Brief showers chased away some of the midday crowd, at yesterday’s 2nd annual Soundview Summer Stroll.
But the folks who were there before noon — and the ones who came (or returned) after the quick rain — had a great time.
The beach exit road was closed to cars. So kids and parents (and people without children) enjoyed a relaxed amble up and down the street.
There were fit 20somethings on Rollerblades, and youngsters on bikes. One woman said, “This is the first time I didn’t worry about him riding in Westport.”
Four bands and one solo artist played for 7 hours. Rock, funk, alt, disco, new wave, pop, classics … Owen Daniel, Deep Valley Road & Friends, Core, Not My Problem and Rock Paper Soul covered it all, perched on a porch.
(Photo/Dan Woog)
Old Mill Grocery by Romanacci served up plenty of pizzas, and hundreds of gelatos.
At the end of Soundview, kids painted rocks, got their faces painted, threw water balloons, mugged in a photo booth — and chalked the street.
The Soundview Summer Stroll is a gift to the town, from “06880” and the Compo Beach Improvement Association.
Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department offered invaluable help. So did music director Dana Gordon, volunteers who helped with children’s activities, and organizers Kristin Mott Purcell and Sunil Hirani.
“You should do this every Sunday!” one woman said.
Well … it’s quite an undertaking. But we’re already looking forward to next year’s Soundview Summer Stroll.
We will try to pick a date with better weather.
People and dogs enjoy the Soundview Summer Stroll …
… and a child …
… and politicians too.
Music from Deep Valley Road & Friends …
… and Owen Daniel.
Yours truly, in the photo booth.
Rock painting …
… and rocks on the seawall. Pick yours up today! (Photo/Jay Petrow)
One more crowd shot.
Chalk it up to a great experience. (All photos/Luca Caniato unless otherwise noted)
For 105 years, that’s the busiest time for the Old Mill market.
The small spot at the foot of Compo Hill has been called many things throughout that century-plus. These days, it’s Old Mill Grocery & Deli by Romanacci.
Since taking over operation a year and a half ago, the operator has won the hearts of the beach community, and many other residents around town.
Not 2 neighbors, though.
They object to outdoor tables, a gelato cart, and a wine and beer license.
They’ve filed 3 lawsuits against OMG. If successful, they would overturn decision made by the Planning & Zoning Commission, deny the sale of beer and wine, and strip away the outdoor tables that have been there for generations.
Now Old Mill Deli’s owner — the Soundview Empowerment Alliance — is fighting back.
With signage inside and out, stickers on coffee cups and pizza boxes, and a social media campaign — all with a QR code, linking to a digital petition — they hope to show that they are responsible neighbors, purveyors of popular foods and drinks, and a place that honors and respects Old Mill’s special beach vibe.
Ian Warburg and Jim Hood of the Soundview Empowerment Alliance, outside Old Mill Grocery & Deli.
Headlined “Westport Chose, We Won’t Close!” — and calling it “a battle for the soul of the community” — a large poster describes how, 3 years ago, 600 residents donated generously, to save the building from possible demolition.
Now, however, “a small and well-funded group of opponents wants to erase that victory.”
Fighting the lawsuits, SEA says, is “bleeding our non-profit dry.” They say thee are “protecting our values: inclusion, historic preservation, and economic opportunity for all.”
The “costly and time-consuming litigation” also inhibits SEA from investing in the expansion of providing job training for people with disabilities.
SEA says that the lawsuits threaten both pillars of their mission.
Old Mill Grocery & Deli staff.
There are 4 calls to action: signing and sharing the petition, donating to cover legal costs, and contacting Representative Town Meeting (RTM) members.
Meanwhile, the weather is — finally — hot. Customers will clamor for food (including gelato) and drinks. They’ll sit outside, enjoying the scene.
Just as they have since long before SEA, Romanacci, and any of their neighbors came to town.
In the wake of the Planning & Zoning Commission’s decision allowing Old Mill Grocery & Deli to serve alcohol, and use pre-existing picnic tables and a gelato cart, 2 neighbors filed 3 lawsuits.
Soundview Empowerment Alliance (SEA) — the non-profit that owns the 222 Hillspoint Road building — has written a note to donors who funded the purchase of the building 2 years ago. Here is a slightly edited version of that letter.
Three years ago, you and nearly 600 other neighbors and friends generously donated to save Old Mill Grocery & Deli from the wrecking ball.
