Tag Archives: Pequot Library

Roundup: Cribari Bridge, Craig Melvin, Railroad Parking, Cyber Threats …

Posted on March 20, 2026 | 1 comment

Among the many details offered at last night’s Cribari Bridge public meeting, this one passed without further comment: The state Department of Transportation has identified 10 properties and 1 dock as potentially affected by the project.

This morning, Bridge Street resident Werner Liepolt wrote to John McAvoy, Federal Highway Administration division administrator in Hartford: “No map, list of properties, or description of the nature of these potential impacts (temporary or permanent) was provided at the meeting nor, to my knowledge, at previous stage of the project.

“Without this information, it is not possible for affected property owners or the public to meaningfully evaluate or comment on the project’s impacts, as required under the National Environmental Policy Act and the Section 106 review process under the National Historic Preservation Act.”

Liepolt asks CTDOT and the FHWA to provide identification of all properties under consideration for right-of-way acquisition or easement; mapping showing the extent and type of potential impacts, and clarification of whether impacts are temporary (construction) or permanent.

He also requests that the comment period — now set to run through April 17 — be extended, so that the public and affected property owners have “a meaningful opportunity to respond.”

CTDOT has not indicated which 10 properties, and which dock, might be affected — including possible condemnation and eminent domain taking — by the Cribari Bridge project. (Drone photo/Alex O’Brien)

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Craig Melvin — co-anchor of NBC’s “Today” show, and our Westport neighbor — should draw a big crowd to the Westport Library on April 8.

He’ll be interviewed by Jim Marpe. The former 1st selectman is a member of the Y’s Men of Westport & Weston — sponsors of the event.

Craig will share stories from his career at the NBC News desk, including his transition into his current role.

The event is free, but registration is required (click here).

Craig Melvin, in January 2025.

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On April 6, all daily parking in Lot 1 — the large one opposite Riko’s Pizza — will revert back to permit-only parking.

The state Department of Transportation has returned Lot 8 (off Saugatuck Avenue, between I-95 and Exit 17) to the town for railroad parking, following several years as a staging area for the 95 bridge replacement project.

That restores approximately 140 daily parking spots.

During COVID and for some time afterward, permit-only lots were underutilized. The WPD adjusted parking allocations by adding daily spaces to Lots 1 and 3 to help offset the loss of Lot 8, and better utilize the lots closest to the station.

Now that commuting levels have returned to near pre-COVID patterns on most weekdays, they’ve readjusted again.

The website will be updated, and signage posted to alert commuters. A new parking map is also being developed, and will be available on the website soon.

Saugatuck train station parking map. Click on or hover over to enlarge.

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Cyber threats are everywhere.

On April 8 (VFW Post 399; cocktails for purchase 5:45; program 7 p.m.), 3 experts offer advice on keeping safe in the digital age.

Panelists include Westport Police Department Detective James Baker; Connecticut State Police Detective Mathew Hogan, and former Secret Service agent Brian McCabe.

The free event is sponsored by the Westport Republican Town Committee.

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Read to Grow — the great non-profit that ensures children begin life surrounded by books — once again hosts its annual statewide fundraiser in Westport.

“A Night for the Books” is set for May 7 (6 p.m.). The venue is appropriate: the Westport Library.

The evening will highlight the power of books, community, and connection, while raising money for programs that provide books and literacy resources to families across Connecticut.

Dave Briggs — former CNN, Fox, NBC, Turner Sports and Yahoo Finance journalist, and a Westport resident — will emcee.

Twelve Artists Collective of Westport members are creating book-inspired centerpieces, for the auction. Zucca Gastrobar caters the farm-to-table food; Alina’s Bakery adds treats. A giving tree – with gift cards donated by local stores and restaurants — will be part of the “mystery pull.”

Before the event (3 to 5 p.m.), families can pick up free children’s books, at the Read to Grow bookmobile.

The organization’s programs include Books for Babies, which gives newborns in Connecticut hospitals their first book; Books for Kids, through which families request free books delivered directly to their homes, and the statewide bookmobile.

Early bird tickets are available through April 3; click here to purchase, and for sponsorship information. To learn more about Read to Grow, click here.

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In what has become an annual tradition, the Westport PAL 8th grade boys and girls basketball players took the court at Madison Square Garden this week, before the Knicks game.

For the past few years, the NBA (through its Jr. Nicks program) team has offered PAL a great experience. Young players attend the pre-game shootaround, scrimmage on the Garden floor, then watch the game.

Thanks, Jr. Knicks — and Westport resident and former Staples player Brett Tessler — for making it happen.

Westport PAL players, at Madison Square Garden.

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Want to laugh on April 1 — without being a fool?

