Mid-winter is traditionally a slow time, in the Old Mill neighborhood.
But there’s plenty of action there now. And a ton of buzz.
Soon — perhaps within a few days — Old Mill Grocery & Deli will reopen.
The new operators are old Westport friends: the folks at Romanacci.
It’s an ideal match, says Jim Hood, one of 5 founders of the Soundview Empowerment Alliance. The non-profit bought the former Joey’s by the Shore (and before that, Elvira’s and Kenny’s) 2 years ago, to save it from possible demolition.
Old Milll Grocery & Deli (Photo/Matt Murray)
The first SEA operators, The Granola Bar, left in September. The original market was established in 1919.
In addition to great experience running popular restaurants by the train station, and in Norwalk and Trumbull, owners Graziano and Mauricio Ricci ran a coffee-and-breakfast spot on Railroad Place.
“They know how to make an omelet and espresso,” Hood says. “They breathe hospitality. They’ll make a real commitment to breakfast, lunch and dinner.” That includes a “robust offering” of grab-and-go meals, plus a modest selection of groceries and sundries, like their restaurant and the old Elvira’s.
The Ricci brothers “understand the significance of this place — historically, and to the neighborhood,” Hood says.
“And they’re fully committed to the second part of our mission: training people with special needs, and helping make them employable.”
The Riccis — who will keep the Old Mill Grocery name, adding “by Romanacci” — have made significant changes to the interior. It’s got a new floor, a large community table, and — like their restaurant — an open kitchen, like Elvira’s had.
The new operators are “incredibly open to feedback,” Hood says. They’ve already hung a suggestion box on the wall.
One suggestion they’re eager to implement: a return to house accounts. Elvira’s binder was always full.
Over a dozen operators were interested in taking over when The Granola Bar left, Hood says.
“There were plenty of talented people. But the Romanacci team rose above the rest, in both operational excellence and unbridled enthusiasm.”
The Riccis have been there often in the past 2 months, making sure they’re ready to serve the Old Mill neighborhood — and everyone passing by — the way they want to be served.
An opening date will be announced soon.
From left: general manager Davis Johnson, Mauricio and Graziano Ricci, and chef Jose Siguencia, in the newly revamped Old Mill Grocery & Deli by Romanacci.
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Old Mill Grocery & Deli is temporarily closed, as owners seek a new operator. The search is going well, they say, and promise an announcement soon. (Photo/Jo Shields Sherman)
Last year, when a group of Westporters saved the former Elvira’s from possible conversion to a large home, they needed an experienced operator.
The Granola Bar stepped up. In just a few weeks they had Old Mill Grocery & Deli running.
The July 2022 opening filled a void, reinvigorating the neighborhood while also serving hungry folks headed to and from Compo Beach.
But as The Granola Bar expands, opening new locations in Connecticut and New York, they’re focusing staff and resources on that brand.
They’ve opted not to renew their lease. Their final day will be September 30.
Old Mill Grocery & Deli reopened in July 2022. (Photo/Matt Murray)
Soundview Empowerment Alliance founders Jim Hood, Ian Warburg, Emily Zobl, Chris Tait and Tommy Febbraio — who formed a non-profit to buy the century-old building, renovate it and re-open the market/deli, while also providing employment and training opportunities for people with disabilities — are working closely with the Granola Bar team on the transition.
SEA is also working to identify a new restaurant operator. They’re talking with several, and invite any group interested to contact them by email: SoundviewEmpowerment@gmail.com.
“Together since July 22, The Granola Bar Hospitality Group and Soundview Empowerment Alliance have proudly fulfilled SEA’s mission to save the historic building and to empower adults with disabilities, while creating a special space in the community to share delicious food together,” SEA says.
“Since day one, the team has remained focused on ‘preserving history and serving good,’ with incredible support from the community.”
The renovated building has won 3 state and local preservation awards. The training and employment program for adults with disabilities began several months ago.