Since then, thousands of people have frequented OMG&D, loving their neighborhood gathering place.
Along the way, OMG&D received 3 historic designations from Westport and the state of Connecticut, acknowledging its 105-year history as the oldest continuously operating retail food establishment in Westport — and the heart and soul of the Compo Beach community.
Thanks to you and many others the OMG&D tradition lives on, generational memories continue to be shared (and new ones made), neighbors connect over great coffee and food, and new friendships are forged daily. We hear countless times every day how grateful the entire community is that the neighborhood gem called OMG&D was spared.
The good news: In January of last year, the Romanacci Group took control as the operating tenant of OMG&D. They have been embraced by the community for their great food and beverage offerings, and warm sense of hospitality.
Additionally, the Planning & Zoning Commission approved a text amendment to the zoning regulations which permits the sale of beer and wine for on-premises consumption, the use of pre-existing picnic tables, and more, for “retail food establishments” in residential neighborhoods. This includes Old Mill Grocery & Deli, and 2 others.
More than 600 residents signed a petition, wrote to the P&Z, or spoke at meetings, offering their unwavering support and approval of these regulatory changes.
The bad news: While there is so much to be happy about and grateful for, SEA and the Romanacci Group face significant challenges, in the form of 3 lawsuits filed against SEA (owners of the building), the town of Westport and Romanacci Compo Bach LLC, which operates OMG&D).
These lawsuits challenge the beloved market’s very existence.
The lawsuits were filed by an attorney on behalf of 2 neighbors who are leading and funding the efforts, along with a very small number of others from across town who have joined the suits.
The lawsuits seek to overturn the decisions of the Planning & Zoning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals, with respect to adoption of the text amendments, and the P&Z’s approval of the liquor license application.
The Romanacci team, at Old Mill Grocery & Deli.
We need all the support we can muster. And support comes in many forms.
First, we need to raise money. At $400 an hour, our legal fees are significant and mounting. Our attorneys have advised us that these fees could exceed $100,000. Your GoFundMe donation will help pay our legal bills, and ensure that SEA has adequate resources to fulfill its charitable mission of preserving the historic building and providing job training for people with disabilities.
Second, please let your RTM representatives know how you feel about OMG&D, and its importance to the community.
Third, please support the Romanacci team with your business. Make OMG&D one of your top choices when getting something delicious to eat or drink. And don’t forget the amazing wines, sold at wine store prices.
Feel free to reach out to us with comments and questions. For more details on “How We Got Here” and “What Happens Next,” please click here, then scroll down.
(NOTE: “06880” has contacted opponents of Old Mill Grocery’s regulatory approvals, and invited them to respond.)
Picnic tables flank Elvira’s, a predecessor of Old Mill Grocery. (Photo/Katherine Bruan)
Today is the day: the 4th annual “06880”/Westport Downtown Association Holiday Stroll.
It’s 5 to 7 p.m., on Main Street, plus the parking lots at Elm Street, and all around downtown.
There is something for everyone. For kids, there’s a candy wagon, photos with Santa and the Grinch, face painting, crafts, Buddy the Elf and other Staples Players costumed characters, piglet reindeer, a mailbox for Santa letters … you get the idea.
Plus smores at Nômade, a DJ dance party, kettle corn, hot chocolate, a human snow globe, and a holiday market with artisans, non-profit booths, plus goodies from non-downtowners like Alina’s Cakes, and The Clubhouse.
Don’t forget to bring an unwrapped toy too, for the Westport PAL and Police Department collection.
Plus, nearly 100 stores, restaurants and other businesses offer deals, discounts and giveaways.
Here’s a small sampling: Complimentary nibbles and hot chocolate at stores. Cocktails and Champagne at restaurants. Raffles. Gifts with purchases. 15, 25, 50% off. Free classes.
To see the entire list, click here, then scroll down. See you tonight at the Stroll!
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Westport’s second tree lighting ceremony of the week — the Wakeman Town Farm one — “lit up” a large crowd yesterday.
The Wakeman Town Farm tree …
What started as a Wakeman family tradition has continued for all Westporters.
The Porch and Sweet P Bakery supplied cookies, treats and hot chocolate. The Westport Fire Department kept eye on a bonfire. Greens Farms and Saugatuck Elementary, and Staples High School, musicians played. Awesome Toys handed out gifts.