VFW Post 399 is hosting a free comedy night, with local comedians.

The show begins at 7:30 p.m. Open mic sign-ups begin at 7.

For questions and more information, email meganharvist@gmail.com.

IYKNY.

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Speaking of entertainment: Corky Laing is no stranger to Westport.

The legendary drummer for Mountain has played — and hung out — here before

Can’t quite place Mountain? They’re the “Mississippi Queen” band.

Laing provided the iconic cowbell intro.

He returns April 11 (7 p.m., VFW Post 399), this time as a special guest with Ten$Grand Band.

Tickets are just $20. The show will sell out soon. Click here to purchase.

Corky Laing

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Up next at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport: “Birthday Club.”

The play — about 5 friends who reunite to celebrate a milestone birthday, and confront changes in marriage, career, health and identity, while examining what has sustained their friendships over decades — will be presented March 27 and 28 (7 p.m.) and March 29 (2 p.m.).

The story “gives space to regret, loyalty and second chances, revealing the warmth and resilience that shape enduring friendships.”

The production is presented by UU Players. Tickets are $25 at the door; students with ID are free. All proceeds support UU Westport.

“Birthday Club” cast.

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At last summer’s Pequot Library book sale, teenager Morgan Kofron bought an antique family Bible.

Soon after, it was learned that the Bible had belonged to the Adairs — Black and Indigenous (Shinnecock) landowning family who played a significant role in the economic and cultural history in both Westport and Fairfield.

The Adair family papers are preserved at the Westport Museum for History & Culture. The Bible will now be added to those materials.

Adair family Bible.

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It’s been a while since we featured Man’s Best Friend as a “Westport … Naturally” item. Our bad.

So let’s hear it for Fergie!

(Photo/June Rose Whittaker)

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And finally … Vera Lynn was born on this day, in 1917. The English singer — whose performances lifted all of Great Britain during World War II — died in 2020, at 103.

(They just don’t make ’em like Vera Lynn anymore. Fortunately, “06880” remembers her. But we also do a lot more than that. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support us. Thanks!)

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Roundup: MoCA Art & Music, Pequot Library CEO, Suzuki Speakeasy …

Posted on February 20, 2026 | 4 comments

MoCA\CT is much more than an art museum and education center.

There’s a strong music component too. The Newtown Turnpike institutions hosts everything from solo performers to the Heida Hermanns International piano and voice competitions.

Art and music are on display in a big way at their next show. “Art, Jazz + the Blues” opens Thursday (February 26, 6 p.m.).

A collaboration with the Westport Public Art Collections combines forceful visual art with pulsating African American musical traditions.

The centerpiece is legendary Westport artist (and folk musician) Eric von Schmidt’s “Giants of the Blues” series. His monumental portraits of blues and jazz artists — hanging most recently in the Staples High School auditorium lobby — will be shown alongside works by Romare Bearden, Faith Ringgold, Sam Gilliam, Robert Rauschenberg, Jack Whitten and others.

The opening reception features live music by Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and WPKN host Mark Naftalin — the Paul Butterfield Blues Band’s original keyboard player. Click here for reception tickets.

To set the tone, curators Anne Boberski and Ive Covaci have created intriguing playlists inspired by legends like John Lee Hooker, Bessie Smith, Muddy Waters and more. Click to listen, on Spotify (Art, Jazz + the Blues) and YouTube (“Giants of the Blues” and “Art, Jazz + the Blues“).

“Blues Piano Players” — one of the 7 works by Eric von Schmidt that make up “Birth of the Blues.” 

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After a national search, the Pequot Library has a new executive director.

The Southport institution found him right next door, in Westport.

Peter Van Heerden takes the helm on February 26. He has spent much of his professional career in the area.

A 16-year resident, he served as executive director of the Westport Arts Center from 2011 to 2015, then filled the same role at Fairfield University’s Quick Center for nearly 10 years. Since 2024, he has been CEO of Activate: Arts 7 Culture.

In his spare time, Van Heerden has been an assistant coach for Staples’ girls water polo and boys swim teams.

He is married to Renee Plato, CEO of Westport-based MD Solar Sciences. Their 2 sons attend Fairfield University; their daughter is at Coleytown Middle School.

Peter Van Heerden, at Pequot Library.

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Speaking of libraries: Eiren Caffall — author of “All the Water in the World,” this year’s WestportREADS selection — gave the keynote address for the annual Westport program yesterday.

She was in conversation with Catherine Shen, host of CT Public’s “Where We Live.”

Eiren Caffall (right) and Catherine Shen. (Photo/Susan Garment)

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During Prohibition, Westport had a thriving speakeasy culture.

On March 13 (7:30 p.m.), it’s back.