“As the team works together to identify and transition to a new operator, OMG&D will remain open through September 30, serving everything from morning coffee to award-winning pizza in Westport’s most beloved building.”
Old Mill Grocery, soon after reopening. (Photo/Maggie Moffitt Rahe)
Next up for the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee: a public review and feedback meeting covering additional plans for its “Master Plan for Downtown Parking and Pedestrian Areas: Reconnecting the Riverfront.”
Particular focus will be on the Parker Harding Plaza design.
The session is set for August 22 (7 p.m., Westport Library). All residents and downtown stakeholders are invited to attend.
Information on the project is available on the DPIC website. Feedback is welcome in its comments section.
DPIC also conducts regular public meetings, typically the 2nd Thursday of each month at 8:30 a.m.
Screenshot from the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee website.
Yesterday morning, Diane Bosch and her husband Eric chatted with a team from the space agency, at Compo Beach’s Ned Dimes Marina. A NASA boat was docked there.
As best as the Bosches could determine from the visitors, they were monitoring air quality, and satellite launched earlier this year from Elon Musk’s SpaceX group.
“They were a bit secretive when we tried to understand what they were doing,” Diane reports.
“They did say they were in town from the NASA site in Virginia — and they had nothing to do with the rocket launch the night before.”
And then there’s the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport tag sale.
That event — one of the best bargain-hunting dates on the calendar — is this Saturday (August 5, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., 10 Lyons Plains Road).
Early birds can go at 8 a.m. ($20, at the door).
The indoor event has something for everyone: clothing, dishes, housewares, sheets, towels, pillows, small furniture, rugs, household appliances, artwork, puzzles, toys, electronics and more.
Everything is “priced fairly, to move.”
Questions? Email uuchurch@uuwestport.org, or call 203-227-7205.
Crabbers — with LED headlamps and big nets — were out again yesterday at the Sherwood Mill Pond, starting around 8:20 p.m.
Concerned residents — including environmentalists worried about over-fishing, along with neighbors disturbed by the bright lights — have contacted the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, as well as Westport Police and the Parks & Recreation Department.
Crabbing last night in the Sherwood Mill Pond. (Photo/Matt Murray)
Guardians caring for children do not have it easy.
But, says Westport-Weston Probate Judge Lisa Wexler, they may be eligible for thousands of dollars in grants to help with housing, food, transportation and enrichment activities.
Guardians can be grandparents or other relatives, or sometimes close family friends with long-standing relationships with a child.
Guardians save Connecticut $72 million a year, by keeping thousands of children out of foster care. However, unlike foster parents, Probate Court-appointed guardians receive no financial support for taking on this important (and often unexpected) responsibility.
State Kinship Fund awards grants of up to $550 a child — or $2,200 a family – a year help pay for necessities like glasses and clothing, or enrichment activities like summer camp, art supplies or creative books. The Respite Fund covers childcare, rent, transportation and food. These grants are capped at $2,200 a year.
Applications are at ctprobate.gov under the “Children’s Matters” tab, or by calling the Westport-Weston Probate Court: 203-341-1100.
State grants help guardians pay for enrichment activities.
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Outdoor music continues this weekend on Church Lane.
Accompanying diners and shoppers this evening is Dan Tressler. Tomorrow night: Vinnie Ferrone.
Musicians are sponsored by the Westport Downtown Association.
Outdoor dining on Church Lane.
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It’s the dog days of summer.
And Westport has officially gone to the dogs.
On Monday, Yogi Bear — a 2-year-old Keeshond — was named “Honorary Mayor of Westport” by 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker.
Yogi (accompanied by his friend Cathy Malkin) was at Town Hall to push his agenda of free cookies for all dogs.
As honorary mayor, he promised to spread love and joy everywhere.
Yogi then headed to Old Mill Grocery & Deli, where he shared a slice of vegan pizza with State Representative Dominique Johnson. It’s bipartisan: She agrees with Tooker that there should be free cookies for all dogs.
