From its founding in the mid-1600s through the end of World War II, Westport was very much a farming community.
The post-war baby boom influx of young families — not unlike what’s happened since COVID — brought dramatic changes to town.
Demand for housing was strong. From the 1940s through ’70s, many acres of farmland was sold to developers.
A few farms hung on longer. One was on the west side of North Avenue, not far from Long Lots Road.
For many years it was owned by the Rippe family. Produce grown there was sold at their stand on the Post Road. Now it’s the Harvest Commons condominiums (hence the name).
In its last iteration, it was Buster’s. Westporters swore it was the best corn they ever tasted.
(Photo/Ene T. Bonnyay, courtesy of Eric Bosch)
Today, Buster’s has been replaced by Greystone Farm Lane.
The name means nothing — there was no “Greystone Farm.”
But that’s why the architects stuck faux silos on the sides of the homes.
(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!)
From the fractured national political landscape to fraught local controversies, folks are on edge.
But hey — it’s the holidays!
Let’s put aside our differences. Let’s slow down. Let’s appreciate, with delight and gratefulness, all the brightness in our lives.
Including our neighbors, who go out of their way to light up the lives of all who pass by.
Whatever their views, on whatever we will argue about after the new year.
West Parish Road (Photo/Kristen Habacht)
North Avenue, across from Staples High School. (Photo/Jennifer Kobetitsch)
Timber Lane. off Roseville Road. (Photo/Celia Campbell-Mohn)
A special message, on Compo Road North. (Photo/Eric Bosch)
This 18th-century one-horse open sleigh was a gift from A.E. Hotchner’s wife, when Rick Benson bought the author’s family home. Rick restored it to its present 21st-century beauty. It’s parked now on Compo Hill. (Photo/Rick Benson)
Westporters were pleased to see new blinking stop and warning signs at the dangerous Cross Highway/Bayberry Lane intersection.
That’s not the only safety measure that residents are talking about.
The equally treacherous Cross Highway/North Avenue intersection, just 1/4 mile away, has been improved dramatically by the reconstruction of the stone wall on the northeast corner.
The roads are still misaligned. But sight lines are now much improved.
An added bonus: The new stone wall looks good too.
Before it was rebuilt, the stone wall at Cross Highway and North Avenue prevented drivers from seeing other vehicles.
As Kamala Harris is poised to become the Democratic Party’s nominee for president, historians point to the pioneering run by another Black female in 1972: Shirley Chisholm.
But she was not the first woman to run for president.
That distinction belonged to Veronica Woodhull. In addition to being the first female stockbroker on Wall Street, she made history in 1872 with her nomination by the new Equal Rights Party. Her running mate was Frederick Douglass.
Woodhull’s nomination was not taken seriously by much of the public. In addition to not being able to vote for herself — the 19th Amendment was not introduced until 1878, and took 42 years to be ratified — she was not yet 35, the minimum age to run for president.
The “06880” connection? Descendants of Woodhull live in Westport today, on Roseville Road.
Victoria Woodhull
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Attendees at the Westport Country Playhouse’s August 17 production of “Pinkalicious The Musical” will get more than just a fun musical adaptation of the popular children’s book.
They’ll also have a chance to meet Victoria Kann, the illustrator and author of the series — and get a signed book copy.
She’ll be there from 2 to 3 p.m., between the 1 and 4 p.m. shows. Click here for tickets to either performance, and more information.
The 1839 slave revolt aboard the Spanish ship La Amistad is well known in Connecticut, where much of its court case took place.
In 1997, an opera about the event — incorporating African mythology, and musical genres like jazz, blues and skat, offering themes of social and racial justice — debuted in Chicago.
On August 11 (2 p.m.), an abridged production — “Opus for Peace” — will be produced at the Westport Library. They’re partnering with Southern Connecticut Rotary District 7980 and the Connecticut Lyric Opera.
The production is a collaboration with Harlem Opera Theater and Discovering Amistad. A full “Amistad” will be performed across Connecticut next May.
The August 11 event is free. Click here for more information.
Get ready for the first-ever Summer Slam Jam 3-v-3 Tournament!
On Sunday, August 25 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.), the Staples High School fieldhouse will be filled with young basketball players. The day includes games and shooting competitions.
The Staples boys basketball team and Westport PAL invite boys in grades 3 through 8 to showcase their skills, build friendships, and enjoy fun competition.
But there’s more than just basketball. Staples head coach Dave Goldshore and PAL basketball officials will lead an inspirational post-tourney talk.
