You did switch your clocks back last night, right?!
Just checkin’ …
who stole my telephone line?!
Yesterday morning, a reader wrote:
“Apparently there is a new scam in town. Our landline has been switched to another carrier — without our permission. We have no landline service!
“On Friday, our landline had no dial tone. After checking the connection we called Optimum, our carrier. They told us the number was switched to another carrier — and that we had authorized it. That is totally untrue!
“They said they need to ‘investigate’ where our number is. It may take several days. I already filed a complaint with the FCC and Better Business Bureau.”
A few hours later, she offered this update: “I just got a call from the executive of customer relations corporate compliance at Optimum, after my complaint with the BBB.
“He is on the case, and said I can contact him directly. He said it was taken without Optimum’s permission. They are looking for the source — they think it was taken by MagicJack.” (That’s a VoIP phone service and hardware device that enables unlimited local and long distance calls across the US and Canada using a high-speed internet connection instead of a landline.)
She continues: “He has been at Optimum many years. This is only the second time he’s seen this.”
SCRIPT IN HAND, HOLIDAY SHOW SET FOR PLAYHOUSE
“Old Man Trouble” — the final Script in Hand reading at the Westport Country Playhouse — is set for November 30 (7 p.m.). Mark Shanahan directs the comedy.
It’s New Year’s Eve. Wealthy real estate mogul Robert Teitel has had enough of his marriage, his grown children, and the 100 party guests downstairs. He wants peace and quiet. But as midnight approaches his private study fills with unexpected visitors, family crises, and secrets that refuse to stay buried.
Three days later (December 3, 8 p.m.), Tony Award winner Christine Ebersole — known for “Grey Gardens,” “42nd Street” and more — offers a “Home for the Holidays” concert.
She’s joined at the piano by Billy Stritch. The Grammy-winning composer spent 25 years as musical director and pianist for Liza Minnelli.
Coming soon to the Playhouse … (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)
DREW ANGUS DOES CHRISTMAS
Speaking of the holidays: Drew Angus’ new album drops November 13. Called “A Very Drew Angus Christmas,” it includes 4 classics and 4 originals.
But the singer/songwriter — and 2007 Staples High School graduate — has already released one single from it: “Coming Home for Christmas.” Click here to listen.
Meanwhile; Click here to pre-save the album to your streaming service. Click here to pre-order the vinyl. Click here to pre-order the CD.
“torn & tethered”: art returns to closed gallery
The former Quidley Gallery — near OKO and Bartaco — has sat empty for 4 years.
Next month, it roars back to life.
Westport artist Kelly Rossetti joins Linda Colletta in a 2-person show. “Torn & Tethered” brings together 2 distinct artistic approaches, connected by a shared interest in material, landscape, and the tension between control and spontaneity.
An opening reception is set for November 14 (4 to 7 p.m.). The exhibit runs through December 4.
“WESTPORT … NATURALLY” & SONG OF THE DAY
Sure, the fall foliage is beautiful.
But let’s not forget the flowers!
Wendy Levy hopes we won’t, with today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo.
And finally … here’s one song for today. And another for yesterday.
(If you remembered to turn back your clocks because of “06880” — or learned anything else, ever, from this hyper-local blog — please click here to thank us with a donation. And we thank you too!)
Whether you know a lot or nothing about old autos, everyone is invited to the Riverside Avenue club, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Sunday).
Dozens of classic cars will be displayed. There’s a 50/50 raffle too, plus burgers, dogs and other classic fare.
Cuba? No — the VFW!
RTM TRANSIT COMMITTEE TO MEET ON BRIDGE
Speaking of cars (and traffic): The Representative Town Meeting (RTM) Transit Committee meets Tuesday (October 27, 6:30 p.m., Zoom).
There is 1 agenda item: “To discuss the establishment of a working group or subcommittee to review the proposed Cribari Bridge project; identify key areas of concern, including traffic, public safety and community impacts, and discuss the RTM’s potential role, organizational structure, and next steps.”
playhouse wows with “pride & prejudice: Part 2”
The curtain fell last night at the official opening night of “Pride & Prejudice, Part 2: Napoleon at Pemberley.”
It’s a smash.
“06880” photographer Dave Matlow says, “the buzz at the post-performance reception included many variations of ‘the best show I’ve seen at the Playhouse in years.’
“It’s hilarious. It was truly a world premiere, including the presence of playwright Ken Ludwig, one of Broadway’s most successful. This one may be earmarked for Broadway too.”
Westport Optimum customers hoping to pick up or drop off equipment — or perhaps get some help after their email is hacked — have one less option.