Yogi Bear with State Representative Dominique Johnson.
An alert “06880” reader spotted a new bat house the other day, at Compo Beach.
If it’s yours, email 06880blog@gmail.com. Include where at the beach you may have lost it. I’ll contact the person who found it, and make arrangements for you to pick it up.
Bat house
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We love our butterflies.
But they often fly too fast for us to appreciate them fully.
Today, we’re in luck. David Hyman captured (on camera) this beauty. Enjoy this beautiful addition to our “Westport … Naturally” series:
One “06880” reader is worried about one aspect of it. She shares this letter, which she sent this week to the group:
“I understand that at this morning’s meeting (which I could not attend) the discussion of losing 44 parking spaces in the Parker Harding lot was discussed.
“I believe this will be detrimental to our stores downtown. There is already a shortage of parking during peak (and many other) hours.
“I believe that the solution of taking a bus from town to Imperial Avenue is not a good solution for shoppers. It is inconvenient for folks who are only in town for a short while.
“I believe — and always have — that the store employees who park all day should use the shuttle service and parking at Imperial Avenue.
“I understand that some store managers felt that their employees ‘wouldn’t do that.’ When I worked in a town like this many years ago with similar parking issues, we were told we would be fired if caught parking in spots reserved for shoppers.
“It’s not a big deal if they are there all day. Managers are being over-dramatic if they did position this in that manner.
“I understand the value of the greening/beautification project, but we need to keep shoppers coming to town and keep our stores in business. It’s all too easy to shop on the internet these days.
“Thank you for your consideration of this concern.”
Up to 44 parking spots may be lost in the Parker Harding Plaza lot, in concepts under consideration by the Downtown Plan Implementation Committe.
Summer hours begin Monday at Old Mill Grocery & Deli.
The Hillspoint Road spot will be open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, ice cream and much more, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., 7 days a week.
Ready for summer.
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MoCA hosts 2 very different concerts within 48 hours of each other next week.
On Thursday (May 18), New York-based punk band Darling performs a 30-minute set, following a curator talk with Emann Odufu, as part of the “Cocktails & Conversation” series.
Emann is the curator of the current “Rainbow in the Dark” exhibition featuring Anselm Reyle. His practice is inspired by his participation in the punk and heavy metal music movements, and his fascination with psychedelic and punk aesthetics.
Two nights later (Saturday, May 20, 7 p.m.), MoCA welcomes back Staples High School graduate Michelle Pauker. This year, she offers a tribute to Joni Mitchell.
Westport’s 3 National Merit Scholarship $2,500 winners attend 3 different schools.
Congratulations to Staples High School’s Lucia Wang (also the valedictorian), Alexis Bienstock of Westport’s Pierrepont School, and Joy Xu (Hopkins School).
The limited edition vinyl LP of “Verso Records: Volume One” has arrived. Now, the Westport Library gets ready to celebrate the “artists, conspirators and community” that helped create the first vinyl record ever recorded, produced and released by a public library.
June 3 marks the official release. It includes 12 live tracks from tri-state area artists. Genres include rock, jazz, hip hop, folk and indie. All were recorded at the Library’s Verso Studios.
A release party is set for that night (7 p.m., Trefz Forum). Four of the bands will perform live.
The release party is free. A $25 ticket option includes a copy of “Verso Records: Volume One” and a free drink. (No record player? A digital copy will be available for $10.)
The album is available for pre-order. Preorders can be picked up at the release party, or will be shipped afterward.
Can’t attend, but want to support and/or listen to the album? Vinyl and digital copies are available via Bandcamp.
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Longtime Westporter and noted civic volunteer Irma Schachter, wife of Joseph Schachter, died Thursday after a short illness. She was 95 years old.
