For a couple of years, a “Pride Bench” — decked out in rainbow colors — sat in front of Mystic Market. Everyone traveling past, on heavily trafficked Charles Street, saw it and smiled.
When the store closed in May, Westport Country Playhouse company manager, Bruce Miller thought that — given their close ties to the LGBTQ community — the Playhouse could make a good next home.
The Mystic Market folks agreed. The “Pride Bench” now sits proudly in front of the Sheffer Studio.
Fred Cantor, Lynn Untermeyer Miller, Amy Schneider and Jonathan Prager all knew the new location of the bench. Susan Iseman, Nancy Vener and Celeste Champagne, meanwhile, recognized it from its previous location. (Click here to see the photo.)
This week’s Photo Challenge is less colorful — but very interesting. If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.
Mystic Market — the successor to the Arrow, Jasmine and Blu Parrot restaurants — is “regretfully” closing its Saugatuck location on May 27.
“The rent is 3 times what we pay for our other properties. And lease for the second term is even more,” says David Griswold. He’s senior vice president of The Coastal Gourmet Group, which owns 3 similar properties in eastern Connecticut.
The company is searching for a new location. A property in Wilton did not work out, because it was not zoned for a food establishment.
Mystic Market opened in the winter of 2019 on Charles Street, near I-95 Exit 17 and the Westport train station. It offers a variety of sandwiches, prepared foods, pastries, coffee and more.
Two weeks ago, Spencer Platt won a Pulitzer Prize for Photography.
Next Wednesday (May 25, 7 p.m., Westport Library), the Staples High School graduate returns to town. He’ll talk about his career, his most recent award (for coverage of the January 6 insurrection at the Capitol), and how and where it all began.
Platt has covered conflicts and news stories in the Middle East, Africa and Eastern Europe. In 2006 he won World Press Photo of the Year honors for an image taken during fighting in Lebanon. In 2021 he was a Pulitzer finalist for coverage of the COVID epidemic.
Spencer lives in Brooklyn with his wife — fellow Staples grad Erica Sashin — and daughter,
To register for a seat in the Trefz Forum, click here. For a livestream link, click here.
Social studies teachers Drew Coyne and Suzanne Kammerman are 2 of Staples High School’s most celebrated educators.
Her “We the People” team competes regularly at the national level. She has won awards from American Lawyer and Civics First. He is a Connecticut Patricia Behring Teacher of the Year and University of Chicago Outstanding Educator.
But you don’t have to be a teenager to learn from them.
On June 8 (7 p.m., Westport Library), adults can enjoy the same “Community Case Discussion” they’re known for. Coyne and Kammerman will moderate a discussion on the role of the federal government in relation to the states — from the perspective of a delegate to the 1787 Constitutional Convention. (Think: James Madison.)
But you can’t just stroll into class. Participants must click here to register, and receive case study materials from the Library.
David McCormick — former CEO of Westport-based Bridgewater Associates, the world’s largest hedge fund — remained locked in a tight race this morning for the Republican nomination for Pennsylvania senator.
With more than 90% of the vote counted, just 2,000 votes separated him from his closest challenger, Dr. Mehmet Oz. McCormick had 31.3% of the vote; the celebrity doctor had 31.1.%. Thousands of mail-in ballots remained to be counted.
McCormick joined Bridgewater in 2009 as president. He was named co-CEO in 2017, and sole CEO 2 years later. He resigned in 2021 to run for retiring senator Pat Toomey’s seat, in his native state.
“A Taste of Westport” — the bring-your-appetite-all-you-can-eat-and-drink fundraiser for CLASP Homes — has announced the restaurants and vendors for the June 15 event (6 p.m., Inn at Longshore).
The “Teens of MoCA” organization invites all of their peers to a free Spring Arts Festival this Sunday (May 22, 4 to 7 p.m., MoCA Westport, 19 Newtown Turnpike).
There’s a food truck (of course), live music by teen bands, and products for sale from local teen-run art businesses. Follow @teensatMoCAWestport to learn more.
