Tom Lowrie stepped down this year as Westport’s pickleball ambassador.
He earned his retirement. He’s 97 years old.
But as the new year ends, he looks back on the history of the sport here. Among the key dates:
2014: Kevin Cunningham and friends played pickleball in the Longshore tennis courts’ practice area.
2016: With Dan De Vito’s help, the Parks & Recreation Department constructed 2 courts at Compo Beach. 1st Selectman Jim Marpe cut the ribbon.
2019-2024: Parks & Rec lined 4 tennis courts at the Town Farm and Doubleday, creating 8 dual-use pickleball court; Parks & Rec offered a winter program in the Bedford Middle School gym, but the Board of Education refused to paint new lines and the program failed; the Y’s Men created a popular pickleball activity; painting lines on private driveways became popular.
2025: Under new director Erik Barbieri, Parks & Rec reconditioned the Compo Beach courts; Andrew Colabella organized a rededication ceremony, after the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) named them the Lowrie Courts.
Moving forward, Lowrie offers this wish list for 2026:
Enclosed pickleball courts and pavilion at Longshore’s parking Lot F, next to the ER Strait Marina.
If the wooden skate park at Compo is removed, it would free up 12,000 square feet. This area could accommodate more pickleball courts, a concrete skate park, a mini-golf course, exercise equipment, or whatever else the town decides.
“Friends of Westport Parks and Recreation” was conceived in 2010 as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Its mission is to “enhance, preserve, protect and promote Westport’s Parks & Rec facilities and programs.” Let them know your thoughts on pickleball.
Lowrie adds, “Brandon Osterhout is the new USA Pickleball ambassador for Westport.
“I know you will give him your support and creativity in promoting pickleball for Westport. His email is brandon.osterhout@gmail.com. He would love to hear from you all.”
Tom Lowrie posed for the Westport Library’s “I geek…” campaign with appropriate gear. (Photo/Pam Einarsen)
Historic Saugatuck Congregational Church — the site of Westport’s founding as a town, in 1835 — has a new pastor.
Rev. Steven Savides takes over next month. He follows Rev. Alison Patton, who was called 2 years ago to a church in Maine. The position has been filled on an interim basis since then.
Rev. Dr. Savides is also an educator and former journalist. He has served UCC congregations in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Ohio.
He earned a Ph.D. in peace studies and theology from Notre Dame University, and a master’s in theological studies from Harvard Divinity School. He was ordained in 2006.
Rev. Savides and his wife, Rev. Nanette Pitt, live in Akron, Ohio. She served First Congregational Church there as senior minister for 8 years, before embarking on a new career in support of progressive political candidates. She is currently senior advisor to a US congresswoman.
Rev. Savides is described as “a compelling peacher and teacher deeply committed to peace and social justice, faith formation across the lifespan, pastoral care and counseling … and building inclusive, resilient and sustainable congregations.” (Hat tip: Mark Mathias)
Rev. Dr. Steven Savides
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Platform by the James Beard Foundation — the state-of-the-art show kitchen, event space and educational hub for special culinary arts programming at Pier 57’s Market 57 food hall in New York — celebrates October with a standout lineup of 2025 James Beard Award winners and nominees.
Among them: Westport chef Brian Lewis.
On October 22 (6:30 to 9:30 p.m.), the noted owner of OKO and The Cottage honors National Seafood Month with a “Season for Seafood” dinner.
Lewis — a 2025 James Beard Award nominee for Best Chef: Northest — offers a meal with Skuna Bay salmon, and locally sourced ingredients from the Northeast.
For years, the Westport Writers’ Workshop has helped new and experienced authors of all kinds find their voice, and hone their passion, at their Sylvan Road South suite.
They’ve also done it through, through scholarships and free writing workshops, for underserved communities across Connecticut.
They partner with the Connecticut Institute for Immigrants and Refugees, STAR, the Center for Family Justice/AWARE, and the Bigelow Center for Seniors to bring writing opportunities to people who lack access. WWW also offers free therapeutic and skills-based workshops for mothers of children with disabilities and veterans.
On September 18 (6:30 p.m., Fairfield Museum) a “Sips & Scholarships” fundraiser — including light bites, wine and silent auction — will help them continue their outreach.
Harry’s Wine & Liquor Market will curate the tastings — and donating 10% of all wine sales that night to WWW.
CAST For Kids — a powerful experience for children with special needs — returns to Westport for the 7th time on August 24. The 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. event, at a private riverfront backyard, includes lunch and an awards ceremony.
The event — part of the national CAST for Kids organization — has served over 100 children over the years. They and their families love to fish on the river, and enjoy time outdoors.
Children who participated now volunteer, helping teach other youngsters.
This year’s program is again spearheaded by Asher Marcus, a nature enthusiast and rising senior at Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy.
He has teamed up with Daris (“Miss D”) Datzenko. The well-known special ed teacher first heard about CAST for Kids a few years ago. She knew it would be a perfect fit for her students, as well as the Challenger baseball team.
CAST for Kids also draws an enthusiastic group of volunteers. They do not need to be expert fishermen. But they should be patient and enthusiastic, helping ensure that every child is happy and feels welcome.
To register as a participant or a volunteer, email Asher Marcus: (saugatuckriver@castforkids.org), or click here.
Registration is open for Club203’s 2025-26 season.
The fourth year of Westport’s social group for adults with disabilities promises to be the biggest and best yet. Click here for details.
Meanwhile, members are invited to tomorrow’s “Summer Art by MoCA CT” (Wednesday, August 20, 5 p.m.). It’s a relaxing way to learn self-expression through a variety of art forms. Click here to register, and for more information.
Milling and paving has begun on North Avenue, near Staples High School.
Take an alternate route, if you can.
North Avenue roadwork. (Screenshot courtesy of Kuku Fleming)
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DanceBody — a New York City dance cardio brand — headlines 2 pop-up classes at 345 Post Road West, today (August 19 — hip hop) and next Tuesday (August 26 — sculpt).
A reminder: This Saturday (August 23, 3 to 5:30 p.m.), the pickleball courts at Compo Beach will be dedicated in honor of Lowrie.
The 97-year-old is “the father of Westport pickleball” (and much more).
Theree will be an exhibition with professional, nationally ranked players (and prizes). And the Y’s Men’s Hoot Owls will provide musical entertainment.
Bring your own beach chair and refreshments. Watch the pros. Honor Tom. And then play afterward, on the Tom Lowrie Courts.
