Of course, it will take time to clean up all that snow. (Schools are closed tomorrow — c’mon kids, get out there and shovel!)
The town was as quiet as it’s ever been today. Nearly everyone heeded pleas to stay off the roads. Public and private crews worked long and hard, plowing roads and driveways. (C’mon, residents — lend a hand with the sidewalks and fire hydrants!)
Things will start edging closer to normal tomorrow. But for now, here’s another look at what the snow and wind wrought.
Lila, on Wilton Road (Photo copyright/Ted Horowitz)
Post Road, 3 pm (Photo/Michael Chait)
Main Street (Photo/David Martin)
Snowbound on Violet Lane (Photo/Morley Boyd)
The wind wrecked this door, at the Bridge Square Dunkin’ Donuts (Photo/Whitmal Cooper)
(Photo/Tom Lowrie)
(Photo/Jay Petrow)
(Photo/Richard Jaffe)
(Photo/Jeff Ruden)
(Photo/Carl McNair)
(Photo/Mary Sikorski)
(Photo/Yulee Aronson)
Mobile on a porch, in a whiteout (Photo/Pamela Kesselman)
Last year’s first-ever Jackie Robinson Essay Contest drew a less-than-sold-out-stadium number of entries.
This year, the sponsors — the Westport Library, Westport Center for Senior Activities, BookTrib and Meryl Moss Media — hope for many more.
Organizers say: “Jackie Robinson didn’t just break baseball’s color barrier. He broke barriers in hearts and minds, paving the way for generations to dream bigger, stand taller, and speak louder. Now, you can honor his legacy.”
This year, the contest asks community members to write — or co-write — “a heartfelt letter addressed to Jackie Robinson. Reflect on how his courage, dignity and perseverance have impacted your lives and your relationship with each other.”
Submissions are “highly encouraged” in teams of 2. Ideally, that’s one senior (60 and up) and one younger person (ages 6–21).
Individual responses, or teams of 2 of any age, are also accepted. “This is more than a writing contest — it’s a chance to build connection across generations, celebrate social progress, and share powerful stories,” organizers say.
If you haven’t already bought a gift — heck, even if you have — here’s a heart-warming idea.
For just $5.50, you can send a 1-minute digital “Singing Gram” — a heartfelt musical message celebrating love, friendship or (sorry, babe) “moving on” — to your partner (or soon-to-be-ex).
They’re courtesy of Staples Orphenians, who will sing — and deliver — your personalized message tomorrow.
Click here to order, and for more information. That’s amore!
Staples’ Orphenians performed at the Holiday Stroll. Now they’ll “perform” at the next holiday: Valentine’s Day. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Speaking of Staples: Seniors Zander Bauer and Elijah Falkenstein — founders of the first Connecticut chapter of the national non-profit Make Our Schools Safe –were in Washington on Thursday.
They advocated for the passage of Alyssa’s Act, which would set national standards for emergency response systems.
Zander and Elijah participated in a press conference, gave interviews, and met with Congressmen, including Connecticut’s Jim Himes and Jahana Hayes.
Zander Bauer and Elijah Falkenstein, with Congressman Jim Himes.
Speaking still of Staples: On Monday, STORMAC — the school’s co-op boys hockey team (with Norwalk and Brien McMahon Highs) — hosted “Hockey Fights Cancer Night.”
Players honored family and friends who are currently battling the disease, who fought and survived, or who are remembered and missed.
Each player took the ice holding a sign with the name of someone special, followed by a moment of silence.
The evening was as a fundraiser. 100% of the proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.
For 25 years, Read To Grow has provided books to new mothers, in hospitals and through a Bookmobile.
By promoting language skills and or children from the day they’re born, the non-profit gives an early boost to families that may not be able to afford books.
Read To Grow is partnering with the Westport Rotary Club and Westport Library, in an outreach program.
On Tuesday Suzannah Holsenbeck — Read to Grow’s executive director — spoke to Rotarians.