Shopping for nice things may seem to have little connection with human trafficking.
But Westporters Michelle Pollack, Sandra Rose, Becca Zipkin and Alex Cohen have just launched a new organization: Concierge with Conscience.
The inaugural event is June 3 (10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.), in Westport. Brand partners include The Westside, Ever After, Freedom Moses, Metta10, LeSuperCool and more. 15% of all proceeds go to Partnership to End Human Trafficking.There’s a raffle too, with 100% of the proceeds going to PEHT.
Click here for more details (including complimentary piercing, with the purchase of an earring). RSVP at info@conciergewithconscience.com. Shoppers will receive an email, with information about the location.
And finally … the great opera singer Ezio Pinza was born today in 1892. He died in 1957 — after (among other notable achievements) more than 750 performances of 50 operas, during 22 seasons at the Metropolitan Opera.
Echoing similar legislation in communities across the country, the Planning & Zoning Commission voted 4-2 yesterday to approve legislation mandating that the “finished” side of a fence must face outward.
In other words: Homeowners will see the cross beams, while neighbors — or passersby on a street, if that’s the case — will see smooth pickets.
In addition to esthetics, there is a safety reason. Fence supports can make it easier to climb over.
The regulation takes effect next month. It is not retroactive.
The “bad” side of a fence (shown) here must now face the property of whoever built it.
Curious — okay, frantic –about where to buy last-minute gifts?
The Curio Cottage Thrift Shop is open today and tomorrow (Friday and Saturday), from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Curio Thrift Shop is the cute white cottage, operated by the Westport Woman’s Club next to their handsome home 44 Imperial Avenue.
The Curio Cottage is filled with affordable, unique holiday items, in addition to its usual inventory of thrift treasures.
The Curio Cottage opened in 1999. It has contributed over $500,000 in support of the Woman’s Club’s direct grants and services to non-profit organizations and charities throughout Fairfield County.
PS: There is plenty of free parking. NOTE: They accept cash and checks only (no credit cards).
The Curio Cottage looks small. But wait till you see what’s inside.
Last week, artist Brian Whelan — a frequent contributor to the “06880” online art gallery — and his wife Wendy Roseberry celebrated their 15th anniversary in New Orleans.
They booked dinner at the new Chemin à la Mer restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel on the Mississippi River. Word got around management that they were from Connecticut.
That brought David Griswold — the restaurant’s assistant manager — to the table.
The former manager of Mystic Market told the couple about his new adventures in the Big Easy, and caught up on all the news here since his move last September.
“David made sure we had a gorgeous meal,” Wendy says. And he sends his best to his many friends, and former customers, here.
David Griswold says hi from New Orleans. (Photo/Wendy Roseberry)
Attorneys and staff members at Westport’s FLB Law recently stuffed backpacks with holiday treats, pancake mix, syrup, a book, toys and toothbrush kit — for underserved area kids. The gifts were distributed through Filling in the Blanks.
“FLB Law’s culture is rooted in community,” says FLB lawyer Matthias Sportini, “While many of us serve on boards and volunteer individually, gathering together to give back as firm was especially meaningful. It adds something special to the holiday season.”
FLB attorneys and staff members take a break from stuffing backpacks.
It’s winter (though not particularly) cold in Westport. That hardly stops dogs from romping at Compo. As today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows, they’re enjoying their 6-month off-leash days at the beach.
Three years ago, David Griswold moved to Westport.
For months he commuted to Old Saybrook. That was the closest Mystic Market location to here. It was where he learned to manage the Westport store.
It opened in 2019, in the old Blu Parrot/Jasmine/Arrow space. It took a while, but the market — with eat-in and takeout foods, baked goods, coffee and more — has become a vital part of the Saugatuck scene.
Mystic Market serves the community in a variety of ways. And one of the main reasons for its visibility and vibe is Griswold.
The manager has a fascinating back story. He grew up in a military family. He went to 10 schools, before graduating from a fine arts academy.