And 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker — accompanied by Wakeman family member Bill Constantino — did the switch-throwing honors.
… and tree lighters Bill Constantino and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker.
The annual Westport Police Department toy drive kicks off today. The joint effot, with the Police Athletic League and Police Benevolent Association, continues tomorrow, and next weekend too.
New, unopened and unwrapped toys for all ages and genders — along with cash, to buy toys — will be collected at Athletic Shoe Factory (1560 Post Road East) Saturdays and Sundays, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
You can also drop off unwrapped toys at Police headquarters on Jesup Road (any time), or Awesome Toys & Gifts and The Toy Post, during business hours.
There will be a collection box on Elm Street too, during tonight’s “06880”/ Westport Downtown Association Holiday Stroll (5 to 7 p.m.).
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Some people call next weekend’s Staples High School concert “Candlelight.”
Generous audience members will also make it “Can-Delight.”
On Friday and Saturday, the Tri-M National Music Honor Society is sponsoring a canned food drive. Collection boxes will be set up in the main lobby.
Concert-goers are invited to bring boxed or bagged stuffing; canned sweet potatoes, vegetables, fruit, tuna, chicken, meat, soup, beef stew and chili; instant mashed potatoes; boxed macaroni and cheese; brownie, cake and pie mix; cranberry sauce; shelf-stable milk and almond milk; hot and cold cereal.
Come on, Candlelight guests. You “can” help our neighbors in need!
The Romanacci team followed up last month’s great “Evening in Rome” 5-course dinner at Old Mill Grocery & Deli with a second, Thursday night.
It was another night for beach neighbors to come together. Old friendships were rekindled and new ones were made, over excellent food and very good wines.
Based on raves for the first 2 dinners, Romanacci’s plans more after the holidays.
Old Mill Grocery’s “Night in Rome” dinner. (Photo/Carol Alexander)
Yesterday’s Roundup item about Staples High School’s Italian Club fundraiser for Centra La Tenda, a community organization serving needy children in Naples, omitted a link.
Click here to donate. Click here, then scroll down to read more about the project.
Several dozen people filled Rizzuto’s last night, for Neighbors & Newcomers of Westport’s annual holiday party.
In keeping with the organization’s mission of helping new and longtime residents connect through common interests and social events, guests ranged from born-and-bred Westporters, to those who moved here this summer.
For more informaiton on Neighbors & Newcomers of Westport, click here.
Neighbors & Newcomers of Westport president Alma Sarelli (2nd from left), and members at last night’s party. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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Speaking of parties: Non-members are welcome at the upcoming Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce Holiday Party.
It’s this Wednesday (December 11, 5 to 7 p.m., Harvest restaurant). Tickets ($35 for members, $40 for non-members, $5 extra for walk-ins) include one drink. Click here for reservations.
Joyce Thompson — longtime president of the Westport Arts Center — died peacefully at her Weston home, surrounded by her family. She was 90, and had been diagnosed with cancer.
She graduated from Wheaton College, and earned a master’s degree from the University of Bridgeport.
During her tenure as WAC president, the organization restored, improved and maintained Greens Farms Elementary School as a gallery and home for artists. When the town needed the school again, the Arts Center moved to Riverside Avenue, where her participation continued. The WAC was the forerunner of what is now MoCA CT.
Joyce continued her interest in painting while also pursuing sailing and boating. She and her husband David were a familiar sight on Long Island Sound in the sloop Bluejacket and trawler Rambler.
An active member of Saugatuck Harbor Yacht Club, she was also in the Power Squadron. She won a citation for the high number of boats she inspected on their behalf.
She was an avid gardener, and took pride in the restoration and maintenance of her pre-war International style house. Her paintings, especially cloudscapes, are hung with pride by family and friends, there and in other homes.
Married for 66 years, she is survived by her husband; children John of Stratford, Jennifer Van de Graaf (Stephen) of New Canaan (Stephen) and Sarah Marcotte (James) of Los Angeles, and grandchildren Gwen, Owen, Sarah and Rowan.
The family is deeply grateful to her caregivers Jackie Brown and Judith Bryan, who showed empathy and love.
A celebration of Joyce’s life will be held on Saturday, December 14 (10:30 a.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Westport). The service will be livestreamed.
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Former Westport Emergency Medical Technician Toni Cribari died peacefully on November 26 in Hartford. She was 80.
