Tag Archives: Paul Newman

Roundup: Tiffany, Van Leeuwen, Dick Button …

Posted on January 31, 2025 | 4 comments

The Post Road storefront facing Main Street is perhaps Westport’s prime location.

It’s been many things: Colgan’s and Thompson’s drug stores. Ships restaurant. Eddie Bauer.

Now it’s Tiffany.

But for how long?

Admiral Real Estate Services is marketing the property, under the headline: “The BEST Locations in Downtown Westport! Current Tiffany & Co. Site!”

The listing reads: “New for lease: Prime ground floor retail space in Westport, CT. Current Tiffany & Co. End-cap corner retail with exceptional visibility at signalized intersection.”

The 5,580-square foot location offers “ample natural light, parking directly in rear, corner building with massive frontage … various uses permitted.”

In bold letters, it adds: “Parking is free, nearby, and vast. A large municipal lot can be found adjacent to the building on Jesup Road and in the Parker Harding Plaza located across the street behind Starbucks. Street parking is also available around the building.”

Tiffany & Co.

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Sure, it’s mid-winter.

But ice cream is always in season.

Van Leeuwen — the New York-based, national made-from-scratch dairy and vegan brand — opens its Church Lane scoop shop next Thursday (February 6, noon).

Their 4th Connecticut location marks a return for co-founders Ben and Pete Van Leeuwen. The Fairfield County natives’ ice cream journey began here 20 years ago.

To celebrate, Van Leeuwen Westport will offer $1 scoops on opening day from 3 to 5 p.m., and free totes to the first 100 customers beginning at 3.

The shop will also showcase a special limited offering created by Westport cookbook author and creator Julia Dzafic. The vegan sundae features scoops of strawberry shortcake ice cream and banana pudding ice cream, topped with sprinkles, hot fudge and sugar cone.

Other flavors include honeycomb, brown sugar cookie dough brownie, Earl Gray tea, praline butter cake, marionberry cheesecake, black cherry chip, Sicilian pistachio, bigface coffe affogato and sour cherry creamsicle.

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With a month to go before Fashionably Westport kicks off, over 30 fashion retailers and hair salons have already signed on.

The entertainment list grows too. Westport’s own Drew Angus — now a national perform — will join the fun.

This year’s 5th annual event is Friday, February 28 (7 p.m., Westport Library). Sponsored by the Westport Downtown Association, it’s a benefit for Homes with Hope. The evening includes a silent auction.

Models are local friends and celebrities. The emcee and runway director are neighbors too: Dave Briggs and Carey Price, respectively.

Click here for tickets. Click here for more information.

Veteran Fashionably Westport model (and 1st Selectwoman) Jen Tooker offers a reminder: Tickets are now on sale.

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Americans of a certain generation remember Dick Button fondly.

Some recall his illustrious. double Olympic gold-winning figure skating career. Far more known him as the sport’s foremost television commentator, honed over 6 decades of Olympics and other high level competitions.

Totney Benson has more intimate memories. Button — who died Tuesday in North Salem, New York at 95 — was her uncle.

His full name was Richard Totten Button — named in honor of his grandmother. The longtime Westporter’s name is Totney Button Benson.

Dick Button visited the Bensons’ Compo Hill home for holiday celebrations and other events over the past 45 years.

Click here for a full New York Times obituary.

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The curtain rises tonight for the 3rd show of Westport Community Theatre’s 2025-26 season.

“Pride and Prejudice” runs Saturdays (7:30 p.m.) and Sundays (2 p.m.), from January 31 through February 9, plus Thursday, February 6 at 7:30 (Town Hall; tickets are $30).

This adaptation captures the spirit of Jane Austen’s 1813 masterpiece with a lively, modern rhythm that stays true to the heart of the original.

Click here for more information.

(Rear) Tony Moreno and Westporter Dana Chiapparelli. Front: Maggie Frattaroli, Sawyer Peduto in “Pride and Prejudice.”

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Also tonight: an evening of jazz (“and java”), at Staples High School (7 p.m.).

It’s an informal event, in the cafeteria. Several groups will perform, including the Bedford Middle School jazz band. Admission is free.

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Paul Newman would have been 100 years old this week.

To honor the actor/race car driver/philanthropist/longtime Westporter’s legacy, Newman’s Own launched “Paul Newman Generosity Day.”

As part of the celebration at Newman’s Own offices on Morningside Drive North, Andy Ortega created a 4-foot tall cake. It was decorated with a replica of the original salad dressing bottle.

Paul Newman’s cake.

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Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between January 22 and 29. Both were for failure to appear: a 56-year-old Westport man and 44-year-old Bridgeport woman.

Police also issued these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 22 citations
  • Failure to obey stop signs: 11
  • Speeding: 9
  • Driving while texting: 6
  • Operating a motor vehicle while under suspension: 6
  • Failure to renew registration: 6
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 5
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 4
  • Improper use of markers: 3
  • Passing a standing school bus: 1
  • School zone violation: 1
  • Following too closely: 1
  • Failure to drive in proper lane: 1
  • Improper turns: 1
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
  • Illeal operation of motor vehicle — limited license: 1

This bus driver makes sure no one will pass. Passing a standing school bus is a definite no-no. (Photo/Bob Weingarten)

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Westport resident Sophie Coquaz died peacefully on Tuesday, surrounded by family and friends. She was 52.

She was born and grew up in southeast France. She studied economics at the University of Lyon, and the University of Reading, in the UK.

In 1994 she pursued a master’s degree at the University of Delaware. She moved to New York and Connecticut to start her professional life, and met her husband Emmanuel.

They married in 2001, with weddings in France and Greece. In 2005 they relocated to London for career opportunities. They spent 5 years there, where their 4 children were born, before returning to New York.

Sophie worked for Thomson Reuters in commercial and legal operations positions for 24 years. She joined Estée Lauder in 2020, and served as vice president in the office of general counsel and legal operations.

She enjoyed travelling to France and Greece for summer holidays. Years after her classes of classic dance, she retained the grace of a ballet dancer.

Sophie is survived by her husband Emmanuel Saounatsos; children Zélie, Madeleine, Aurel and Sidonie; mother Danielle; brother Régis; nephews Mahel and Antoine, and niece Alice.

