Tag Archives: Original Pancake House

Roundup: Mattress Recycling, Supper & Soul, Easter Eggs …

Posted on April 16, 2025 | 3 comments

Americans discard 20 million mattresses and box springs annually. That’s 55,000 that land in incinerators and landfills each day.

But up to 90% of old mattresses can be recycled into carpet pads, exercise equipment cushions, bike seats, insulation, air filters and steel materials.

Sustainable Westport can help. They’ll host a free mattress/ box spring recycling event on Saturday, April 26 (8:30 to 11:30 a.m., Earthplace).

Dry and unsoiled mattresses and box springs are welcome. Please do not bring those that are damaged, wet, or contaminated (bed bugs, etc.).

If you can’t bring your mattress or box spring, Westport Boy Scout Troop 36 will provide a pickup service for a small donation. Click here to sign up.

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Supper & Soul — the great Westport Chamber of Commerce meal-and-music event — returns Saturday, May 3.

Green River — the Creedence Clearwater Revival/John Fogerty tribute show — takes center stage at the Westport Library at 8 p.m.

Dinner starts at 6 p.m. An $85 Supper & Soul ticket includes a 3-course dinner at one of 11 downtown restaurants, plus the concert.

After the concert, show your ticket at any participating restaurant, for happy hour pricing on drinks.

Concert-only tickets are $30.  Click here to purchase.

Participating restaurants include Arezzo, Basso, Capuli, Casa Me, Don Memo, Emmy Squared, Il Pastaficio, Nômade, Spotted Horse, Gogi, and Walrus Alley.

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Speaking of restaurants: “06880” reported yesterday that the Original Pancake House has closed.

After that item ran, this notice — with more information — was taped to the door. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)

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This Easter Egg yard is not in Westport.

But it’s not far away — 3 East Avenue in Norwalk, just down the hill from Stew Leonard’s, and to the right at the light.

Plus, it’s the artistry of Jalna Jaeger, a 1971 Staples High School graduate.

“Everyone is invited to stop by!” she says.

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Alvin Ailey is coming to the Westport Country Playhouose.

“Ailey II: The Next Generation of Dance” takes the stage on May 1 (7 p.m.)

The program features the premiere of “Down the Rabbit Hole,” inspired by the “Matrix” film series exploring the relationship between humans and technology; Alvin Ailey’s Streams, an abstract exploration of bodies in space, and Baye & Asa’s “John 4:20,” an “explosive adrenaline rush.”

Tickets are $75, $80. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

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Westport Transit Director Peter Gold writes: “Westport is in danger of losing the Wheels2U shuttle yet again.

“The Board of Finance once again voted at its March meeting to eliminate all funding for Wheels2U, the WTD’s door-to-train station on-demand commuter shuttle. This will effectively shut down the service as of June 30. (The door-to- door service for the elderly and persons with disabilities will not be affected.)

“The Finance and Transit Committees of the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) meet on April 21 and April 22, respectively, to make recommendations to the full RTM regarding the budget for Wheels2U.

“The full RTM meets May 2 to vote on restoring funding to keep the shuttle running for another year.

“Please send an email to the RTM (RTM-DL@Westportct.gov) urging the RTM to restore the budget and keep the shuttle alive.

“Wheels2U provided over 20,362 rides to and from Westport’s 2 train stations to more than 1,230 people since the start of the current fiscal year on July 1, 2024, with 2,590 rides to and from Westport’s train stations in March alone.

“Wheels2U supports Westport residents and businesses and aids economic development by providing a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way for Westport commuters, reverse commuters and others to link their homes, their employers, and downtown to the train stations.

“It takes a vote of 70% of RTM members present and voting at a meeting to override the Board of Finance and restore the funding for Wheels2U. Every bit of support matters.”

Wheels2U

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Rhododendrons — their beauty, history and landscape use at Blau House & Gardens — are on display at a special May 18 event (9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., beginning at Wakeman Town Farm).

The day includes a box lunch, and guided tour of Blau House, Westport’s hidden gem off Bayberry Lane. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Rhododedrons at Blau House & Gardens.

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Eight members of the Artists Collective of Westport will be part of ARTWorks Gallery’s “Been There” show. It opens April 26 (5 to 7 p.m., 60 East Avenue, Norwalk).

The final day — May 18 — includes a 4 p.m. artists’ walk and talk, at the closing reception.

“Tuesday” — mixed media (Barbara Ringer)

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1975 Staples High School graduate Naomi Schalit and her husband John Christe — co-founders of the Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting — were inducted into the New England Newspaper Hall of Fame last month.