The Hartford native worked in many roles throughout her life, from waitress and Norwalk Hospital pharmaceutical technician, to EMT.
But, family says, “perhaps her most cherished role was nanny, caring for and nurturing countless children whom she loved as if they were her own.”
An avid music fan, she was known for her “independent spirit, sense of humor, and beauty both inside and out.”
Toni is survived by her husband Ed; son Justin (Morgan), and granddaughter Ophelia. She was predeceased by her sister Denise, and daughters Chitra and Tara.
A graveside service will be held Monday (December 9, 11:00 a.m., Assumption Cemetery). Click here to leave online condolences.
In its 105 years, the small building at the foot of Compo Hill has seen many things.
It’s where neighbors gather for coffee, food and gossip; contractors and tradespeople pick up lunch; thirsty dogs and parched joggers get water.
Decades ago, it was the only place in the Old Mill neighborhood with a telephone. It’s survived more hurricanes and nor’easters than Al Roker.
But until last Thursday, never — in over a century — had the spot that is now Old Mill Grocery & Deli offered a sit-down, 4- course wine tasting and dinner.
Romanacci’s — which, since taking over last January, has breathed new life into the old place — hosted the historic event.
If the smiles and full stomachs of the 18 guests were any indication, it won’t be the last.
Repurposing the community table at Old Mill Grocery.
Graziano and Mauricio Ricco — owners of the very popular Romanacci’s restaurants in Westport, Norwalk and Trumbull — had talked about doing a wine event at their Railroad Place spot.
But the OMG location offered a chance to add another special element to a neighborhood gem.
With just a couple of flyers and social media posts, they quickly sold out the “Evening at Rome.”
The Riccis used their extensive food and wine contacts throughout the US and Europe to create and source the menu.
The wines came from all over Italy. They were provided — and described in detail — by Guliano Parolin, the Romanacci’s business partner who comes from 4 generations of winemakers in Italy’s Veneto region.
Guliano Parolin explains the wine.
All preparation was done on site. General manager Davis Johnson — who in just 10 months has already embedded OMG into the community — arrived early. Chef José Siguencia was already there, preparing the short ribs for Graziano to finish.
Braised, slow-cooked short ribs, with polenta and broccoletti, were a huge hit.
Cooking an elaborate meal in OMG’s cramped kitchen was “no small task,” Johnson notes.
The community table that fills OMG worked well for the dinner party. Guests — nearly all of whom walked over — ranged in age from 30s to 70s. For 3 hours, convesation flowed as easily as the wine.
“Everyone was so happy, so glad they came,” Johnson says. “They loved seeing this place all ‘dressed up.'”
Welcome to the dinner.
The Riccis are already preparing for the next dinner, on December 5. It will feature an entirely new menu, and different wines.
If that meal is a success (and it will be), Romanacci’s may plan one or two a month, in 2025.
Back in the day, Allen’s Clam House and Café de la Plage (later, Positano) offered dining options near Old Mill Beach.
No one expected Old Mill Grocery & Deli to fill that void. But — 105 years after it opened as a valuable local market — OMG is serving memorable meals to neighbors and friends.
(To learn more about upcoming dinners at Romanacci’s — or for information on how to have your own party there — email compobeach@romanacci.com.)
Graziano and Mauricio Ricci, hosts of “An Evening in Rome.” (All photos/James Ricci)
(“06880” often covers the beach scene, local businesses, and restaurants. Sometimes they all converge. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Not Westport. At least, not MoCA Westport anymore.
The gallery/performing arts center — whose official name was the Museum of Contemporary Art Westport — is now MoCA CT.
MoCA’s entrance is on Newtown Turnpike in Westport. But the bulk of the property — which includes Martha Stewart’s former TV studio, and was once a ball bearing factory — is in Norwalk.
MoCA explains the name change:
While our roots are in Westport, our impact and reach extend across the entire state of Connecticut.
The new name, MoCA CT, better represents our commitment to serving and engaging with communities throughout Connecticut. The name MoCA CT emphasizes our dedication to inclusivity and accessibility. It signals that we welcome artists, visitors, and participants from all corners of the state, fostering a sense of belonging and community.
Our mission is to celebrate contemporary art and foster a creative, engaging environment for all.
The new name aligns more closely with this mission by removing geographic limitations and highlighting our statewide aspirations.