A wake will be held at Harding Funeral Home this Saturday (February 1,  2 to  6 p.m.). In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Regional Hospice in Danbury,

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Christmas is pretty far in the rear view mirror. It’s amost February, believe it or not.

But a small vestige of the holiday remains at Grace Salmon Park. Johanna Keyser Rossi captured the colorful contrast, in a fir tree, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … Marianne Faithfull, whose life included years as a singer, “muse and girlfriend of Mick Jagger,” homeless heroin addict, actor and cabaret performer, died yesterday in London. She was 78.

Her first hit, “As Tears Go By,” is often said to be the first original composition by Rolling Stones Jagger and Keith Richards (now a Weston resident). (Stones’ manager Andrew Loog Oldham — who formerly lived in Westport — was attracted by her beauty, and asked her if she could sing.)

Click here for a full obituary. (Perhaps the most interesting line: “Her mother, Eva von Sacher-Masoch, was a Viennese baroness, an ex-ballet dancer and a descendant of Leopold von Sacher-Masoch, author of the erotic novel Venus in Furs,’ which spawned the term masochism.”)

(As today’s Roundup — and every day’s — shows, “06880” is truly “where Westport meets the world.” Please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

 

 

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Posted in Downtown, Entertainment, Local business, Obituaries, Police

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Roundup: Rink Ring, Hillspoint Homes, Newman’s Own …

Posted on January 11, 2025 | 6 comments

Longshore is Amy Feder’s happy place.

So it was a natural place for John Recine to propose to her.

What he didn’t expect was that — as he popped the question, on the PAL Ice Rink — a skating stranger would capture the moment on camera.

Amy was there with Ali, her 22-year-old daughter, and Johnny’s daughter Angela and boyfriend Zach (visiting from Austin).

The happy couple have not set a date or place yet. No one asked me, but I can think of a great spot very close to that rink …

From left: Zach Springer, Angela Recine, Amy Feder, Johnny Recine, Ali Feder. (Photo/A random but great stranger)

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As a large new house rises near Schlaet’s Point, anoather big house will not be built a few yards away.

The Zoning Board of Appeals has denied an application for a 36-foot tall house at 238 Hillspoint Road. The proposed 2,200-square foot structure would have replaced a one-story cottage, built in 1920.

The current home at 238 Hillspoint Road.

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On January 26, Paul Newman would have been 100 years old.

In his honor, Newman’s Own — the philanthropy started in Westport, where the actor/race car driver/humanitarian lived for over 50 years — will launch “Paul Newman Generosity Day.”

First Selectwoman Jen Tooker, local officials and celebrities will gather at the Newman’s Own office on the Post Road at Morningside Road North for an afternoon of “celebration and generosity.”

Newman’s Own will unveil the “100 Acts of Generosity Challenge.” Participants will perform acts of kindness, share stories, and inspire others to do the same on social media.

Nearly 100, and still looking good.

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Richard Huntley is an internist/primary care doctor in Norwalk, and a Westport resident since 1988.

In 2023 he got a chance to do charitable medical work. He traveled to Kenya to screen for high blood pressure (Africa has the highest rate of hypertension globally.

80% of hypertension cases in Kenya are unrecognized, and only 10% is treated. Only 2% of the population has health insurance, so most people focus on illness rather than preventive care.

Dr. Huntley first worked in rural areas of Kenya. In 2024 he volunteered in Kibera — Africa’s largest slum, with over a million people.

He has partnered with Crossing Thresholds, a New Canaan-based nonprofit, to start a clinic to screen and treat high blood pressure. He organized a fundraiser to provide hypertension medications. For more information on the project, and donate, click here.

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After leading Williams College to a 3-0 record, and averaging 22.7 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.7 steals per game, senior captain (and 2021 Staples High School graduate) Arianna Gerig was named New England Small College Athletic Conference Player of the Week honors.

She was also selected for the First Team of the Week, the New England Women’s Basketball Association. (Hat tip: Don Kubie)

Arianna Gerig

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David Kaplan started his movie-making career the way you always hear it should be done: in the mailroom of a Los Angeles talent agency.

In 2013, “06880” profiled the 2003 Staples High School graduate. His film “Short Term 12” had just won the SXSW Grand Jury Award for Narrative Feature.

Now he’s got a Golden Globe

“The Brutalist” — backed by Kaplan Morrison, Kaplan’s New York-based production company — won 3 awards Sunday night, including Best Motion Picture – Drama. (Hat tip: Adam Friedland)

David Kaplan

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Andrew Wilk is a Big Name in entertainment.

The Westporter is a 5-time Emmy Award-winning executive producer and director of network television. He has worked with Itzhak Perlman, Yo-Yo Ma, Joshua Bell, Renee Fleming, Audra McDonald and Kelli O’Hara.

He is also a noted stage director and writer. But symphony conducting remains his first love. He is a frequent musical director and conductor at the Paper Mill Playhouse, and been involved with the Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra and New Jersey Symphony Orchestra.

On May 17, Wilk will be at Waterbury’s Palace Theater. He will conduct the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra for a night of music and memories, celebrating 20 years of Broadway musicals.

The show will include musical numbers from “The Phantom of the Opera,”
“Ragtime,” “Evita” and “Dreamgirls,” plus “Over the Rainbow,” “Memory” and “Tomorrow.”

Click here for tickets, and more information.

Andrew Wilk with one of his Emmys, at his Lincoln Center office.

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And finally … today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo, from the Balducci’s parking lot, gives new meaning to the “Rover” in Range Rover.

(Photo/Neal Radding)

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And finally … in honor of Andrew Wilk’s upcoming show at the Waterbury Palace Theater (story above):

(Do you hear the people contributing to “06880”? Just click here to join in. Merci!)

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Posted in Children, Entertainment, Environment, Longshore, Real estate, Staples HS, Totally random

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Roundup: Duke Ellington’s Jazz, Paul Newman’s Apartment, Marcy Sansolo’s Toy Drive …

Posted on December 8, 2024 | 2 comments

Jazz lovers packed the Westport Library last night, for a tribute to Duke Ellington.