The Suzuki Music School hosts a Connecticut Guitar Festival fundraiser — the “Speakeasy Jazz Club” — with guest artists Vinny Raniolo and Adrien Chevalier, plus “charity” gambling (craps, roulette, blackjack, and Texas hold ’em).

Tickets are $45; they include music, food and drink, and “gambling to give” chips. Click here to purchase. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)

Adrien Chevalier and Vinny Raniolo

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Staples has a thriving German language program.

Dozens of students take German 1, 2 and 3 Honors, 2 and 3A and Advanced Placement, and study through the University of Connecticut Early College Experience.

Twice, Staples teams won the UConn ECE German Quiz Bowl.

What can they do with their language skills?

Staples German teacher Liuba Ulianova reports that on Tuesday, there was a hearing in Hartford about the establishment of an official German Trade Commission in Connecticut.

With  220 German companies in Connecticut — including Deutsche Bank in Greenwich and Boehringer Ingelheim in Ridgefield — and nearly 900 in New England, the initiative could open significant opportunities for our students, particularly for internships and future employment.

Importantly,  she notes, students do not need to be fully fluent. Cultural awareness and foundational language skills are highly valued.

Danke schön!

In 2024, Staples students celebrated German Day at the University of Connecticut.

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The snow is (finally) melting.

V-e-r-y slowly.

Before it disappears — say, around Memorial Day — we’ll post shots like this, in our daily “Westport … Naturally” feature.

Livia Fuccella captured this intriguing image at Sherwood Island State Park.

(Photo/Livia Fuccella)

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And finally … in honor of Staples’ world language department (story above), here’s the only German hit song we know:

(Wenn Ihnen „06880“ gefällt, klicken Sie bitte hier, um unsere Arbeit zu unterstützen. Vielen Dank!)

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Roundup: Interim Fire Chief, Lobster Fest Tickets, Long Lots Meeting …

Posted on July 21, 2023 | 3 comments

Westport has a new interim fire chief.

Mark Amatrudo takes over, effective Monday. Deputy Chief Nicholas Marsan, recently named town emergency management director, will continue in his dual role as deputy chief.

Amatrudo is a third generation chief fire officer. He has served as a career and volunteer assistant chief, deputy chief and acting chief for almost 25 years, including as Westport’s interim deputy chief from 2005-07. 

Amatrudo is an Emergency Medical Technician. He also holds the highest level of fire service certifications in various areas, including fire officer, fire service instructor and safety officer.

He served as a Connecticut Fire Academy Instructor for almost 30 years. He developed a course for the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program, and spent years instructing at the National Fire Academy campus in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

Among his awards are FEMA National Outstanding Citizen Corps Council Award, Connecticut Emergency Manager of the Year, Connecticut Fire Instructor of the Year, Connecticut Exchange Club Hero Award and Holmatro Rescue Award.

Amatrudo holds a BS degree from Stonehill College, and an Executive MBA from the University of New Haven. 

Mark Armatrudo

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It’s mid-July. Time to get tickets for the fall LobsterFest!

In fact, it may soon be too late. The Westport Rotary Club’s mega-fundraiser sells out very quickly.

This year’s event is September 23 (3 to 7 p.m., Compo Beach). As usual always, Rotary offers 2 1.25-pound lobsters or a 14-ounce New York strip steak; corn, cole slaw, potato salad and bread.

Plus of course live music; kids’ games and activities; unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks, and a cash raw bar.

It’s one of Westport’s best parties. The timing is perfect, at the start of a new school year. The weather is wonderful. The food and entertainment are plentiful.

And the money raised helps Rotary support a wide array of great causes.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

A small part of the large LobsterFest.

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The Long Lots School Building Committee holds a special meeting next Tuesday, (July 25, 6 p.m., Town Hall Room 309).

The session begins with public comment and/or questions about the project.

A work session follows with the design team, for updates and review. The public can attend the work session, but not participate.

If time permits, public input will be allowed at the end of the meeting.

Long Lots Elementary School is 70 years old.

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This is the weekend for the always-anticipated, very giant Pequot Library Book Sale.

Over 100,000 items in 50-plus categories are on sale.

Hours are:

  • Today (Friday, July 21): 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Saturday, Sunday and Monday (July 22-24): 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Tuesday (July 25): 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Pequot Library

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Paddle is coming to Westport.

That’s “Paddle for the Sound” — not (this time) paddleball.

For 9 days (July 29 to August 6), the 8th annual Save the Sound fundraiser draws people of all ages for a leisure paddle — or a kayak, stand up paddle board (SUP) and canoe competition.

Participants track their distances paddled, while raising funds to protect Long Island Sound and its rivers, restore local ecosystems, fight climate change, and save endangered lands.