Jazz at the post’s Summer Series continues to celebrate Connecticut-based artists.
This Thursday (August 21, 7 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7; Westport VFW), it’s Sambeleza.
The name comes from 2 words: samba (the national dance of Brazil), and beleza (Portuguese for “beauty.”)
Founders The group came into being in 2009 as the combined brainchild of vocalist and São Paulo native Isabella Mendes, Brazilian guitar specialist Joe Carter and jazz bassist Jeff Fuller.
Since 2009 they’ve paid homage to great songs by Brazilian compsers, and added original songs. Founders Jeff Fuller (bass), Joe Carter (guitar) and Isabella Mendes (piano, vocals) will be joined by drummer Daniel Silva and saxophonist Greg (“The Jazz Rabbi”) Wall. Click here for tickets, and more information.
The banks of the Saugatuck River are as good a place as any for “love birds” to cuddle.
And — as today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows — we do mean that literally.
(Photo/Pat Saunders)
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And finally … if you read through today’s Roundup, you probably guessed we would end with:
(We recommend reading “06880” in a hammock by the river. Or anywhere else. We recommend even more clicking here, to support the hyper-local blog that you are reading right now. Thank you!)
As of today, there may be only competitive races in 4 of the 9 Representative Town Meeting districts.
Here’s the breakdown. (NOTE: Each district elects 4 members. The RTM is non-partisan.)
District 1: Incumbents: Andrew Bloom, Matthew Mandell, Kristin Mott Purcell, Chris Tait. Petitioning: Gail Coykendall.
District 2: Incumbents: Jay Keenan, Melissa Levy, Louis Mall, Mike Perry. Petitions not yet returned: Harris Falk, Jenna Petok.
District 3: Incumbents: Ross Burkhardt, Jimmy Izzo, Pamela Troy-Kopack. Incumbent not running: Don O’Day.
District 4: Incumbents: Andrew Colabella, Clarence Hayes, Jeff Wieser. Petitions not yet returned: Victoria Wylie, Charles Lucas, Cara Zimon. Incumbent not running: Noah Hammond.
District 5: Incumbents: Peter Gold, Karen Kramer, Dick Lowenstein, Claudia Shaum.
District 6: Incumbents: Candace Banks, Seth Braunstein, Alma Sarelli. Incumbent not running: David Rosenwaks.
District 7: Incumbents Brandi Briggs, Jack Klinge, Ellen Lautenberg. Petition not yet returned: Joseph Carson. Incumbent not running: Lauren Karpf.
District 8: Incumbents: Wendy Goldwyn Batteau, Rachel Steel Cohn. Incumbents not running: Ari Benmosche, Julie Whamond.
District 9: Incumbents: Jennifer Johnson, Nancy Kail, Sal Liccione, Kristin Schneeman. Petition not yet returned: Addison Moore.
To qualify for the November 4 ballot, candidates must collecct at least 25 signatures from registered voters in their district. Completed petitions must be returned to the town clerk by September 9.
For more information about the petition process or other election questions, contact Town Clerk Jeffrey Dunkerton: 203-341-1105; jdunkerton@westportct.gov.
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Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. tomorrow (Tuesday, August 12) for this year’s Westport Library “Booked for the Evening” fundraiser, with Sara Jessica Parker.
The Emmy Award-winning actor, producer, publisher and businesswoman will be honored September 10.
And — because she wants readers to check out the space, and meet “rock star” office manager Lindy Steinorth — she invites people to email Lindy (westportct@officeevolution.com), or call her (203-635-8770).
Just mention “06880,” for a free trial. PS: Tell Lindy she rocks!
Office Evolution manager Lindy Steinorth (left) and Westport owner Laura Kaufman.
Calling all pickleball players. And fans of Tom Lowrie. And everyone else who wants to celebrate.
On August 23 (3 to 5:30 p.m.), the pickleball courts at Compo Beach will be dedicated in honor of Lowrie.
The 97-year-old is “the father of Westport pickleball” (and much more).
Theree will be an exhibition with professional, nationally ranked players (and prizes). And the Y’s Men’s Hoot Owls will provide musical entertainment.
Bring your own beach chair and refreshments. Watch the pros. Honor Tom. And then play afterward, on the Tom Lowrie Courts.
Aaron Judge, and furry Gus and Penny, are teaming up with Westport Animal Shelter Advocates and Earth Animal, to help homeless dogs in around Connecticut.
Each “Judge” dog toy is $29.99. All proceeds to go to WASA.
This year alone, the non-profit has covered almost $11,000 worth of emergency care for animals abandoned in Westport. Additional funds have been spent elsewhere in the state.
The Wood Brothers brought their progressive Americana sound to the Levitt Pavilion last night, as the 51st season of great outdoor entertainment continued.
Former Westport teacher Lois Green died peacefully at her North Carolina home on May 18. She was 95.
The Adelphi University (BA) and Fairfield University (MA) graduate and her family were longtime residents of Westport, apart from a stay in Sydney, Australia between 1970 and 1977.
Lois taught special education and reading in the Westport Public Schools, ranging from kindergarten to high school.
She served as a Westport Education Association representative, and volunteered with the League of Women Voters.
After retirement she continued her advocacy as a court appointed guardian ad litem, representing foster children with special education needs in the courts and school systems. Lois supported many human rights, social justice and environmental causes.
Lois had a passion for learning as well as teaching. She was an inaugural member of a philosophy class at the University of North Carolina that brought college-age students and older community members together to share perspectives. She attended classes until a few weeks before her final illness.
She and her late husband Paul were world travelers, by car, ship, foot and plane.
Lois is survived by her children Julie Altschuler (Scott), Mark (Michele Karel), and Jonathan (Christiane Auston); grandchildren Rena Behar (David Gabriel), David Behar, Michael Green (Andrea Hinojosa Nieto), Lizzie Green, Sarah Green and Owen Auston-Babcock, nephews, and her lifelong dearest friend, Arlene Wang.
Lois Green
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In these lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer, there’s nothing more soothing than today’s Saugatuck River “Westport … Naturally” scene.
And finally … in honor of the Aaron Judge dog toy promotion (story above):
(We won’t judge you if you don’t support “06880.” But on the other hand: If you’re reading this, and enjoying us, and learning about our town, why don’t you? Please click here — and thank you!)
A well-known and longtime Westporter will lead the Memorial Day parade as grand marshal: Judge Edward Karazin.