Suzannah Holsenbeck, Executive Director of Read To Grow, a not-for-profit group based in Branford, addressed the Westport Rotary Club at its Feb 10 luncheon via Zoom.
She described the importance of having books in a home, and of parents reading daily to young children.
Suzannah Holsenbeck addresses the Rotary Club, via Zoom. (Hat tip and photo/Dave Matlow)
The small mostly-takeout Mexican restaurant on Post Road East — sandwiched between ASF and the Shell station — posted a sign in the window saying “Sorry.”
But it adds “Hey Taco! Coming soon.”
We assume that means another Mexican spot.
It would be the third on that site. Border Grill replaced “Tacos or What,” owned by the legendary Dodie Perez.
The “We’re closed” sign, next to the front door. (Hat tip and photo/Jennifer Kobetitsch)
It’s been well over 2 weeks since a snowstorm deposited a foot of snow here.
Since then — with the temperature well below freezing — the beautifully plowed piles have congealed, frozen over, and proved almost impossible to remove.
The result: treacherous going on sidewalks. And, where are forced off of them, dangerous conditions on the road.
Yesterday’s temperature — a tropical 43 — may begin the melting process. (Though when the temperature dips at night, it re-freezes.)
The high today will be 36. Who knows what that will do?
Here are some scenes from Post Road East, on Tuesday. Be careful out there!
In front of Webster Bank, at Colonial Green.
Mobil gas station, across from Playhouse Square …
… and next door, the Mobil station.
M&T bank, at Compo Road North. The manager says this is an issue for the state Department of Transportation. (Photos/Molly Alger)
Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between February 4 and 10.
A 38-year-old Wilton man was charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol/drugs, failure to drive in the proper lane, operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance, and improper use of marker plates, following a single vehicle accident on Riverside Avenue, at 12:25 a.m. Sunday.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Texting while driving: 9 citations
Failure to stop at a stop sign: 7
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
Failure to renew registration: 3
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 2
Operating a motor vehicle without tint inspection: 2
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
Improper use of markers: 2
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
Speeding in a school zone (2nd offense): 1
Speeding: 1
Distracted driving: 1
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
Driving with an obstructed windshield: 1
Failure to reinstate license within 60 days: 1
Unreadable license plate: 1
It is illegal to drive with an unreadable license plate.
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Andrew Ippolito died peacefully at his Westport home, surrounded by family, on Monday. He was 95.
The Korean War veteran graduated from Georgetown University in international affairs, and earned a master’s in library sciences from Pratt University. He spent most of his career at Newsday, where he led the research and library department, and later founded Library Directory Associates.
Andrew was very involved in politics, and attended the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
His wife Constance died 2020. He is survived by his children Jenette, Paul (Lisa) and Michael (Caroline); grandchildren Vanessa (Steve), Andraya (Keenan), Andrew, Dimitra, Michael, Sofia, Paul, Christofer and Lucas, and great-granchildren continues through his great-grandchildren Cosette, Charlotte, Daniel, Keenan, Jaxon and Josephine.
A wake will be held at Harding Funeral Home this Sunday (February 15, 2 to 6 p.m.). The funeral service takes place Monday (February 16, 10 a.m., St. Luke Church).
Condolences may be left online at www.hardingfuneral.com. Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Westporters woke up yesterday to fresh ice. It covered driveways, sidewalks, trees — and this holly bush. Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo comes from Burritts Landing, near Saugatuck Shores.
And finally … on this date in 1809, Abraham Lincoln was born. Happy 217th, to our 16th president!
(People often wonder how to celebrate Lincoln’s birthday. We always recommending clicking here to donate to “06880” — your hyper-local blog that celebrates all things Westport, and America!)
The good news: The decade-long Post Road project may be coming to end.
The bad news: Starting this weekend, and continuing for a week (or more), US 1 will be more difficult to navigate than ever.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation begins its “final paving and milling phase” tomorrow (Sunday).