Then he trained in ballet, and did a conservatorship with the American Ballet Theatre. He danced with Alice Cooper, and at Madison Square Garden for the New York Liberty.
David Griswold: ballet dancer …
After that, came … the US Army.
Griswold was a diesel mechanic in Afghanistan and Kuwait. He was also in charge of morale-building, getting soldiers out of their barracks to mix and mingle. During the service he finished his degree in business management.
… and service member.
All of those experiences — arts, problem solving, team building — served him well as he helped grow Mystic Market in Westport.
Now he’s moving on to a new adventure. Griswold writes:
“It’s time to say farewell.
“Sometimes we reach a point where we need to move on from where we started. We feel like we’re at a standstill, and we crave some change and adventure. You can’t always wait for the perfect time. Sometimes, you have to dare to do it because life is too short to wonder what could’ve been. Or sometimes, like in this case, life offers you a better opportunity.
“Here I am again. Finding myself in a familiar feeling I have experienced throughout my life. The moment life has come for me again to be picked up by the wind, move away and start completely over.
“So it’s with great sadness that I am stepping down from my roles as general manager and district manager at Mystic Market. I’m taking a new position in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
David Griswold (far left) with his Mystic Market team.
“While I am very excited for this new adventure, it is unfortunately happing much faster then I had anticipated. I start on September 10, so my last day at work was this past Friday.
“This position has defined and consumed my life for the past few years. It was my second home, my passion, my community. I took great pride in the market. I sacrificed so much of my own free time and happiness for her, so I can’t quite explain the pain and sadness I’m feeling letting her go. But it’s time.
“I always get a strange feeling when I leave a place. Like I’ll not only miss the people I love, but I will miss the person I have become in this time and place. Because eventually I will move on and change, even if it’s ever so slight and never be this way ever again.
“The unsettling mix of sadness and joy feeling I’m experiencing, I try to tell myself is normal. Leaving somewhere you grew to love for something new feels wrong, but I have to just know that it’s for the best, and that it’s time to let go, walk away, pass the baton, give my blessings and move on to my next chapter in life.
“I want to thank everyone I have met since moving here for welcoming me into your community, teaching me so much and making me a stronger man then the one I was when I moved here. I am truly grateful.
“I can only hope I brought some joy or good to your life as well. I would like wish everyone a fond farewell. It has been a pleasure serving you Westport. I hope you won’t forget me.”
This is usually the time of year when we sign up for beach stickers, handpasses and the like.
In this year of COVID, the Parks & Recreation Department says:
Spring and summer are just around the corner. Our team is hard at work getting things ready to open up our facilities and provide programs!
We plan to provide offerings that we were unfortunately unable to offer last year due to COVID-19. Please anticipate modifications while we follow best practices and state guidelines as we strive to create safe environments for all facility users and program participants.
Keep watching for more information later this month on programs, beach emblems and more! Stay safe!
Despite the loss of signature fundraisers like the Yankee Doodle Fair, the Westport Woman’s Club held strong to its 114-year tradition of helping local organizations in need.
Last year, the WWC concentrated its donations on groups that offer COVID-related help. They include
Bridgeport Rescue Mission
Center for Family Justice
Circle of Care
CLASP Homes, Inc.
Department of Human Services
Domestic Violence Crisis Center
ElderHouse
Family & Children’s Agency, Inc.
Filling in the Blanks
Food Rescue Us
Homes with Hope
Malta House, Inc.
Person-to-Person
Rowan Center
Town of Westport: Department of Human Services Visiting Nurses & Hospice of Fairfield County Westport Volunteer EMS
Fingers are crossed for a Yankee Doodle Fair this year. But whether there is a full, scaled-down version — or none at all — the Westport Woman’s Club will find a way to make Fairfield County a better place for all.
On Tuesday, “06880” ran a photo of a mysterious sight photographed by Nancy Vener, from Saugatuck Shores. Other readers sent similar photos:
(Photo/Nancy Vener)
Ever-vigilant Wendy Crowther found this statement from NASA’ Keith Koehler:
A 3-stage suborbital sounding rocket was launched in the afternoon on March 3, for the Department of Defense from NASA’s launch range at the Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia.