Shortly after marrying in 1965, he joined the Army. Deployed to Vietnam as a civil affairs officer, he served as a MACV advisor in the Pacification Program. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Vietnamese Gallantry Cross.
Following his service, Karazin returned home to pursue his passions for law and community. He was a lawyer and judge, providing pro bono legal work for veterans, and continues to support Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 399 in Westport.
He has spoken regularly at schools about his military experience, leads the annual Veterans Day ceremony at the Stamford courthouse, and is an active participant in veterans’ events and local parades
Judge Karazin has also been a Little League coach and board member, Pop Warner board member, lector at Assumption Church, and instructor for in-service training with the Westport Police Department. He was also an adjunct professor at Western Connecticut State University, teaching legal writing and family law.
The Memorial Day parade is May 26. It begins at 9 a.m. on Riverside Avenue, continues on Post Road East to Myrtle Avenue to Main Street, and ends at Parker Harding Plaza.
A special program begins immediately after the parade, at Veteran Green across from Town Hall.
Judge Edward Karazin
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The Board of Education meets tomorrow (Thursday, May 15, 7 p.m., Staples cafeteria).
Among the key agenda items: a recommendation from superintendent Thomas Scarice on smartphones and wearable technology, and a redistricting update.
The meeting begins with 15 minutes of comment by the public, on non-agenda items.
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The Sanity Podcast — Westport journalist Dave Briggs and Alisyn Camerata’s extremely educational and entertaining podcast — dropped its most sizzling episode ever this week.
Senator Richard Blumenthal came to the Content Studio on Saugatuck Avenue. He said that “no other scandal in American history” compares to President Trump’s crypto dealings, meme coin scams, and foreign cash grabs.
“Is America sliding into autocracy?” Dave and Alisyn ask. “Discover how $300 million was made in 100 days, and what Congress refuses to stop.”
At the age of 96, Tom Lowrieis resigning as Westport’s pickleball ambassador.
The new ambassador — selected by USA Pickleball — is Brandon Osterhout. A native Westporter, Staples High School graduate and local business owner, he is as active a player has Tom has been for years.
Brandon will continue to promote the sport, through tournaments, social events, exhibitions, and new courts.
“Thank you for your years of friendship, and your shared love of pickleball,” Tom says. “You will still see me around the courts, waving from the sidelines.”
Thanks for all your service, Tom. This would not be a pickleball paradise without you!
Tom Lowrie (Photo/Pam Einarsen)
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Westport has plenty of talented young artists.
But they get lots of help from their art teachers. And those instructors are very talented too.
The Westport Art Teacher Exhibition features work from educators across the district, including Stephanie Sileo, Mark DeRosa, Paula Morgan, Timothy Soper, Cecily Anderson, Carla Eichler, Cameryn Robinson, Denise Cuccia, Angela Simpson, and Danilo Sierra-Giraldo.
Seen downtown: L’Occitane on Main Street is closed for renovations. They’ll reopen later this month.
Meanwhile, around the corner on Church Lane, Fig Linens is closing. “Everything must go,” the sign says.
(Hat tip and photos/Sal Liccione)
Just a few yards away, Mrs. London’s finished with her/its loadout. The final day was Sunday. New York-based Maman takeks over soon.
The final item in the truck: the cappuccino machine.
(Hat tip and photo/Matt Murray)
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It’s cool that Leo is the first American pope.
But he’s from Chicago — 840 miles from here. We can’t really claim him as one of our own.
Still, he’s got at least one connection to this area. Check out Pope Leo XIV singing “Feliz Navidad” — the jangly, popular, not-very-religious-at-all Christmas tune written and performed by Weston’s own José Feliciano.
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.
This Saturday (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.”
Pianist/composer Ted Rosenthal headlines this week’s Jazz at the Post (Thursday, May 15, VFW Post 399, 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. shows, dinner at 7; $20 music charge, $15 veterans and students).
He’ll be joined by trumpeter Josh Bruneau, bassist Martin Wind, drummer Tim Horner and saxophonist Greg Wall. Tickets are available here.
Steven Lewine died peacefully on April 13. He was 67, and had been diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease just 10 days earlier, and spent that time surrounded by his many loved ones.
At age 15, the Great Neck, Long Island native was hit by a truck while walking to school. Hespent several weeks in a full body cast. Doctors told him his survival was due to strength and luck. He often referred back to this experience to tap into a deep well of resilience and optimism.
He became the first person in his family to go to college. Steve studied Spanish and business in New York, Mexico, Canada, Arizona and Spain, earning 2 master’s degrees. He married Blandine in 1984. He had a career in investment banking, working across Latin America and spending 5 years in São Paulo, Brazil.
In 2013 he married Julie. He built a second career as a financial advisort. In 2021 he endowed the Lewine Global Engagement Fund at his alma mater, SUNY Brockport, to facilitate international experiences like the ones that shaped him.
He was passionate about the Rotary Club, through which he organized fundraising and service trips to schools and nonprofit organizations in Latin America.
Steve is survived by his wife Julie; their children Chris (Natalie), Nico (Pallavi), Gabby (Jimmy), Cara Miller (Cory) and Cody Wright (Laura), and grandchildren Leonardo, Jaya, Isabelle, and Owen, and siblings Julie, Bob and Barbara. Steve was also a father figure to his late brother Danny’s eldest daughter Patricia (Jason), and counted her daughter Rosalie among his grandchildren.
A memorial service is set for May 29 (2 p.m., Saugatuck Congregational Church). with a celebration of life to follow that day from 5-7 p.m. at Shorehaven Golf Club in Norwalk.
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” shows a rhododendron. Photographer Bob Weingarten notes that it flowers from the bottom up.
(Photo/Bob Weingarten)
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And finally … Happy National Night Shift Workers Day!
(“06880” works 24/7 — including the night shift — to bring you all of Westport’s news, events, photos and more. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
A reader wrote: “What is the status of capital improvements at Longshore?
“With pickleball one of the nation’s fastest growing sports, Westport is clearly behind the times. We have only 2 courts at the beach, 2 at Saugatuck Elementary School (which can only be used when school is out), and 4 courts that are not in good shape at Town Farms.”
I asked Rick Giunta, Westport Parks & Recreation Department deputy director, for an update. He says:
“We’re excited to begin the process of the Longshore Capital Improvement Plan.
“Late last week, an RFP was issued for architectural and engineering services for the design and permitting of a new parks maintenance facility within Longshore Club Park.