Work will start at the Sherwood Island Connector, and continue west through Westport toward Norwalk.
Expect lane closures, alternating traffic and reduced speeds.
Manhole covers and catch basin tops will be temporarily raised. Be alert!
And, DOT says: “Be patient. This long-awaited final phase will deliver smoother roads and improved drainage once complete.” (Hat tip: Andrew Colabella)
A walk in the park, compared to what’s coming down the pike this week. (Photo/Jerri Graham)
It’s late notice, but important: Today (Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), Westport is participating in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
Westport Police and the Drug Enforcement Agency are collecting tablets, capsules, patches and other solid forms of old, unwanted and expired prescription drugs. The collection site is the Senior Center.
They will NOT accept syringes, sharps or illicit drugs. Liquid products like cough syrup should remain sealed in original containers. For more information, click here.
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Through the first 5 days of early voting, 4.54 % of eligible Westport voters have cast ballots.
The breakdown:
Democrats: 531 of 7,952 eligible voters (6.68%)
Republicans: 123 of 3,338 eligible voters (3.68%)
Unaffiliated: 204 of 7,581 eligible voters (2.69%)
Early voting continues this weekend, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Town Hall.
The early voting schedule next week, also at Town Hall:
Monday, October 27 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tuesday, October 28 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Wednesday, October 29 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Thursday, October 30 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday, October 31 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, November 1 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, November 2 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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Westporters may know Tom Greenwald as a young adult author, and youth sports expert.
But the 1979 Staples High School graduate is also co-founder of SpotCo. The ad agency — specializing in theater clients — has created some of Broadway’s classic (and most successful) campaigns, including “Hamilton,” “Hadestown” and “Rent.”
(You think those shows just sold themselves?!)
Now Greenwald is co-host of a podcast. “The Show Must Go on Sale!” launched yesterday.
The cleverly named podcast (these guys are good!) is the first ever dedicated specifically to Broadway advertising and marketing. Producers, general managers, press agents, ad execs and more will chat about the ups, downs, fun and frustrations of convincing audiences to buy a ticket (+3 = Family Pack!) to a live performance.
“I’ve been doing this for close to 30 years, which makes me somewhat qualified to understand how fantastic and futile, magical and maddening it is to sell Broadway shows for a living,” Greenwald says.
“I can’t wait to talk to all sorts of absurdly optimistic theater people to see if they feel the same way.”
“The Show Must Go on Sale!” is available at all the usual podcast platforms. Click here or below for the first episode.
Speaking of entertainment: George Barrett has lived many lives.
The 1973 Staples High School graduate has been a teacher, athlete and Fortune 100 CEO.
The former Orphenian is also a very talented singer/songwriter, who grew up in a home filled with classical, folk, rock, blues and jazz.
After honing his skills as a session singer and performer in Greenwich Village, Barrett took a detour into the top ranks of the healthcare industry.
But his life took a significant turn in 2022, when he reconnected with musician/ composer/producer/Grammy-winning 1971 Staples grad Brian Keane. They’ve collaborated on 2 albums. The second, “Rearrange Things” (released this fall) was recorded largely in Connecticut, as Barrett reconnected with Westport.
On November 16 (2 p.m.), Barrett and Keane take to the Westport Library stage. They’ll chat about their unique life journeys and unexpected reunion — hosted by “06880”‘s Dan Woog, who has known both for over 50 years — followed by a special performance by Barrett, his band, and Keane.
In the days of voting machines, once we cranked the lever we were pretty sure our ballot was counted.
With the (relatively) new “tabulators,” there’s always a bit of unease. The machine swallowed up my ballot. Did I fill in the circles correctly? Are there any stray marks? How do I know it didn’t get shredded, or fall into the innards?
A steady drumbeat of “election doubters” has sowed distrust nationwide.
This year, Connecticut’s tabulators have a new twist. It should reassure electors that their vote will indeed be counted.