Families are invited, to cheer on players, enjoy treats, and reconnect with neighbors.
To register a player and for more information, click here.
The Westport Weston Family YMCA has announced the results of last Sunday’s 45th annual Point to Point Swim, at Compo Beach.
109 participants competed in the mile-long open water swim race. They ranged in age from 12 to 80.
The top 10 finishers, and their ages:1. Riley Twiss, 19, 20:04
2. Joe Benz, 34, 20:42
3. Maegan Grisanti, 15, 20:58
4. Brian Sandrib, 33, 21:27
5. Matthew Rossi, 56, 21:29
6. Aldar Su, 47, 22:02
7. Christopher Calby, 34, 22:18
8. Michael Stenman, 39, 22:27
9. Alexander Shakibnia, 37, 22:49
10. Parker Hayden, 45, 22:5.
Robert Taylor Gault — a well-known architect, known for his historic preservation work and service to the Westport Historical Society — died July 26 in Damariscotta, Maine. He was 83.
The son of Robert Franklin Gault and Helen (Taylor) Gault, he grew up in Westport and graduated from Staples High School in 1959.
He graduated from the University of Virginia’s architecture program in 1964. He worked under Lawrence Michaels and Joseph Salerno, before establishing his own practice in 1980.
Robert’s work spanned Fairfield County. It included residential, commercial and institutional buildings, as well as historic restorations.
He was a 2-time award recipient from the Westport Historic District Commission. Robert also received 2 “Pride of Norwalk” awards.
His most challenging project was the restoration of the Bradley-Wheeler Barn for the Westport Historical Society, a 10-year project.
A longtime board member of the WHS, Robert served as its president at the time of the society’s first exhibition of historic artifacts. He spearheaded the casting and installation of a new bronze plaque for the cannons at Compo Beach, to replace the original that had been stolen. He also designed the map, bronze plaques and concrete mounts for the Jennings Trail, and oversaw the installation of each marker.
As a member of the Westport Historic District Commission, Robert was instrumental in the creation of the Kings Highway North Historic District.
In the 1960s, he was a member of the Common Interest Group that saved the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion from being demolished by the city of Norwalk.
He also served on the vestry of Christ and Holy Trinity Church for 4 terms, and was property chairman for 6 years. He oversaw the restoration of the painted chancel ceiling (sponsored by he and his wife); the interior plaster; the trompe l’oeil decoration of the interior, and the cast iron bell, tower, clock room and clockworks.
Robert and Nancy Louise Danforth were married at Christ and Holy Trinity in 1981.
In 1996 the family moved to Southbury, where Robert continued to advocate for historic preservation and land conservation, serving on the board of the Southbury Historical Society, and as director and property chairman of the Glebe House Museum and Gertrude Jekyll Garden in neighboring Woodbury.
On July 14, 2010, Robert closed his architectural practice, 30 years to the day from its launch. He and Nancy moved to Waldoboro, Maine, where he made new friends and spent a joyful decade of retirement.
Robert was predeceased by his sister Carol Lane, and his beloved dog, Bonnie Lass. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Nancy; daughter Heather Gault (Michael Ruvalcaba); son Robert Gault; grandson Timothy Ruvalcaba, niece Helen Lane and nephew Dr. Michael Lane.
A celebration of life will be held September 28 (11 a.m., St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Newcastle, Maine). Interment will follow at a later date in Westport.
And finally … Jay Babina not only contributed a great lightning photo (above). He also suggested today’s musical selection.
It was a #1 hit in 1966 — decades before he was born. But he loves ’60s music.
Thanks, Jay, for the image. And the song!
(Lightning strikes are rare. But “06880” appears regularly, several times a day. And we’ve been here for you every day, since 2009. If you enjoy our work, please click here to support us. Thanks!)
More than 70 years ago, Westport scrapped its annual town meeting.
The New England tradition — dating back to colonial days — had gotten unwieldy, as our community grew in the post-war years.
But town meetings still live on in Vermont.
When the AP went looking for a place to illustrate how in these polarized times local government can still work, they found Elmore.
The town of 886 cherishes its March town meeting. And part of the reason is the moderator: Jon Gailmor.
Townspeople there have called him a neighbor for over 40 years. But Westporters still remember him as a member of Staples High School’s Class of 1966.
He sang with Orphenians. After graduation, he and classmate Rob Carlson formed a duo that earned a cult following up and down the East Coast.
