortuna’s and Greens Farms Spirit Shop, in 2022.

The website still lists Westport, along with Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, Riverside, Stamford and Wilton.

Gofer was a few hundred yards from another ice cream outlet, here much longer. They’ve severed ties with Carvel, but continue to do business with a generic “Soft Serve” sign.

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Work is proceeding on the Sherwood Mill Pond tidal gates renovation project.

There’s plenty of equipment in and around the area.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

The staging area — for those who wonder what’s going on there — is the Compo Beach Soundview Avenue parking lot.

Completion is expected by Memorial Day.

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Over 50 volunteers showed up, for Wreathing for Community’s recent project.

They created 60 beautiful wreaths. Fifty apartments at Norwalk’s Open Doors Shelter are now hung with the handsome creations. Ten more are spread throughout the community center.

Faith Sargent — who organized the event — thanks all the wreath-makers, as well as the dozens of people who donated florals, wreath bases, ribbon and tools.

Many donated food, which also helps sustain Open Doors residents during the holiday season.

To learn more about Wreathing for Community, email faithasargent@gmail.com.

Some of the many wreath-makers, with their creations.

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The curtain rises this week for Coleytown Middle School’s musical.

“Dare to Dream Jr.” is an hour-long, fun-filled show — perfect for kids of all ages. Shows are 6 p.m. Thursday (November 20) and 7 p.m. Friday (November 21). Click here for tickets.

The cast of Coleytown Middle School’s “Dare to Dream Jr.”

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This is a long fall.

And we’re loving every day of it.

Today’s leaves-are-still-hanging-on “Westport Naturally” comes from Timber Lane.

But it could be many other places around town.

We are very lucky indeed.

(Photo/Celia Campbell-Mohn)

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And finally … in honor of Coleytown Middle School’s “Dare to Dream” show (story above):

(Here’s “06880”‘s dream: That everyone who enjoys our hyper-local blog — and has the means to — chips in by clicking here to support our work. Hey, a boy can dream …)

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Roundup: Tom Petty, Mystic Bowie, Phantom Of The Opera …

Posted on June 28, 2025 | Comments Off on Roundup: Tom Petty, Mystic Bowie, Phantom Of The Opera …

The Levitt Pavilion lawn was packed last night for the Tom Petty Project, a tribute band.

The waiting was the hardest part.

(Photo/Sean Bernand for Levitt Pavilion)

(Photo/Jerry Kuyper)

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Meanwhile, a few yards away, Mystic Bowie thrilled a full house with his “Talking Dreads” concert. It was (we think) the world’s largest reggae dance party ever, at a library.

Talking Heads’ Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth were there. Other Tom Tom Club members paid a visit to the dressing room.

Just another night of great, diverse, high energy and very cool music in Westport.

Mystic Bowie (Photo/DinkinESH Fotografix)

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Speaking of entertainment: When “The Phantom of the Opera” returns to New York next month — as “Masquerade,” an immersive experience — the cast will include Tony Award winner Diane Paulus.

And a face very familiar to Westporters.

Staples High School Class of 2013 graduate Clay Singer will be on stage too.

Two years after closing — as the longest-running show in Broadway history — the new “Phantom” will allow audiences to “experience the music of the night more intimately than ever before … from the highest rooftop to the subterranean lair deep below the Opera Populaire.”

Tickets go on sale Monday (June 30).

Clay Singer

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Westport’s Department of Human Services wants to make sure that everyone knows there are plenty of, well, “human services” available, in a variety of areas.

They include:

Connecticut Renter’s Rebate Program: Residents must have lived in Connecticut for at least 1 year, be 65 or older or receiving Social Security Disability Income, and had a 2024 income of $45,200 or less (single) or $55,100 or less (married). Click here for details.

Free summer food bags, for children who receive free or reduced lunch. Click here for details.

Career Coach Bus: Monday, June 30, across from the Gillespie Center (2 sessions: 10 a.m.-noon; 1-3 p.m.). Hands-on workshop introduces the fundaments of AI for a job search, including crafting a resume to preparing for interviews with confidence.

Positive Directions Support Groups:

  • Alternatives to Suicide (Tuesdays, 7 p.m., 90 Post Road West, or Fridays, 7 p.m., virtual)
  • 1:1 Peer Support for Teens and Young Adults (by appointment)
  • Alzheimer’s Support Group (Every other Thursday, 10 a.m., online).