Dave Matlow reports that the store in Compo Shopping Center closed Friday. The nearest locations now are Cross Street in Norwalk, and Main Street in Bridgeport.
In other Optimum news, they are preparing to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. That would hand control to creditors, as billions of dollars in approaching debt matures, news reports say.
PAINTING THE TOWN ORANGE
Dozens of youngsters took to the streets today.
They took part in the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce’s annual Halloween painting contest.
Individually, or in pairs or trios, they transformed store windows all around town into Halloween scenes.
Prizes will be announced this week. But really, every young artist — and every shopper and business owner — is a winner.
Hard at work — looking good! (Photo/Matthew Mandell)
MoCA’s next show: incarceration
With just a few weeks left in their current popular exhibit — if you haven’t seen “Colossi” and “Connecticut Industry,” go! — the Museum of Contemporary Art Connecticut (MoCA\CT) is preparing for their next show.
On view from December 5 to March 14, the exhibitions reveal how artistic creation preserves memory, asserts identity, and sustains connection in circumstances that restrict personal agency.
An opening reception is set for December 5 (4 to 6 p.m.).
Antoney Drummond’s “The Golden Opportunity” is part of MoCA’s upcoming CPA Prison Arts annual show.
CRAFT WESTPORT PREVIEW
Just 2 weeks remain before one of the unofficial starts of the holiday shopping season: CraftWestport.
Over 165 artists and makers fill the Staples High School fieldhouse November 7 and 8, with some very — and definitely not schlocky — handmade gifts.
This marks the 52nd year for the popular event. It features items not found anywhere else, created by local artists, and independent and small businesses. Nothing is imported.
Attendees can shop for everyone on their list: men, women and children; significant others and colleagues. Every price point is represented.
Items include jewelry, high-end gold, body care, foods, clothing, accessories, handbags, home good, clay, wood, glass, vases, utensils, sculptures, fine arts, photographs, scarves, leather and silk jackets. There’s even a broom maker, and a do-it-yourself silk scarf artist. A hand-stitched embroiderer will demonstrate her work.
CraftWestport is one of 2 major fundraisers for the Women’s League of Westport. (The other is April’s Minute Man Race). Proceeds provide financial support to area non-profits. They range from the VFW, EMS and Westport Historical Society to Homes with Hope, A Better Chance of Open Doors.
As for the Women’s League of Westport (formerly the Westport Young Woman’s League): It’s a great way for women to do good for others — and meet and make friends. To learn more, click here.
CraftWestport returns November 7-8.
PAL ICE RINK LIGHTS UP LONGSHORE
Speaking of the holidays: The Westport PAL Ice Rink at Longshore won’t open until Thanksgiving-ish.
But workers are busy getting it ready.
Rob Jackson reports, “they’re putting lights under the ice this season, as well as hanging them over the ice. A worker said it should be quite a lovely scene.”
(Photo/Rob Jackson)
ELDERHOUSE: MURDER ON THE DANCE FLOOR
Many Westporters support ElderHouse.
Others appreciate the services of the nonprofit social and medical adult day center.
This Thursday (October 29, 6:30 p.m., 7 Lewis Street, Norwalk), they’ll host a “Murder on the Dance Floor” benefit.
Late October is a time for fall foliage, pumpkins and … mushrooms.
John Maloney spotted today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo at Canal Park.
(Photo/John Maloney)
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And finally … in honor of today’s VFW Classic Car Show (item above):
(Whether you have some place to go — or no particular one — please take a moment to click here, to support this hyper-local blog. Now that’s something to toot your horn about. Thank you!
I’ve been a Cablevision customer since the early 1980s, when they rolled out that new-fangled “cable TV” contraption.
A decade later they demonstrated another technological marvel — a cable modem, connecting to the internet — at Klein’s department store. I signed up on the spot, one of the first dozen or so here in Westport.
Whenever I had to call what is now Optimum support — not a lot, but more than I should have — I would tell the representative, “Look at my account. I’ve been a customer since before you were born.”
Invariably, he or she would remark — in a difficult-to-understand accent, over a bad connection (not the best look for a phone company) — “Thank you for being a loyal customer.” That’s the script, and they were sticking to it.
In it, the Westport cybersecurity expert warned that because Optonline had 3 known security flaws — including no 2- or multi-factor authentication — every user was at risk.
Sam noted: “An email address isn’t just an address. It’s the recovery point for your bank, your medical portal, your retirement accounts, your kids’ school logins — nearly everything password-protected online gets reset through email. If someone controls your inbox undetected, they control the keys to reset almost anything else you own.”