“Once the current maintenance facility has been relocated, it paves the way to tackle other projects within the Capital Improvement Plan, including the addition of pickleball courts.
“As this process may take several years, there have been discussions to investigate the possibility of adding 2 pickleball courts to Compo Beach in the near term. We’re looking at issuing an RFP soon for this purpose.
“Currently, in addition to the 2 pickleball courts at Compo Beach, 4 will be painted on the tennis courts at Doubleday as well as 4 currently painted on the courts at Town Farms.”
Pickleball courts at Compo Beach. (Photo/DinkinEsh Fotografix)
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The dog days of autumn continue (see yesterday’s Roundup for a leashed/ unleashed debate about Compo Beach).
A reader writes: “I’m a long-time Westport resident in my early 70s, who enjoys lovely off-season walks at Compo Beach. Although reasonably spry, my replacement body parts makes me cognizant of potential obstacles.
“The boardwalk, pavilion and playground are now overrun with dogs, particularly on weekends. While attempting to negotiate the boardwalk 2 weekends ago, within 20 minutes, I took photos of 20 dogs on the walkway, on retractable leashes (fully extended), or entirely off leash.
“I had the dubious fortune to see a dog defecate at the entrance to the playground. I told the owners that was beyond inappropriate. They picked up most of the poop and said, ‘no big deal.'”
“The congestion caused by the massive disregard for civilian traffic makes the supposed off limits areas very difficult to navigate.
“I went to Parks & Rec, and was told ‘there’s no enforcement,’ with no staff or resource to provide guidance, warnings, or tickets. I was told ‘call the selectwoman’s office,’ which is humorous.
“Why have sane and reasonable guidelines to share the beach, without some effort to control the overreach of dog owners?
“I’ll end my diatribe by saying that we love dogs, enjoy babysitting for our son’s beloved dog so, this is not a case of a disgruntled ‘get off my lawn’ crankpot. Just a resident who wishes safe access to our beloved beach.”
Dogs are not allowed on the boardwalk. (Photo/Carm Roda)
As executive director of the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce and Representative Town Meeting from District 1, Matthew Mandell has followed closely the discussions about renovating the Saugatuck River railroad bridge — and the pedestrian walkway next to it.
He says: “On Monday night, the state Department of Transportation held a Zoom call regarding a second project to extend the lifespan of the Saugatuck River train bridge, prior to the full rebuild slated for 2035.
“On a call in April, they outlined work to be done on the mechanical lifts and electrical needed to run them. They said there might be sporadic closures of the walkway to bring in and stage the machinery, but nothing major. Their goal was not to impede the walkway.
“This new call was about work on the 2 towers on either side of the span. The ladders that go up, the platforms for rest climbing and staging, and the guy wires are in terrible shape and need to be replaced.
“This work will be done in 2025. They made it very clear, after stating it and then answering my question to confirm, that the walkway over the bridge will not be impacted. A scaffold will be placed at the end of Ferry Lane East to ensure safe pedestrian passage.
“Work will mostly be done at night. Lights will be trained on the work, and not disturb the neighborhood. Hat tip to RTM member Chris Tait for asking about the lighting.”
Saugatuck River railroad bridge — and the pedestrian walkway. (Photo/John Videler for Videler Photography)
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It’s a busy fall at Wakeman Town Farm.
And there’s something for everyone, from tots to retirees. Offerings include:
Learn to Compost with Alice Ely (October 28, 7:30 p.m.)
Fall Pumpkin Centerpiece Workshop (October 29, 6:30 p.m.)
Farm Sessions for Neuro-diverse Youth (November 2, 9, 16; ages 3-10, 9 to 9:45 a.m.; ages 11+, 10 to 10:45 a.m.)
Election Day Camp (November 5, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
Dahlia Workshop (November 9, 12 p.m.)
Fall Cooking, Grades K-2 (Mondays, November 18 through December 16, 4:15 to 5:30 p.m.)
Fall Flavors with Laura Weinman (November 19, 6:30 to 9 p.m.; $110 per person, BYOB)
Autumn Bits & Delights Cooking. Grades 2-6 (Wednesdays, November 20 through December 18, 4:15 to 5:30 p.m.)
Appetizers and Book Signing with Chef Alison Milwe Grace (December 3, 7 to 8:30 p.m.; $75, includes cookbook).
Click here for more information, and registration.
Attention, non-profits looking for space in a community-focused co-op.
Blau House & Gardens — the dramatic mid-century home off Bayberry lane surrounded by lush gardens and nature — is seeking 1 to 3 non-profit tenants, in the arts, culture, horticulture or environmental sectors.
Flexible office, meeting and event spaces are available, including use of the gardens.
Rent is $9,700 a month, plus shared utilities. Other options are available.
Erick Russell — who has the job — gave Westport Rotary Club members an overview of his office.
He also talked about his major goal: to lower costs and give opportunity, security and quality of life to all Connecticut residents.
To help narrow the large wealth gap, Connecticut Baby Bonds invests $3,200 in each low-income baby born in the state. It will be distributed to them when they are between 18 and 30, as capital to start building a secure financial future.
Russell also discussed the importance of investing in affordable housing.
State treasurer Erick Russell (Photo/Ellin Curley)
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Last weekend, the Head of the Charles Regatta — the Super Bowl of rowing, with 11,000 athletes and 400,000 spectators — hosted the first-ever race made up exclusively of cancer survivors.
Eleven boats from 17 clubs around the world raced.
Among them: the Saugatuck SurviveOARS, out of Saugatuck Rowing club. Theiri pink boat included coxswain Alison Reilly. The Westport resident has coxed the Head of the Charles over 30 times in her career.
The SRC Junior Rowing Program also had a strong showing Sunday at the regatta.
The Saugatuck SurviveOARS, at the Head of the Charls.
The Women’s Youth 8+ took second and fourth place in a category, competing against 90 boats from around the world.
The Junior Rowing Program brought 7 boats and 51 athletes to the regatta.
Fifteen Westport girls were among the 23 SRC medalists. Congratulations to Charlotte Seymour , Sofia Martin, Maddie Speller, Delaney Rose Lundberg, Clementine Kirt, Sophie Cochran, Rylie Cordella, Carolina Proctor, Kate Weitz, Alice Frascella, Mina Leon, Samantha Weitz, Emily Lust, Ashlyn Frey and Olivia Saw, plus Anne Studnicky and Hannah Makmale of Weston.