For information about these and other Positive Directions programs, click here.

For more information about the Department of Human Services, click here.

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A few spots remain for Wakeman Town Farm’s 4 summer programs.

Children ages 4 to 14 will work in gardens and with live animals, and participate in a variety of projects. The camps are:

  • Little Farmers Camp (ages 4-6)
  • Junior Farmers’ (ages 7-10)
  • Green Teen Summer Service (ages 11-14)
  • Food Traditions Summer Cooking Camp (ages 7-10).

Click here for details and registration.

Youngsters at Wakeman Town Farm’s Little Farmers summer camp.

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Over 80 members and guests of the Westport Rotary Club attended last night’s “Pass the Gavel” clambake and ceremony at the Ned Dimes Marina.

In the photo below, new president Peter Helt accepts the Rotary Gavel from outgoing president Goldie James.

(Photo/Dave Matlow)

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Sure, today is the Great Duck Race. (The Fun Faire runs from now through 2 p.m., at Jesup Green; the actual race is at 1 p.m. Click here for details.)

But yesterday morning, Janine Scotti spotted this great (okay, just okay) goose race, a few yards away in the Saugatuck River.

It’s today’s very appropriate “Westport … Naturally” feature photo.

(Photo/Janine Scotti)

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And finally … what else?

(The Duck Race is one the great things about Westport. So is “06880.” We hope you enjoy both — and support us. For your hyper-local blog, please click here. We thank you!)

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Posted in Children, Entertainment, Environment, Library, Staples HS

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Mystic Bowie: Weston Star Brings Reggae Vibe To “World’s Loudest Library”

Posted on June 10, 2025 | 1 comment

Mystic Bowie may not be as well known globally as Keith Richards and José Feliciano.

But — like those fellow Weston residents — his musical chops are very impressive.

And the story of how the reggae singer ended up living in, and loving, the quiet rural community is even more interesting than the Rolling Stones and “Feliz Navidad” artists’.

Mystic Bowie

Bowie performed as a child throughout the Caribbean. After college he moved to Florida, but quickly realized it was not for him. It was hotter and more humid than his native Jamaica; it lacked mountains, but had plenty of snakes and alligators.

He relocated to New York. Island Records got him an apartment on 91st Street and 1st Avenue. The city was not for him either. Traffic, horns and noise made it tough to sleep.

Bowie was dating a woman from Weston. She suggested he move there.

He fell in love with the town. To his surprise, it and nearby Westport were filled with musicians: Richards, Feliciano, Meat Loaf, Nile Rodgers.

And — even more surprising — Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth lived nearby.

Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth, back in the day.

He’d first met the Talking Heads and Tom Tom Club stars as a 14-year-old, at the Nassau resort owned by Island Records’ founder Chris Blackwell.

Then, in 1992 — soon after moving to Weston — he was asked to perform at Tramps in New York. All he knew was that the house band loved reggae. He was given an address — 10 minutes away, on the Fairfield/Westport border — to meet 2 of the members.

To his astonishment, they were Frantz and Weymouth. They’d been to Jamaica, and had many reggae musician friends in common.

Bowie sang with them, as a guest. When Tom Tom Club singer Charles Pettigrew was diagnosed with cancer, he asked Bowie to take over.

They’ve been together ever since, as partners and friends.

Frantz and Weymouth have shown him “the utmost love and respect,” Bowie says. “They’re so authentic in their music, and open-minded. They brought me into something, and I’m very grateful for it.”

Click above for a 2010 Tom Tom Club “NPR Tiny Desk Concert,” with Mystic Bowie.

Weston “is very private,” Bowie says. “There’s all the space you need for tranquility, and to compose, write or paint.”

When he needs “a town,” he heads to Westport — sometimes by bike.

On June 27 he’ll head there again. So will hundreds of others.

That night, the Westport Library and DinkinEsh Presents host a reggae dance party. The headliner: Bowie’s Talking Dreads.

The cleverly named band — formed in 2015– reimagines classic Talking Heads songs, through roots reggae, ska and lovers rock. New wave classics like “Psycho Killer” and “Burning Down the House” are transformed into Caribbean bangers.

He’s played at the Levitt Pavilion, as well as 2 drive-in concerts at the Imperial Avenue parking lot during COVID (and, a couple of years later, at Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center 100th anniversary).