After time in Europe, Gailmor settled in Elmore. He’s become a Vermont state treasure — an actual title — as a singer. In addition to performing, he runs songwriting workshops for kids.
(Last fall, he returned to Westport. He headlined Suzanne Sheridan’s First Folk Sunday at the VFW)
The AP story says that after moving north, Gailmor “found the town meeting tradition nothing short of miraculous. It wasn’t some politician spouting off, but real people taking part …. You feel important. You feel like you are being listened to.”
Click here to read the full article. (Hat tip: Tom Allen)
Jon Gailmor, at the Elmore Town Hall. (Photo courtesy of AP/David Goldman)
Tickets went on sale today for one of Westport’s best — and most fulfilling — fundraisers: CLASP Homes’ “Taste of Westport.”
The 18th annual event is set for May 22 (6 p.m., Inn at Longshore). As always, the Taste brings together the area’s best food and drink providers. There’s a wide array of dishes, and spirits from more than 2 dozen local establishments.
New this year: a vodka and caviar bar, and tequila tasting.
Plus music by the always-popular. Bar Car Band, and a very extensive silent auction.
It all benefits CLASP. The nonprofit provides homes, support and services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Tickets are $150 per person until April 12, then $175 after. Click here to purchase. PS: It always sells out.
“Eighteen Fairfield County residents are visiting Israel this week on a mission to learn how the country is coping with the war, and to help where there are labor shortages.
“More than 200,000 Israelis have been forced to flee from their homes since the war began: about 100,000 from Gaza and 100,000 from northern Israel where, a few miles from the Lebanese border, Hezbollah regularly launches low-flying, hard-to-intercept missiles. Most families are housed in hotels and private homes around the country.
“The Connecticut delegation, organized by the Jewish Federation of Fairfield County, packed food boxes for these displaced families. They are volunteering with Pantry Packers, the oldest continuously operating network of social services in Israel
“They also met with hostage families.
“It’s been an amazing trip. Next we head to one of the destroyed kibbutzim, and the Nova Music Festival site. It will be an incredibly emotional day.”
Westporters on the Israel mission trip include (from left): Jeffrey Mayer, Lynn Rabinovici, Lisa Hayes, Stephanie Gordon, Sonia Ben Yehuda and Nancy Diamond.
Carl Addison Swanson has lived in Westport since 1952.
He cares about the town — and wants it “safe and fun.”
Several years ago, he pushed for the installation of solar speed monitors near his home off North Avenue. He lives near Bedford Middle School, at the bottom of the hill from Staples where — unless there is school traffic — drivers routinely zoom by.
Are they working?
He went out Monday (10 a.m.), Tuesday (2 p.m.) and Wednesday (5 p.m.), and checked the speed of 50 southbound cars.
The average speeds:
Monday: 48 mph
Tuesday: 32 mph (school buses were slowing traffic)
Wednesday: 52 mph.
“It seems the speed monitors are not really slowing cars and trucks down that much,” Carl says.
“Funny, as I stood there taking notes, cars/trucks did slow. But that said, a 2015 study found that these types of monitors are not meant to slow cars down more than 10 mph.”
Carl believes that North Avenue — home to 4 of Westport’s 8 schools — needs traffic lights.
“Space them from Coleytown to past Staples,” he says, and traffic will quickly find alternative routes.
Solar-powered speed monitor on North Avenue. (Photo/Carl Addison Swanson)
Civic Learning Week is an annual non-partisan effort, highlighting civic education in local communities.
The Westport Public Schools were active participants.
The week included middle school classroom activities about civic engagement. At Staples High School, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker answered questions from students regarding her career path, job responsibilities, and more.
She also congratulated the students who will represent Staples at “We The People,” a national competition involving simulated congressional hearings in Washington next month.
The Staples team recently qualified by tying for first place at the state competition with Trumbull High.
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, with Staples High School’s “We the People” team, during Civic Learning Week.
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Noted artist and Staples High School graduate Michael Gish died earlier this month in Providence. He was 98.
Mike joined the Reserve Officer Training Corps in 1943, at Dartmouth College. In 1944, after learning his older brother, USMC PFC Jim Gish, had been killed in action on Saipan, Mike left school to complete his aviation training with the Marine Corps.
Too young to see combat in WWII, Mike retired from the Marines as a naval pilot in 1946 to complete his education. He received an bachelor’s degree in fine art from Dartmouth in 1949.
Indelibly affected by the death of his brother, Mike decided to pursue art and the military as a career. He continued his education at the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris, France, in 1951 as a visiting student. Mike received a master’s in fine art from Yale University in 1964.