Roger Kaufman’s Old School Review brought together the Smithsonian Museum’s Dr. John Edward Hasse, an Ellington expert; the New York All Star Big Band, and vocalist Audrey Martells.

It was a powerful evening, filling the Trefz Forum with all that jazz.

Audrey Martells, and the New York All Star Big Band. (Photo/Ted Horowitz)

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Want to buy Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward’s home?

No, not their Westport place.

According to the New York Times, their New York City penthouse at 1120 Fifth Avenue is on the market.

Purchased over 40 years ago, the asking price is $9.95 million. Monthly maintenance is $13,078. Click here for more information (and very cool photos). (Hat tip: Fred Cantor)

The view from Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward’s apartment. (Photo/Evan Joseph Studios, courtesy of the New York Times)

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Marcy Sansolo’s “What Up Westport” Facebook page is fun, quirky and popular.

Marcy has created a great community there. And part of celebrating the town is giving back.

Recently, Marcy invited Westporters to show up at the Imperial Avenue parking lot on a Saturday morning, with gifts for kids who need them.

Plenty did.

Marcy calls it a “social experiment.” I call it “one more reason to appreciate this town, and the very generous people in it.”

Marcy Sansolo, with a few of the many contributed gifts. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

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In 2020, Stephen Panus suffered through a parent’s worst nightmore. His 16-year-old son Jake was killed in a motor vehicle crash on Block Island.

The Southport resident and turned his journey of pain into purpose. His book “Walk On” describes overcoming adversity, and finding strength in vulnerability.

On Wednesday (December 11, 7 p.m., Westport Library), he and Fox Sports journalist/Westport resident Lindsay Czarniak will

Joining Panus for a conversation about Walk On is Westport’s own Lindsay Czarniak of Fox Sports, will talk about his memoir, and take questions from audience members. Click here for more information.

Stephen Panus and Lindsay Czarniak.

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Speaking of books: Westporter Paul Podolsky has just published “The Uncomfortable Truth About Money: How to Live with Uncertainty and Think for Yourself.”

Podolsky says, “it boils down everything I learned about money in a letter to my kids.” Click here for more details, including ordering information.

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Friday’s Westport Rotary Club speaker was Samantha Fargione, executive director of the Weston History & Culture Center.

She discussed the history of Weston, and the different properties and programs of the Center.

Samantha Fargione. (Photo/Katie Augustyn)

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Used pumpkins are gaining a second life. They’re food for animals. As today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature shows, they’re fattening up for winter.

Without Halloween candy.

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … in honor of Paul Podolsky’s new book (story above):

(Speaking of which … “06880” relies on reader support. We could not do what we do without you. If you enjoy our hyper-local blog, please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

 

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Posted in Library, Media, Real estate

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Roundup: After The Storm, After The Diesel Spill …

Posted on July 19, 2024 | 2 comments

Some Westporters were surprised that Compo Beach was closed to swimmers yesterday.

Others were not. Heavy rains — like the ones the night before (Wednesday) — often lead to closure.

“06880” reader and environmental activist Toni Simonetti wrote: “I learned something, thanks to Mark Cooper, director of health for the Aspetuck Health District.

“Swimming is closed at town beaches for 24 hours after a very heavy rainfall (as we all witnessed into the night yesterday). Because of the excessive runoff of surface water, and all it collects along the way, it  ends up in Long Island Sound.

“In Westport it takes 3 tides, or 24 hours, to cleanse the water tidally.

“The 24-hour waiting period is state protocol. Norwalk and Fairfield, on either side of Westport, have longer water cleansing times. Mark thinks that’s because we benefit from the ebbs and flows of the clean Saugatuck River.

“Just another benefit to living in Westport!”

Serene. But not safe after a storm. (Photo/Sunil Hirani)

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Speaking of that brief but intense storm: In addition to fouling our waters, it brought down power lines and trees.

But there were bright spots, amid the bad weather. Chris Vatis writes:

“Both Eversource line people and Gault electritians were on site within 1 1/2 hours after I reported the storm ripped both my meter and electricity pole attached to my house right off, leaving live wires all over my property.

“They worked diligently to restore it.

“I and we often complain about how much money we now pay for services. But both companies deserve praise for their excellent communication and lightning speed response to my plea for immediate help. I’m very impressed with both companies.”

 

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Also yesterday: No, you were not imagining things.

Traffic throughout town was worse than usual.

Way worse.

The culprit was a diesel fuel spill on I-95 southbound, between Exits 18 and 17.

As often happens, more spillage followed. Car and truck drivers got off the highway, and — in a futile attempt to move more quickly — clogged our main roads and side streets.

This Bridge Street scene was repeated at many other spots:

(Photo/Susan Garment)

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Speaking of drivers: We’re not sure how this accident occurred, but someone clipped the sign — in the middle of the traffic island at the Sherwood Island Connector, by the Post Road.

(Photo/Josh Berkowsky)

Coming from I-95, we’re now welcomed to “Estport.”

On the way out, it’s “Westpor.”

Be careful out there!

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Bob Newhart — the supremely talented, always understated but very hilarious comedian who died yesterday at 94 — may not have had any connections to Westport. (Though I’m sure several commenters will note otherwise.)

But this much is certain: When he gave a speech at the Kennedy Center, upon accepting his Mark Twain Prize, he referenced a Westport icon: Paul Newman.

Click below, then fast forward to 4:13 when the story begins.

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The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce held a “Business After Hours” event last night, at the Levitt Pavilion.

Members and town officials celebrated the outdoor theater’s 50th anniversary — and the Chamber’s 93rd year.

At the Chamber of Commerce event last night (from left): Paul Lebowitz, Planning & Zoning Commission chair; RTM member Jay Keenan; 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore; RTM member Sal Liccione; Chamber director Matthew Mandell; 3rd Selectwoman Candice Savin; 1st Selectwoman Jen  Tooker; RTM members Don O’Day and Melissa Levy. (Photo/Dan Woog

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Congratulations to Westport author Diana Sussman!

Her first novel, “The Neighbors’ Secret,” was named an American Fiction Award finalist, for pre-teen fiction.

Last year, the book was a Tassy Walden Award Finalist in 2023.