Irma was an early female leader in the male-dominated retail store management field of the 1950s. Her career started after completing the Harvard-Radcliff Business School program with a position at Abraham & Strauss, and continued at G. Fox & Co., Bloomingdale’s, as manager of Burdine’s department store in Miami Beach, and a Lord & Taylor vice president managing 7 New England stores.
She attended what is now Northfield-Mount Hermon School. She was recently honored by the Northfield Alumni Association with its rarely given Lamplighter Award for outstanding service to the school, achieving 100% yearly participation by her entire class in support of the annual fund.
She attended Hartford Junior College, and graduated from Connecticut College.
In Westport, she supported the new Library and Norwalk Hospital
She married Joe Schachter in 1966, after his wife — Irma’s friend Carol Kagan — died at 34. She helped raise Carol and Joe’s 3 young sons, and soon legally adopted them.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by sons Ted (Susan) of Los Angeles, Stephen (Carrie) of Gainesville, Florida, and David (Danny) of Belmont, California; niece Carmen Carrol (Christopher); nephew Andrew Klein, 5 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held tomorrow (Sunday, May 14, 1 p.m., Congregation Beth El, 109 East Avenue, Norwalk). Shiva will be Sunday and Monday at 7 p.m. at 28 Mayflower Parkway, Westport.
Irma and Joe Schachter.
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Peter Green — a highly accomplished stained glass artist also active in several other art forms — died earlier this year at Bridgeport Hospital, of pancreatic cancer. He was 77.
He was the founder in 1971, and co-owner with his wife of 48 years Tina, of Westport’s Renaissance Studio. Click here for a 2012 “06880”story on that artistic journey.
His 5-decade career as a stained glass artist was marked by many commissions and installations in Westport and the tri-state area. He and Tina taught stained glass classes at their studio and in area adult education programs.
After 30 years on Saugatuck Avenue, the studio moved in 2003 to the Greens’ home on Imperial Avenue. Tina continues to operate it.
Peter designed and installed stained glass windows and panels in hundreds of homes, restaurants and other businesses, and for religious institutions. His Installations include Temple Israel in Westport, St. Francis of Assisi Church in Weston, and St. Joseph’s Church in Stratford.
A member of the Stained Glass Association of America, he was also a successful woodturner, photographer and painter. He was a past president of the Nutmeg Woodturners at the Brookfield Craft Center. His unique works graced the covers of Wood Turning and Stained Glass magazines.
Peter’s first career was in music. After graduating from Adelphi University in 1968, he played guitar in The Villagers folk group. They opened for Simon and Garfunkel in the mid-’60s at Adelphi. He played for the rest of his life for family and friends.
An Army Reserve veteran, he was also an avid sailor, surfer, kayaker and cyclist. He swam regularly at the Westport Weston Family YMCA.
Peter frequently researched, read and combed the recorded music collection at his beloved Westport Library.
Survivors in addition to his wife include his children, Andrew of Westport and Charlotte of Greenwich; his sister Susan Behan of Longboat Key, Florida; his brother Bob Green of Kapaa, Hawaii; his mother-in-law Anna Godick of Westport, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A private memorial celebration of his life is planned for later this year. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his memory be made to The Westport Library or the American Cancer Society.
Peter Green
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Burying Hill Beach is Johanna Keyser Rossi’s happy place.
And here — happily — is her “Westport … Naturally” photo.
(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)
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And finally … happy 73rd birthday to Stevie Wonder.
There are way too many great songs to pick from. Here are 5 from his now-overlooked, but very productive, mid-1960s/early-1970s years:
(If you enjoy our daily “06880” music selections, it would be “wonder”-ful to help support the blog. Please click here — and thank you!)
Westport is a town filled with — and known for — teardowns. Thankfully, some building owners invest time, energy, care, concern — and money — to preserve our history.
Last night at Town Hall, the Westport Historic District Commission honored the men and women who persevere, to preserve.
WHD Preservation Awards went to the owners of 6 private homes, 2 neighborhood restaurants, an office and a church.