Mike then returned to active duty with the Marine Corps as a helicopter pilot, advancing to lieutenant colonel. In 1967 he was sent to Vietnam as a “combat artist.”
Mike received the Air Medal, for flying 24 combat missions. One of his paintings, “Studies of Helmets in the Sand,” was chosen to be the poster for the National Vietnam Memorial.
In 1991, at the age of 65, Mike became a full colonel in the Marines when he deployed to Iraq. As a combat artist for Operation Provide Comfort, he documented Kurdish refugees from the First Gulf War.
In 1993 Mike went to Somalia, where he continued his documentation of refugees and displaced people during Operation Restore Hope. Mike’s paintings have been displayed at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Washington, as well as the Smithsonian Museum.
A large part of Mike’s work reflects his love of still life and landscapes, particularly New England and his beloved Block Island. A prolific painter who worked well into his 90s, Mike was also a full professor of art at Fairfield University.
He was predeceased by his wife Marguerite (Drouin). He is survived by his children Charlotte Wall (Steve) of Southport, North Carolina; Peter (Robin Kaiser) of Hanover, New Hampshire, and Carl (Elizabeth) of Palo Alto; grandchildren Carla and Stephanie Wall; Sophia, Miranda and Olivia Gish, and Peter and Henry Gish, as well as his partner of many years, Marilyn Bogdanffy.
A memorial service will be held at the Hotel Coolidge in White River Junction, Vermont (May 18, 4 p.m.. Another ceremony will be held on Block Island this fall. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made One to the U.S. Marine Corps Heritage Foundation.
Mike Gish
One of Mike’s many fans told “06880”:
“We, along with many other admirers of him as a painter and a person, were saddened to note the death of Mike Gish. We acquired a number of his pieces –oils and watercolors that reflect the luminosity of his palette and the range of his interests, from Block Island to the cliffs of Normandy to a barn in Fairfield.
“We were introduced to him in the mid-1980s when, quite by happenstance, we visited his studio with a real estate agent who was showing the house. We were struck in particular by a small study of a couple of Adirondack chairs.
“Wondering if we might acquire it, we learned he was about to have a show at a local gallery. That led to an invitation to the preview. We went, expecting only to browse more of his work, but then — in a familiar story — we were so struck by this wonderful rendering of a familiar Westport landmark that we amazed ourselves by buying it.
“It has held a place of honor in our house ever since.”
And finally … I’ve posted this song by Jon Gailmor before.
But because:
It’s one of my favorite songs of all time, about one of my favorite states, and …
I mentioned it in the very interesting item about Jon (above), and …
This is my blog …
I’m posting it again. Enjoy!
(Today — like every day — our Roundup is jam-packed with a wide variety of info. If you enjoy this daily feature, please support our work. Click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
For a quiet-seeming stretch of road, Cross Highway between North Avenue and Bayberry Lane sure sees a lot of action.
And accidents.
On February 8 (7 p.m., Town Hall auditorium), engineers from the Public Works Department will hold a public information meeting to discuss traffic and safety improvements there.
The design phase of a project is mostly complete. Now comes construction.
At the meeting, attendees can review proposed improvements, and learn how the
town will implement them. There will be time too to ask questions about possible impacts to the neighborhood. In addition to PWD staff, the design engineer will be on hand.
Questions? Contact town engineer Keith Wilberg: kwilberg@westportct.gov; (203) 341-1128.
An all-too-common occurrence on Cross Highway at North Avenue. (Photo/Westport Fire Department)
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StartUp Westport — the town’s public/private partnership aimed at making Westport a tech entrepreneurial hub — has 2 very cool upcoming events.
And everyone is invited to be part of our town’s tech future.
On February 29 (6 p.m., Westport Library), “Past, Present and Future Opportunities for Diverse Entrepreneurs” is a great addition to Black History Month.
NBC news anchor/Westport resident Craig Melvin will moderate the discussion. StartUp Westport’s own Jay Norris leads the event, which is co-sponsored by Westport 10.
Local business leaders Kal Amin, Eric Freeman, Ilka Gregory, Craig Livingston, Adam Moore, Pamela Moss, Paige Parker, Ted Parker, Michele Peterso and Kitt Shapiro will share stories of their careers, and offer insights into launching and running a successful business in film/TV, music, real estate, retail, technology, food and beverage, and financial services.
The program begins with a video history of diverse business ownership in Fairfield County, and also includes a cocktail reception. Click here to register.