But this will be Bowie’s first appearance at the nearby Library.

When it was being renovated, he and producer Rob Fraboni — also a Weston resident, who worked with Bob Dylan, the Band, Eric Clapton and the Stones, and who as vice president of Island Records oversaw the remastering of the entire Bob Marley catalog — hung out at what became Verso Studios.

“We brought Jamaican food and Caribbean vibes,” Bowie says. “So I’m personally invested in it.” It is now, he says proudly, “The world’s loudest library.”

Mystic Bowie, doing what he loves best.

Reggae may not seem like a genre associated with Weston or Westport. But, Bowie notes, “it’s a blessing to the world. I’ve traveled a lot. Wherever reggae is played, people dance and bop their heads.”

The lyrics are important too — especially now. Reggae is “spiritual, a fight against negativity. It makes you happy.”

Bowie’s high-energy shows are “exercises in disguise. You don’t even realize it.” Concert-goers should “come prepared to dance.”

Mystic Bowie adds: “Shoes are optional.”

(The June 27 show begins at 6 p.m., with a live DJ set from Tim Fielding. Bowie takes the Trefz Forum stage at 7:30 p.m. Click here for tickets, and more information.)

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Roundup: Playground Rebuild Week, Drug Take-Back Day, Tip-A-Cop Night …

Posted on April 23, 2025 | 1 comment

The Compo Beach playground rebuild has begun.

There is still time to volunteer. In fact, more hands are definitely needed.

Good progress has been made. But construction is a bit behind schedule. The target for completion is Saturday.

All kinds of help, of all skill levels, is welcome — for all shifts (8 a.m. to noon, 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., and 5 to 8 p.m.).

Meals, fruit, water — and a free t-shirt — are all provided.

Click here to volunteer — or just stop by.

PS: The temperature will be in the 70s all week. What better place to be outdoors than Compo Beach?

It takes a village to rebuild the Compo playground. Can you help?

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Got drugs you no longer need (or want)? Or those that have expired?

This Saturday (April 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Senior Center) the Westport Police Departmet takes part in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

Residents can bring tablets, capsules, patches and other solid forms of prescription drugs to the Senior Center. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container.

Do NOT bring syringes, sharps and illicit drugs. The cap must be tightly sealed to prevent leakage.

Drop-offs are free, and anonymous.

Westport Police also offer a year-round collection bin in the lobby of the headquarters building on Jesup Road. There is a supply of medication disposal bags in the lobby, to dispose of liquid and pill medications in your regular garbage.

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Speaking of police: This Friday (April 25), Rizzuto’s Oyster Bar & Restaurant will have some special staff members.

From 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., Westport Police Department officers will welcome diners, take orders and serve meals.

No, Rizzuto’s is not short staffed. And the police are not pocketing the proceeds.

The Tip-A-Cop event is a fundraiser for Special Olympics Connecticut. Customers are encouraged to leave extra tips. All tips the officers receive will help provide sports, health and fitness programs to athletes of all abilities.

Our police are known as Westport’s finest. Thanks to the force, Rizzuto’s and Special Olympics, for this very “fine” idea.

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Two long-vacant storefronts at “Elm & Main” — the new name for what decades of Westporters knew as Brooks Corner — will soon be filled.

Everything But Water is moving into the old Birddogs space. The Orlando-based women’s retailer specializes in designer swimwear, vacation essentials and accessories.

They operate 34 stores. Westport will be their third in Connecticut. The other locations are Farmington and Greenwich.

Beyond Yoga opens their second Connecticut store in September. The first will be in Greenwich, starting next month.  The female-founded activewear brand is owned by Levi Strauss.

Fun Fact: Brooks Corner was named not for longtime tenant Brooks Brothers, but for B.V. Brooks. The real estate developer built the shopping center in the early 1960s.

“Elm & Main” — formerly Brooks Corner.

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Speaking of openings: The next location for The Granola Bar is …

… 330 Madison Avenue, in New York City.

Instantly popular from the day in 2013 when it opened in Playhouse Square — still its “flagship” location, with offices nearby — the breakfast/lunch/catering-and-more spot has since expanded to Fairfield, Darien, Stamford and Greenwich, plus Rye, Woodbury (Long Island) and the Upper West Side.

Now comes Midtown — just steps away from Grand Central.