They’ll take screenshots of the distance on each excursion, and send it to the Paddle for the Sound team to compile results. Prizes are awarded for total distance paddled, and most funds raised.

Click here for more information, and to sign up.

Enjoy a paddle. Save the Sound! (Photo/Lisa Price)

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Fig Linens & Home is moving.

A fixture on Post Road East near Main Street since 2004, their lease is up at the end of August.

They’re not sure where they’ll go. But they are not closing.

A “Moving Sale” is underway. As the sign says: Everything must go.

(Photo/Patti Brill)

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In the 5 years she has hosted matchmaking events for singles, Jill Dunn has connected thousands of people.

Her next event — and your next chance at relationship bliss — is July 30 (4:30 p.m., Gabriele’s Steakhouse).

For tickets, click here. For more information on Jill’s events, click here.

Jill Dunn

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Most of the time, action at the Westport Astronomical Society’s observatory is in the sky.

On Wednesday, the action shifted to the ground. A family of 4 bobcats visited.

They seemed more interested in looking down than up.

Then again, this was their land long before we humans arrived.

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Longtime Westporter Stewart Greenfield died peacefully at Bridgeport Hospital on Wednesday.

A service is set for Sunday (July 23, 12:30 p.m., Abraham Green & Son Funeral Home, 88 Beach Rd, Fairfield. Visitation begins at 11:30 a.m.

Interment is at Temple Israel Cemetery (225 Richards Avenue). The family will then host mourners at their Westport home.

The family will sit Shiva tonight through July 26 (6 to 8 p.m., 279 Sturges Highway and 49 East 86th Street, Apt 11B/C, New York).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Nature Conservancy or St. John’s College in Annapolis, Maryland.

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This frog looks huge.

It’s really just an inch long. But Molly Alger captured it perfectly — on the outside of her kitchen window — for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Molly Alger)

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And finally … Tony Bennett died this morning in New York. He was 96.

The New York Times called him “a singer whose melodic clarity, jazz-influenced phrasing, audience-embracing persona and warm, deceptively simple interpretations of musical standards helped spread the American songbook around the world and won him generations of fans.”

He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2016. He continued to perform and record, however. His last public performance was in August that year, with Lady Gaga at Radio City Music Hall. Click here for a full obituary.

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog — and a non-profit. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

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Posted in Education, Environment, Local business, Local politics, Obituaries

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Roundup: Pops Concert, Pink Aid, Pequot Library …

Posted on May 24, 2023 | 8 comments

One of Westport’s newest — but quick-selling-out — traditions is the Westport Public Schools’ Pops Concert.

The Levitt Pavilion event — featuring the Staples High School Symphonic Orchestra and Band, Jazz Ensemble, Choralaires and other small ensembles — returns Friday, June 9 (7 p.m.). The host is Westport’s own music and media maestro, David Pogue.

Tickets will be available at staplesmusic.org beginning at 9 a.m. on May 31. They’re first-come, first-served — and free! (A donation of $15 per ticket is suggested, to help offset the concert’s production costs.)

The Levitt lawn opens at 5:30 p.m. BYO chair — but food trucks will be there for picnickers.

2022 Pops Concert. (Photo/Allison Ginzburg)

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The use of automated cameras to enforce speed limit and red light violations in Connecticut moved closer to reality yesterday.

The House voted 104-46 in favor. The bill now goes to the Senate.

Enforcement would be limited to school zones, pedestrian safety zones and other locations approved by the Office of State Traffic Administration. Speeders would have to go at least 10 miles per hour over the limit to get an automated ticket.

Fines would not surpass $50 for a first offense, $75 for a second offense. Revenues would go to municipalities, to be used for traffic-related expenses.

Click here for the full story, on Connecticut Mirror.

Red light traffic camera.

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Pulitzer Prize finalist Nicholas Dawidoff is the main attraction tomorrow night at the Westport Library

He’ll join former Assistant US Attorney Althea Seaborn to talk about his book The Other Side of Prospect: A Story of Violence, Injustice, and the American City (Thursday, May 25, 7 p.m.).

He will be in conversation with Norwalk Community College Professor and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Althea Seaborn.

Dawidoff spent 8 years researching and writing in his hometown of New Haven. Urban decay, white flight and redlining helped contribute to the transformation of Newhallville. Dawidoff makes these symptoms of “racist neglect” vividly clear.

Books will be available for purchase and signing.

Nicholas Dawidoff

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Breast cancer is no laughing matter.

But Pink Aid — the organization offering support and financial assistance to patients during treatment, and their families — will benefit from a night of comedy next month.