The Saugatuck Women’s Youth 8+A team (from left): Phoebe Bryan, Sophie Cochran, Hannah Makmale, Clementine Kirt, Madeline Casano, Rose Lundberg, Maddie Speller, Sofia Martin, Charlotte Seymour, Coach Mike O’Hara.
The ESPN chairman and Westport resident will receive the VOICES 2024 Leadership Award November 14, at the New York Athletic Club.
The annual Always Remember Gala is sponsored by Voices Center for Resilience.ESPN’s Mike Greenberg — a former Westporter — is the MC.
Voices Center for Resilience (VOICES) provides long-term support for thousands of people impacted by 9/11, and helps communities prepare for other tragedies.
Pitaro will be recognized for his leadership, devoting ESPN’s time and resources to produce the “Comeback Season” exhibit at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, and the television special hosted by Greenberg. Both show how sports united and helped heal the nation after the 2001 terrorist attacks.
Last year, Pitaro was named Innovator of the Year by StartUp Westport.
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo features Riverside Park.
(Photo/Dan Vener)
Photographer Dan Vener says, “If your glass is half full, this shows someone enjoying a hammock in the park.
“If your glass is half empty, it’s a tree strangler!”
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And finally … on this date in 1864, the Battle of Westport — the last significant Civil War engagement west of the Mississippi River — ended in a Union victory.
The event — sometimes called “The Gettysburg of the West” — was fought in what is now Kansas City, Missouri. Over 30,000 troops were involved.
It was the turning point of Confederate Major General Sterling Price’s Missouri Expedition, forcing his army to retreat. For the rest of the war, the US Army maintained solid control over most of Missouri.
(“06880” is “where Westport meets the world.” That includes Westport, Missouri. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog — with its global touch — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Posted onAugust 1, 2024|Comments Off on Roundup: Israeli Hostages, Joyce Carol Oates, Mike Greenberg …
Today marks 300 days in captivity for Israeli hostages.
Westporters will join a worldwide run/walk event, calling for the immediate release of the men and women held by Hamas.
It’s set for 6 p.m. tonight (Thursday) on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge. Jews and non-Jews will stand in solidarity, and hold signs — including the official artwork of the international campaign (below).
Organizers say, “this is a family-friendly event. Everyone is invited.”
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StoryFest — Connecticut’s largest literary festival, hosted annually by the Westport Library — has just added a Very Big Name.
Joyce Carol Oates will appear on the Trefz Forum stage September 21. It’s the writer’s first appearance here since she was honored at the 2008 Malloy Lecture in the Arts.
Oates will be joined by award-winning young adult author Ryan La Sala, best-selling writer Sarah Beth Durst, fantasy writer P. Djèlí Clark, National Endowment of the Arts Fellow Peng Shepherd, and novelist Claire Messud.
Oates appears the day after a keynote conversation between author, essayist and editor Roxane Gay, and memoirist and novelist Oliver Radclyffe (September 20). Sunday (September 22) includes a PitchFest workshop with Bloom Writers’ Studio.
In addition to Oates’ and the other panels, Saturday includes 2 live podcast recordings; the awarding of the 2024 Westport Prize for Literature, and a special ceremony for the late Sybil Steinberg, former Publisher’s Weekly editor and beloved Westport icon. This year’s StoryFest is dedicated to Steinberg.
Click here for the full schedule, and more information.
From left: P. Djèli Clark, Joyce Carol Oates, Joe R. Lansdale.
Last weekend, Westport native Chelsea Cutler played at the Levitt.
Tonight (Thursday) at 7:30 p.m., the outdoor amphitheater features another home-grown musician: Drew Angus.
Growing up listening to Tom Petty, the Beatles and Rolling Stones, the 2007 Staples High School graduate merges classic rock influences with modern pop, folk and Americana artists like Ben Rector, The Lone Bellow and John Mayer.
Drew has shared stages with Mumford & Sons, Stevie Nicks, Noah Kahan, Zach Bryan, Pat Benatar, and Andrea Bocelli (on “Live with Kelly & Ryan”). He performed the national anthem at Citi Field and Oracle Park, and appeared on “Saturday Night Live” with Jimmy Fallon and Harry Styles. In 2023, one of his recordings was shared by Elton John to millions of followers.
Back in town last Sunday, Drew drew a large and appreciative crowd at the first-ever Soundview Summer Stroll.
Click here for free tickets, and more information.
Many Westporters love pickleball. On August 5 (6 p.m., Intensity Racquet Club), they can play for a cause.
Th Alzheimer’s Association fundraiser is organized by Westporters Mary Sue Teplitz and Dina Upton. Money raised will go toward the Fairfield County Walk to End Alzheimer’s, set for October 27 at Calf Pasture Beach.
Teplitz’s mother died from Alzheimer’s in 2012. “It seems like almost everyone has been touched by this disease in some way,” Mary Sue says.
Tickets are $100. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
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Mike Greenberg does not shy away from controversy.
The ESPN and ABC sports show host and Westport resident wrote “Got Your Number” — a guaranteed bar-argument-starting book describing which legends owned the jersey numbers 1 to 100.
His new book may start even more debates — because he and co-author Paul Hembekides claim to end them.
“Got Your Answers: The 100 Greatest Sports Arguments — Settled” comes out in September.
In it, Greenberg asks — and answers — questions like: What are the top 10 dynasties in major sports history? The top 10 most coveted sports trophies? The top 7 Game 7 performances? The top 10 Negro Leagues player?
Ranging from professional and college team sports to tennis, boxing and auto racing, Greenberg covers it all.
He’s pretty sure he’s right about all the answers.
Westport Police made 3 custodial arrests between July 24 and 31.
A 58-year-old Westport man was arrested for DUI and violation of traffic control signals, after driving erratically in Fairfield and Westport. He was swerving between lanes, stopping for extended periods at green lights, and failing to stop for red lights.
A 41-year-old Royersford, Pennsylvania woman was arrested for illegal possession of personal ID information, illegal reproduction of a payment card, identity theft, criminal impersonation and forgery. M&T Bank on Post Road West called police after she attempted to withdraw money with fraudulent identification.