He advised: “Set up another email address. I recommend buying a domain. Use it to host your own email on a trusted service, so you can control your own digital identity. If you need to use a free account, there are other providers like Gmail, Outlook, or a similar provider.”
Sam Disraelly
I edited Sam’s piece. I published it.
If only I’d acted on it.
I thought my long relationship with Optimum — filled with many minor hassles, but no major ones — made me immune.
Hubris, thy name is Dan.
Three Mondays ago, I could not log in to my email.
That’s happened before. I usually perform some variation of internet voodoo to get in.
This time: nothing.
I called tech support. The offshore representative with the bad connection advised changing my password.
I did. I got in. Some — but not all — of my email was there.
A few minutes later, I went to check it again. This time, I was again logged out.
I’ll spare you the 3 hours of back and forth with “tech support,” much of which consisted of variations of “change your password.”
I kept changing it. The intruder who had gotten into my account kept changing it back.
Suddenly I began getting strange notifications, from financial institutions and merchants I had relationships with, and those I did not.
Why was I getting messages from institutions I did not do business with?
When I called them to dispute changes to my account — or to deny I’d ever set up an account — they asked me for my email. I gave it to them.
Then they asked for my phone number and address.
Nope, they said. That’s not you.
The intruder was using my email — and his own (probably fake) identification. Everyone I spoke with thought I was the hacker.
He talked me off the ledge. He explained exactly what had happened — and how he could fix it. He’s done this before; he knew all their tricks, and he had plenty of his own.
He communicated clearly. He did not make me feel like the idiot I was.
And — this is key — Sam is ex-military. He loves going after bad guys.
He took over my computer, remotely. Then he went to work.
Again, I will spare you the details. Suffice it to say, it was — exactly as Sam predicted — a 2-phase game: first cat-and-mouse, then whack-a-mole.
It took 8 to 10 hours a day, for several days, for me to convince customer service representatives — with hard-to-understand accents, on bad connections, unwilling to deviate from their scripts — that (to use one PayPal example), no, I did not just order hundreds of dollars of Instacart items in Phoenix.
Look at the IP address! Have I ever used Instacart? Have I ever done anything in Arizona?
“Well, sir, it is on your account …”
Throughout the ordeal, Sam Disraelly was there for me. He was a godsend. (One of the passwords I changed — before Sam got me to use a password manager, another thing I had stupidly never considered before — was “SamIsGod.”)
It’s been 3 weeks.
I’m 98% back to where I should have been before this whole cluster****. I haven’t had an odd notification in several days. (Knock wood — the intruder is probably still in my Optonline account, because they don’t seem to be able to kick him out.)
I started using 2 Gmail accounts I’d always had, but seldom checked. I’d always found Gmail confusing; now I’m a convert. An added bonus: Their spam filter is vastly better than Optimum’s. (Note my 2 email addresses: danwoog@gmail.com, and 06880blog@gmail.com.)
I’m using my password manager too.
And though 2- or multi-factor authentication — the “authorization code” sent to your phone or email — is a pain, it’s worth the hassle.
If Optimum had only sent me a notification asking if I’d requested a password change 3 weeks ago, all that could have been avoided.
For the entire time I was a customer, they did not offer that option — despite knowing how important it is.
Then Sam Disraelly wrote his Opinion piece for “06880.” And I got my identity stolen.
As of October 6, Optimum now offers multi-factor authentication.
Basso — the tapas-and-more restaurant that moved to Westport from Norwalk in the middle of the pandemic — is closing.
An email sent yesterday from the Jesup Road spot that replaced Matsu Sushi says: “After nearly 19 wonderful years of serving our community, it is with mixed emotions that we announce the closing of Basso on Thursday, December 18.
“This decision was not made lightly; we have truly cherished every moment shared with you, our loyal guests and friends.
“We want to express our deepest gratitude for your unwavering support, kindness, and the many memories we’ve created together. It has been an honor to be part of your lives—celebrating milestones, hosting your special occasions, and sharing countless meals and conversations.
“As we prepare to close this chapter, we warmly invite you to visit us one last time to reminisce and enjoy your favorite dishes. Thank you for being such an essential part of our story. You will always hold a special place in our hearts.”
I’ve long held a special place in my heart for Basso. The food has been delicious and creative; the hospitality is warm and genuine; the vibe has been great for the town.
Thank you, Renato, Ela, and all who made Basso a favorite destination.
Along with tapas, Basso featured pizzas, from its great wood-fired oven (rear).