The event is June 1 (7 p.m., Chabad of Westport). Featured comedians include Cody Marino, Beau McDowell, Andrew Ginsburg and Nick Scopoletti. Tickets ($75 each) include 2 drinks, popcorn and candy. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

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Twenty soon-to-graduate high school rowers were honored for their hard work, persistence and commitment Monday, by the Saugatuck Rowing Club. Nine live in Westport.

Saugatuck Rowing Club seniors from Staples High School (from left): Elisabeth Chadwick, Janna Moore, Dylan Halky, Wyatt Dodge, Jesse Herman, Luke Miller, Cooper Weyers, and Vincent Penna all attend Staples. Andrew Bacro (not pictured) attends the Pierrepont School,

The seniors and other teammates competed last weekend to qualify for Young Nationals in Sarasota, Florida in June.

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First Five Guys closed (for renovations?).

Now there’s a “For Lease” sign in front of Shake Shack.

Maybe Big Top or Chubby Lane’s can come back …

(Hat tip: Bruce Schneider)

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Robin Tauck returned to the University of Vermont on Sunday. This time, the 1977 graduate gave the commencement address at graduation ceremonies for the Grossman School of Business.

Robin is a longtime Westporter. She is a 3rd-generation oo-owner and former president and CEO of Tauck Inc., the luxury travel company started by her grandfather in 1925, and headquartered for many years here.

She is a business graduate of UVM, Stanford University’s Executive Business Program, and the University of Cambridge Leaders Sustainability Program.

She was recently honored at the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame in Hartford, for her career in “Global Impact.”

Robin Tauck

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The Pequot Library is not actually in Westport.

But with so many local connections, it might as well be.

For example, Westporter Coke Anne Wilcox is president of the board of trustees. Caroline Calder serves as vice president, while Belinda Shepard and Richard “Deej” Webb are both trustees.

Westport poet laureate/Westport Writers’ Workshop instructor Jessie McEntee handles marketing and communications at Pequot.

Alex Heekin works in development. Jane Manners is the beloved children’s Librarian. Leslie Mahtani, also a librarian, works at the circulation desk.

Though the Pequot Library receives 20% of its annual funding from the town of Fairfield, it must raise the other 80% on its own.

One method: an annual Southport Garden Stroll. This year’s event — a behind-closed-gates peek at 8 stunning outdoor space — is June 2. Click here for tickets, and more information.

One more Westport tie-in: TV host/author/lifestyle expert/realtor Mar Jennings hosts the June 1 Champagne & Canapé kickoff party.

Pequot Library.

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A new farm dinner — an “intimate, bourbon-inspired” event — has been added to the Wakeman Town Farm menu.

It’s July 12. But, WTF notes, it makes a great Fathers Day gift.

Chef Lamour Workman promises that each course will be paired with a specialty bourbon, created by Bridgeport’s Fifth State Distillery.

Tickets are $125 each. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

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Longtime Westporter Sophia Makowski, most recently of Wallingford, died peacefully on Saturday.

The 9th child of 10, and a “second mother” to several family members, Sophie is remembered for her “incredible endurance, priceless humor, sharp wit, and unending support of her loved ones.” Loved by all who met her.

Sophia’s funeral is tomorrow (Thursday, May 25, 11 a.m., Assumption Church). Interment will follow in Assumption Cemetery, Greens Farms Road.

Click here to leave online condolences. Contributions in Sophia’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Sophia Makowski

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Thanksgiving is a solid 6 months away.

So this turkey figured it was safe to strut his stuff.

Luisa Francoeur took his “Westport … Naturally” photo on Broadview Road, during her morning walk.

(Photo/Luisa Francoeur)

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And finally … Linda Lewis died earlier this month, near London. She was 72.

I never heard of her. But the New York Times took note. She was “a critically acclaimed soul singer and songwriter whose pyrotechnic voice propelled four Top 10 singles as a solo artist in her native Britain and led to work as a backup vocalist on acclaimed albums by stars like David Bowie, Cat Stevens and Rod Stewart.”

The newspaper added: “Ms. Lewis drew raves for her soaring five-octave vocal range and impressed listeners with her genre-hopping instincts, drawing from folk, R&B, rock, reggae, pop and — with more than a nudge from label executives — disco.”

Click here for the full obituary. And enjoy (as I did) this sampling of her work:

(If you get a ticket to the Westport Pops Concert, thank “06880.” You can say thanks with a contribution, too — just click here. Thank you!)

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

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Roundup: Hartford HealthCare, Rachel Robinson, Pequot Library …

Posted on July 21, 2022 | 6 comments

Hartford Healthcare recently opened a new Post Road location, opposite the Exxon station at Maple Avenue North.

I hope it’s a good addition to Westport.

I also hope it’s a lot more efficient than their eldercare division.