A 35-year-old Bridgeport woman was arrested for failure to appear, following a motor vehicle violation stop.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 17 citations
Driving while texting: 7
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 7
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 6
Traveling unreasonably fast: 5
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 5
Failure to obey stop sign: 4
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 4
Improper use of markers: 4
Speeding: 3
Failure to reinstate license: 3
Failure to renew registration: 3
Violation of probation: 1
Distracted driving: 1
Traveling too fast for conditions: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Operating a motorcycle without insurance: 1
Failure to carry license: 1
Failure to display lights: 1
Failure to obey posted height requirements: 1
One result of failing obey posted height requirements. (Photo/Jennifer Johnson)
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Get ready for the High Holy Days.
The Westport Library and the Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County host food writers Naama Shefi and Westport’s own Liz Rueven in conversation about Jewish recipes and culinary heritage September 9, 7 p.m.).
The event highlights Shefi’s cookbook, “The Jewish Holiday Table: A World of Recipes, Traditions & Stories to Celebrate All Year Long.”
Westport resident Tim Lewis died peacefully on Saturday, surrounded by his family, from complications of cancer. He was 58.
Tim loved his Kansas City roots, returning often to watch the Chiefs with high school friends. He had played clarinet in the orchestra, sung in the chorus, been on the swim team, and started on the football team.
At Yale University Tim was a member of the a cappella group the Spizzwinks.
Tim had a deep commitment to community service, established while canvassing for his mother’s election to the Kansas City school board amid a heated battle over desegregation.
After college, living in Washington, Tim volunteered at a homeless shelter.
After graduating from Kellogg School of Management, Tim had a long, successful career in private equity and business consulting. He served as a principal at the The Keystone Group, followed by CRG Partners and Atlantic Street Capital, before joining Southfield Capital where he was a partner for nearly 10 years.
He served as a Westport Soccer Association commissioner for 4 years. He coached youth soccer and basketball, served on the St. Luke’s School board of directors, and volunteered with Social Impact Partners of CT.
His family says, “Tim gave generously to many educational and scholarship funds, so other kids could have the advantages he and his children did. Tim’s unique touch was connecting with people from all walks of life and with all points of view. He firmly believed in and practiced the art of civil discourse, even in these divided times.”
His obituary says: “Nothing topped his devotion to his family. His wife Alisyn and children Ale, Cessa and Nate were his top priorities. He loved them deeply, actively and tirelessly.
“Tim was famous for coordinating play dates, soccer schedules, date night, violin and drum lessons, all while ordering fall clothing for the kids (often to their chagrin) and making high-stakes work conference calls.
“He was a memory-making mastermind, relentless in his pursuit of family time through neighborhood walks, vacation hikes, and beach days in Nantucket. He particularly cherished family trips, from Northampton to Sedona, Machu Picchu to the Galapagos Islands, Italy, Scotland and beyond.”
He is survived by his wife of 23 years Alisyn, twin daughters Ale and Cessa, son Nate, parents Karen and Stan, sister and brother Catherine (Alex) and John (Suzanne), nieces Sadie, Zoe and Sasha, and nephew Eli.
After successfully producing “An Evening With Justin Paul, Kelli O’Hara and James Naughton” at the Westport Country Playhouse, what can Ben Frimmer do for an encore?
Why not another great show?
The Coleytown Company director and Staples High School graduate is producing and directing another one-night-only extravaganza.
Once again, he’s tapped (mostly) local friends and former students.
All are (of course) enormously talented.
As in: Broadway professionals.
The evening of song — honoring people who volunteer their time in support of Westport-area organizations — is set for Wednesday, January 24.
Among the Broadway headliners: Staples graduates Adam Kaplan, Mia Gentile, Jacob Heimer and Remy Leifer.
Joining them are cantors Julia Cadrain and Becky Mann from Temple Israel.
Click here for tickets, and more information (including how to underwrite tickets for volunteers). Organizations can purchase tickets for their volunteers too. Bundles of 10 tickets ($400) are available through the box office: 203-227-4177.
The Elayne and James Schoke Jewish Family Service of Fairfield County is co-sponsoring the event, with the Playhouse.
Mia Gentile
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Either vandals struck Compo Beach, or there is a very poor (or intoxicated) driver out there.
JD Dworkow spotted these “Stop” signs, all knocked over at a variety of spots:
The beach vandals remain at large. But Westport Police did make 2 custodial arrests between December 13 and 20.
A Westport woman was arrested for violation of the Deadly Weapon Offender Registry. She failed to register, 9 months after being released from incarceration.
A man was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, and failure to drive to the right, following a motor vehicle accident on the Parker Harding Plaza exit road.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 11 citations
Speeding: 2
Driving while texting: 2
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 2
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
Failure to renew registration: 1
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1.
Connecticut defines a deadly weapon as any device, whether loaded or unloaded, from which a shot may be discharged — as well as a switchblade or gravity knife, billy, blackjack, bludgeon, or metal knuckles.
You may not have gotten the Westport Transit District anything for the holidays.
But they’ve got a gift for you.
Between December 26 and 29, the Westport Transit District will provide free rides to all Wheels2U users.
Wheels2U is the WTD’s on-demand, group ride, door-to -train platform shuttle service. It’s ideal for anyone going to New York, or coming here, by train.
Riders use the Wheels2U Westport app to request a pickup between 5:45 and 10 a.m., and 4 and 9:30 p.m., to be taken to or from the Saugatuck or Greens Farms train platform and their front door or other Westport location. Pickups should be requested about 20 minutes before normally leaving to drive to the station.
For more information about Wheels2U, click here. To learn about services for the elderly and people with disabilities, click here.
If your New Year’s resolution is “learn to play pickleball” — or “play more” — you’re in luck.
Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department is partnering with Norwalk’s Northeast Athletic Club, to offer indoor clinics. The instructor is well-known Westporter Kevin Cunningham.
Beginners and intermediate clinics run Mondays and Wednesdays, or Tuesdays and Thursdays. Sessions are January 2-31, and February 5-March 14. Click here for more information, and to register.
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The final Winter Farmers’ Market before Christmas was packed yesterday.
Shoppers jammed Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center to picked up everything from, well, jam and herbs to pies and olive oil.
Some of the longest lines were at Fatto a Mano. Pierluigi Mazzella’s focaccias and panettoni were selling like, um, hotcakes.
Fatto a Mano — and many other vendors — had plenty of customers at yesterday’s Winter Farmers’ Market. (Photo/Frank Rosen)
At most lunch meetings, Westport Rotary Club members hear from guest speakers.
On Tuesday, they heard something especially meaningful: holiday music from Staples Orphenians.
The elite a cappella group carried on a Rotary tradition that began at least 30 years ago.
The set included popular numbers like “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” traditional carols like “Silent Night,” and complex, beautiful and less-known songs like “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming.”