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One (restaurant) door closes, and another opens: Westport will soon have another fast-casual, create-your-own-bowl-or-salad dining spot.
Naya arrives Wednesday (December 17), in the Gold’s half of Compo Shopping Center.
The offerings are similar to Sweetgreen, Just Salad, and the very similarly named Cava (click here for the menu). Naya, though, positions itself as “Middle Eastern.”
They’ve got more than a dozen locations in New York City and Long Island. This will be Naya’s second restaurant in Connecticut, after Darien — and its northernmost and easternmost site.
Sticking with today’s food theme, there’s news from Pop-Up Bagels.
Like Basso, they popped up in Westport during the pandemic. In just a few years, Adam Goldberg turned his COVID hobby into a full-blown, award-winning business.
Outlets sprouted in Fairfield, Greenwich and Newtown. Then came New York — a bold (and winning) move — followed by Massachusetts, North Carolina, Florida and California.
The latest Pop-up Bagels is in Portland, Maine. Chip Stephens — a 1973 Staples High School graduate and former Planning & Zoning commissioner, now chief enforcement officer for two Maine towns — spotted this on yesterday’s news:
They’re not stopping now. The next Pop-Up Bagels is planned for Wailea-Makena, Hawaii.
Which means they may need to rethink their motto: “Not famous, but known.”
From coast to coast — and beyond — everyone is learning about (and loving) Pop-Up Bagels.
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Also on the move — though this one is up, not out: a house on Danbury Avenue, near Soundview Drive.
(Photo/Matt Murray)
Like many in the oft-flooded neighborhood, it is being raised to become FEMA-compliant.
Which is a lot better than being razed, to become bigger, taller and broader.
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The first snowfall of the season was perfect: overnight, not overpowering, light and lovely.
Westport celebrated National Wreaths Across America Day yesterday.
VFW Post 399 quartermaster Phil Delgado, Post 399 Auxiliary vice commander Patty Kondub, Joan Polayes, and Scout Troops 39 and 139 honored veterans with a tribute at Assumption Church’s Greens Farms Cemetery.
Post 399 members and volunteers lay remembrance wreaths on over 400 graves. Each wreath symbolized the community’s gratitude, respect and commitment to never forget those who served.
Scouts participating in National Wreaths Across America day (from left): Blake Schuler Ashley Charise, Preston DeRosa, Austin Charise, Will Bernard, Will Manes, Sam Pollack and Alec Mraz. Not pictured: Jacob Luna and Ian Curran.
“A Sherlock Carol” — the family-friendly holiday show written and directed by Mark Shanahan, Westport Country Playhouse artistic director, opened last night for its third annual run there. Click here for tickets, and more information.
The cast of “A Sherlock Carol” takes their bows …
… and writer/director Mark Shanahan is thanked by audience members, after the show. (Photos/Dave Matlow)
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Hanukkah begins tonight, at sundown.
Steve Stein welcomed some early visitors yesterday:
More times than not, I’ve had good interactions with Optimum’s customer service.
Yesterday was one of those “not” times.
The (very) short version: I called the “retention” department to ask for a lower rate. I’ve been a customer since 1993 — I was one of the first dozen or so in Westport to sign up for a cable modem — and this is a ritual I now go through every few months.
The first question — after giving the same information twice, to a bot and a human — was “if we get disconnected, what’s the best callback number?”
(I’ve always found it odd that a company that provides phone service worries about disconnected calls, but whatever.)
I provided my cell number. She read it back to me. On we went.
She spent 15 minutes (supposedly) researching the best retention option. I’m sure she was juggling 3 or 4 other calls at the same time.
Then we got disconnected.
I expected a call back.
It never came.
I finally called again. This time, the customer service representative may have asked again for a callback number. I could not tell though, because whatever language he was speaking, it was not English.
Finally — a full 1 hour and 12 minutes after I began — I got a (middling) retention offer. I’m saving about $30 a month, and will have to go through the same dance again next year.
Was it worth it? I bill my writing clients $200 an hour, so 12 months to save $360 is a bit of a savings.
Weighing in the agita factor, though … probably not.
PS: If anyone at Cablevision is reading this and wants to contact me — well, someone there has my number.
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Years ago, the group below would spend weekday mornings teaching, writing lesson plans, meeting with students, and dealing with administrators and parents.
These days, they do none of that.
And every so often, these ROMEOs — Retired Old Men Eating Out, all of whom spend decades in the Westport schools — get together for breakfast at the Monroe Diner.
How many can you name? Answers below the photo.