On March 18 (6:30 p.m. cocktail reception; 7 p.m. program, Westport Library), StartUp Westport presents a “Female Founders and Investors” forum. Co-hosts are Tidal River Fund, Connecticut’s first angel group and fund for women investors.
The event will be led by Westport-based financial services, personal finance and angel investing expert Galia Gichon, co-managing partner at Tidal River Fund.
Female founders and investors will share their experiences with fundraising for, investing in and launching early stage start-ups. Click here to register.
To join the StartUp Westport Linked In group, click here.
Each year, the Westport National Charity League’s senior class completes a capstone project.
Since August, the Class of 2024 has planned theirs: renovating 4 bathrooms at Caroline House in Bridgeport.
Last weekend, they got to work.
The project received very generous support. Among others, Jason Raymond of Raymond Design Builders helped with preparation and professional final touches, while the Rings End/Benjamin Moore team in Westport donated paint and painting supplies. The generosity of the Westport community was shown by every individual and local business who assisted with this project. It was beyond inspiring and made all the renovations possible.
Krisztina and Isabella Rivel volunteer at Caroline House.
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Looking for something to do in the hours before the Super Bowl?
Representative Town Meeting member Andrew Colabella has organized a trash pick-up for Super Bowl Sunday (February 11).
Volunteers should meet at 11 a.m. at Grace Salmon Park, on Imperial Avenue. They’ll collect garbage from there to the Westport Library parking lot.
Dress warmly. Wear boots and gloves. Bring trash bags (and a picker, if you’ve got one).
Questions? Email acolabellartm4@gmail.com.
Grace Salmon Park is a Westport favorite. But there’s garbage to pick up there, and nearby. (Photo/Pam Kesselman)
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For 33 years, the Greens Farms Academy Community Service Board, Concert Choir, and Harbor Blues and Beachside Express a cappella groups have organized “Harmony for the Homeless.” Performances include solos, small groups and large pieces.
The groups select an organization or specific family to support. Last year, for example, Harmony helped the Reyes family rebuild their lives after a fire destroyed their home.
This year, instead of ticket sales, Harmony will collect food donations for the Danbury Daily Bread food pantry. The goal is to fill an entire truck with goods.
The event is March 2 (7:30 p.m., Janet Hartwell Performing Arts Center at GFA).
Among the items requested: dried beans, rice (1- or 2-pound bags), cooking oil, tea, coffee, meals-in-a-can, baby food, snacks and treats for children, breakfast cereal (hot or cold), ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, vinegar, hot sauce, cookies, crackers, sugar, flour, baking items like cake mix,
Also needed: shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, laundry detergent, household cleaning products, hand sanitizer, soap, paper towels, toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, coloring books, crayons, inexpensive toys.
And — as it did the first time — People Magazine is chronicling every moment of the Westport actress’ nuptials.
Her first marriage was to 1999 Staples High School graduate/former professional soccer player/broadcaster/entrepreneur Kyle Martino. They divorced, but remain good friends as they co-parent their 3 children.
Now, Amurri — the daughter of actress Susan Sarandon and director Franco Amurri — is engaged to chef Ian Hock.
Click here for the full People magazine story. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)
And finally … on this date in 1865, Congress passes the 13th Amendment to the US Constitution, abolishing slavery. It was then submitted to the states, for ratification.
How far have we come in 159 years? You be the judge.
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In journalism, a “dog bites man” story is one that happens so frequently, it’s not really news.
Without downplaying its seriousness, that’s a good way to describe accidents at the Cross Highway/North Avenue intersection.
Another one took place yesterday at the poorly angled, difficult-to-see-past site. This one involved 2 vehicles, with injuries. The Westport Fire Department released a photo, but provided no other details.
Yesterday’s crash at Cross Highway and North Avenue. (Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)
The Post Road/Wilton Road/Riverside Avenue intersection has been called Westport’s worst.
Coincidentally, Today’s “Westport … What’s Happening” podcast features 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker’s take on the recent public meeting on street improvement for traffic and pedestrian safety, and the increased Westport Police traffic safety enforcement program.
Click below to listen to this Y’s Men of Westport and Weston production.
Happy May! And happy return of the Westport Farmers’ Market!
Our favorite outdoor produce-and-much-more celebration returns to the Imperial Avenue parking lot May 11. It runs every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., through early November.
This year promises to be the best in the market’s 17-year history. A variety of programs operating under their “who grows your food” banner will add even more community-inspired programs, vendors, sponsors and activities.