For over a month I’ve received several dozen calls, texts and voicemails from them, all asking me to set up a consultation for “Chante.”

I have explained to several phone center operators that they have the wrong number. I am not Chante’s caregiver. I don’t know Chante. I ask for my number to be removed from the list.

Each caller promises to do it, immediately. But the calls keep coming.

They’re from a variety of area codes. I don’t want to block them, because — like so many people nowadays — one of my real doctors is, or may at some point be, part of Hartford Healthcare.

Meanwhile, my opinion of the health network keeps plummeting.

PS: If you know Chante, please have her call Hartford HealthCare ASAP. They’re looking for her.

 

 

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On Tuesday, Rachel Robinson turned 100

In 1999, Westport photographer Larry Silver took a series of images of her. The founder of  the Jackie Robinson Foundation — a non-profit  providing educational and leadership opportunities for minority students, named after her late husband — was featured in an American Express ad, as a woman of color who made great contributions to society.

Rachel Robinson (Photo/Larry Silver)

Happy 100th, Rachel!

And thanks, Larry, for sharing.

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I don’t usually link to Channel 12 news reports. They’re great. But “06880” and News12 are usually on different wavelengths.

Tuesday’s feature on Jazz at the Post was outstanding.

In just 3 minutes they covered every aspect of the weekly series at VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399: the venue, the music, interviews with key people — especially the famed piano that was once the pride of the Village Gate club in New York.

The series continues tonight (Thursday, July 21, 7 and 8:30 p.m.; dinner service at 6:30 p.m.; $10 cover). Meanwhile, click here for the news clip.

Screenshot from the Cablevision News12 story.

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Sure it’s over the border (barely). But many Westporters know and love the Pequot Library’s summer book sale.

So here’s the scoop on the Southport institution’s 61st annual event: It runs from tomorrow (Friday, July 22) through Tuesday (July 26).

The squintillion items include over 250 “collectibles” (online). Click here to see.

Click here for hours, pricing, special events and more information.

The Pequot Library — without the book sale crowd.

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David Dear has a trail cam at the edge of his Westport yard.

At 6:30 a.m. recently, it captured this bobcat with kittens. Showing the wildlife around us — much of which we seldom see — it’s a perfect image for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Dave Dear)

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And finally … despite Hartford Healthcare’s continuing and annoying calls, there is one Chante I don’t mind hearing about:

 

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Roundup: Pizza, Pequot Library, Parkway …

Posted on April 14, 2021 | 2 comments

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The Westport Farmers’ Market opens next month. But if you thought you were following them on Facebook, you might have missed the news.

During the winter, the WFM page was hacked. They lost over 8,000 followers — and the chance to inform them about news, vendors, special events and more.

They created a new Facebook page, and are rebuilding their following. But many people don’t realize they’re no longer “friends” with the WFM.

A generous supporter offered a “matching” Facebook challenge. If they reach 1,000 followers, the supporter will make donate $1,000 for WFM programs.

So, whether you think you follow the Farmers’ Market on Facebook or not, click here, then click the “Like” button. Then share that post with friends and family.

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Speaking of farms and food, here’s a way to keep ’em down on the farm: Pizza.

On Tuesdays starting May 4 (4 to 7 p.m.), “Tony Pizza Napolitano” will make 16-inch wood-fired cheese pizzas live at the Wakeman Town Farm oven.

Tony lives in Weston, and the pizzas he makes at The Grange are an 0688e legend. He uses “only top-quality local, organic ingredients — and love.” Click here for a rave review from Stephanie Webster’s CTBites.

Go to Facebook. Find “Tony Pizza Napolitano,” click “like” and follow the page. The weekly menu is posted every Monday morning. To order, send Tony a private message for a time slot. Once it’s confirmed, pick it up the next day at the Cross Highway farm..

It’s a perfect dinner — particularly if you’re already at Wakeman Field picking up the kids.

Tony Pizza Napolitano

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I don’t know whether the long-running Merritt Parkway project is done.

But — after a couple of years at least — all the construction equipment is gone from the Exit 41 parking lot.

It doesn’t look great. But it sure looks a lot better than it did.

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The Westport Library is seeking candidates for its Board of Trustees. Of particular interest: people with expertise in finance, fundraising and development for non-profits; knowledge and understanding of current trends in digital media and information technology, or a background in municipal government and/or not-for-profit law.

Trustees serve 4-yeare terms. Click here for more information.Interested candidates should email a resume and letter of interest to rpowell@westportlibrary.org. The deadline is April 23.

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Speaking of libraries: The Pequot’s great John James Audubon “Birds of America” exhibit is on display through May 2.

What’s the Westport hook (besides the fact that many “06880” residents love the historic Southport institution)?