MoCA was previously known as the Westport Arts Center. Its name was changed in 2019, when it moved to its present location from Riverside Avenue.
As of yesterday, a new logo had not been posted on the website (which is still mocawestport.org).
Tomorrow’s Board of Education meeting (Thursday, June 13, 7 p.m., Staples High School cafeteria) begins with a recognition of 15 retiring staff members: Susan Bambach, Peter Barcello, Anitha Bolar, Barbara Burns, Catherine Carlson, Karen DeFelice-During, David DuBois, Denise Emmerthal, Agustin Feliciano, Joyce Horne, Ann Neary Adalberto Orozco Jr., Jane Sandri, Bruce Smith, Mary Sue Welch.
The 2 Staples students on the Board — Calum Madigan and Anya Nair — will also be recognized, along with PTA co-presidents.
After a brief reception, agenda items include a teacher evaluation plan, and a second reading of Board polices on assignment of students to classes, ages of attendance and graduation requirements.
Staples High School English teacher Ann Neary is one of 15 retiring staff members.
The Levitt Pavilion’s popular Wednesday Children’s Series launches tonight (June 12, 7 p.m.).
Grammy winners Lucy Kalantari & the Jazz Cats headline the family-friendly show. They promise “an elegantly silly time, loaded with bilingual and swingin’ sounds of jazz and beyond.”
Click here to reserve free tickets. Click here for more information on the Levitt Pavilion’s 50-plus free shows — and ticket sales for others.
Flag Day is this Friday (June 14). It celebrates the day in 1777 when our nation officially adopted its 13-stars, 13-stripes banner.
Carl Addison Swanson says, “on all such occasions, flags line Pleasant Valley Lane in honor of patriotism. It is a regular flag fest. And it is a fine time, in our divided country, that we remember we are all Americans.”
(Photo/Tom Cook)
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Speaking of patriotism: VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399’s 31st annual golf tournament, held Monday at Longshore, was a huge success.
Thanks to 96 golfers, plus friends, sponsors, auxiliaries and volunteers, it will help the organization and American Legion Post 63 offer support veterans throughout Fairfield County — and give them a welcoming place to gather.
VFW Post 399 (465 Riverside Avenue) is open to the public. and serves the community in many ways.
They host a weekly Jazz Night every Thursday; conduct monthly Red Cross Blood Drives (47 consecutive months so far), and organize open houses and ceremonies on Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
The VFW partners with community institutions like PAL, the Fire Department, Westport Weston Family Y, Senior Center and Chamber of Commerce. They are also involved in youth activities in schools, Scouts, boating and sports teams.
For more information about Westport’s VFW Post 399/American Legion Post 63 and their community initiatives, click here.
Patty Kondub, VFW/American Auxiliary, is flanked by Honda of Westport sponsor representatives Evan Perkins and Steve Perkins.
“To his students at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Fordham University, Manhattanville College, Fairfield University, and the Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center, and patients at his clinical and forensic psychology practice in Westport, he was known as Dr. Norman Klein.
“To the thousands of Westporters he coached in the mid-1990s and then umpired behind the plate at Kowalsky Field, he was simply ‘Norm!’”
On Monday, young and old honored Norm for his nearly 30 years of service to Westport Little League.
Extolling Norm’s “flair for the dramatic, and his youthful exuberance,” longtime umpire-in-chief Brian Kurtz noted, “Your work was always your play. Which is the way it should be.”
Westport Baseball president Jeff Brill added, “His spirited and emphatic umpire calls on Saturday mornings of Majors games were hallmarks of better spring weather and Little League baseball fun. He will be sorely missed.”
In his bellowing umpire voice Norm said, “I am forever grateful, and just know: I loved every single inning.”
Westport Little League will permanently honor Norm with a plaque on the backstop at Kowalsky Field.
Norm Klein (right) and Little Leaguers, at Kowalsky Field.
The Hillspoint Road sidewalk project is making good progress.
Yesterday, workers were busy in front of Old Mill Grocery & Deli.
Unfortunately, if they wanted a cold brew after work, they had to go elsewhere.
Though the Planning & Zoning Commission voted 5-2 earlier this month to amend zoning regulations, to allow retail food establishments with seating inside for up to 10 people to serve alcoholic beverages, OMG’s application is not yet finalized.