Vendors – WFM favorites and new faces – will hold to high standards of sustainable practices, including plastic-free packaging, and participate in other market-to-community efforts. Among them: Farmer-to-School-to-Community, Farmer Kids Community, Friend of the Market, Recipe, Farmer-to-Veterans, Get Growing, Farmer Fund, Young Shoots, and other programs focused on giving back.
This year’s lunch and music areas will be shaded and separated from the central shopping experience. The Westport Library will select musical guests, through Verso Studios.
Tickets for “Booked for the Evening” — the Westport Library’s big fundraiser — go on sale next Monday (May 8, 10 a.m.; click here).
This year’s guest is Laura Linney. The noted theater, film and television actor will be honored in the Trefz Forum on July 13.
Now in its 24th year, “Booked for the Evening” celebrates an individual whose work reflects the purpose of the Library: to nurture a love of learning, and enhance our understanding of the world.
Laura Linney
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Mexicue — the very popular new Main Street restaurant — has expanded both their menu and hours.
They’ve added dinner-focused “Platos Fuertes,” while at the same time opening for lunch 7 days a week. Their new hours are Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to midnight; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., with brunch on weekends from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Weekday happy hour is 4 to 7 p.m.
Updated hours below. We also just launched a new menu with several more dinner-focused “Platos Fuertes” – menu attached.
Mexicue is the newest addition to our “06880” Restaurants tab. Just click on at the top of our home page (or here), for a wide variety of local spots — including menus, websites and social media.
Speaking of restaurants: Is Emmy Squared coming to Westport?
CTBites — the state’s premier food blog, published by our very own Stephanie Webster — reports the “unconfirmed” news that the “iconic and much-loved” restaurant is looking for staff here.
Begun in Brooklyn in 2016, “they are known for their signature Detroit-style pizza, marked by its square shape, crispy bottom, fluffy dough, cheesy ‘frico’ crust, and signature sauce stripes.
“Their famed double-stack burger, Le Big Matt (served on a pretzel bun), was named ‘#1 Best Burger in Nashville’ by The Tennessean and Nashville Lifestyles, voted one of ‘The Best New Burgers In NYC’ by Gothamist, and listed as one of the ‘20 Best Burgers in NYC’ by The Infatuation. The menu also highlights a selection of approachable salads and sandwiches served on pretzel buns.”
There are now 8 location in New York, Nashville, Philadelphia, Washington and Louisville.”
In March, “06880” reported on Lynda Bluestein’s crusade. The longtime and very active member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport has terminal fallopian tube cancer. That month she reached a settlement with the state of Vermont, making her the first non-resident to take advantage of a law that allows people with terminal illnesses to end their own lives.
Yesterday, Governor Phil Scott signed a bill that removes the residency requirement from the state’s medical aid in dying law. Bluestein’s case prompted legislators to revise the law for all non-Vermonters. Click here for the full story.
Lynda Bluestein and her husband Paul. (Photo courtesy of NBC Connecticut)
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Westport resident Lee Bly’s home golf course is Longshore.
But on Sunday, at Stamford’s Sterling Farms, the 2007 Staples High School graduate had a hole-in-one. Playing with former classmate Carter Myers, Lee aced the 223-yard par 3 17th hole.
Congratulations, Lee!
Lee Bly, at his now-favorite hole.
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TAP Strength hosts a special Sound Bath Meditation Class tomorrow (Thursday, May 4, 7 to 8 p.m., 180 Post Road East).
Experience deep relaxation, enhanced mental focus, clarity and creativity through crystal and Tibetan bowls, gongs, chimes and other instruments.
Bring a mat and any other items to feel comfortable. Member and non-member class fees apply. Email nancy@tapstrength.com or call 203-292-9353 for more information.
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Jazz at the Post goes international this week.
Japanese pianist Hiroshi Yamazaki will be joined by Takashi Otsuka on bass, and Americans Jason Tiemann on drums and Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” on sax.
There are 2 shows (7:30 and 8:45 p.m., Thursday, May 4; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399). Dinner service begins at 7.
Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
Since moving here a couple of years ago, Shona Rhimes has become an avid Westporter.
Westport Lifestyle magazine caught up with our new neighbor, for their May issue. She describes how she chose our town, the buzz behind buying her house, what she’s up to now (a “Bridgerton” prequel) and more. Click here to read.
Shonda Rhimes, last year at the Westport Library. (Photo/Jerri Graham Photography)
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Once upon a time, you saw sights like this in Westport.