The novel takes middle school readers on “an adventure filled with puzzles, secrets, and unexpected twists,” press materials say.

“With her background as a litigation attorney and her passion for storytelling, Sussman weaves an intricate tale that keeps readers guessing until the very end.”

Diana Sussman

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Spotted lanternflies are back.

We fight them with traps and white vinegar.

But we’re not the only ones. Praying mantises are natural predators.

So — as today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature photo shows: Pray for mantises.

(Photo/Gabriela Hayes)

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And finally … Dave Loggins died last week, in Nashville. He was 76.

The songwriter had only one hit of his own: “Please Come to Boston.” But he wrote songs for many other artists, including Willie Nelson, Tanya Tucker, Wynonna Judd and Toby Keith.

Non-country music fans knew him too. He wrote the Masters golf tournament theme, a staple of spring sports telecasts for over 40 years. Click here for a full obituary.

(Whether you’re from Westport — or Boston, Denver, LA or anywhere else — if you enjoy “06880,” please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

 

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Posted in Beach, Environment, Local business, Local politics, Transportation, Weather

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Roundup: Staples Band Director, Sherwood Island Surge, Newman Family T-shirts …

Posted on July 5, 2024 | 5 comments

Band director at Staples High School is one of the most important — and most visible — positions in town.

Phil Giampietro resigned this spring. He accepted a similar position at Hall High School-West Hartford, closer to his Cheshire home.

His place will be taken by Kevin Mazzarella. A press release says:

“Following interviews with a number of exemplary band directors, Kevin emerged as the unanimous choice of our students and Staples staff. He instantly connected with the students and brings to our program a unique blend of energy, warmth, and outstanding musical talent.

“Kevin was recently named Coventry Public Schools’ Teacher of the Year for 2024, where he taught Middle School Band for the past 3 years. Previously, at Cutler Middle School in Groton, he earned the 2018 Teacher of the Year award and was a quarter-finalist for the GRAMMY Music Educator Award. Under his leadership, the Cutler Jazz Band was selected as a Showcase Ensemble at the 2020 CMEA Conference.”

Mazzarella is a graduate of the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music. He holds masters’ degrees in music education from Columbia University’s Teachers College, and educational technology from the University of Saint Joseph. He completed his graduate certificate in trumpet performance from the University of Connecticut in 2023.

His extensive performance credits span genres from jazz to early music

His previous principal Ross Sward, a former music educator, calls him “one of the best music teachers I’ve ever known.”

Welcome to Westport, Kevin!

Kevin Mazzarella

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Despite morning clouds, it did not take long for the Sherwood Island State Park parking lot to fill up yesterday.

That happens on holiday, and/or hot, days.

But what happened next was new: Drivers pulled to the side of the Connector — and both sides of Greens Farms Road. There were vehicles all the way to the commuter lot.

They parked, picked up their chairs, coolers and umbrellas, and walked to Sherwood Island.

(Photo/John Karrel)

There were even cars on the I-95 exit ramp. A sign there said it was “closed to walkers.”

(Photo/Tammy Barry)

A new trend? A one-off?

Stay tuned. (Hat tip: Barbara Wanamaker)

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We see a lot of different types of watercraft off Compo Beach, from jet skis to mega-yachts.

Outrigger canoes — not so much.

But there was one yesterday, off South Beach. The Ke Aloha stopped by, on its way from New Jersey to Milford. From there it will trailer the boat to Gloucester, Massachusetts, to complete in the Blackburn Challenge Race.

(Hat tip and photo/Bruce McFadden)

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Because yesterday was a holiday, I plumb forgot about the Westport Farmers’ Market.

But many others remembered. The Imperial Avenue parking lot was as packed as any other week.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

In addition to the usual shoppers, there were folks looking for something fresh to bring to an afternoon party or cookout.

The Farmers’ Market runs every Thursday, through mid-November.

Just in time to pick up food for Thanksgiving.

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During his 50-plus years in Westport, Paul Newman was everywhere in town.

We saw him in supermarkets, shops and restaurants. He and his wife Joanne Woodward handed out popcorn at the Westport Historical Society. He picked up hitchhikers (including me, 3 times).

Newman’s daughter Melissa is a giver in her own right. For 20 yeas, she volunteered at a woman’s prison.

She was casual friends with a social worker there. More than a decade ago,  he handed her the gift.

It was a framed poster of her father. Looking straight at the camera — and pointing sternly — the young actor urged all “Young Citizens for Johnson” to register to vote.

Melissa had never seen that poster. “It was one of the best presents I ever got,” she says. She hung it on her kitchen wall. It’s been there ever since.

Four years ago, Melissa’s friend Miggs Burroughs helped change the message to “Research. Register. Vote.” Melissa put that message — with her father’s pointed finger — on t-shirts.

Now she’s doing it again.

As in 2020, she wants the message to be non-partisan. Besides, LBJ is no longer on the ballot.

Click here to order a short- or long-sleeve Paul Newman/Vote t-shirt. There’s also a link in Melissa’s Instagram bio (@melissamudandmusic).

It’s not only non-partisan — it’s non-profit. Melissa will donate $5 from every sale to The Civics Center. The non-profit promotes voting and civics education for young people.

So far, she’s given given them $1,250.

The ordering deadline is July 31. They’ll be ready the last week in August.

With plenty of time left to wear them. And to register, and vote.

The Paul Newman short-sleeve t-shirt.

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Umphrey’s McGee rocked the Levitt Pavilion last night.

They were psychedelic, loud, and enthusiastically welcomed.

Tonight’s (Friday) show is a ticketed event. Moe., with Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country & Neighbor, take the stage at 4:30 p.m. Click here for details.

The weekend concerts are free: Early Clover (Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; click here) and Leonardo Suarez Paz’s Cuartetango (Saturday, 7 p.m.; click here).

Umphrey’s McGee (Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

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For thousands of Westporters, yesterday’s menu was as as American as it gets: burgers and hot dogs.

But as our “Westport … Naturally” photo shows, others opted for fish:

(Photo/Seth Goltzer)

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And finally … on this date in 1996, Dolly the Sheep — the first mammal cloned from an adult cell — was born. It was a mammary gland cell, and whe was named after Dolly Parton.