Kudos to:
8 Mayflower parkway
Built in 1926, and distinguished by a classically inspired portico, 8 Mayflower Parkway (off Compo Road South) was saved from demolition by David Vynerib, founder and principal of CCO Habitats. His extensive renovation restored the home to its prior glory.
19 SOUNDVIEW DRIVE
The “Stevens Cottage” was built in 1920, and is part of the Compo-Owenoke Historic District. Blanca and Sunil Hirani purchased it in 2020 — just before it was torn down — and then enhanced the entire streetscape of the beach exit road.
21 danbury avenue
Another home in the Compo-Owenoke Historic District, this bungalow was built in 1922 by Gertrude May Allen. It was bought in 2019 by Julie and John Headland, who preserved it in the midst of other teardowns in the area.
35 POST ROAD WEST
Built in 1825, the Davis Taylor House was a single-family residence that evolved into a multi-family dwelling from the 1920s through ’60s. Today the Federal style structure is home to Peter Cadoux Architects, who faithfully restored it as their office.
39 CROSS HIGHWAY
The original house was built in 1772 by Phineas Chapman, a Connecticut Militia lieutenant. It burned in 1877 and was rebuilt by his grandson, Charles Chapman. It remained in the family until 1927, when his last descendant died. It later served as a nursery school. Designated as a local historic property by Deborah Howland and her son Galen Murray in 2018, new owners Amy Gay and Matthew Burrows recently completed an extensive renovation of the property on a very visible road.
71 HILLANDALE ROAD
Green’s Farms Congregational Church was established in 1711, when Westport was part of Fairfield. A meetinghouse was raised near what is now the Sherwood Island Connector commuter parking lot. The church’s 3rd building was constructed in 1853, on Hillandale. It expanded in phases. In 2019 — with the structure needing major renovation — the congregation quickly raised funds to repair the original foundation, restore the steeple and overhaul the organ. Click here for a full story.
161 cross highway
The Masiello family opened Christie’s Country Store in 1926, to sell produce grown on their nearby farm. They gave up farming in the late 1940s, but continued the business and added a gazebo moved from Redding Road. In 1958 the market was enlarged. It has gone through various incarnations — including, briefly, a dry cleaner’s — but longtime owner Tim Purcell renovated it. It now houses the popular Porch @ Christie’s restaurant.
163 CROSS HIGHWAY
This property, built by James Masiello in 1922 for his wife Mary, has been in the family for over 100 years. The Colonia Revival home has been lovingly conserved by Jean Masiello.
222 HILLSPOINT ROAD
Built in 1919, this is the oldest continually operating retail and food store in Westport. Designed as a small market to serve the area around Old Mill Beach, it was known variously as “Old Mill Grocery,” “Kenny’s,” “Elvira’s” and “Joey’s by the Shore.” A year ago, when sale to a residential developer seemed imminent, a group of residents formed the Soundview Empowerment Alliance. They saved it from destruction, renovated it, and turned it once again into a beloved “Old Mill Grocery & Deli.” Click here for a full story.
276 MAIN STREET
The Patrick Rice House (aka the Gray-Coley House and the Lamar Webb House) is one of the finest examples of Italianate style in Westport. Believed to be built in 1869, it is part of the Gorham Avenue Historic District. It has been lovingly maintained by a long history of owners. Current stewards Kristin Schneeman and Ezra Greenberg have meticulously maintained the property since buying it in 2011.
The Historic District Commission is chaired by Grayson Braun. She and Donna Douglass wrote all the narratives for the awards. Bill Harris donated the printing of the programs for the ceremony through his organization, the Army Aviation Associated of America.
The awards were organized by coordinator Donna Douglass; former member and house researcher Bob Weingarten; former chair and current member Bill Harris, who donated the printing of the programs through his Army Aviation Association of America, and HDC members Scott Springer, Wendy Van Wie, Martha Eidman and Elizabeth Bolognino.