They were honored at the Portland event for their commitment to investigative journalism and public service.

Maine Governor Janet Mills attended the event, to show her support for Schalit and Christie. Speaking of the 1st Amendment, she said, “When it goes, we won’t even know that it’s gone because you won’t be there to report it.” (Hat tip: Douglass Davidoff)

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Genesis says that God created the heavens and the earth.

But who created this Star of David near Roseville Road, the subject of today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature?

(Photo/Richard Fogel)

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And finally … on this date in 1943, Albert Hofmann accidentally discovered the hallucinogenic effects of the research drug LSD. He took the drug intentionally 3 days later.

(“06880” does not endorse hallucinogenic drugs. We do, however, fully support you clicking here, to help support your hyper-local blog. Thank you for joining us on this trip.)

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Posted in Arts, Environment, Restaurants, Westport Country Playhouse

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Roundup: Hamlet Petitions, Long Lots Brook, Original Pancake House …

Posted on April 15, 2025 | 8 comments

As the proposed Hamlet at Saugatuck development wends its way through a thicket of town regulatory bodies, 2 petitions are circulating in town.

One is against the proposal. The other is for it.

The anti-Hamlet petition comes from the Westport Alliance for Saugatuck. It asks the Planning & Zoning Commission to deny the application, “with recommendations for a minimum of a 40% reduction in scope and scale.”

The pro-Hamlet petition calls The Hamlet “a unique opportunity to enhance Westport’s waterfront with vibrant public spaces, restaurants, and locally owned businesses — all while expanding access to the Saugatuck River.”

One view of the proposed Hamlet at Saugatuck.

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Speaking of new construction: The new Long Lots Elementary School plans have drawn criticism from many quarters, from the destruction of the Community Gardens to the possibility of artificial turf on the proposed athletic fields.

It would seem that one element — unveiled last week — would not cause any complaints. That’s the entrance, which would include a new brook.

But some Westporters are concerned about the number of trees to be sacrificed.

And then there’s this, shared with “06880” by another resident: “A number of students with special needs, including autistic children, have a propensity to be drawn to water.

“Not to say that the children won’t be monitored all the time while in school. But if there was ever an incident, or a child ran faster than staff while outside at the playground, the water strikes me as a potentially dangerous addition.”


Plans for the new Long Lots Elementary School.

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News that will surprise probably no one: Westport’s Original Pancake House has closed.

The Main Street spot opened in January 2023, in the space previously occupied by Acqua restaurant. (And before that, Boca.)

The chain — whose first restaurant dates back to 1953, in Portland, Oregon — never gained a foothold, despite a small, devoted following. It was open only 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (3 p.m. on weekends), with an interesting but somewhat limited menu. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)

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As a former state champion Staples High School soccer captain — and the father of 3 athletes — Tommy Greenwald know sports.

As the author of a number of award-winning children’s and young adult books, Tommy knows his audience.

The 1979 Staples High School graduate’s newest title is published today.

“The Right Call” — a companion novel to his previous “Game Changer” —explores the growing pressures in youth sports, and the lengths some parents go to make sure their kid comes out on top.

Told through Tommy’s trademark combination of transcripts, articles, texts and e-mails, “The Right Call” is a fast-paced story for middle school readers. They can relate to its treatment of split-second decisions, facing consequences, and the courage it takes to forgive.

Click here for more details, and to order.

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Speaking of kids: The Westport Firefighters Charitable Foundation hosts a free egg hunt this Saturday (April 19, 2 p.m., Long Lots Elementary School).

Westport Firefighters Charitable Foundation is hosting a free and festive Egg Hunt for the Westport community on Saturday.

It includes a dedicated, inclusive experience for children with special needs. The sensory-friendly hunt (1 p.m., Long Lots) features a peaceful, welcoming space for egg hunting at each child’s own pace; a quiet touch-a-truck event with vehicles from the Westport Fire and Police Departments (no loud noises!), a chance to meet and take photos with the Bunny, and friendly helps to ensure a smooth, enjoyable experience.

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The Westport Library Big Spring Book Sale is set for May 16-19.

As always there is something for everyone, from toddlers through adults, with thousands of gently used books in over 50 categories of non-fiction and fiction, along with DVDs, CDs, vinyl, ephemera, and framed art. For a link to specials, hours of the sale and more, click here.

The sale begins on Friday, May 16 with early access (8:45 a.m. to noon) for special ticket holders. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

To volunteer, email volunteers@westportbooksales.org.