From left: Jim Wheeler, Al Jolley, Jim Honeycutt, Bruce McFadden, Toby Watson, Steve Rexford, Bob Selverstone, Werner Liepolt, Ed Bludnicki, Pete Van Hagen, Stan Rhodes.
Yesterday’ Roundup story on the Eartha Kitt/”Santa Baby” composer connection left out one key detail: That it happened at WEST, the Post Road East store owned by the singer’s daughter, Kitt Shapiro.
Here it is again. Hopefully it makes more sense this time:
More than 70 years after its release, “Santa Baby” remains one of the most popular Christmas songs of all time.
Eartha Kitt sang it in 1953. She later moved to Weston, where she died of colon cancer on — coincidentally — Christmas Day, in 2008.
Her daughter Kitt Shapiro now owns WEST, a very popular women’s shop, on Post Road East.
An older woman came into the store on Thursday. Her name was Joan Javits — and she co-wrote “Santa Baby,” all those years ago. (She’s 97 years old — though she sure doesn’t look it!)
Kitt Shapiro and Joan Javits, at WEST.
It may not be the Christmas miracle of 2,000 years ago.
But it’s still pretty amazing.
PS: Among the lyrics Eartha Kitt sang were:
Come and trim my Christmas tree
With some decorations bought at Tiffany’s.
I wonder if after leaving WEST, Joan Javits crossed the street and walked a few yards west.
To buy some decorations at — you know the rest.
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Nancy Vener was up early yesterday. She photographed the fiery sunrise over Burritt Cove, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature:
And finally … to all the customer service agents at Optimum (story above):
(Your favorite restaurant may be closing. Your internet service provider may drop your call. But “06880” will always be here for you — so long as you click here to support our work. Thanks!)
But the 3 candidates for 1st selectman — and the 2 vying for 2nd selectwoman — came together yesterday, at Homes with Hope’s Halloween party.
The event was at 122 Wilton Road — the 19-unit apartment building that opened a year ago.
“A great time was had by all,” says Homes with Home CEO and president Helen McAlinden. “This shows real community spirit!”
Clockwise from lower left: Andrea Moore, Don O’Day, David Rosenwaks, Katie Weldy, Amy Wistreich, Kevin Christie, Amanda Sayegh (pink). Weldy and Sayegh are with Homes with Hope; all the others are on the ballot.
One more reminder: There are still a few tickets left for our 3rd annual “Historic Homes of 06880” tour.
This Sunday’s event (November 2, 1 to 4 p.m.) includes 4 very cool (and different) homes: 221 Greens Farms Road; its Bedford-family neighbor at 249 Greens Farms Road; 155 Long Lots Road, and 209 Wilton Road. Click here for details of each historic house.
In his first months as Parks & Recreation Department director, Erik Barbieri has earned great reviews.
Among the many reasons: He’s quick to respond to residents.
A few days ago, Michael Diggin contacted Barbieri about the kayaks at Compo Beach. Specifically, Diggin asked: When will more storage racks be added? Since many kayaks are now 9 feet, could narrower racks be added? Could a security camera be installed? And could the grass be mowed more often, to discourage ticks?
Barbieri responded quickly. He said: More racks will be added next year. The Parks & Rec staff will work with Diggin to modify one to suit his needs. Barbieri will review the twice-weekly mowing, once-weekly weed whacking schedule. He is working with Westport’s new IT director to look at camera systems overall.
The director concluded, “Thanks for reaching out, and providing input and feedback on our operations. We can’t always do everything, but are always willing to take a deeper look at items like these.”
Families and caregivers of neurodiverse middle and high school students are invited to a special “Learn without Limits” presentation and open house, at the Westport Weston Family YMCA.
The 6:30 p.m. event on Monday (November 3) includes practical strategies to support students in and out of the classroom. It also introduces Westporter Jake Sussman’s great Superpower Mentors program.
Tomorrow’s trash pickup takes place at Compo Beach. The day-after-Halloween date and site are intentional.
At 11 a.m. on Saturday, volunteers will meet at the cannons. They’ll spread out to clean up the area — including Soundview Drive.
After tonight’s trick-or-treating in the neighborhood, there should be plenty to clean up. The event is organized by Rachel Precious.
Sometimes, even the nicest people leave trash at the beach. (Photo/Sunil Hirani)
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Timing is everything.
Earlier this week — before yesterday’s rain and wind — Wakeman Town Farm hosted their annual Halloween Tot Parade.
Little superheroes, ghosts and cartoon characters paraded around the grounds, to spooky music, met the Farm’s animals, visited Trader Joe’s mini-pumpkin patch, and enjoyed cupcakes from BabyCakesNYC.
Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between October 22 and 28.
In addition to the arrest for motor vehicle theft and firearm possession reported earlier, a 26-year-old Westport woman was charged with disorderly conduct and violation of a criminal protective order, following the investigation of a disturbance.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 4 citations
Distracted driving: 3
Evading responsibility: 1
Speeding: 1
Failure to obey stop sign: 1
Failure to rive in the proper lane: 1
Improper turns: 1
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Former Westporter Adé Van Duyn died on October 17, passed away, surrounded by her children Keven, Caroly, Maren and Nielsen, and close friend Katherine Paulhus. She was 98.
Her family says “her optimism and humor at every bend in the road inspired all to expand their horizons, and act with compassion.”
The Essen, Germany native graduated from the Royal Academy of Art in the Hague, Netherlands.
Influenced by the vibrant post-World War II art scene there, her early works conveyed the impact of war, and the resurrection of life. She sailed across the Atlantic to join Gerard, her creative soulmate, in Ontario, Canada.
They created screen titles, illustrations, storyboards and sets in the early days of television. Their family drove to Burbank, California where Gerard pursued film while Adé sketched their young children.
In 1962 the Van Duyns arrived in Westport, and established an industrial design firm on Hillspoint Road. Adé welcomed neighborhood children to artmaking. She also collaborated with progressive educator Rose Park, leading to a career as a recreation director at Mediplex of Westport. Dynamic programming (including audio-visual presentations) replaced traditional crafts. Families and patients joined for festive holiday events.
Adept at problem solving, and reveling in nature, she canoed, sailed, hiked and camped, in all weather. Wildflowers, trees and oceans inspired Adé as a plein air painter. She was a member of the Black Rock Art Guild. Her paintings captured scenes of disappearing Saugatuck. She sang in the Unitarian Church choir, and participated in its Shawl Ministry. Adé’s final works are magnificent stained glass windows.
Adé Van Duyn
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Another fall day, another chance to appreciate the beauty of the season.
(It’s no trick that “06880” has kept you informed — 24/7/365 — since 2009. It’s our job, and we love it. But it would be a nice treat if you clicked here, and showed us a little love. Thank you all!)
Filling in the Blanks does important work. The Norwalk non-profit provides fresh, nutritious meals to more than 10,000 food-insecure children on weekends, in Fairfield, Westchester and Putnam Counties.
Shonda Rhimes does important work too. So it’s fitting that the famed producer, screenwriter, director and author — and Westport resident — will receive the organization’s Philanthropist of the Year award, at their 6th Annual Plates with Purpose Gala, (September 27, Serafresca at the IC, Stamford).
Rhimes has dedicated resources to addressing food insecurity, through her Fresh Food on the Move mobile pantry.
Registration is open for Wakeman Town Farm’s many great fall kids’ programs.
They include “Little Farmer Parent & Me” (ages 0-3); “Curious Sprouts” (ages 3-5, with caregiver); “Fantastic Farmhands” (ages 6-10); “Green Teen Club” (ages 11-14), and an inclusive neurodiverse farmer program (ages 3-11+).
And the Westport Woman’s Club hopes that when you do, you donate new or gently used clothes and acccessories, for their annual sale (October 24-26). All proceeds benefit local charities, and families in need.
Donations can be dropped off at the club (44 Imperial Avenue), weekdays between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., and 2 and 4 p.m
Longtime Westporter Nancy Greenspan Wilson is a local coordinator with Interexchange Au Pair USA, a non-profit agency.
Her job is to support young women and men as they live with American host families, help care for children, and share their language, customs, and culture.
She also helps them feel welcomed in our community. One way is through an annual Exchange Day. Local families, businesses and organizations open their doors to au pairs.
This year’s Exchange Day kayaking event (Sunday, August 17, 3 p.m., Sea Kayak), brings together au pairs, and anyone else who would like to participate. Pizza at Riko’s follows.
RSVP by August 14. Double and single kayaks and paddleboards available at discounted rates. Pizza is also discounted. Email nwilson@lc.interexchange.org, or call 203-286-3495. For information about hosting an au pair, click here.
Au pairs and friends at Sea Kayak.
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The Long Lots School Building Committee meets tonight at 6 p.m. (Town Hall Room 201/201A).
They’ll hear a project update, and review interior and exterior building design elements. Public comment is allowed.
Planning continues tonight for Long Lots Elementary School.
Staples High School Class of 2011 graduate Shannon Moss is a producer on the film “East of Wall.” The film is about a horse trainer wrestling with financial issues and unresolved grief, while hosting a group of wayward teenagers on her ranch.