(Photo/Carl Addison Swanson)
You still see it in New York.
But — as Carl Addison Swanson, who spotted the sofa and sign on Richmondville Avenue — notes, “This may be the last free thing in Westport.”
And finally … Gordon Lightfoot died Monday in Toronto. He was 84.
Though never as popular in the US as in his native Canada — where he was a beloved icon — the folk singer was one of my all-time favorites. He had me with “Go Go Round” in the mid-1960s, and never let go.
(Every day, the “06880” Roundup is filled with news you can use [or not — your choice]. If you enjoy this feature, please consider a contribution. Just click here — and thank you!)
If you were in Westport last week — the public schools’ spring break — you know how light the traffic was.
The Post Road, Riverside and Saugatuck Avenue — wherever there’s usually congestion, it’s been full speed ahead.
Uh oh.
Some drivers were too impatient, even when traffic is light.
An alert — and partly shaken up, partly enraged — “06880” reader sent not one but two clips from her dashcam. She stitched them together, in the video below.
The first shows someone heading southbound on Bayberry Lane, toward Long Lots Road. A small truck ahead of him or her isn’t moving fast enough, so — right at the 25 MPH speed limit sign, of all places — the driver crosses the double line and blows past.
The second part catches a driver who does not even slow down at the 4-way Cross Highway/North Avenue intersection. He or she roars straight through — also toward Long Lots.
A few seconds later both the dashcam driver and another, heading the opposite direction, stop at the stop sign.
Both are safe.
For now.
(“06880” is your hyper-local — and hyper-vigilant — blog. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Westporters have plenty of fundraising galas to choose from.
All are worthy. Nearly all are well-organized, and fun.
But for inspiration and impact, few compare with A Better Chance of Westport’s Dream Event.
ABC — the program that provides both a home and an educational opportunity for up to 8 outstanding and academically-gifted young men of color each year — celebrates its 20th year on April 1 (7 p.m., Pinstripes at the SoNo Collection, Norwalk).
There are cocktails, dinner, entertainment, a silent auction — all important elements at many fundraisers — plus bowling at Pinstripes’ 12 lanes.
But what sets the Dream Event apart from many other galas are the speeches. Hearing about A Better Chance’s life-changing power — directly from those involved — is well worth the ticket price.
Funds are used for housing, tutoring, transportation and other expenses that getting the ABC scholars through Staples High School, and on to college.
Tickets available for cocktail/dinner only or cocktails/dinner and bowling. Click here for details.
The Weston History & Culture Center (aka Weston Historical Society) celebrates by co-hosting a lecture. “Powerful Voices: Connecticut Women Changing Democracy,” with Sarah Lubarsky, director of the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame.
The free event is is set for March 15 (7 p.m., Weston Public Library).
Among Connecticut’s most powerful women: suffrage advocates Alice Paul and Isabella Beecher Hooker, prominent firsts like Ella Grasso and Denise Nappier, and social activists like Helen Keller, Anne Stanback and Estelle Griswold.
Helen Keller lived for many years on the Westport/Easton border.
A celebration of life service honoring Peter Nathan is set for March 12 (11 a.m., Fairfield County Hunt Club). The former Representative Town Meeting member and longtime civic volunteer died last month.
Peter’s friends and family will share memories, and celebrate his impact on everyone he met. Attendees should wear bright colors, to contribute to the spirit.
The raised runway event — held in the Westport Library’s Trefz Forum on March 4 (7 p.m.) — showcases the town’s fashion and beauty merchants. The Westport Downtown Association-sponsored event also raises important funds for Homes with Hope.
Click here for more information. VIP tickets include light bites, DJ and gifts.
Lomito — Westport’s first-ever Peruvian restaurant — is open. It replaces the Chinese Takeout place (yes, that was it’s name) where Franklin Street meets Saugatuck Avenue.
(Photo/Amy Schneider)
Lomito is bright, fresh, and the menu — including saltados (stir-fry), chaufas (fried rice), bowls and more — is mouth-watering. Click here to see.
Two of Lomito’s many dishes. (Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)
The Norwalk synagogue — which includes many Westporters — celebrates the installation of Rabbi Cantor Shirah Lipson Sklar to Senior Rabbi. She succeeds her father, Rabbi Cantor Mark Lipson, and is Temple Shalom’s first female spiritual leader.