The launch was to study ionization in space just beyond the reaches of Earth’s atmosphere.
After flying to an altitude of several hundred miles and about 500 miles offshore, the rocket’s payload released a small quantity of vapor into the near-vacuum of space. There is no danger to public health or the Earth’s environment from the vapor release.
MoCA Westport’s spring Exhibition, “Smash,” premiers April 2. It’s devoted exclusively to the videos of contemporary artist Marilyn Minter.
Both grandiose and intimate, in settings throughout the museum’s galleries, Minter’s videos will be exhibited together for the first time in a public institution. Seeped in lush imagery and moving between figuration and abstraction, his works encapsulate feminism, pleasure, voyeurism and notions of beauty, desire and chance.
Her custom-designed AMC Pacer –featuring an interior, surround viewing of her work “Green Pink Caviar,” will also be exhibited for the first time.
It’s not too early to think about Easter — well, the catering part, anyway.
Mystic Market across from the train station is early out of the box. Their appetizers and platters (artichoke jalapeño dip in a bread bowl, charcutier board…), salads, soups (carrot giner, potato leek), brunch quiche, breads, sides, dinners (roasted pomegranate lamb, potato-encrusted Chilean sea bass, roast beef tenderloin, salmon filet, beef lasagna…) and desserts) must be ordered by April 1.
The March/April issue of Westport Magazine is out now. It’s a look at “fresh starts for spring, like salons, skincare, what’s happening, and the local real estate market,
Also featured: outdoor spaces, from batting cages and home farms to a 16-foot firepit, across from a swimming pool’s transparent outer wall.
Westport Magazine is available at Barnes & Noble, Balducci’s, Whole Foods and CVS.
And finally … on this day in 1963, Patsy Cline was killed in a plane crash in Tennessee. One of the first country music artists to cross over into pop, she was 30 years old.
In more ways than one. Their new project — Westport Rocks — spreads joy all around town.
The women encourage everyone to paint rocks with colorful, encouraging messages — then leave them for others to find.
But that’s not all. To share the spirit, they’ve created “virtual gathering spaces” for everyone’s creations. Before leaving your rocks, take a photo. Then upload them to the website, Instagram and Facebook page.
It’s a community project — and one that entire families can enjoy. For more info, email westportctrocks@gmail.com.
On Sunday, I posted a wonderful video of 1970 Staples High School grad — and Seattle Opera star — Stephen Wall lifting up his neighbors with beautiful Italian opera.
Now Stephen sends along this clip of his former Smoke bandmate — and ’71 SHS alum — Jeffrey Dowd. He’s spent the last 40-plus years singing opera around the world, from his home base in Germany.
Here’s his important (and funny) message on social distancing. It’s a new spin on Fats Waller’s classic song. And no, Fats never sang opera.
The Gillespie Center needs 23 meals a day — but they no longer have access to the kitchen they use.
Fortunately, they’ve teamed up with Mystic Market. The great Saugatuck spot makes all the meals, each day. They’d love to donate them all — but unfortunately they can’t afford to.
Fortunately, with their new app and website, anyone can help. You can buy 1 meal for 1 person; all 23 meals for a day; all the meals for a week — even all the meals for a month.
Click here for the website. Choose “Takeout” as if you’re ordering; then scroll to the meal donation section.
To order via the app (easier): download the app, search for “Mystic Market Westport.” Just look for the “Meal Donation” button — the one with 2 hands holding a heart (below).
Among the many Westporters who have reached out to others in the pandemic: helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through STAR.
Chef Lisa Finn from Wakeman Town Farm, Yvonne O’Kane, Miggs Burroughs, MoCA and Zumba Westport YMCA all offer virtual classes via Zoom for STAR participants.
They — and the entire STAR staff — are grateful. For more information (including how to help), email jthompson@starct.org.
Miggs Burroughs teaches art by Zoom.