It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, where it won the Audience Award. It premiered in New York at the Tribeca Festival earlier this summer.
“East of Wall” will show at the Avon Theater in Stamford from August 15-21, then nationwide.
Congratulations to the Fairfield Nationals Little League team.
Our friends to the east defeated Smithtown/St. James, New York 12-1. The huge win sends them to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
A key player — Ben Herbst — is the son of 1992 Staples High School graduate David Herbst, the nephew of Westport phys. ed. teacher Jon Herbst (SHS ’96), and grandson of longtime Westporters Mickey and Candace Herbst.
Ben Herbst (center) celebrates with his Fairfield teammates.
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We get a lot of “Westport … Naturally” photos of individual animals.
We seldom get one like this, where they’re together.
Ray Broady spotted the Hieronymus Bosch-like scene in his Cross Highway back yard, near North Avenue.
And finally … in honor of our “Westport … Naturally” photo (above), here’s a 1970s song by our own 1966 Staples grads, Rob Carlson and Jon Gailmor. Why their record label failed to make it a #1 song shows all that was wrong with the record industry.
(“06880” is the only place in the world now to hear Carlson & Gailmor — and learn all you need to know about Westport. If you enjoy our hyper-local blog, please click here to support us. Thanks!)
That’s not easy — at least, not when he’s looking at internet providers.
He went to the Optimum store next to Fresh Market to get information about his current plan.
Right now he has 2 cable boxes and 2 phone lines, plus DVR and a core package. With taxes, it’s over $300 a month.
The MSG channels, for Knicks and Rangers games, were just blocked, due to an inability of Optimum and MSG to agree on carriage fees, Dave adds.
“I’m not even sure what the core package gives me now,” he says. “It’s so messed up.”
The Optimum folks could not print anything out, or even provide many details about different plans. “It varies,” they said vaguely.
Instead, they gave Dave a phone number to call, to learn more and negotiate.
He went to Optimum’s Norwalk location, and got nowhere there either.
“These locations are set up to sell phones and exchange cable hardware,” he says. “They’re very non-friendly consumer environments. It’s so strange to run a business this way.”
Frontier was no better.
He ended up on the phone with a call center “in some netherworld. They can’t fully describe or explain their offerings either. And they can’t email me information, ‘due to company policy.'”
All Dave wants is to educate himself about options (and get documentation of what he’s offered, so there is no bait-and-switch).
Since Dave can’t get much (or any) info from the companies himself, he hopes “06880” readers can help.
What do you know abou the cost of Optimum and Frontier? The quality of service? What are their strengths, weaknesses and differences?
Click “Comments” below. As always, please use your full, real name.
Optimum’s outage last night — affecting thousands of customers in the tri-state area — had many Westporters fuming.
And not just at the lack of internet and TV service.
Calls to the company went unanswered.
Some users heard a recording that they were experiencing a “higher than average” volume “due to the COVID pandemic.”
One caller — okay, I — heard the spectacularly unhelpful suggestion to go online, at Optimum.net.
Service has now been restored. Let’s hope their call volume is down too.
Even with everyone stuck at home, because of the pandemic.
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Westporters love our US Postal Service clerks.
From time to time, we give shout-outs to extra-special efforts. Here’s one more, from Karen Como:
“On Friday, Ruben went above and beyond for me.
“I had to return a skirt to a fly-by-night company. He found the smallest (least expensive) envelope. He folded the skirt for me, put it in the envelope, helped me attach the address with his tape, and found me the cheapest way to send it.
“Then he advised me to call my credit card company to report what I feel is a scam.
Hot on the heels of the rescue of 5 kittens from a Post Road East storm drain, comes another animal-saving story.
Once again, the Westport Fire Department and Animal Control played big roles.
Larry Hoy reports: “Yesterday morning, my son Colin Hoy and his girlfriend Zoe spotted 4 little feet hanging from the storm drain grate on Quentin Road, next to Gray’s Creek.
Trapped raccoon …
“They realized the tide would soon rise, and drown the little feller.
“Quick action by Westport’s Bravest freed the little varmint. Then Animal Control came to insure its safety.”
Well done, Colin, Zoe, the WFD and Animal Control!
… and the “grate” rescue. (Photos courtesy of Larry Hoy)
Gabriella S. Izzo died peacefully at her Westport home on Sunday. She was 87.
The native of Ielsi, Campobasso, Italy came to the US with her family in 1947. She was educated in Norwalk, and graduated from cosmetology school. She was a hairdresser in Darien for over 50 years, until her retirement in 2020.