Starbucks, McDonald’s, Subway … look out. You’re goin’ down!

330 Madison Avenue, New York City.

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Tomorrow’s Board of Education meeting (Thursday, April 24, 7 p.m., Staples High School cafeteria) includes the usual mix of topics: academic performances, revisions to the school caelndar, board policies regarding employees, and students with disabilities.

The discussion item at the end should be less dry. It’s about Staples Block “S” trophies, and the controversy raised this year when the traditional metal awards were replaced by plaques.

 Block “S” plaque”

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Coming soon at Wakeman Town Farm:

“Wild About Veggies: Tips for Planting a Garden” (May 5, 7 p.m.). Learn about seasonal rotations, and much more. Click here to register.

“Learn to Shuck Oysters with a Local Pro” (June 8, 5 p.m.). Then enjoy the oysters you open (from Copps Island in Norwalk). You’ll also gain an understanding of oyster anatomy, and learn about the history of oyster farming here. $50; BYOB. Click here to register.

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Coming Sunday (April 27) to the Weston History & Culture Center i

Opening Day of “Images of a Forgotten Village: Valley Forge” (1 p.m.). The Saugatuck Reservoir in Weston was home to a small neighborhood called Valley Forge. Now the once-thriving community of mills, forges and farms has vanished from memory and sight. The only reminders are photos.

Author Talk with Heather Pemberton About her debut thriller, “Hidden Below” (3 p.m.) — inspired by the history of Weston’s Valley Forge

Both are free for members, with a suggested donation for non-members.

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For 2 decades, STAR Lighting the Way’s “Walk & Roll” has been a spring highlight. The event brings together families, friends, supporters and businesses to celebrate individuals of all abilities, and raise needed funds for STAR’s programs and services, aiding people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

This year’s event is May 4 (Sherwood Island State Park, 10:30 a.m.). The day includes family activities, music, food trucks, games and entertainment.

As always, the public is invited to walk, roll, volunteer or cheer from the sidelines. Click here to donate, register to walk or roll, or become a sponsor.

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Here’s an early head’s-up, on an event that will sell out soon.

On June 27 (6:30 p.m.,), Mystic Bowie’s Talking Dreads make their first-ever Westport appearance.

They’ll fill the Westport Library with their fun Caribbean swagger, and bouncy reggae rhythms, for a special dance party.

Salon says: “Talking Dreads play Talking Heads songs as shimmering one-drop reggae jewels. Tom Tom Club vet Mystic Bowie (swaps out) urbanity for roots and sincerity.”

Tickets are $37.50. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

Mystic Bowie

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Max Harper’s family and friends — and many Westporters who did not know the Staples High School senior who died last fall — are admiring a new memorial to him.

The handsome stone is at Compo’s South Beach, near the trees and benches.

It was designed by longtime Westport artist (and Staples graduate) Miggs Burroughts.

On a cold, windy March day, an expert from Enduring Monuments met Miggs and Max’s father Marcus at the rock Marcus had chosen.

The Westchester firm had created stencils from Miggs’ artwork. They blasted as pecial powdery spray into it, then spray painted the recessed areas to make them stand out.

Creating the memorial …

 … and the finished memorial. (Photo/Pam Docters)

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A reader writes: “I went into the AMC (used to be Bowtie) Royale 6 this afternoon. They are open. Who knew?!

“I thought they had closed. They switched owners, and took down the board where they used to post movie titles you could see from Route 1. So for the last 6 months I drove by and thought they were closed. I bet 50% of Westport has no idea they are open.”

I’m in the 50% who knew they were open. In fact, I bet 90% of the town did not think they were closed.

But, as a public service announcement, I’m relaying the “news.”

Hopefully, it’s a lot more interesting than all the announcements you hear before a movie.

At the AMC Royale 6, which — did you know? — is open!

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Seth Schachter sends today’s “Westport … Naturally” image.

For those who are not early risers (or morning beachgoers): It’s an early morning shot of Burying Hill, looking toward Frost Point.

Burying Hill Beach (Photo/Seth Schachter)

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And finally … in honor of the AMC Royale 6 theater (story above):

(You go to the movies every once in a while. But “06880” entertains — and maybe informs and inspires — you several times a day. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support us. Thanks!)