Westport Library book sale. 

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Nearly every kid loves trucks.

So it’s a short step for the Westport Weston Co-op Nursery School‘s fundraiser to have a Touch-a-Truck them.

This year’s event — the 18th annual — is May 3 (9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; sensory-friendly from 9 to 9:30 a.m.; Imperial Avenue parking lot).

Of course, kids of all ages (including adults) are invited to get up close, climb on, and take photos with vehicles of all shapes and sizes. That means fire trucks, police cars, ambulances, cranes, dump trucks, buses, big rigs … you get the idea.

Also on tap: magicians, crafts, face painting, food trucks, and live music.

Admission is $35 per family. Click here to purchase, and more details.

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Monday’s Y’s Women meeting left attendees hungry for more.

Mike Urban — author of Unique Eats & Eateries pf Connecticut — offered a culinary tour of the state’s mom-and-pop diners and restaurants.

They included Milford’s hot buttered lobster on split bun rolls, “steamed” cheeseburgers in Meriden, homemade ice cream at the University of Connecticut Dairy Barn, and the 5 best pizza places in the country (all in New Haven).

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Westport favorite — and native — Melissa Newman returns for another headline event at this Thursday’s Jazz at the Post (April 17, VFW Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7 p.m.; music cover $20, $15 for veterans and students).

The vocalist will be joined by Tony Lombardozzi on guitar, Phil Bowler on bass and Bobby Leonard on drums. Click here for reservations.

Melissa Newman

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The latest Westport Country Playhouse Script in Hand reading took place last night. “Paris” tackled issues of race, commerce, community and invisibility in a small town workplace.

The next play in the series — “Still” — is May 5 (7 p.m.). The Playhouse website says: “When former lovers Helen and Mark reunite after years apart, they quickly realize that the person each of them once knew — and the love they shared — might be more complicated than they remembered.”

Click here for tickets, and more information.

The cast of “Paris” takes their bows. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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How sweet does today’s “Westport … Naturally” rose smell?!

(Photo/Ellen Wentworth)

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And finally … sometimes our musical selections are out of left field. Today’s is perhaps the most predictable ever:

(Happy Tax Day! If you’ve got a nice refund coming, please consider tossing a few dollars over to “06880.” We need to pay our taxes — and other expenses — too! Please click here. We thank you!)

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Posted in Children, Library, Restaurants, Saugatuck, Sports, Westport Country Playhouse

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Pic Of The Day #2767

Posted on November 14, 2024 | 1 comment

Morning coffee at the Original Pancake House (Photo/Ellen Wentworth)

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Posted in Pic of the Day, Restaurants

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Pic Of The Day #2108

Posted on January 24, 2023 | 3 comments

View from the Original Pancake House (Photo/Patricia McMahon)

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Roundup: Original Pancakes, Orphenians …

Posted on January 13, 2023 | 3 comments

Tuesday night’s Staples High School boys basketball game was filled with drama.

The Wreckers won a 68-67 overtime nail-biter over New Canaan.

But that wasn’t the half of it.

Halftime included a chance for a young player named Trey got a chance to hit a 3-point shot. The prize: a free session at the new Academy basketball camp.

How did the aptly named Trey do? Click here!
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News 12 Connecticut is working on a story about the 1989 Joan Wertkin cold case murder.

They want to speak with anyone who knew Joan, the family, or has information on the case. Even a small piece of information might help produce a clearer understanding of the events leading up to the killing.

Contact Emmy-winning investigative reporter Shosh Bedrosian: shoshana.bedrosian@news12.com; 475-283-5188.

Joan Wertkin

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The Original Pancake House has — finally — opened in the Main Street space where Acqua used to be.

Nina Sankovitch reports: “The first restaurant I ever went to was one of these.  The German apple pancake is as good as ever!”

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In preparation for their June trip to Hawaii, Staples’ Orphenians are hosting an “Aloha Cabaret.” The January 22 event (6:30 p.m., Westport Library) features Tony Award winner (and Westporter) Kelli O’Hara; the Orphenians (of course),, and as emcee, the incomparable David Pogue.

There are also Hawaiian-themed light bites, and an exciting silent auction. Fundraising will ensure that all 42 members can make the trip.

Orphenians — the elite singing group — have traveled across the US, and internationally, since shortly after their founding in 1958. This will be the third trip for conductor Luke Rosenberg.

Georgia Wrighth traveled with Orphenians to Australia in July 2018.