Dr. Allen Levy is a psychotherapist, clinical social worker and modern psychoanalyst. He has been in private practice since 1978, the last 20 years in Westport.
He has long offered free meditation classes in Bay Street office. Now he’s providing them, via Zoom, to the community (Fridays 12-1 p.m., Mondays 8-9 p.m.). They appeal to spiritually minded people, as well as professionally minded scientists.
Dr. Levy also offers psychotherapy sessions through Telehealth. For more information on his meditation classes and therapy sessions, click here.
Dr. Allen Levy
This time of year, the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce usually gears up for big events. Now they’re busy rearranging them.
The May 31 Dog Festival has been pushed back to October 4.
The May Supper & Soul is canceled. The next one is set for November.
The annual First Citizen Award gala dinner will be held in the fall, instead of June.
All in-person networking events are being run virtually. The first one is next Thursday (April 16, 9 a.m.). Click here for details.
Slice of Saugatuck, meanwhile, is still on as of now. Save the date: Saturday, September 12.
For more Chamber information — including their list of restaurants and markets that are open for curbside and/or delivery — click here.
Around town, there seems to be some confusion over what “social distancing” means. Six feet apart should be pretty clear — even on an outdoor walk.
Need a photo? Mary Sikorski provides one. Just follow what these guys are doing on the Longshore golf course:
And finally, give it up for the awesome O’Jays as they offer both an inspirational message, and the greatest bell bottoms in the history of fashion:
Most soup/salad/sandwich/prepared food shops don’t have executive chefs.
Then again, most of those places are not Mystic Market.
The Saugatuck spot — in the former Blu Parrot/ Jasmine/Arrow restaurant building, opposite the railroad station parking lot — just hired someone new for that position.
Ashley Boucaud brings an intriguing resume to her new gig. She grew up in both Manhattan and Trinidad & Tobago. When she started her photojournalism major at New York University, she was not interested in cooking. It was “a chore,” she says.
But during college she began cooking for friends. Then she hosted dinner parties.
Ashley’s friends loved her food, and encouraged her to do more.
She did. After a chance meeting with a student at Johnson & Wales University, she applied to — and was accepted at — the famed culinary school.
Four years in Providence turned into 8. Ashley loved the city’s robust food scene, and worked at restaurants there like Amsterdam and Parkside.
Jobs at Stamford’s Westin Hotel and UBS came next. In 2005 she started a private business. Ashley spent the past 14 years catering dinners and private parties.
Recently, Cecily Gans — Ashley’s former Johnson & Wales roommate, now a highly respected culinary arts instructor at Staples High School — told her that Mystic Market needed a new executive chef.
Cecily Gans (left) and Ashley Boucaud.
Ashley realized quickly that the entire team shared her passion for food. And Mystic Market’s mission — “cooking for good people” — is exactly what she’d been doing all along.
As executive chef she creates menus, oversees the staff, and ensures quality.
Since beginning there, Ashley has brought a bit of her West Indian background to Westport. “Big on seasoning,” she added fresh herbs and spices to recipes. She introduced vegan dishes with a bit of curry. New soups like Korean beef have sold out.
She’s particularly proud of “Chef Ashley’s braised short ribs.”
“I’m happy to come to work,” she says. “The hours are long. But I love it here. We have an amazing staff, and a great team.”
Ashley Boucaud (4th from right), and her Mystic Market team. Westport general manager David Griswold Jr. is at far left.
Looking ahead, Ashley hopes to expand the catering menu.
She’s also impressed with the many nationalities she’s met in Westport. “This is a diverse town,” she says. “I learn a lot from everyone. I want to bring what I learn to Mystic Market.”
(Mystic Market is now open at 7 a.m. Hot foods have proven very popular.)
From Bridge Square to Railroad Place — and everywhere else — Slice of Saugatuck is packed. (Photo/Terry Cosgrave)
The 8th annual event — a popular food-tasting, shop-exploring, kids-romping, music-enjoying festival — pushes north and west this year.