Orphenians, at Westport Rotary Club. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
All month long, Kings Highway Elementary School students have collected gifts for their annual “Holiday Bear” drive. The Connecticut Education Foundation provides gifts for children whose families face financial or other hardships.
This week, the KHS Caring Council helped package up 27 Holiday Bear bags.
In addition, the school collected enough gifts to support 3 other families, through Westport’s Department of Human Services.
Kings Highway’s Caring Council, with staff members John Brakeman and Tara Doyle, and principal Tracey Carbone.
Jazz Vespers is a modern take on the ancient tradition of evening prayer service.
On January 21 (4 p.m.), the United Methodist Church of Westport & Weston hosts its 4th jazz vespers service ever. Like the others, it will incorporate live jazz music, poetry and prayer.
Featured musicians include Malin Carta (saxophone), John Hoddinott (guitar), Matthew Munzer (bass), and Conor Brennan (drums). Hoddinott is the Methodist Church’s music director.
And finally … today was quite a day in Vienna, back in 1808. Ludwig van Beethoven conducted and performed the premiere of his Fifth Symphony — along with his Sixth Symphony, Fourth Piano Concerto and “Choral Fantasy.”
(Beethoven had his patrons. “06880” has some too. You can be one, simply by clicking here. Thank you, from our blog and — if he were here, probably Beethoven too.)
The Westport Community Gardens/Babe Ruth baseball field saga continues.
A week after the Long Lots School Building Committee recommended relocating the gardens to Baron’s South, the Parks & Recreation Commission voted to place the diamond where the garden is now, just south of the elementary school.
Meeting last night at Town Hall, commissioners spoke about field use and scheduling, including possibilities for new fields to allow the gardens to remain.
Community members spoke. Issues raised included possible toxic chemicals at Baron’s South; the importance of fields for youngsters; the importance of the gardens for mental health and the environment, and contrasts between how often the gardens and Long Lots baseball field are used.
Commissioners then read prepared statements, favoring the baseball field over the gardens. They hope to keep as much of the Long Lots Preserve as possible, as a buffer for neighbors.
Other town bodies will now continue to discuss the entire Long Lots project, including the Board of Finance, Board of Education, Conservation Commission and Representative Town Meeting.
The Parks & Recreation Commission voted that a new Babe Ruth baseball field should replace the Westport Community Gardens.
Yesterday, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker acknowledged recent antisemitic incidents in Westport, like the vandalism of an Israeli flag. She said:
“Hate incidents are on the rise in the US following the deadly terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Specifically, antisemitic incidents have increased by 388% according to a report released by the ADL last week.
“This data is shocking and horrifying. Leaders like me all around the country, in large cities and in small towns, are monitoring these trends and communicating with organizations like the ADL and our local clergy to publicly stand against these incidents in our communities.
“I want the residents and business owners of Westport to know that there is no place for hate — no place for antisemitic behavior — in Westport. Our community strongly rejects hate in all forms. The safety and well-being of each member of our community are my top priority and that of Police Chief Foti Koskinas. If you hear something or see something, please report it.
“We are here for you. We want you to feel safe, and heard. We want you to know that you are a valued member of our community, that you belong here. It is up to all of us to stand together and speak up – clearly and unequivocally – against hate, and specifically antisemitism, and any language or actions that feed or normalize it. Again, when one of us is harmed, we are all harmed.”
A defaced Israeli flag was found near Temple Israel last weekend.
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Fairfield County Hunt Club has withdrawn its Planning & Zoning Commission application to construct to construct 2 pickleball courts, along with a proposed tennis court expansion and parking lot modification.
At a recent meeting, commission members and neighbors questioned the plan, focusing on noise and related issues.
A revised plan may be resubmitted in the future, the Hunt Club says.
This is the second application to be taken off of next Monday’s meeting agenda. Yesterday, the town withdrew its application for a redesign of Parker Harding Plaza.
It bears repeating: The second “bridge slide” is set for this weekend (Friday, November 3, 8 p.m. to Monday, November 6, 6 a.m.). Traffic throughout town will be heavier than usual.
Westport Country Playhouse archivist Bruce Miller led the Y’s Women through 93 years of history yesterday.
He described the 1930 beginning, when Broadway producer Lawrence Langner bought a barn and hired a set designer, through Stephen Sondheim’s apprenticeship, and the Joanne Woodward-led renovation 2 decades ago.
Miller took his guests backstage, showing the lighting and sound board; onto the storied stage, then downstairs to see the dressing rooms, green room, and “wall of honor” with head shots of actors who have performed there, including Tyrone Power, Henry Fonda, Ethel Barrymore, Gene Kelly, Olivia de Havilland, and of course Paul Newman.
Y’s Women begin their tour in the Westport Country Playhouse lobby.
Trombonist Steve Davis and musical partner/pianist David Hazeltine headline this week’s Jazz at the Post.
Davis has appeared on over 100 recordings, while Hazeltine has been on hundreds more.
Also on the bill: Jason Tiemann (drums), Rich Zurkowski (bass) and Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall (saxophone).
The 2 shows are this Thursday (November 2, 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; $15 cover charge). Reservations are strongly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com
A new panelist has been added to Sunday’s TEA (Thinkers, Educators, Artists) talk at the Westport Library (2 p.m.).
The event — which explores the impact of artificial intelligence on the arts — will now include Luciano Floridi. A professor of philosophy at Yale University, he’s also founding director of the Digital Ethics Center. He writes extensively about the philosophy of information and technology, digital ethics and the ethics of AI.
He joins Brian Keane, the Grammy Award-winning composer/producer (and a 1971 Staples graduate), Westport Public Schools K-12 arts coordinator Steve Zimmerman, and arts consultant Liz Liggett. Click here for more information.
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In case you don’t have kids, and (somehow) forgot: Today is Halloween.
But flowers still bloom. Lauri Weiser sent this photo of the scene at Lansdowne condos, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature:
(Photo/Lauri Weiser)
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And finally … everyone plays “Monster Mash” today.
But this if my favorite Halloween song:
(No candy for “06880,” thanks. But if you really want to give us something, a tax-deductible contribution would be sweet. Please click here. Thanks. Now we won’t toilet paper your house.)
There’s no such thing as a free lunch — at least, if you’re eating in or taking out downtown.
Downtown parking though, has always been free — for 1 or 2 hours.
During the pandemic, enforcement of parking limits was suspended.