For a couple of weeks, Westporters brought new and slightly used shoes to Town Hall and the Senior Center.
This week, town officials helped Souls4Soles organizers Ken Bernhard and Ted Freedman transport 35 boxes — filled with 450 pairs — to the UPS store for delivery to Tennessee.
This is the 5th time the town has rallied to provide footwear for people around the world who need them.
From left: Officer Greg Gunther, Ken Bernhard, Detective James Baker, Ted Freedman, Sgt. Sean Kelley and Sgt. Sharon Russo, with Soles4Soles boxes.
The volunteer organization — which collects, curates and distributes artwork for schools and municipal buildings — sold 30 paintings. The $16,000 raised will go a long way to ensuring that the arts are alive and well, all around town.
“Dream Town” by Lisa Daugherty was one of WestPAC’s auctioned items.
Another successful event: The “Evening of Mental Fitness,” sponsored by Rhone. 125 guests gathered at the Westport Woman’s Club to raise awareness and funds for Positive Directions’ prevention and counseling programs.
The non-profit collected nearly $30,000 through tickets, donations, a silent auction and 10% of Rhone’s Westport sales over the weekend.
At the mental health fundraiser (from left): Vanessa Wilson of Positive Directions, Zac Clark of Release Recovery, Kate Sweeney and Nate Checketts of Rhone, Staples High School boys basketball coach Dave Goldshore, and Westport 1st selectwoman Jen Tooker.
“This was Toscanini: The Maestro, My Father, and Me” has just been released as an audiobook, on all digital platforms.
There are 2 local angles. It was written by Westporter Lucy Antek Johnson, with her late father Samuel Antek. He was NBC Symphony’s first violinist.
And it was produced at the Westport Library’s Verso Studios. Johnson and actor David Garrison did all the narration, while Verso director Travis Bell handled the music editing.
Excerpts from the famed conductor’s original NBC Symphony performances replace the iconic photos, in the hardcover edition.
For example, when Toscanini bellows “Brahms!” at the first rehearsal, listeners hear the opening of his First Symphony.
The release is particularly noteworthy now. June is Audibook Appreciation Month.
Our new Instagram feature will be called “Vide06880.”
Pronounced “vide-06880,” it features Dave Briggs helping local merchants, restaurants and organizations tell their stories.
Each week, the longtime Westporter (and nationally known CNN, NBC Sports, Fox News and Turner Sports broadcaster) will interview a different retail store, restaurant, home builder, fitness establishment, etc.
Dave’s very informative and entertaining Instagram reels, stories and IG Live interviews will live on our “06880” Instagram feed (“06880danwoog”), this blog (via the “Video” tab) and the app, and be posted on Dave’s feed (“DaveBriggsTV”). He’ll follow up daily with stories about that week’s feature.
This week, Dave features Romanacci — the new operator of Old Mill Grocery & Deli. Learn about their food, their vibe, and their petition to sell wine. Click below to see.
Got a suggestion for a feature? Want to learn more? Email us both: 06880blog@gmail.com and dbriggsproductions@gmail.com.
Yesterday’s “Roundup” item on Bruce Becker — president of Becker + Becker, who has reimagined the Brutalist former Armstrong Rubber/Pirelli headquarters in New Haven into the Hotel Marcel, called “the greenest hotel in America” by CNN — neglected to mention that on Friday, he was appointed by President Biden to the US Commission of Fine Arts.
That’s because we did not know, until his neighbor and friend Larry Hoy told us the news.
Since 1910, the commission has advised the federal government on matters pertaining to the arts and national symbols, and guided the architectural development of Washington.
The 7 members, all with arts expertise, serve 4-year terms.
Becker designs and builds projects with social and environmental value. His work includes conversion of the Bank of America tower in Hartford into a 285-unit LEED Platinum mixed-income community; the 500-unit, 360 State and Elm City Market in New Haven; adaptive re-use of the Wauregan Hotel in Norwich, Connecticut to create affordable housing, and redevelopment of the historic Octagon on Roosevelt Island in Manhattan into a mixed-income community.
Bruce Becker, with a “Westport Green Building Award” for “meaningfully contributing to a sustainable Westport, and furthering the town’s goal of being a net-zero community by 2050.”
Speaking of art: If you hear “student art” and think of a work hung on a refrigerator that only a mother could love — think again.