These gizmos have a screen that gives confirmation your vote was registered.
And if you did screw up, the screen tells you that too.
Don’t believe me? Click here, for an instructional video.
Westport Police and Fire Departments are on the scene at 1550 Post Road East — in the area of ASF and Layla’s Falafel — after wires came down across the road.
Repairs are underway, but it’s uncertain how long it will be closed.
Drivers should seek alternate routes — including I-95, Greens Farms Road and Long Lots Road — to avoid the area.
The Compo Beach playground rebuild begins Monday. It continues through next weekend.
Volunteers are still needed. Spots are available for skilled and unskilled workers, and kids’ zone helpers. Click here for more information, and to pick your slot.
This was the scene during the 1989 Compo Beach playground construction. Will you be there in 2025?
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Sure, the Post Road construction project won’t be done until 2049.
But new traffic lights — shrouded in black for months — are new operational.
Check out these at Hillspoint Road:
(Photo/Matt Murray)
Will they help as we navigate past all those barrels, in seemingly randomly striped lanes?
We would ask someone working on the project. But they haven’t been seen since 1978.
Speaking of Hillspoint: That road, between Soundview Drive and Old Mill, may be the most popular walking route in Westport.
The sidewalk gets plenty of use. It’s also exposed to salt air, and pounded by occasional rough waves, so it’s gotten pretty beat up.
Repair work is being done now. It will be ready soon, for many more years of scenic strolling.
(Photo/Tammy Barry)
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VersoFest is over.
But the music continues at the Westport Library.
Gang of Four vocalist/founding member Jon King took to the Trefz Forum stage yesterday. He talked about his new memoir, “To Hell with Poverty! A Class Act: Inside the Gang of Four” with Chris Frantz, drummer for Talking Heads and Tom Tom Club.
Jon King and Chris Frantz, in conversation.
After a break, Gang of Four kicked off their farewell tour with a special concert.
Another Big Name is coming to the Westport Country Playhouse.
And it’s almost sold out.
Humorist David Sedaris shares a slew of clever, compelling stories — about, perhaps, his Greek heritage, homosexuality, jobs, education, drug use, obsessive behaviors, and his life in North Carolina, New York, England and France — on May 19 (7 p.m.). Click here for tickets, and more information.
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport has a new music director.
Whether leading youth choirs or directing adult ensembles, Micah Krajca’s goal is to make music accessible, engaging, and rewarding for all singers. He plans to open up his adult and youth choirs to community members.
He says, “Whether you’re a seasoned singer or just looking to try something new, you’re welcome to join us. Our choirs are fun, supportive groups. The singers love performing diverse and engaging repertoire.”
Along with his new position, Micah directs the Greenwich A Cappella High School Ensemble, and is a baritone with the Empire City Men’s Chorus and Choral Chameleon Ensemble.
To learn more about the Unitarian Universalist Congregation or its music program, click here or email micah@uuwestport.org.
Micah Krajca
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Alice Crowther died peacefully on March 18, after a long and graceful life. She was 97, and lived in Westport for 33 before moving to Fairfield.
The Queens native graduated from Green Mountain Junior College in Vermont. After attending secretarial school, she met her future husband, Bill Crowther.
They married in 1948. Both commuted from Port Washington into Manhattan to work in advertising.
After 6 years in Young & Rubicam’s TV/film department, she took time off to raise 3 daughters.
Soon after moving to Westport in 1971, Alice began volunteering at Connecticut Renaissance, a local drug treatment, prevention and education program based in town. Based on her skills and organizational abilities, she was hired as office manager. She stepped down in 1978, but continued to advise on special projects.
In 1982 Alice turned her love of dancing into her next part-time career. She was certified as an aerobic dance instructor at the Westport YMCA. For 8 years she taught classes to older adults. In 1990 she remained with the Fun Fitness Company when they opened their own facility.