(Westport’s history — and real estate — are among the most popular topics on “06880.” Please click here to support the work of your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)
A boat ran spectacularly aground yesterday at Compo Beach, near the cannons.
(Photo/Pete Powell)
For the rest of the day — as the tide went out — it sat there, stuck on the jetty rocks.
(Photo/Jamie Walsh)
Two people on board the New York vessel, “Andiamo” — motoring, not sailing — were rescued by Norwalk police. Neither was injured.
One observer — among the many who flocked to see the unusual sight — said the pilot had tried to avoid lobster traps.
(Photo/Karen Como)
As evening drew near, the boat remained. A salvage crew was expected to attempt a rescue, at midnight’s high tide.
(Photo/Michael Diggin)
Nearly everyone who was there sent photos to “06880.”
Thanks to all who submitted shots. Sorry I could not use them all!
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Two applicants have submitted additional material, in advance of Monday’s Planning & Zoning Commission meeting (7 p.m., Zoom; click here for the link).
Bluepoint Wellness is in the pre-application process to allow sales of “hybrid” (medical and recreational) marijuana sales at its 1460 Post Road East location. Currently, recreational cannabis sales are not allowed in Westport. Click here for their materials.
There is also a pre-application on a proposal for a change from a single family residence in a residential area into a home offering services for up to 12 unrelated seniors in need of memory care. No specific location has been identified. Click here for those materials.
And the P&Z will hear a request for a “fitcore extreme” (ropes-style) course at Coleytown Middle School, and will discuss a modification of standards of accessory dwelling units. Click here for those materials.
Bluepoint Wellness, at 1460 Post Road East, is in the same shopping plaza at Bevmax. There is no large scene above the medical marijuana dispensary.
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Last month, Bedford Middle School 7th graders wrote letters, drew pictures and created posters for youngsters in Lyman, Ukraine — Westport’s sister city.
In a couple of weeks, Ukraine Aid International will deliver them all to boys and girls in that embattled town.
Now, every other Westport student can do the same.
It’s a great project for families and friends. Letters, drawings, posters of encouragement — all are welcome. They’ll be combined with the BMS project, for delivery to Lyman soon.
They can be dropped off on the front porch of 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore’s house: 2A Baker Avenue (between Compo Road South and Imperial Avenue). Blue and yellow balloons (Ukrainian colors) will be on the mailbox.
The deadline is May 5. Questions: Email amoore@westportct.gov.
One of the Bedford Middle School 7th grade pieces of writing and art, for students in Lyman.
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Parks & Recreation director Jen Fava reports that Hook’d — the Compo Beach concession stand — will open April 28.
From then through the Friday before Memorial Day, it will operate from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
From the Saturday before Memorial Day through Labor Day, hours will be weekdays, 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; weekends and holidays, 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Hours of operation from the Tuesday after Labor Day through October 1 are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; from October 2 to October 15, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Yesterday, Old Mill Grocery & Deli was named as one of 10 Preservation Award honorees, by the Westport Historic District Commission.
Today they added another. The century-old spot at the foot of Compo Hill is one of 7 Award of Merit winners, from Preservation Connecticut. The ceremony is May 4, at the New Haven Country Club.
Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between April 12 and 18.
One arrest followed a January complaint by a customer of First County Bank, alleging someone had cashed a fraudulent check for $2,940 using their identification, after her car had been broken into and her purse stolen.
The bank provided surveillance photos of the suspects, and said the same women were involved in similar incidents at banks in other towns. A suspect was arrested in New Jersey, extradited to Connecticut, and charged with larceny, conspiracy to commit larceny, identity theft and conspiracy to commit identity theft. The whereabouts of the other suspect are unknown.
The other arrest came after an officer noticed a vehicle traveling on Post Road East at an extremely slow speed, with flashers activated. He later saw the vehicle in a parking lot. While speaking with the driver, he suspected the use of drugs or alcohol. The driver failed field sobriety test, and was arrested for driving under the influence.