Tickets may soon return — but only after those parking limits are extended.
The second agenda item on Wednesday’s Board of Selectwomen meeting (August 16, 9 a.m., Town Hall auditorium) reads:
Acting in its capacity as the Local Traffic Authority, to re-establish the enforcement of timed parking limits previously suspended by the Board of Selectmen at its public meeting of June 10, 2020, and further, to establish uniform parking limits and times of enforcement throughout the town-managed and owned downtown parking lots known as Parker Harding Plaza, Sigrid Shultz Plaza, Baldwin, Bay Street, Jesup Road, and Taylor, and the Town roadways known as Main Street, Church Lane, Bay Street, and Taylor Place, by changing FROM the currently posted “1- and 2- hour parking” limits TO “3-hour parking” limits and enforcement times TO “8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.” And further, to request permission from the CT DOT to change the current parking term limits posted on Post Road East FROM “1- and 2-hour parking” TO “3-hour parking.”
Click here for the livestream of the Board of Selectwomen session, or watch on Optimum Channel 79. Comments may be sent to selectwoman@westportct.gov prior to the meeting.
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The 3rd agenda item for Wednesday’s Board of Selectwomen’s meeting is also of interest: a request from the Remarkable Theater to use the Imperial Avenue parking lot from August 28 through November 3 for a 4th season of drive-in movies.
From 2020 through ’22, the Remarkable’s season began in the spring.
Jacqui O’Brien was one of several readers who sent photos of a strange object seen over Westport skies last night.
Susan Leone was the first to identify them as SpaceX Starlink satellites.
They were launched yesterday from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. It was the 9th flight for the first stage booster supporting the mission.
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As first noted on “06880” over a year ago — but denied vociferously by Organic Krush — Sweetgreens is indeed moving in to Compo Shopping Center.
Organic Krush has already moved out.
No date has been announced for opening. But the fast-casual salad-based chain — which emphasizes healthy eating and sustainability, and has 158 outlets in 13 states — already has Westporters excited.
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The recent food drive for Homes with Hope’s Gillespie Center and food pantry — which included a special, fill-my-shopping-cart trip by a mother and 2 children — was celebrated yesterday, at the Sunrise Rotary Club’s weekly meeting.
The sponsors — including also the Westport Rotary Club, Westport Police Department and Saugatuck Rowing Club — presented a check for $1,105.62 to Homes with Hope.
Those cash donations were in addition to the hundreds of bags of groceries that were dropped off, as shoppers entered and exited the store.
From left: Liz Wong, Sunrise Rotary president; Rob Hauck, Rotary member; Helen McAlinden, Homes with Hope president; Paris Looney, HWH vice president, and Sunrise Rotary members Bruce Paul and Bruce Fritz. (Photo/James Wong)
The link provided yesterday by Wakeman Town Farm for their September 9 Harvest Fest fundraiser was incorrect. Click here for tickets, and more information.
But all can agree: the Smart Shots Pickleball Social is great.
The September 30 event (6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Milford Indoor Tennis) is a fundraiser for A Better Chance of Westport.
Level-designated courts will ensure exciting matches. Vendors will offer pickleball services and products. A raffle includes special prizes. The Porch @ Christie’s is providing food (available for pre-purchase).
The event is sponsored by ATP (Alan & Tina Pickleball). Click here to register. Questions? Call 203-984-1949.
And finally … anyone who saw the 2012 Oscar-winning documentary “Searching for Sugar Man” knows that Rodriguez’s story is astonishing.
The Detroit musician wrote and sang haunting protest songs. But he never found an audience, and settled into a life as a laborer and office worker.
He was “discovered” in Australia however — and then, even more so, in South Africa during apartheid. According to the New York Times:
“To many of us South Africans, he was the soundtrack to our lives,” Stephen Segerman, owner of a Cape Town record store, said in the documentary.
“In the mid-’70s, if you walked into a random white, liberal, middle-class household that had a turntable and a pile of pop records, and if you flipped through the records, you would always see ‘Abbey Road’ by the Beatles, you’d always see ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ by Simon and Garfunkel, and you would always see ‘Cold Fact’ by Rodriguez. To us, it was one of the most famous records of all time. The message it had was ‘Be anti-establishment.’”
Astonishingly, Rodriguez did not know he had fervent fans in South Africa. Equally astonishingly, South Africans thought he was dead. One rumor was a drug overdose; another, that he had killed himself onstage.
In 1998, he was discovered — alive, and living in obscurity in Detroit. He was invited to South Africa, and played concerts at sold-out venues.
He was “discovered” again more than a dozen years later, with the release of “Searching for Sugar Man” — a film about his strange but vibrant life.
Rodriguez — whose full name was Sixto Diaz Rodriguez — died Tuesday, in Detroit. He was 81.
Click here for a full obituary. Click below to hear Rodriguez.
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Two of Westport’s most important town bodies meet on Monday nights.
This week, the Board of Education’s “banned books” kerfuffle grabbed the local (and Fox News national) spotlight.
But the Planning & Zoning Commission was busy too.
Recent action includes:
Allowing a change of use from “Group Home for Youth” to “Special Needs Housing,” and granting permission to renovate Susie’s Place, the Project Return building on Compo Road North, next to the Town Farm tennis courts. It will transition from an emergency shelter to supportive housing for young women ages 18 to 24.
With longer stays they’ll be able to access more services, including education, jobs and social work. And the building’s 6 units — owned and administered by Homes with Hope — will be added to Westport’s overall affordable housing stock.
Project Return’s “Susie’s House,” on North Compo Road.
Adopting a text amendment that will permit expansion and redevelopment of the current Westport Rehabilitation Complex (formerly “Mediplex”) on Post Road West, across Burr Street from Kings Highway Elementary School, into a medical facility specializing in the care of Alzheimer’s, dementia and/or other memory impairments.
The decision paves the way for conversion to a memory care facility with 68 patients, nearly half the 120 in the current nursing home. That will lead in turn to fewer staff members and visitors.
Westport Rehabilitation Complex.
Granting permission to Birchwood Country Club to build 3 pickleball courts. That’s down from the original 5 — and the location is further from neighbors than in the original plan.
The P&Z also discussed a larger project: The Hamlet at Saugatuck. That retail, residential, restaurant and hotel proposal requires a text and map amendment.
After a discussion of issues including height, the board did not vote. They’ll continue examining the plan at either their regular October 24 meeting, or a special session next month.
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