(It would be nice to clone donations to “06880.” But we can’t. We need each individual one. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Beach, Entertainment, Environment, Politics, Staples HS

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Roundup: Anti-Racism Protest, Joanne Woodward, Linxweiler House …

Posted on February 27, 2024 | 7 comments

A few dozen protesters stood quietly on North Avenue this morning, protesting reports of racial incidents at Staples High School across the street.

The crowd included students and adults. Some parents joined the crowd after dropping their youngsters off at school.

Many held signs. One summed up the feeling of the protesters: “Racism is unacceptable.”

(Photo/Ruby Kantor for Inklings)

(Photo/Ruby Kantor for Inklings)

(Photo/Kevin McLaughlin)

(Photo/Kevin McLaughlin)

(Photo/Kevin McLaughlin)

(Photo/Lily Rimm)

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Happy 94th birthday to a Westport icon: Joanne Woodward.

Over 60 years on stage and television she won an Academy Award, 3 Primetime Emmys, and 3 Golden Globes, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. She is one of the last surviving stars from the Golden Age of Hollywood, and the oldest living Best Actress Oscar-winner.

Just as importantly, she — and her husband, Paul Newman — contributed mightily to the civic life of Westport.

Whether helping save the Westport Country Playhouse or dishing up popcorn at the Westport Historical Society, Joanne Woodward made our town a better place.

Thank you, Joanne. Have a great day!

The happy couple, near their home.

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Among the items at the next Planning & Zoning Commission meeting (Monday, March 4, 7 p.m.; Zoom, and Optimum channel 79 and Frontier channel 6020): a request from First Selectwoman Jen Tooker to temporarily amend the lease at 655 Post Road East (the Linxweiler house, between McDonald’s and Fresh Market) to allow Gillespie Center clients to be housed and supported there temporarily, during renovation of the downtown homeless shelter.

Click here for the full agenda, and additional materials.

Linxweiler House, on Post Road East.

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Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service president Mike Burns gave an in-depth, eye-opening look at the most recent Y’s Women meeting.

Many members were surprised to learn that the 45-year-old non-profit relies entirely on donations. The 75 EMS volunteers — who respond in 7 minutes or less to everything from strokes, seizures and births to accidents on I-95 and the Merritt Parkway (and even incidents on Metro-North) pay for all their own supplies: heart monitors, gurneys ($70,000 each), and ambulances.

WVEMS’ 3 ambulances are 10 years old. The first of 2 new ones will arrive next year — at a cost of $450,000.

All donations are welcome (83% are less than $100); click here.

WVEMS president Mike Burns, at the Y’s Women meeting. (Photo/Jilda Manikas)

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Westport resident Tom Kretsch spent his career as a teacher in the Norwalk schools.

And for almost 40 years he’s been involved with that city’s partnership with Nagarote, Nicaragua. They’ve created and run a community development project that provides opportunities for young people and families to improve their economic and educational lives.

A benefit cabaret — “Spring Into Song” — is set for Sunday, March 24 (5:30 p.m., Westport Woman’s Club).

Attendees can bring food and drink to share at small tables before the music begins. Nine great vocalists — including Westporters Michelle Pauker, Bill Hall and Emily Hall Stevens, and Charlotte Roth of Weston — are donating their talents. They’ll sing tunes from Broadway shows, original music and other covers.

For more information and tickets ($50), email kretscht@yahoo.com.

Michelle Pauker (Photo/Brynn Owen)

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Trumpeter Andy Gravish plays the music of Hank Mobley and Lee Morgan — 2 iconic musicians of the “hard bop school” — at this Thursday’s Jazz at the Post (February 29; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7 p.m.; $20 music cover charge, $15 for veterans and students).

Gravish performs at top international jazz festival, and has been the featured soloist with the Village Vanguard Orchestra, Toshiko Akiyoshi/Lew Tabackin Big Band, Paquito D’Rivera and many others.

Joining Gravish are pianist Michael Cochrane, bassist Essiet Essiet, drummer Steve Johns, and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.

Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.

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It’s been 15 years since the Staples High School Class of 1974 had a reunion.

Now they’re ready for their 50th. And members of adjacent classes — with friends among the ’74 graduates — are invited too.

It’s the weekend of October 18-20. There’s a Friday night social at the VFW, a Saturday night main event with dinner and dancing (and the class’ Mark Santella as DJ) at the Westport Woman’s Club, then Sunday at the Compo Beach Ned Dimes Marina.

Click here for details, and tickets.

Class of 1974 member Alix Land in Long Beach Peninsula, Washington. She lives in Portland, Oregon.

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Lost your license plate?

Someone found it, and propped it up against the post office flagpole:

(Photo/Dan Woog)

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo comes from Kevin LaForce.

He writes: “I saw this beauty trot across the top of Hillspoint Road on Sunday. I tracked him/her to the back of Loretta Court. Pretty cool.”

(Photo/Kevin LaForce)

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And finally … sharing a birthday with Joanne Woodward (story above) is Josh Groban. Happy 43rd birthday, to the platinum-selling singer.

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. We rely on reader support for all that we do. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

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Friday Flashback #369

Posted on October 13, 2023 | 8 comments

The Westport Weston Family YMCA is 100 years old.

Last Friday, 300 members, supporters, friends and employees gathered under a huge tent at the Mahackeno Outdoor Center to celebrate the centennial.

They enjoyed dinner, dancing, an auction — and plenty of stories.

Bob Knoebel — former Water Rat swimmer and coach, then the Y’s first aquatics director — now lives in Idaho. But he came “home” for the occasion.

He has plenty of great memories. Among them: Charlie Moffat.

For 17 years Charlie was the face of the Y. He collected membership cards, handed out towels, and told absolutely everyone — with a wide smile — “Have a nice day.”

Charlie was so popular that when he retired, the Y’s most famous badminton player came to his party.

You might recognize him: a fellow named Paul Newman.

Paul Newman and Charlie Moffat (Photo courtesy of Bob Knoebel)

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50 years ago this week:

First Selectman John J. Kemish, “to the accompaniment of fight songs played by the Staples band,” signed documents at a ceremony in which the federal government transferred the 6-acre Nike missile site to the town of Westport.