Tuesday was Yom HaShoah, the Day of Remembrance of the horrific deaths of more than 11 million people –including 6 million Jews — during the Holocaust.
A town-wide memorial service was held Monday night at the Conservative Synagogue. Over 200 attendees heard readings by students, followed by a memorial candle lighting and Holocaust prayer led by Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn, to remember those who were lost.
The evening included a video discussion with Bill Sperber of Detroit and Albert Hersh of Cleveland. They were imprisoned at Auschwitz at the same time, but had never met previously.
They described life in the concentration camp, their release and journey to the United States, and their lives since. It was an emotional and inspiring evening for Westporters — and, 77 years later, for Bill and Albert.
Click below for the video: “Two Survivors, One Conversation.” (Hat tip: Dick Kalt)
The Y’s Men of Westport and Weston took a field trip this week to the Wilton Library.
Michael Bellarosa, curator of its Dave Brubeck Collection, provided a tour of the largest collection of artifacts dedicated to the memory of the legendary jazz pianist and composer, a long-time resident of Weston and Wilton until his death in 2012 at 91.
Scott Haimes — the CEO and artistic director of New York’s Roundabout Theater, who helped rescue it from bankruptcy and become one of America’s largest nonprofit theaters, died on yesterday. He was 66, and had lived with cancer for over 20 years.
Earlier in his career, Haimes was managing director of the Westport Country Playhouse. Click here for a full obituary.
Todd Haimes (Photo courtesy of the NY Times)
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The grounded boat wasn’t the only unwanted visitor at Compo yesterday.
Check out these “guests,” in today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo:
(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)
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And finally … yesterday’s action at the Compo Beach jetty brings to mind:
(One more Roundup, once again jam-packed with stuff. Please click here to support this daily “06880” feature. Thank you!)
Yesterday’s “06880” Roundup included 2 homes that fell to the wrecking ball. One was on Roseville Road; the other on South Compo.
Today, Carl Addison Swanson sends a photo of one that has been lovingly restored.
39 Cross Highway — just west of Weston Road — is a house we all pass by often. After years of neglect, it’s gotten a ton of TLC. Today, it looks great.
Known as the Charles Chapman House, this is one of 10 homes that will be honored by 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Westport’s Historic District Commission on May 4 (7 p.m., Town Hall auditorium). It’s one of 4 earning a Preservation Award.
Old Mill Grocery & Deli will receive a Legacy Business Prevention citation. A year ago, a small group of neighbors organized an effort to save the former Elvira’s/Joey’s by the Shore market from probable sale to a develop.
The other 7 Historic District Commission honorees:
• 35 Post Road West –Davis Taylor House – Preservation
• 276 Main Street – Patrick Rice House – Helen Muller Preservation Award
• 8 Mayflower Parkway – Preservation
• 19 Soundview Drive – Stevens Cottage – Preservation
• 161 Cross Highway – Legacy Business Preservation
• 163 Cross Highway – Excellence in Ongoing Care and Maintenance
• 21 Danbury Avenue – Preservation
Last week, the Westport Police Department conducted unannounced compliance inspections of 12 establishments that sell tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes.
All 12 were found “compliant” with laws regarding sales to anyone under 21.
However, WP Convenience at 1761 Post Road East — in the Westfair Shopping Center, opposite Stop & Shop — was found to have “a large number of illegal vape and THC products for sale,” police say.
“Many of these items did not display the required QR codes and/or were packaged to look like candy. These colorful packages resemble popular candy and snack foods, but their contents often contain high doses of THC, which can cause marijuana toxicity, especially in unsuspecting children.”
Police confiscated the items, along with “a number of canisters of suspected marijuana.” WP Convenience does not have a dispensary license.