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Posted in Beach, Environment, Local business, Police, Restaurants

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Gilbertie’s 100th Birthday Bash

Posted on June 4, 2022 | 1 comment

It was worth the 100-year wait.

Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center turns a century old this year. Today, they threw a birthday party. And everyone’s invited.

Mystic Bowie played a free concert.

Mystic Bowie, in action. (Photo/Patricia McMahon)

He’s just about finished his set. But vendors selling crafts and (of course) sustainable products, a petting zoo, cornhole, food trucks — and a great, community-wide, fun-in-the-sun vibe — continue on Sylvan Road South until 5 p.m. today (Saturday).

Chilling on Gilbertie’s lawn.

Congratulations, Gilbertie’s. And don’t wait 100 more years for the next one.

Why not celebrate your 101st?

Carrie Gilbertie spent a year planning the 100th anniversary party. Today she relaxed and enjoyed it all.

Petting zoo. (All photos/Dan Woog unless otherwise noted)

(Photo/June Rose Whittaker)

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Roundup: Showers, Library, Cash, Kayaks, More

Posted on August 10, 2020 | 22 comments

Staples High School is open today (Monday, August 10) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., for Westport residents to use hot showers. Everyone must bring their own towels and toiletries. The Community Emergency Response Team will assist with scheduling and social distancing.

Yesterday, CERT volunteers delivered food to seniors in need.

The Westport Library is open from noon to 6 p.m. today too, so residents can charge their devices. Everyone must wear a mask, maintain social distance, and limit their stay to an hour.

Need a place to work?

Office Evolution — the work space in the office building opposite fire headquarters — offers a low rate for this week: a $50 day pass for a private office; $25 for socially distanced co-working, with no additional or hidden fees, and free Starbucks coffee! (Strict safety protocols are of course in place.)

Interested? Email Westport.CT@officeevolution.com or call 203-635-8770 and leave a message. They respond quickly. For more information on Office Evolution, click here.

A reader writes:

“Hocon is a big problem. This is the second storm where they  let us run out of propane when we have a partial generator. My husband started calling them Thursday to say that we had 55% in the tank and would run out by Sunday. He called Sunday 5 times explaining that we’re not getting power till Tuesday midnight or Wednesday. They promised to come today, without an estimated time, but never came.

“I have a heart condition, atrial fibrillation that gets very exasperated by heat.  We have a couple of fans going. When the generator dies, which will happen within the hour, we will have nothing to deal with this heat, and tomorrow’s heat.

“It’s so frustrating to have invested in a generator and not be able to get propane when we need it. This is so upsetting.”

Like many Westporters, John Karrel has been struck by the sudden necessity for actual dollars, quarters and dimes. He writes:

“A week ago, all bets were that cash was on its way out in our world. Yesterday I picked up dinner at March Burger Lobster. I’m now sitting outside Donut Crazy with my iced coffee. Both establishments: cash only!

“The volatility of a pandemic. The shorter-term volatility of a severe power outage. For sure, not our last power outage. Maybe cash does remain a viable Plan B.”

It sure does. Provided your ATM has power.

(Photo/John Karrel)

A reader writes: “Could you provide an update on Optimum, the local cable/internet monopoly? How widespread is their outage? When will they get back online? They are not answering calls or calling back.

“By the way, when I called to cancel part of my service due to an exorbitant monthly fee (before the storm hit), they told me they closed their cancellation department.”

I don’t have any info from Optimum (or Altice, the parent company). I don’t have any sources there either. If any readers knows the answers — or has a special number to call — please click “Comments” below.

You may not have had power. But Mystic Bowie and Talking Dreads had plenty of it yesterday.

The popular band rocked Westport, in the 2nd of back-to-back sold-out “Supper & Soul” shows at the Imperial Avenue parking lot.

Everyone — the powered-up and the power-less — had a fantastic time. Kudos to Mystic and the Dreads. And of course to the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce. Which should probably change its name to “Chamber of Concerts.”

A small part of the large crowd last night.

For the past few days, Westport was up the proverbial creek, without the proverbial paddle.

But grab those paddles. August 14-31 are the dates for the 5th annual Paddle for the Sound. This year it’s virtual, so even the most land-locked lubbers can join.

For 17 days, Save the Sound will help participants raise awareness and funds to find and fix pollution sources, while leading habitat restoration projects throughout the Long Island Sound region.