The exhibit — and the many Pequot collections — are now safe for (hopefully) another 125 years.

A $1.5 million project to rehabilitate the endangered terra cotta roof was steered by 2 trustees, both from Westport.

Coke Anne Murchison Wilcox — member of a famed Texas family — majored in architecture at Princeton, then studied at Columbia’s Graduate School of Architecture. She worked for several architects, including Philip Johnson. In the early 1990s Wilcox purchased The Maidstone Arms in East Hampton. She and her husband, Jarvis Wilcox, have 3 adult children.

Charlotte Rogan spent 25 years as a writer before her first novel was published in 2012. The Lifeboat was included on The Huffington Post’s 2015 list of “21 books from the last 5 years that every woman should read,” and has been translated into 26 languages. Her second novel, Now and Again, continued to explore issues of morality and justice. Rogan attended Greens Farms Academy when it was an all-girl’s school, studied architecture at Princeton University, and worked for a large construction firm before turning to writing.

The Pequot Library. with its famed roof.

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And finally … in honor of Tony Pizza Napolitano (above):

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Posted in Environment, Library, Local business

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Roundup: Food Drive, All-American, More

Posted on December 16, 2020 | 3 comments

Two important organizations (Homes with Hope and the Norwalk NAACP) will benefit from a drive sponsored by 2 important department (Westport Police and Human Services), and an important business (Mental Grit Fitness).

This Friday (December 18, 12 noon to 4:30 p.m., Imperial Avenue parking lot), you can drop off non-perishable foods, toiletries and cleaning supplies.

You can help another way too: by volunteering at the drive. Click here to sign up.

Congratulations, Autumn Smith! The Staples High School senior soccer player has been named to United Soccer Coaches’ All-America team.

She scored 38 goals, and added 49 assists, in her stellar career (shortened this year by COVID). Due to the coronavirus too, there will not be an actual awards ceremony as in previous years.

That hardly diminishes Autumn’s accomplishment though. Well done!

Autumn Smith

Dan Hoffman writes about a pet peeve:

“When I make a local phone call with a 203 area code, I try to guess whether I need to use a prefix of ‘1’ or not.

“When I’m wrong, a program tells me either I need to use a 1 or I don’t need to use a 1.

“If the phone system knows the answer, why does it make me redial instead of just putting the call through? Always drives me nuts.”

They don’t call it JoyRide for nothing.

A new app — JoyRideGO — brings the popular Westport-based fitness community’s joy and energy to cyberspace.

It features on-demand and live fitness class to enJoy (ho ho) anywhere, any time. They include the signature JoyRide cycle classes; popular JoyX Strength, Pilates, barre and yoga classes, and hybrids like Cycle + Strength, Cycle + Pilates, Abs + Arms, and Abs + Glutes. All are taught by JoyRide instructors.

Classes range from 15 to 50 minutes. A 14-day free trial is available on the App Store and Google Play. Questions? Email joyridego@joyridestudio.com.

No one likes waiting in traffic.

Unless you’re by Playhouse Square, in front of Winslow Park Animal Hospital.

They always manage to amuse drives. Here’s their latest holiday tableau.

PS: Enjoy it now. Tomorrow it may be covered by snow.

(Photo/Molly Alger)

Speaking of traffic: How’s this for a great photo of Westport’s worst intersection?

Taken this way by Rowene Weems, it looks almost magical.

(Photo/Rowene Weems)

As COVID cases rise, the Pequot in Southport — Westporters’ 2nd favorite library — has temporarily suspended browsing hours. Curbside pickup is still available.

The Pequot Library.

And finally … in honor of today:

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Posted in Downtown, Local business, Organizations, Police, Sports, Staples HS, Transportation

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Remembering Susan Ei

Posted on April 8, 2017 | 5 comments

Alert “06880” reader and Westport resident Marcy Sansolo writes:

If you ever visited the children’s room at Pequot Library, you knew Susan Ei. And you felt her presence.

The children’s librarian for over 10 years — an unusual and beautiful woman, inside and out — died this week. She was 64.

Susan Ei

Susan had terrific energy, boundless enthusiasm, a genuine love of children, legendary patience, and a bunny kids could practice reading to.

She embraced all things Harry Potter, and never missed an opportunity to discuss a good book with good friends around a roaring fireplace.

She loved organizing potluck dinners, bike rides, holiday singalongs, and sleepovers under the stars on the library’s mighty front lawn.

Her summer reading programs were epic. She was tireless at the yearly book sale, even though it always falls during a massive heatwave.

In late 2003, I was still in shock over leaving the 212. My family and I found ourselves in Fairfield. I had discovered the Pequot Library within the first month. It was love at first sight.