CBS News filmed the event. Paul Newman (a few years prior to meeting Charlie Moffat) stood behind Kemish. He remarked, “It’s a great day for Westport.”

Paul Newman (far left) at the Nike Site ceremony in October 1973. 1st Selectman John Kemish is at the far right. The 2 men in the middle are unidentified. (Photo courtesy of Jim Kemish)

(“06880” covers Westport’s past, present and future — every day. Please help us look back, and ahead. Click here to contribute. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Cottage Cluster Housing, RTM Rules, Bill Mitchell …

Posted on September 28, 2023 | 9 comments

On Monday (7 p.m., Zoom), the Planning & Zoning Commission will review text amendment application #835, for Cottage Cluster Developments. The amendment would create an opportunity for 100% affordable cottage cluster housing on town-owned land.

The targeted beneficiary of this text amendment is 655 Post Road East — Linxweiler House, across Crescent Road from McDonald’s.

The amendment would “promote sustainable development practices through smaller, more efficient housing and effective use of residential land, increase the diversity of housing choices by allowing for a grouping of smaller, single-family dwellings on one lot, and provide additional below market rate housing within Westport, located on lots owned by the Town of Westport.”

The proposed regulations would apply to 63 town-owned properties. However, regulations limits the number of developments in town to 5.

Deputy P&Z director Michelle Perillie says her department “is working to implement the goals of the Town of Westport Affordable Housing Plan, which recommends encouraging sustainably developed modular construction kits and prefabricated cottages to build multifamily and small houses quickly and efficient.”

All application materials may be viewed on the Town’s website. Click here to see all application materials. To see all eligible properties, scroll down to Text Amendment #835: “Cottage Cluster Developments.”

The meeting will be livestreamed on the town website, and aired on Optimum channel 79 and Frontier channel 6020. Comments can be sent prior to the meeting: PandZ@westportct.gov or offered during the meeting. Click here for the Zoom link.

If passed, a text amendment would allow cluster cottage housing at Linxweiler House on the Post Road.

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The Representative Town Meeting meets on Tuesday.

The night before (Monday, October 2, 7 p.m., Town Hall auditorium), the RTM Rules Committee meets.

They’ll address a petition, submitted by 38 electors. It says:

RESOLVED, that the full Westport RTM at its October 3, 2023 meeting affirms that the meaning of the term “Shall” in “Sec. A 162-6. – Agenda” of the “Representative Town Meeting Rules of Procedures” as found in Exhibit A of the “Code of Ordinances of Westport Connecticut” is to be “construed as being mandatory”, per the definition of the word “Shall” in “Sec. 1-2. – Definitions and rules of construction” and that “Sec. A 162-6. -Agenda” compels and requires the Moderator, or in the event of the Moderator’s inability to act, the Deputy Moderator or, in the event of the inability of both, the Town Clerk to place on the RTM meeting agenda such matters as petitioned by at least 20 Westport Electors not less than 14 days prior to a Representative Town Meeting.

The agenda item was submitted by Jeff Wieser. He’s the RTM moderator, and also chair of its Rules Committee.

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Bill Mitchell — self-styled “socks salesman” and “doorman,” but actually one of Westport’s most beloved figures, thanks to his generosity, grace, spirit, and senses of humor and fun — will sell his last pair of socks, and open his last door, at Mitchells this Saturday.

He’s been his parents’ employee, then co-owner, and always the public face of the high-end, customer-centered clothing and jewelry store.

He’s retiring now, after 58 years with the family business. His squintillion friends are invited to say thanks and goodbye — or, more realistically, to share stories and laughs — this Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The coffee pot (well, its 2023 equivalent) will be on. There will be plenty to eat (as always).

It’s just another Saturday at Mitchells. But also one for the ages.

Bill Mitchell says goodbye.

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Longtime Westporter Stacie Curran is proud of her town.

So she was very distressed to learn that “the hard-working, super-kind, smart, approachable construction crew” on the Post Road renovation project at Roseville/Hillspoint Roads and Bulkley Avenue “believe we are the most arrogant, horrid town of drivers they have ever worked among — well worse than Greenwich, Darien, Ridgefield (they named a few).”

They cited frequent behaviors: “cursing, speeding, flipping them off, not caring about safety…”

So Stacie did what Stacie does: She brought them homemade chocolate chip cookies, and pounds of donated coffee cake from The Porch at Christie’s and their Sweet P Bakery.

It helped.

Marlin (on the far right in the photo below, holding a tray of cookies and box of coffee crumb cakes) of Guerrera Construction Company said, “Westport, you’re not all that bad.”

But some of us are.

These guys are just doing their job. And their job is to make the Post Road safer, in the long run.

So don’t cruse, speed or flip them off.

Be kind. Smile. Wave.

And if you really care: Be like Stacie. Give them cookies and cakes, not the bird.

Smiles from the Post Road crew. (Photo/Stacie Curran)

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Paul Newman died 15 years ago this week.

But his memory lives on. It’s particularly strong here in Westport, the town he lived in for 50 years, loved — and where he and his wife Joanne Woodward raised their family.

On October 10 (7 p.m., Westport Library), their daughter Melissa will launch her new book: “Head Over Heels: Joanne Woodward & Paul Newman, A Love Affair in Words and Pictures.”

She and her longtime friend — filmmaker/Remarkable Theater co-founder Doug Tirola — will chat, in the Trefz Forum. Melissa will share insights into her affectionately curated and lushly illustrated book, which offers a fresh perspective on her parents.

Newman will sign copies of the book too, which will be available for purchase there.

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Staples Players staged 2 memorable productions of “The Laramie Project” (and one of “The Laramie Project: 10 Years Later”).

Now there’s another Players connection with the ground-breaking play about a town’s reaction to the 1998 murder of gay University of Wyoming student Matthew Shepard.

Staples Class of 2011 grad Matt Greenberg is producing a staged reading of “The Laramie Project” — with its originators, the Tectonic Theater Project.

And it will take place at the University of Wyoming, in Laramie.

The event is October 11 — the day before the 25th anniversary of the 21-year-old’s death.