“It was one of the best experiences, with some of my best friends,” she recalls. “Some others I didn’t know too well. But we became so close on that trip.

“We were making music, and meeting people from all over the world who shared our passion. We sang for 8 hours a day, and learned so much working with a master composer.”

Georgia went on to earn a BFA in musical theater from the Boston Conservatory.

Three years earlier, Jack Baylis joined Orphenians on a trip to San Francisco. They worked with the famed Chanticleer choral group,

“It was one of my first exposures to high-level professionals,” Jack recalls. “They were so intense, but they showed us attainable goals.”

Jack appreciates the opportunities Orphenians had — and have now, again — to experience such a trip.

“Whether you pursue the arts as a career or not, this is a chance to impact your life,” Jack says. “In hindsight, I realize how important that is.”

Jack will perform with Kelli O’Hara at the Aloha Cabaret.

Tickets are $150 per person for general admission and $225 per person for VIP. For tickets and more information, click here.

Staples Orphenians

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Last night, MoCA Westport’s opening reception introduced their winter exhibition. “Paul Camacho: Rhythm and Unity” features selected works primarily drawn from the Westport Public Art Collections. The exhibition is on view through February 26.

Simultaneously, the annual high school exhibition — Who Are You When You Are Dreaming — includes nearly 200 student works from across the region.
Docented gallery tours are available on Thursdays at 1 p.m. An associated Cocktails and Conversation series will be held on Thursday evenings, including a talk about Camacho, a curator talk, and a panel featuring local designers and entrepreneurs on fashion, art and design.
Click here for more information.

MoCA executive director Ruth Mannes and Westport Public Schools pre-K-12 music and visual arts coordinator Steve Zimmerman. (Photo/Leslie MaSala)

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It doesn’t get more “Westport … Naturally” than this: Compo Beach, with Cockenoe Island in the distance.

(Photo/Richard Stein)

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And finally … Happy Friday the 13th!

(It’s good luck to donate to “06880” on Friday the 13th — or any other day. Please click here to help. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Media, Police, Restaurants, Sports, Staples HS

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Food Lines

Posted on November 12, 2022 | 8 comments

Westporters waited eagerly for Casa Me to open. The Italian restaurant in Sconset Square is now serving satisfied diners.

We waited for Saugatuck Provisions too. It sold its first steak, pork (and pasta) on Tuesday.

But several highly anticipated openings seem to have stalled. We’re twiddling our thumbs waiting for …

Amazon Fresh. The innovative grocery store — just pick up your stuff and walk out (after scanning your app, of course) — has not been worked on in months. The place looks abandoned (a very un-Amazon-like description).

Way back in February, The Original Pancake House announced a summer opening.  They said they’d take over the 2nd floor space formerly occupied by Boca restaurant (and before that, Acqua). There are over 100 locations in 28 states and overseas. This will be the first in Connecticut. After months with no activity, it looks like work has finally begun. But there’s not even a “coming soon” link on the website.

In July, callers to a Post Road restaurant near Shearwater Coffee heard: “Hi! You’ve reached Pizza Lyfe, formerly Ignazio’s. We are remodeling, and will be back soon!” “Soon” is still on its website. Hungry potential diners wonder what’s taking so long. It was already set up as a pizza place, right?

Meanwhile, there is good news about Mexicue. The Main Street outpost of the New York, Washington and Stamford restaurants, mixing “street food sensibility” with fine dining, was announced in February. Nine months later, the website promises a November 16 opening.

(“06880” is your regular source of restaurant and retail news. Please click here to support our work.)

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Posted in Downtown, Local business, Real estate

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Roundup: Original Pancake House, Pottery Barn, Westport Hardware …

Posted on February 24, 2022 | 9 comments

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It’s been years since IHOP left Westport (though the bones of the building, a now-closed nail salon, can still be seen opposite Fire Department headquarters on the Post Road).

But a new pancake place is headed to town.

WestportMoms reports this morning that The Original Pancake House will open this summer on Main Street. They’ll take over the 2nd floor space formerly occupied by Boca restaurant (and before that, Acqua).

The original Original Pancake House — TOPH, to its fans — opened in 1953 in Portland, Oregon. There are now over 100 locations in 28 states and overseas.

But none are in Connecticut. The closest right now is White Plains.

Among the signature dishes: apple pancakes, Dutch Baby, German pancakes and omelets.

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Speaking of Main Street: Get set for some reshuffling of Westport retail space.