The Westport Public School’s visual arts exhibition, “Spark” opens May 25 at MoCA Westport. It runs through June 2 (closing reception 2-4 p.m.).
The very imaginative show highlights the creative spirit at work in our schools each day, from pre-K through 12th grade.
It is well worth seeing, even — perhaps especially — if you don’t have a young artist at home.
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First came Donald Trump’s “The Apprentice.”
Now there’s Gabe Sherman’s version.
The Westport native — who grew up in Westport and graduated from Middlebury College in 2001 — wrote a film with that familiar name.
“An exploration of power and ambition, set in a world of corruption and deceit,” it explores Trump’s efforts to build his real estate business in New York in the ’70s and ’80s, along with his relationship with attorney Roy Cohn.
“The Apprentice” has been chosen as one of 20 (out of 2.000) entries to premier at the Cannes Film Festival, which starts this week.
In a story about 5 things to look for at the movie mecca, the New York Times says:
If any Americans traveling abroad are counting on Cannes for 2 weeks of respite from this contentious election year, the festival has a rude reminder in the form of Ali Abbasi’s “The Apprentice.”
This political origin story of sorts stars Sebastian Stan as a young Donald J. Trump, Maria Bakalova as his first wife, Ivana, and the “Succession” star Jeremy Strong as Trump’s mentor, the fixer Roy Cohn. Could this be the only film at Cannes this year eligible for both the Palme d’Or and a clapback on Truth Social?
Gabe Sherman
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Longtime Westporter Jay Dirnberger brought Y’s Women members back to the Vietnam days yesterday.
As guest speaker, the former Army combat helicopter pilot discussed the various roles of Hueys: ferrying soldiers in and out of missions, and supplying water and ammunition to the troops already there circling over terrain with dangerously high tree canopies and mountains.
Capt. Dirnberger described the draft as a “leveler of men,” surrounding people with others they’d never otherwise know, broadening the world at a very young age.
Once strangers, they now held each other’s fates in their hands. One mistake could be deadly.
Capt. Dirnberger speaks often at high schools and colleges.
Jay Dirnberger addresses the Y’s Women.
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month.
In this week’s “Westport … What’s Happening” podcast, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Department of Human Services director Elaine Daignault discuss the extensive programs available to Westporters.
As always, it’s courtesy of the Y’s Men of Westport & Weston. Click below to listen:
Jazz pianist/composer Ted Rosenthal leads this week’s Jazz at the Post (Thursday, May 16, 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. shows; dinner service at 7 p.m.; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; $20 music cover, $15 veterans and students).
Joined by trumpeter Scott Wendholt, bassist Martin Wind, drummer Tim Horner and saxophonist Greg “Jazz Rabbi” Wall, the evening will feature many Gershwin gems — plus Rosenthal’s jazz adaptations of the his symphonic works.
Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com
It’s observed every May 14, to celebrate the first public performance (in 1897) of John Philip Sousa’s stirring tune. In 1987, it became the National March of the United States.
(Be a great American — or at least a good Westporter. Please support “06880,” your hyper-local blog. Just click here. We thank you!)
Sure, you and 110 million other people watched the Kansas City Chiefs win (another) Super Bowl last night.
But they also saw Dr. Clarence Jones’ 30-second PSA, which aired during the game.
Sponsored by the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism, it offered a powerful platform for Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s speechwriter to declare: “All hate thrives in silence.”
StartUp Westport and Westport 10 celebrates Black History Month with a special event.
“Past, Present and Future Opportunities for Diverse Entrepreneurs” (February 29, 6 p.m., Westport Library) spotlights the contributions and experiences of local business owners of color.
StartUp Westport is the town’s public/private partnership whose goal is to make our town the tech entrepreneurial hub of Connecticut. Westport 10 is a social and networking group for Black men in town, and their families.
NBC news anchor (and Westport resident) Craig Melvin is the moderator. Jay Norris — founder of Westport 10 — has assembled an all-star panel, including Kal Amin, Wesly Saintil Arbuthnott, Eric Freeman, Ilka Gregory, Craig Livingston, Adam Moore, Pamela Moss, Paige Parker, Ted Parker, Michele Peterson and Kitt Shapiro.
They are business leaders from a variety of industries, including film/TV, music, real estate, retail, technology, food and beverage, and financial services.
The evening kicks off with a video presentation showcasing the history of
diverse entrepreneurship in Fairfield County. Following the panel, attendees can network during a cocktail reception.