Greenberg — who starred in Players’ “Curtains,” among other shows — is now assistant professor of acting and musical theater at Wyoming.

Click here for more details on the show.

Matthew Greenberg

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Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between September 20 and 27.

A woman was arrested for driving under the influence and failure to drive in the proper lane, following a 1-car accident at 11:30 p.m. on Cross Highway.

A man was arrested on 4 counts of failure to appear.

Police also issued these citations:

  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 4 citations
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 1
  • Failure to grant right of way: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1.

Don’t drink and drive!

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For 24 years, the non-profit Westport-based Oyebog Tennis Academy has supported underserved children in Cameroon, More than 20,000 children have participated in tennis programs starting at age 3.  Two OTA students earned full scholarships, and are competing on NCAA Division I college teams. 

This year the Staples girls tennis team raised thousands of dollars for OTA. But the need is great, as demand keeps growing.

Gently-used items — racquets, gear, shoes, even household items — will be shipped soon. Donations can be dropped off today through Saturday, September 30 at 104 Long Lots Lane.  

OTA will also sponsor a pro-am tennis event at the Country Club of New Canaan on September 30. The Bryan Brothers will compete against local players, and some of the best young players from Cameroon. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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First, Make-a-Wish Connecticut announced the stars of their October 3 (6 p.m., Aitoro Appliance, Norwalk) “Taste of Wishes” event. Six boys and girls will have their wishes come true: They’ll cook with the area’s top chefs.

Now Make-a-Wish has announced the menus.

  • Jes Bengston: Swedish meatballs, pomme puree, apple and kohlrabi relish.
  • Matt Storch: Ricotta gnocchi “Rolled Live,” tossed with vodka sauce and garlic bread,
  • Robin Selden: Braised short ribs with shiitake beurre blanc and butternut squash puree, and salted dark chocolate Bridgewater chocolate chip cookies baked to order.
  • Dan Kardos: coconut mussels with basil and curry butter.
  • Anthony Kostelis: Tomato risotto with sundried peppers and taleggio.
  • Christian Petroni: Surprise dish.

Additional food vendors include Sweet Brioche Artisan Pastries, Forever Sweet, Copps Island Oysters, Crust Issues, Amit, Dave & Charlie’s Hometown Deli, Blind Rhino, Bartaco and Candy Connections.

A VIP ticket includes early entrance and a sneak peek, Prosecco, and great swag. Click here for VIP and general admission tickets, and more information.

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Today’s wonderful “Westport … Naturally” photo comes from the wide-ranging and talented Johanna Keyser Rossi:

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … Terry Kirkman, who sang, played 2 dozen instruments, wrote music and formed the group the Association, died last weekend in California. He was 83, and suffered from congestive heart failure. Click here for a full obituary.

If you don’t remember their name, you know at least some of their songs:

(Every day, we “round up” the most important Westport news. If you appreciate our local journalism, please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Click here — and thank you!)

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Roundup: Lyman Library Talk Video, Kindergarten Change, Paul Newman’s Projectors …

Posted on July 8, 2023 | 3 comments

Earlier today, Russian artillery killed 8 civilians and injured 13, in Westport’s sister city of Lyman, Ukraine.

Just 2 days ago, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Police Chief Foti Koskinas and CNN’s Alisyn Camerota drew a large crowd, for their discussion of the town officials’ recent trip to the Donetsk region.

Plenty of others could not make the 2 p.m. event.

Fortunately, the Westport Library and Y’s Men of Westport and Weston taped it all. Click below, for a very important hour.

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A little-publicized state law change may have big implications for Westport’s littlest residents.

And their parents.

Governor Lamont signed bill HB 06880 (a total coincidence; nothing to do with the name of this blog) into law on June 27.

It covers a variety of education topics. But one significant change is that beginning with the 2024-25 school year, the kindergarten age cutoff changes from December 31 that school year to September 1, so that any student entering kindergarten must already be 5 years old.

Because enrollment in private “5s” programs generally begins in early fall, families with students who will now be ineligible for kindergarten for the 2024-25 school year may need to think about private options.

Click here for the full bill. The relevant section begins on page 3. (Hat tip: Caroline Ferson)

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Ever wanted to go inside Paul Newman’s projection room?

Now you can. It will just cost you at least $700.

Liveauctioneers.com posted this listing for “The Projection Room, Westport, CT”:

“Simplex 35 mm Projectors PR-1003 with Kowa Company Ltd. and other lenses; Kni-tron Xenon Lamp Houses L-100-3 (5134, 5138) with Simplex Electric Changes Overs SA5 (188C, 182C) …” — and 8 other lines of similar technical stuff.

Then came the money shot: “The Newman’s [sic] Westport, CT barn housed a full projection room for screening movies. The above-listed equipment is being sold as-is, to be de-installed and picked up by the buyer in Westport, CT at their expense.” Click here for more information, and to bid. (Hundreds of other Newman items are listed too.)

The projection equipment’s estimated worth is $1,500 to $3,000. The cost of de-installing it yourself in the late actor’s barn: priceless. (Hat tip: Frank Rosen)

A small part of Paul Newman’s projection equipment.

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The teardown of 254 Hillspoint Road has been followed by demolition of a rock ledge.

The work has been followed closely, by the hundreds of people who walk daily between Compo and Old Mill Beach.

(Photo/Nathan Greenbaum)

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David Bigelow — who lived most of his life in Westport, and with his wife Eunice helped turn Fairfield-based Bigelow Tea company. and its “Constant Comment,” into a national leader in flavored tea — died last month. He was 96.

A celebration of his life is set for August 25 (11 a.m., Greenfield Hill Congregational Church, Fairfield). Memorial contributions to the David and Eunice Bigelow Foundation can be made online, or to 201 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield, CT 06825.

Click here for a full CT Insider story. Click here for the full obituary.

David and Eunice Bigelow

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Longtime Westporter Gerald “Jerry” Minsky died Thursday at Yale New Haven Hospital. He was 78.

A graduate of Abraham Lincoln High School of Coney Island, New York and the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, he earned an MBA from the University of Buffalo.

Jerry was an executive and mentor in the finance industry for many years. He was an innovator of computer leases and tax shelters, and was involved with the program that put the first camera on the moon.