Westport Hardware will move a few yards west. The popular store opposite Fresh Market — the only one of its kind left in town — will take over the space formerly occupied by Sam Sloat Coins, Luxe Nail Spa, and part of Lester’s and now-closed Wish List. The nail salon will be relocating.

The new space — about the same size as the current store — will be bright, with open ceilings, a Westport Hardware spokesperson said.

So what’s replacing Westport Hardware?

Pottery Barn. They’ll move from Main Street. Pottery Barn will also take over the now-closed Mumbai Times restaurant and Vincent Palumbo Salon, on both sides of the hardware store. That’s around 15,000 square feet.

Target date for the move is late August.

In August Westport Hardware moves west; Pottery Barn moves in.

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There’s a lot on the Board of Finance’s plate at its March 2 meeting (7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).

Among the agenda items:

  • Presentation of the 2022-23 town budget, by 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker.
  • Presentation of the 2022-23 education budget, by Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice.
  • A request for $1.431 million to extend sewers to Whitney Street, Roseville Road, Fernwood Road, Plumtree Lane, Pamela Place and Ledgemoor Lane.
  • A request for $3.1 million to extend sewers to Evergreen Avenue and Parkway, Tamarac Road, Lone Pine Lane, Gorham Avenue, Compo Road North and Brookside Drive.

The meeting will also be livestreamed on the town website, and shown on Optimum channel 79 and Frontier channel 6020. Click here for the full agenda.

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Congratulations to the Staples High School girls ice hockey team (a co-op squad, with Stamford and Westhill Highs).

A 3-0 win over Darien vaults them into their first-ever FCIAC final. Kate Tortorella scored twice, Annie Forker once, adn goalie Sydney Butler earned the shutout.

They play New Canaan on Saturday. Good luck! (Hat tip: The Ruden Report)

The Staples/Stamford/Westhiill girls ice hockey coop team.

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Michael Chait’s photography has been featured on “06880.” He’s got a large following on social media too. Michael’s followers love his unique images of Westport, New York City and other locations.

But it’s one thing to see his work on a computer or phone screen. They’re even more impressive live, and in person.

You’ll get that chance on Saturday, March 5 (4 to 7 p.m.) and Sunday, march 6 (1 to 4 p.m.). There’s a special show at the Loft Studio/Office, 11 Riverside Avenue, 2nd floor.

That’s on the corner of Post Road West — one more favored spot for Michael’s photos.

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Charlie Capalbo — the 23-year-old standout Fairfield hockey goalie, and grandson of Westport writer Ina Chadwick — has beaten cancer 3 times: lymphoma once, leukemia twice. Countless friends and strangers have rallied to his remarkable cause.

Astonishingly, he’s just been diagnosed with leukemia a third time. His fourth cancer battle in 5 years will include very expensive experimental treatments and immunotherapies — on top of the immense cost of previous treatments.

To donate to Charlie’s Go Fund Me page, click here. You can also email words of encouragement to charlie@optimalservices.com; leave a voicemail at 203-293-8464 (his phone won’t ring), and join the Friends of Charlie Capalbo Facebook page.

Charlie Capalbo (Photo/Dave Gunn)

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Today’s New York Times has an interesting story on a Republican US Senate candidate in Pennsylvania. Michael David McCormick is trying to thread the needle between being seen as a Trump ally, and one not too extreme in the state President Biden won by 1.2 percentage points. One consultant advised running in the “Trump-adjacent lane.”

The story notes that McCormick — a West Point graduate, army Ranger, Ph.D. graduate of Princeton and Treasury official in the George W. Bush administration — was most recently CEO of Bridgewater Associates.

The Times calls notes that the hedge fund’s “fieldstone-and-glass headquarters … on a wooded, 22-acre campus in Westport, Conn (are) a world away from Pennsylvania cities like Scranton, McKeesport and Aliquippa, which have been hit hard by the kinds of shifts in global trade that Bridgewater’s traders and analysts seek to monetize each day.”

It adds: “A former Democrat, McCormick has made voluminous comments on world affairs, and they aren’t always very MAGA.”

Click here for the full story, including McCormick’s views on China — a country the Times says holds particular fascination for Bridgewater.

Bridgewater’s “fieldstone-and-glass” headquarters, off Weston Road.

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows a beautiful sunset at Longshore. They just keep coming…

(Photo/Elisabeth Levey)

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And finally … a little tune to celebrate National Sauna Week:

 

 

 

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Posted in Arts, Downtown, Local business, Local politics, Restaurants, Sports, Staples HS

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