In later decades Alice returned to volunteer work. Organizations included Save Our Strays, Fairfield’s Grasmere adult day care, and Trinity Episcopal Church in Southport.
Her family says, “as the matriarch of her extended family, her stories were cherished by all. Her sense of humor was often unexpected, disarming and adorable. Even the caregivers who helped Alice in the last few years of her life fell in love with her resilience, acceptance, willingness to always try her best, and her gentle, sweet nature.”
Alice is survived by her daughters Wendy Crowther (Teri), Tracey Maya (Christopher), Kim Manning (Jim), and grandchildren Hadley, Alison, James and Spencer. She was predeceased by her husband, Bill, in 2018, a few months shy of their 70th anniversary.
A memorial service is set for Trinity Episcopal Church in Southport on April 26 (11 a.m).
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature goes indoors. But the “natural” theme includes Laureen Haynes’ Easter egg designs.
One is a hive with bees and a daisy. The other shows a butterfly and bunny. “A pollinator path of chocolate?” she asks.
Laureen — the owner of Chocalatieree downtown — sold out of them yesterday. Hey: There’s always next year!
(Photo/Laureen Haynes)
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And finally … Nino Tempo — the saxophonist/singer whose career included big band jazz, rock and funk (and collaborations with Benny Goodman, Bobby Darin and Frank Sinatra) — died April 10 in West Hollywood. He was 90.
(Jolantha says: “Don’t be a pig! Stop hogging all of ‘06880’ for yourself, without giving back. Click here to support Westport and Weston’s hyper-local blog.” “06880” says: “Thank you, Jolantha!”
At 1:50 p.m. today, Westport police officers responded to Stop & Shop, on a report of a larceny in progress.
An officer on patrol in the parking lot approached the suspect vehicle, to take the 2 involved parties into custody.
The male, in the driver’s seat, immediately complied, and exited the van. The female jumped from the passenger side into the driver’s seat.
As the officer attempted to prevent her from leaving, she accelerated and dragged the officer for a short distance.
The suspect vehicle fled west on Post Road East, and was quickly spotted by responding officers. They attempted a motor vehicle stop, but the driver continued at a high rate of speed.
As the suspect vehicle raced through the intersection of Morningside Drive, it struck a van that was crossing the intersection.
This van was struck as it crossed Post Road East, from Morningside Drive North. It spun around twice, before ending up facing east. (Photo/Dan Woog)
The female suspect was taken into custody and transported to the hospital for what appeared to be minor injuries. No other injuries were reported.
The accident closed Post Road East for a short period of time.
Garrett Sprouse, 45 of New Haven, was charged with conspiracy to commit larceny, and operating a motor vehicle without a license. He was released after posting a $500 bond, and assigned a date at Stamford Superior Court.
Hannah Howell, 31 of New Haven, was charged with larceny, interfering with police, assault on a police officer, reckless driving, engaging in a pursuit, and failure to obey a traffic signal. She is being held on a $15,000 bond.
Tuesday’s weather — the first significant snowfall in over 2 years — reminded us that despite climate change, we still can get whacked.
There was a lot more snow in the 1930s, when this photo was taken. It was before 1938 — the year the Merritt Parkway opened, which itself was 20 years prior to I-95 (known then as the Connecticut Turnpike or “Thruway”).
The Post Road was the only way to drive between New York and New Haven (and points beyond, like Hartford and Boston). Traffic — including trucks — was terrible, folks who remember those days say.
Our current woes, in other words, are not new.
Look closely at the vehicles in the image above. They had none of the modern safety features we rely on today. You needed chains on tires. Wipers, heaters and defrosters worked poorly.
It didn’t look the plow guys had been out, either.
So the next time you’re stuck at that terrible Post Road West/Riverside Avenue/ Wilton Road corner, think about those folks in the 1930s.
It was a long way to Boston.
(Friday Flashback is a weekly “06880” feature. We also regularly cover transportation news. If you enjoy it — or anything else we do — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
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