Police note: “Westport zoning regulation prohibits all sales of retail (non-medical) cannabis products, including Delta-9 THC and Delta-8.”
Besides WP Convenience, the 12 retailers found compliant with laws about selling tobacco and e-cigarettes to anyone under 21:
Merritt Country Store – 337 Main Street
Country Deli Store – 332 Wilton Road
Sunoco Food Mart – 240 Riverside Avenue
Westport Shell – 322 Post Road East
Cumberland Farms – 690 Post Road East
Wheels – 786 Post Road East
Westport Cigar & Vape – 1248 Post Road East
Exxon Tiger Mart – 1510 Post Road East
Shell Food Mart – 1530 Post Road East
Mohegan Smoke Shop – 1803 Post Road East
Mercury – 1830 Post Road East
items sold illegally at WP Convenience. (Photo courtesy of Westport Police Department)
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Savvy Kings Highway Elementary School parents (and nannies and other caregivers) know that there’s a way to beat the afternoon car pickup line, which can stretch along Post Road West almost to Norwalk:
Just park in Nash’s Plaza, the small shopping center between the school and the animal hospital.
Make your kid a “walker.” He or she walks a few yards to your car, and you’re outta there.
That does not sit well with the merchants there, who see their patrons’ parking spots taken up every afternoon by non-patrons.
Which is why this sign has appeared there:
What’s next? Carvana, across the very dangerous street?
It would be nice if kids could, um, take the bus.
But with the current school day, some of them get home around midnight.
Westport Community Gardens is accepting applications for membership. Limited space is available for new members. It is distributed on a first come, first served basis.
The site, adjacent to Long Lots Elementary School, is a community of people who grow flowers, herbs and vegetables in a sunny, fenced-in (deer-proof) location. Members range age from 5 to 95,
To learn more about the Community Gardens, click here and here. If you’re interested in a plot, click here.
Here’s a sure sign of spring: the 44th annual Minute Man Race is set for Sunday, April 30.
As usual, Compo Beach will hum with family activity for the Westport Young Woman’s League event. 100% of the net profits benefit charities in Westport and Fairfield County.
Since 1956 — even before the long-running (ho ho) event began — the WYWL has distributed over $4 million in grants.
The main events are certified USA Track and Field runs of 10K and 5K, and a 5K walk.
A Kids Fun Run includes a 50 yard dash (ages 3-5), 100 yard dash (6-7), 1/2 mile run (8-9) and mile run (10-12).
The event also features a Kids Zone with fun activities — and for the first time, food trucks during and after the race.
The Westport Weston Family YMCA joins in 5 Days of Action (April 24-28), a campaign that equips and empowers organizations to protect children from sexual abuse.
The Y encourages all adults and organizations to help make the community a safer place. For more information and resources, click here.
There were smiles all around yesterday, as the Westport Rotary Club received the Charles Pettengill Award as “The Best Club in Rotary District 7980.” For non-Rotarians, that’s the 4 coastal counties of Connecticut — 57 clubs in all.
The award recognizes excellence in all 5 areas of service: community, international, youth, vocational and club.
The last 3 COVID years were difficult on all community organizations, but Westport Rotary responded creatively. They held LobsterFest virtually in 2020 — and raised a record amount. The 2021 and ’22 LobsterFests built on that.
More than $250,000 will be distributed to local, regional and international projects from LobsterFest 2022.
So make plans for LobsterFest ’23. Save the date: September 23. Tickets go on sale in July.
From left: Selectwomen Jen Tooker and Andrea Moore present the “Best Rotary Club” citation to Westport Rotary Club president Karl Merganthaller and past president Leslie Robert.
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Sprite Island — looking west from Canal Road on Saugatuck Shores — is the misty subject of today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
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The Riccis — who will keep the Old Mill Grocery name, adding “by Romanacci” — have made significant changes to the interior. It’s got a new floor, a large community table, and — like their restaurant — an open kitchen, like Elvira’s had.