Sklar — a Staples High School graduate — has served Temple Shalom as cantor since her ordination in 2005. At Staples she sang in the elite Orphenians under the direction of her mother, Alice Lipson.
She and her husband, Rabbi Cantor Dan Sklar, live in Westport with their 3 sons.
The installation takes place at Friday evening services (February 10, 7 p.m.). Special musical guests include the folk/Americana/bluegrass band Nefesh Mountain.
The celebration continue on Saturday (February 11, 5 p.m.), with a special wine and cheese reception, followed by a concert by Nefesh Mountain.
The Friday night installation service is free and open to the public (RSVP: 203- 866-0148). Tickets to Saturday’s Nefesh Mountain concert are $36 (children 12 and under free). Click here to purchase. (Hat tip: Martin Gitlin)
On Friday, “06880” posted Carl Swanson’s plea to drivers to slow down on North Avenue.
The next morning — 8 a.m. on Saturday — a college student driving an SUV southbound on that road plowed onto the sidewalk and obliterated 3 mailboxes anchored next to each other, just south of Cross Highway.
Neighbor Ed Paul notes: “The accident occurred about 50 yards from a stop sign. The car had to accelerate very quickly to cause such destruction.
North Avenue mailboxes before (courtesy of Google Earth) and afterward (photo/Ed Paul).
“North Avenue is frequently used by bikers, joggers, walkers with strollers, students, dog walkers and more, on the shoulders and sidewalk.
“If you’re out enjoying the day on one of our beautiful streets, don’t get so absorbed in your phone call, music or podcast to not be aware of what’s going on around you. Unfortunately, going out for a walk is not a guaranteed safe activity.”
On a more positive note: Site by site, citizens are cleaning up Westport.
The almost-weekly pick-ups — organized by RTM member Andrew Colabella, and open to everyone — continued this weekend, at the Imperial Avenue parking lot.
Interested in helping? Email acolabellartm4@gmail.com.
Cleaning up on Imperial Avenue (from left): Diane Wildman, Mayo and Karin Smith, Julie Whamond, Alice Stratton, Rob Grodman. Not pictured: Tracy Carothers, Nancy Kail, Paul Conti. (Photo/Andrew Colabella)
Our longtime (though soon-to-be-former) neighbor was on stage in Los Angeles again last night — but as a stand-in, to accept Beyoncé’s 29th.
The singer/songwriter had not yet arrived, 40 minutes into the event, when she was announced as the winner for Best R&B Song.
Her longtime collaborator, The-Dream, stepped in, and gave a brief speech that included the n-word (though it was censored by CBS).
Let Yahoo take it from there:
Fortunately, the legendary Nile Rodgers — a joint winner for “Cuff It,” due to his additional writing credit on the song — was on hand, and (host Trevor) Noah practically begged the renowned musician and producer to emerge from the stage wings and give a more eloquent speech. “Nile, please say something before we go. Please say something. The legend, ladies and gentlemen!”
While Rodgers presumably didn’t have any speech prepared, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award-winner was as articulate as ever. And the anecdote he shared demonstrated that he is always skilled when it comes to reacting in the moment, on the spot.
Click here for the full story. (Hat tip: Patti Brill)
Native Westporter — and former owner of the Arrow and Red Barn restaurants — Virginia Pianka Nistico died Saturday at Bridgeport Hospital, following a brief illness. She was 95.
As an owner of 2 of Westport’s most popular restaurants, she dedicated her life to working with her family, children and grandchildren. She spending time with patrons, and the young employees who passed through over many years.
In her free time Virginia enjoyed vacationing in Florida, first in Hollywood and then Naples. having great times with her brother Ben.
She is survived by her children Frank Nistico, Thomas Nistico, Sr. (Joan), Louis Nistico (Dee), Pamela Nistico, Richard Nistico (Cindy), and daughter-in-law Sue Nistico; 17 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren. and many nieces and nephews.
Virginia was predeceased by her son John Nistico, brother Bernard Pianka, sister Philomena Bachman and daughter-in-law Janet Nistico.
The family will receive friends and family at Collins Funeral Home (92 East Avenue, Norwalk) on Wednesday (February 8, 4 to 7 p.m.). The funeral Mass will be held Thursday (February 9, 10 a.m., Church of the Assumption). Burial will follow at Assumption Greens Farms Cemetery.
And finally … in honor of Lomito, Westport’s newest restaurant, here is the only Peruvian song I know:
(From the newest restaurants, to mentions of old favorites like the Arrow and Red Barn [see stories above], “06880” has Westport covered. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)
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