Prizes will be awarded to 1st place finishers in the Paddle/Kayak, Sail, and Run/Walk divisions for total distance traveled or time spent doing their sport over the span of the event. Prizes also go to the top fundraisers.

Participants will start their virtual races from self-selected launch points, tracking their miles and time with each excursion. Those interested in supporting without racing can “raise their paddle” in an online virtual auction featuring private boat excursions, local artisan products, and a signed New York Giants jersey. For more information and to register, click here.

Local photographer Michael Chait, whose photographs are part of the permanent collection in the Brooklyn Museum, has an outdoor photo show and sale closer to home.

It’s next Sunday (August 9, 12 to 5 p.m., in the outdoor courtyard at 11 Riverside Avenue). It’s an eclectic, “kooky” exhibit of photos through several decade, including classic cars and cityscapes. All are framed and ready to hang.

A classic car photo, by Michael Chait

Back in action, and with power: (among many other businesses): Granola Bar, Ignazio’s, and Joey’s by the Shore Featuring Elvira Mae’s Coffee Bar. We are getting back to normal!

PS: For the past few days, Kawa Ni has operated a food truck.

 

And finally … utility crews have arrived in Westport from all over. I haven’t seen a Wichita lineman — but I had a great chat Saturday with 2 from Neosho, Missouri, just a few miles from the Kansas border. They drove non-stop to get here, and are driving back and forth from their hotel — which is in Chicopee, Massachusetts (north of Springfield). Westport owes a huge thanks to all the linemen (and linewomen), working hard for us from all around North America.

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Roundup: Comet: Mystic Bowie; Tree Of Life; PBA $; More

Posted on July 16, 2020 | 1 comment

Mark Yurkiw reports:

You’ve got a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view a bright comet with tail at a reasonable hour: 80 minutes after sunset, until July 19. (If you’re in the Northern Hemisphere, that is.)

Comet Neowise is trucking through the solar system. It will come within 60 million miles of Earth in a week. These next few days are the best chance to spot her.

About an hour after sunset, keep your gaze on the northeast horizon (the further away from bright lights, the better).

If you miss it, Neowise will be visible again in a mere 6,800 years. For more details, click here.

The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce/Westport Library’s wildly successful Supper & Soul drive-in tailgate concert series continues. Up next: Caribbean/reggae band Mystic Bowie – Talking Dreads.

Because the format is so popular — as is the group is — two concerts are scheduled. They’re Friday and Saturday, August 7 and 8 (7 p.m., Imperial Avenue parking lot).

As with the Tom Petty Project show earlier this month, cars are set up in every other row. Tailgating begins at 5:30 p.m., using the space in front of each car.

Attendees are encouraged to order takeout from Chamber member restaurants, and bring it to to the show. No food or drink is sold on site.

Tickets are $125 per car (maximum: 5 people per vehicle). They go on sale Monday (July 20, 10 a.m.). Just click here. But note: The Tom Petty Project show sold out in 5 minutes!

Mystic Bowie

Among his many other volunteer efforts, longtime Westporter Ken Bernhard supports the Tree of Life.

The Haiti-based non-profit feeds, clothes, schools and supports orphans; provides a free education and lunch for 200 children; offers micro-financing for single mothers, and sponsors a village soccer tournament.

Founder Roger Garrison is a former classmate of Ken’s. He has spoken several times to Westport’s 2 Rotary Clubs, which support his efforts.

As Roger prepares to retire, the Tree of Life seeks a new president. Ken is casting a wide net — including “06880” readers. If you are interested in that leadership position — or know someone who might be — email kbernhar@optonline.net.

The Westport Police Benevolent Association — with help from principal donors Dennis and Joan Poster — has awarded 13 scholarships, worth $2,500 each.

Though the pandemic knocked out the awards ceremony — and the organization’s major fundraising golf tournament — the PBA is proud to honor Staples High School’s Alyssa Chariott and Julien Zeman, along with these officers’ children: Dominic Arciola, Brandon Benson, Mathieu Colbert, Anthony Falbo Jr., Renee Kelley, Ann Restieri, Emma Simpson, Ella Simpson, Alex Smith, Nicole Thompson and Chris Wolf.

And finally … on this date in 2004 Martha Stewart was sentenced to 5 months in prison and 2 years of supervised release for conspiracy, obstruction of an agency proceeding, and making false statements to federal investigators.

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