Gabriella was a talented chef, and gave home-grown grape jelly, fresh tomato sauce, homemade sausage, Christmas cookies and Easter pies to family, friends, co-workers and cherished clients.
She honored Ielsi by cooking and baking traditional recipes for special holidays. As a longtime member of Assumption Church, she volunteered for many years. She was a member of the Catholic Daughters until it disbanded.
Gabriella was predeceased by her husband of 57 years, Joseph, and brother Nicholas Testa. She is survived by her daughter Lisa (George) Stanton of Westport, son Joseph (Jennifer) of Wilmington, North Carolina, and daughter Felicia (David) Smith, of Westport; grandchildren Melissa (Edward) Carter, Jeffrey Stanton, and Timothy and Kevin Izzo, and many nieces and nephews.
Calling hours are tomorrow (Wednesday, September 4, 5 to 8 p.m., Harding Funeral Home). A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at Assumption Church at 10 a.m. on Thursday, September 5. Interment will follow at Willowbrook Cemetery.
Condolences may be left online at www.hardingfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Gabriella’s name to Assumption Church.
Gabriella Izzo
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Don’t call them “birdbrains.”
Every spring, for years, birds know to return to the same spot at the Playhouse Condominiums.
There — atop a fire alarm, underneath the protected parking garage — they build their nest.
The mother sits on the eggs. Eventually, they hatch.
They hang out for a couple of months, doing whatever birds do all day.
At night, they sleep.
And next spring, the baby will return to do it all over again.
And finally … as soon as you saw the raccoon rescue story (above), you knew this was coming:
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Westporters are wishing a quick recovery to our neighbor, Michael Bolton.
In a note to fans yesterday, the worldwide pop star revealed he was diagnosed with a brain tumor just before Christmas. He was operated on immediately.
“Thanks to my incredible medical team, the surgery was a success,” he said on Facebook. “I am now recuperating at home and surrounded by the tremendous love and support of my family.”
Bolton will take a “temporary break” from touring, he added. Click here for a full story. (Hat tip: Leah Nash)
Cobs Bread opened this morning. They replace Jersey Mike’s, in Compo Acres Shopping Center between Trader Joe’s and Pokeworks.
The “artisan bread” chain has over 700 franchises in Australia, New Zealand and Canada, with a smaller presence in the US.
Two other Connecticut locations are Stamford and Greenwich. Click here for the company website (and the menu).
(Photo/Sal Liccione)
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A box truck struck a utility pole on Post Road East yesterday morning, near Colonial Green.
Power and cable access was knocked out to nearly 600 customers in the downtown area.
Kudos to Eversource and Optimum, for their near lightning-quick response. Both restored service in about an hour.
Thanks too to the Westport Police, who quickly blocked off and diverted traffic between Compo Road, and Imperial and Myrtle Avenues.
Crews working on Post Road East utility pole. (Photo/Sal Liccione)
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Though car thefts have declined recently in Westport, vigilance is still needed.
Ray Broady sends along a brief video from Ring (click here to see). It was posted by someone at the Westport train station, who saw a car pull up next to a parked vehicle.
A man jumped out and attempted to open the doors of several cars.
44 Compo Cove — perhaps the most-photographed house in Westport, standing proudly and oblivious to hurricanes and nor’easters for over a century just over the pedestrian bridge from Old Mill Beach — has also drawn plenty of attention as its new owners have begun the process of renovating and moving it a bit from the shore.
This was the scene yesterday, as workers began to place it in its new location:
What’s up with the line of cars parked on the Birchwood Country Club side of Riverside Avenue (near Rive Bistro and the medical offices) every day? I can’t believe they’re parking for the train, or any of the nearby office parks. (Bob Mitchell)
I’ve wondered about that for years. As best I know, the cars belong to Westport Auto Craft, the highly regarded body shop. Apparently they get moved there from in front of and behind the building during the day, to make room for those being worked on.
However, few of them ever look wrecked. And I’ve never seen anyone actually moving one of the vehicles back and forth.
Riverside-area readers: If there’s a different or better answer, please let us know.
What is your favorite Westport restaurant right now? And what’s your favorite one that’s gone? (Anonymous)
You’re kidding, right? Do you think I’d tackle this hornet’s nest alone?
Westport has a robust dining scene right now. Readers: Click “Comments” to let us know your favorites — and why.
As for long-gone: I’m not sure. But I sure wouldn’t mind traveling back in time for burgers from Chubby Lane’s and Big Top, or meatballs (and the ambiance) at the Arrow.
One of my many go-to Westport restaurants.
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