His family says, “He was a world traveler, who always knew the best places to eat. He loved jazz and blues, and enjoyed cigars in the backyard. He played basketball, and was the first Ben Franklin Mascot.

“Jerry was also an avid tennis and pickleball player, and a late believer in the game of golf. He was an extremely intellectual person who loved reality TV, and family was the center of his world.”

Jerry is survived by his wife Lynne Minsky of Westport; sons Greg and Geoff;  grandchildren Jack, Maddie and Sadie Minsky; nephews Richard (Som) Stein and Daniel (Wannarawee) Stein; great-nephew Tankhun Stein, and his cherished dog, Mickey. He was predeceased by his sister Arlene.

A memorial service will be held tomorrow (Sunday, July 9, 3 p.m., Temple). To join a live stream and share a condolence message, click here. Shiva will be observed at the Minsky residence on Sunday following the service, and on Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Mozaic Senior Life (formerly Jewish Senior Services), 4200 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604.

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Milkweed comes in many forms — all vital for monarch butterflies Here’s one, courtesy of Werner Liepolt, for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

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And finally … on this date in 1889, the Wall Street Journal published its first edition.

(Hey, Mr. Businessman: “06880” is a great investment! If you appreciate what we do every day — and have done for 14 years — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Please click here. Thank you!

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Westport Country Playhouse: Next Act — Or Final Curtain?

Posted on June 5, 2023 | 57 comments

For over 90 years the Westport Country Playhouse has entertained, inspired and awed theatergoers.

From the opening curtain in a converted tannery through the rest of the 20th century, “the Playhouse” became a launch pad for Broadway shows, an important stop for hundreds of actors, and an iconic Westport jewel.

Now, in its 92nd year, the Westport Country Playhouse is limping through a truncated season.

It might not make it to 93.

Classic shot of a classic theater.

I love the Playhouse. I was introduced to live theater there, through children’s shows. I’ve seen countless productions, plus concerts like Arlo Guthrie.

A highlight of my life was performing on its stage – the same one used by Henry Fonda, Paul Robeson, Helen Hayes, Eartha Kitt and James Earl Jones – for a “Moth” taping 3 years ago.

It is painful to write this story.

It would be more painful to lose the Playhouse entirely. But that may very well happen.

And it could happen very, very soon.

The Westport Country Playhouse is on precarious footing. The last 2 shows of its planned 5-play 2023 season have already been canceled. The third is in jeopardy.

In recent years, not enough seats have been filled. (Photo/Robert Benson)

Attendance has plummeted; so has the subscriber base.

As the core audience aged, there was little outreach to younger and newer residents. The Playhouse has virtually no social marketing – the best way to create buzz, and reach today’s theater-goers.

Artistic director Mark Lamos’ selection of plays failed to resonate with patrons. Now he’s departing, leaving no one at the helm.

If the theater goes dark, it will be almost impossible to put the lights back on.

All is not lost, however. A rescue plan has been floated.

As in past crises – most recently the early 2000s, when Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward rode to the rescue – this one has quintessential Westport roots.

Andrew Wilk, in the “Live From Lincoln Center” production truck.

Andrew Wilk is a 5-time Emmy-winning executive producer and director of television programming (and a renowned playwright, director and symphony conductor).

He moved to Westport 17 years ago, attracted in large part by the town’s support for the arts.

Wilk produced PBS’ legendary “Live from Lincoln Center” series for many years; served as chief creative officer for Sony Music Entertainment, and executive vice president for the National Geographic Channel (among many other accomplishments).

He created and developed last year’s 3-part PBS entertainment specials, shot at the Playhouse. (He worked on that project for almost 2 years – pro bono.)

Wilk spent months developing a new business strategy and turnaround plan. Covering everything from programming to union contracts, it outlines a path toward recovery and sustainability for an institution that for years has spent more than ticket sales, donors and grants bring in.

Wilk devised the plan on his own time. He’s willing to oversee it in the coming months – gratis.

So far, the Playhouse board has not accepted his broad, generous offer. Perhaps they think they must “save” the Playhouse, before creating a new artistic model.

Wilk proposes to save the Playhouse by reimagining it. First, a transitional season would begin rebuilding the audience through a robust season of well-known musical titles “In Concert.” They’d be headlined by a small number of Broadway stars, with an orchestra.  Concerts include evenings of Andrew Lloyd Webber, Stephen Sondheim, Stephen Schwartz, Jerry Herman, Rodgers & Hammerstein and others.

Those concert productions would be augmented by smaller, fully professional productions of recognizable shows, like “The Fantasticks” and “I Do! I Do!,” as well as classic comedies and dramas.

Back in the day, crowds lined up for comedies, dramas — and shows that were headed to Broadway. (Photo/Wells Studio)

There would be student productions too, with actors from Staples and area high schools and colleges, of shows like “Rent,” “Little Shop of Horrors” and “Falsettos,” plus “Jesus Christ Superstar” using local community groups, and Broadway stars in a few primary roles (thanks to Wilk’s extensive contacts).

Wilk estimated costs for every show, right down to transportation and rights fees. He’s addressed the thorny question of union contracts, and even figured out rehearsal schedules.

His plan appears to be the only one addressing the theater’s many urgent challenges.

The Westport Country Playhouse has been on the brink of disaster before. They’ve always pulled rabbits out of the hat (and, in the case of Newman and Woodward, conjured up a production that – harkening back to the Playhouse’s mid-20th century heyday – moved on to Broadway).

The world has changed since then. It’s changed even since Newman and Woodward’s “Our Town.”

This is our Westport Country Playhouse. It is our town.

But unless the people in charge of our town’s historic gem act quickly, decisively and creatively, the theater that last week was honored as a Literary Landmark may soon become just one more theatrical memory.

(The Westport Country Playhouse was asked to comment on its future. Board chair Anna Czekaj-Farber said: “Nothing new at the moment. We are getting ready for our New Works reading (Monday, June 5) our next Script in Hand on June 12, and Patti LuPone’s  great evening June 15.”)

Twenty years ago, Paul Newman helped save the Westport Country Playhouse. Can it be saved again?

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