On Friday, Westport Library’s Verso Studios’ Brendan Toller interviewed Talking Heads founding members and drummer Chris Frantz and bassist Tina Weymouth. at a screening of the remixed and remastered 40th anniversary version of Jonthan Demme’s Talking Heads Concert Film “Stop Making Sense.”
The large crowd sang along, lustily. The event was a benefit for April’s VersoFest, and WPKN.
Brendan Toller interviews former Talking Heads Tina Weymouth and Chris Frantz. (Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)
Wakeman Town Farm aficionados know him (every Tuesday) as Tony Pizza Napolitano.
But Anthony Kesselmark – his real name — is more than just a one-trick pizza pony. He studied at the Culinary Institute of America, and made his name at L’Impero and Veritas in New York before moving to the ‘burbs.
On Sunday, March 10 he serves WTF’s first Italian family-style feast.
The menu includes a classic Italian salad; homemade bread/focaccia; traditional Sunday sauce served over rigatoni with braciole, meatballs, pork chops, sausage and breaded chicken cutlets, and assorted cookies and pastries.
There are 2 seatings: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., and 7 to 9 p.m. The $60 price includes food and service ($25 for children 12 and under); BYOB.
Click here for more information, and to reserve a spot.
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Some fundraising galas are dress-up. Some are “cocktail attire.”
The dress code for Rach’s Hope’s annual event is: pajamas.
On March 23 (The Warehouse, Fairfield), guests can come in “pajama chic.” Rachel Doran — the Staples High School graduate who died in 2018 as a rising Cornell University senior after a rare reaction to common medications — was a talented Staples Players costume designer, and the founder of “Rachel’s Rags,” a company that makes intricate cotton and fleece pajama tops and bottoms.
The night of food (from AMG Catering and Tito’s Cocktails), fun and dancing to live music raises money for Rach’s Hope. The non-profit supports local families navigating the critical illness of a child by providing nutritious food, lodging, transportation, and encouragement so they can focus on being present for their ailing children.
Click here for more information, and to purchase tickets or donate.
Little Leaguers can get ready for the spring baseball season — and support the Staples Baseball Diamond Club booster organization — at a spring clinic March 6 (6 to 8 p.m., Staples fieldhouse)
Boys and girls in grades K-7 can have fun with Staples coaches and players, who run drills and games. Participants will be separated by grade and skill level. The event is hosted by the Staples baseball program.
The $40 fee includes a slice of pizza. To register, Venmo @StaplesBBDiamondClub by March 1. Include the player’s name, grade and parent email in the memo line. Registration after March 1 is $50 per player. Players should bring a bat, glove and water bottle.
A “Histoury” bus tour of historic Weston homes is set for March 10 (1 to 4:30 p.m.).
It features mid-century modern homes. They were radical and controversial at the time. Today they are enjoyed for their simplicity, creativity and integration with nature.
The tour includes several interior stops.
Tickets are $75 for adults, $49 for students. For more information and to purchase, click here.
The Wilton Arts Council is seeking photographers of all ages for its 24th annual photography exhibit, “FOCUS ’24” — and Westporters are encouraged to apply.
Last year’s 2nd place high school winner was Westport resident Charlie Lukens. The adult division also included several Westport photographers.
There are 3 divisions: adults (professional and amateur), high school and youth (“old enough to hold a camera through 8th grade”).
Photographers can submit up to 2 film or digital images, in color or black and white. They may be enhanced by darkroom or digital techniques, but additional objects not photographed by the photographer cannot be added.
Entries will be judged by area photographers. Submissions can be dropped off at the Wilton Library on March 15 (noon to 5 p.m.) and March 16 (10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.). They must be at least 8″ x 10″, and wired for hanging. There is no maximum size. Photos will be available for sale throughout the exhibit; the Wilton Library will receive a 20% commission
Sponsors include Rockwell Art & Framing in Westport.
Click here for more details, entry forms and fee information. Questions? Email baswilton@yahoo.com, or call 203-834-9986.
“Eleuthera,” by Charlie Lukens
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There is something fishy about today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo, taken at Compo’s South Beach …
And finally … on this day in 1938, BBC Television produced the world’s first science fiction television program. It was an adaptation of a section of the Karel Čapek play “R.U.R.,” which coined the term “robot.”
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