This Saturday (September 7, 2 to 5 p.m.), the Slice includes newly opened Mystic Market — the sandwich/salad/prepared foods/coffee mart on Charles Street — and the Goddard School, the daycare and childcare center on Saugatuck Avenue near Dunville’s (they’ll have a bouncy house).
They join more than 50 other businesses. All provide samples, and show off their merchandise or services (like Tae Kwan Do and dance). New this year too: boat rides, courtesy of Carefree Boat Club.
Firefighters at the Saugatuck station promote fire safety (and offer a seat in their very cool truck).
It’s a true community stroll. Kids love activities like an obstacle course, giant slide, balloon bender and Maker Faire area.
Adults appreciate 2 beer gardens (with wine as well), on Bridge Square and Railroad Place. Many restaurants offer specialty drinks (and hold happy hours after the Slice officially ends).
Saugatuck has always been about food. The Slice of Saugatuck festival is too.
People of all ages can hear bands like the 5 O’Clocks and School of Rock at 6 locations.
Music — not train horns and garbled announcements — fill the station air.
Tickets are $15 per adult (2 for $25). Children under 13 are $5; kids 5 and under go free. Admission (cash only) is available on site, starting at 1:50 p.m. Saturday.
Last year, the sponsoring Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce donated $4,000 of the proceeds to the Gillespie Center’s food pantry. The total over 7 years is $28,500.
Westport Library officials anticipated a big crowd at their “transformation” opening last Sunday.
They just didn’t figure it would be so big.
After a brass band led hundreds into the new building at 11:15, they swarmed into the new space. People oohed and aahed over the Forum, the recording studio, the children’s section, art galleries and reading rooms.
And they lined up, 20 deep, for sandwiches, salads, baked goods and coffee in the new café.
By 1:30, the library had run out of food.
They called Mystic Market — their new partner. Barely half an hour later, the café was fully restocked.
Heli Stagg in the library cafe, with prepared food from Mystic Market, baked goods from Sono Baking Company, and the brand-new espresso machine.
Mystic Market’s popularity has grown steadily, since opening a couple of months ago in the old Blu Parrot/Jasmine/Arrow Charles Street site near the train station.
Now, library users far beyond Saugatuck are discovering the market’s magic too.
The new partnership “was meant to be,” says Heli Stagg, Westport Library retail and café manager.
As the library expanded, she’d searched for a new partner. Oscar’s was the first, when the small original café opened several years ago. After owner Lee Papageorge died, Gold’s took over. Both were “great,” Stagg says.
But with the transformation project nearly complete, the library wanted to offer more than basic salads and sandwiches.
Stagg had heard raves about Mystic Market’s prepared foods. When she met general manager David Griswold, the first thing he offered was a tour of their state-of-the-art kitchen.
David Griswold (center) and his Mystic Market team.
Stagg was impressed. Serendipitously, the market’s owners — Mystic-based Coastal Gourmet Group — were there for a meeting. She invited them to the still-under-construction library.
A few minutes in, they told her, “We have to do this.”
“Their food is excellent,” she says. “We want a high-end vendor. And we want them to succeed. This is a win for both of us.”
Mystic Market is not the only café partner. SoNo Baking Company is in its 4th year providing baked goods.
As with Mystic Market, Stagg had heard good things about the Norwalk-based firm. When she met the owners — and tasted their food — she was sold.
With both companies, Stagg says, “we’re doing exactly what the library likes to do everywhere: make connections. We want people to enjoy the café, and learn about businesses they might not know.”
Patrons enjoy the new Westport Library cafe inside …
The transformed library has made one more connection: with Food Rescue US.
That’s the innovate group that uses an app to match supermarkets, restaurants (and library cafēs!) having leftover food, with volunteers who can pick it up and deliver to shelters, kitchens and pantries.
Now — like Westport Library patrons — they too can enjoy the Mystic Market and SoNo Baking bounty.
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The Saugatuck spot — in the former Blu Parrot/ Jasmine/Arrow restaurant building, opposite the railroad station parking lot — just hired someone new for that position.