Susan and my then-3-year-old became fast friends. Their relationship lasted well into the young adult section.

Jack is at Staples now. But when we returned to the Pequot for the book sale or a concert, we still made our way to the children’s room to see dear Susan.

Despite the countless people she met over the years, she never forgot us. We were always greeted by our first names.

In 2007 we brought a new puppy home. Susan knew how excited Jack was, and told him to bring the dog to the library. I cracked up with her, at the lunacy of having an untrained dog at a library.

It was one of the very few times the puppy was well-behaved. After he had a good smell of the library, he and my son climbed up on a couch. Susan captured the moment in this photo.

Jack, his dog and his book.

Out of the hundreds of images I have, this is one of my all-time favorites. I’ll forever be grateful she captured this moment in time.

In a world of skinny jeans and blown-out hair, Susan — with her braids and cowboy boots — was a breath of fresh air. I’ll never forget her kindness.

I know her many fans join me in sending love, light and strength to her beautiful daughters, husband, family, friends and colleagues.

Thank you, Susan. We miss you already!

(For Susan Ei’s full obituary, click here.)

5 Comments

Posted in Children, Organizations, People

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Pequot Library Lives!

Posted on April 26, 2013 | 8 comments

It takes a while for news to travel from Southport to Westport.

This week, the Fairfield RTM voted 44 to 3 to restore $350,000 to the Pequot Library budget. The cut — made 3 weeks earlier by the Board of Finance — had threatened the existence of the 124-year-old library. (If you’re wondering, this became an “06880” story because many Westporters use — and love — the Pequot Library.)

The Pequot Library.

The Pequot Library.

With that done, if you’re looking for another endangered Fairfield place to support, check out King’s Kitchen. That’s the Southport Beach farm-to-table concession stand, operated by Staples graduate Hunter King (who also just opened the Red Hen restaurant, in the Westport Inn).

The town of Fairfield will not aid in rebuilding the beach stand’s foundation, heavily damaged by Hurricane Sandy. FEMA has also denied funds, and Hunter’s insurance payment is not enough.

“06880” will continue to monitor developments of our friends over in “06890.”

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Posted in People, Places, Politics

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Save The Pequot Library!

Posted on April 10, 2013 | 63 comments

Sure, this is “06880” — not “06890.” But that doesn’t mean I can’t write about non-Westport places — particularly if they are beloved by Westporters.

Like Stew Leonard’s, which I’ve commented on before.

And the Pequot Library, which I haven’t.

The iconic building — listed on the National Register of Historic Places — is a perfect counterpoint to the Westport Public Library.

The Pequot Library.

The Pequot Library.

Where our downtown Westport building all hustle and bustle — a hands-on workshop in the Great Hall! language discussion groups! a 3-D printer! Blu-Rays to rent! a cafe! — the tucked-away-in-sleepy Southport Pequot is everything a library used to be. It’s quiet (shhhhh!). Its rooms are cool and musty. Mostly, there are books and (to use a very quaint word) journals.

Westport Library pulses in the image of energetic, innovative director Maxine Bleiweis.

Pequot Library always reminds me of the longtime, legendary Stanley Crane, whose looks, demeanor — even literary-sounding name — came right out of Library Central Casting.

Westport’s library was founded in 1908. Located since 1986 on the river near Jesup Green, it is bright, airy and modern.

Pequot Library signPequot has been around since 1889. It looks like something you’d see on a 19th century New England college campus — or in an old European town — right down to its original Tiffany windows.

There is a place in the world for both the Westport and Pequot Libraries.

But the Pequot Library is in grave danger of closing. Fairfield’s Board of Finance cut all of its funding — $350,000. That’s 1/3 of the total budget. Library officials say there is no way they can raise the entire amount privately. If the cut is not reversed by the RTM on April 22, Pequot will close in July.

In years past, the library has been helped by donations (average gift: $150). In just a few years though, its endowment has declined from $3.2 million to $2.6 million. And $1 million of that is restricted to the rare books collection, not available to fund most operating costs.

Westporters cannot (in good conscience, anyway) plead with Fairfield RTM members to restore funding. But Fairfield residents — some of whom are former Westporters who read “0688o” — can.

Pequot Library logoLike many non-Fairfielders, I have fond memories of the Pequot Library. I discovered it as a Staples student, writing my junior research paper. I spent hours in the stacks, and went back often in the years after.

If the Fairfield RTM does not restore the $350,000 cut on April 22, I can’t afford to save the Pequot Library. But maybe a few angels in Westport — men and women with similar wonderful experiences there, or who understand its importance to this entire region — have an idea or two.

(Click here for a News12 video on the Pequot Library issue.)

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Posted in Library, People, Places, Staples HS

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