Tag Archives: Remarkable Bookcycle

Roundup: Raccoon Rescue, Battle Of Compo Hill, Chili Cook-off …

Posted on October 20, 2024 | 5 comments

Another day, another animal rescue!

Michael Szeto and his wife Valerie were on their daily walk with their dog JoJo yesterday.

JoJo kept pulling them toward a sewer drain on the corner of Quentin Road and Compo Beach Road.

As they got closer, the couple saw 2 tiny claws reaching out of the storm drain. They thought it was a Halloween decoration.

But then they noticed a nose sticking out of the grate. A trapped raccoon was hanging on desperately, to escape the rising water.

They called the Westport Police. While waiting for help, passerby Althea Heisler took action.

She got on the ground and stuck her hand in the sewer, to hold the animal as it started to lose its grip on the sewer grate. Somehow, Althea kept the raccoon above water until Westport Animal Control Officer Peter Reid, followed by the Fire Department. arrived.

They lifted the grate and freed the raccoon. Without giving thanks, it scampered off toward nearby Gray’s Creek. (Hat tip: Julie Loparo)

Animal Control Officer Peter Reid (yellow vest) and Westport Fire Department officials work to free the trapped raccoon. (Photos/Michael Szeto

================================================

Ed Hynes first became interested in the 1777 British march from Westport to Danbury as a child, when he learned his neighbor’s house was partially burned by the Redcoats during the raid.

On Thursday, he spoke to the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston about that historic event. He described the landing at Compo Beach, the trek to burn the patriots’ arsenal, and the Battle of Compo Hill, as they returned to the shore.

But you don’t have to be a Y’s Man to hear Hynes’ wisdom. Click below, for his very informative presentation.

==================================================

Yesterday’s Roundup included a photo of the very depleted Remarkable Bookcycle. The Compo Beach free library was down to its last few books:

Within a couple of hours, it was almost fully restocked:

(Photos/John Richers)

“06880” readers are truly “remarkable.”

==================================================

Nearly a dozen pots of chili — beef, sausage, moose, vegetarian, you name it — were ladled out yesterday, at the VFW.

Along with many varieties of both toppings and cornbread, plus a DJ, drink special, prizes and a raffle.

Greg Gunther of the Westport Police Department repeated last year’s win in the Chili Cook-off. Second place went to Lynn Ryder of Westport Emergency Medical Services. Virginia Ferrari of the VFW and American Legion Auxiliaries was third.

The packed hall was a fundraiser for an important VFW and Auxiliary project: purchasing and installing posts for American flags, to honor the graves of 1,200 veterans at Westport cemeteries.

The goal is $6,000. Let’s hope those flags are flying soon.

Lots of chili choices last night at the VFW. (Photo/Dan Woog)

==================================================

Also yesterday: the ALS United Connecticut event to honor all those affected by Lou Gehrig’s Disease, and remember those who have died, at Sherwood Island State Park.

Those who could walk, did. Those who could join them in wheelchairs, did too.

The weather was beautiful. The atmosphere was both serious and celebratory. The fight against ALS continues.

A few of the many participants at yesterday’s ALS United Connecticut event.

==================================================

You can’t talk about American folk music without Woody Guthrie.

Two days before Election Day, First Folk Sunday honors the influential singer/songwriter/icon of democracy and freedom.

Suzanne Sheridan, First Folk Sunday’s headline singer and artistic force, will be joined for the tribute by Matt Lavigni, Paul Bluestein, Susan T. Reid, Myra Healy and Colin Healy.

Doors open at noon, at the Saugatuck Rowing Club. The music cover charge is $15. Table service is available for brunch, lunch and cocktails. Click here for tickets. For more information, call 203-984-7562.

===============================================

Congratulations, Mike Noonan!

The 1979 Staples High School graduate — who won a state championship with the boys soccer team, then earned All-America honors at Middlebury College — has just picked up the 400th win of his coaching career.

As head coach of the Clemson University men’s soccer team, Noonan is 5th among active Division I head coaches in career wins.

The Tigers have won 2 national championships in the past 3 years. Noonan’s squad has also captured 4 ACC titles.

==================================================

Westport attorney Frank Sisson writes:

:My faith in humanity was restored yesterday morning.

“As the sun was setting Friday, I accidentally dropped an Apple Watch keychain charger (not cheap), with my health club entry pass attached, near my car when leaving the Trout Brook Valley Preserve off-leash trail lot.

“I did not realize this until I got home. I drove back first thing Saturday morning. Not only was another dog owner kind enough to move her car to let me look where I had parked on Friday, but she aided me in the search.

“After a few minutes without luck, I checked the trail map box by the entrance. A kind soul had found my device, and placed it inside on top of the trail maps.

“It is nice to know that good people still live all around us, despite the discouraging headlines and political climate of these troubled times. Perhaps there is hope for us all yet, and a reason to be optimistic that all will be okay.

=================================================

Sugar maples make their first appearance in a “Westport … Naturally” feature.

Topsy Siderowf spotted these beauties at Long Lots Elementary School:

(Photo/Topsy Siderowf)

==================================================

And finally … the First Folk Sunday tribute to Woody Guthrie (story above) reminds us that, nearly a century ago, the Oklahoma native was writing songs about America’s potential — and problems.

Among the topics he addressed: immigration, migrant workers, capitalism, religious hypocrisy, and the wonders of our nation.

(This blog is your blog … from Saugatuck Shores, to Sherwood Island. Please take a minute or two to click here, and support our hyper-local work. Thank you!)

5 Comments

Posted in Entertainment, Environment, History, Sports, Staples HS

Tagged ALS United Connecticut, Animal Control officer Peter Reid, Battle of Compo Hill, First Folk Sunday, Mike Noonan, Remarkable Bookcycle, VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399, Westport Fire Department, Y's Men of Westport and Weston

Roundup: Justin Paul’s EGOT, Paralympics Bronze, NASCAR Silver …

Posted on September 9, 2024 | Comments Off

Justin Paul got his EGOT!

The 2003 Staples High School graduate, and his writing partner Benj Pasek, joined the ultra-exclusive group yesterday.

Their Creative Arts Emmy for “Which of the Pickwick Triplets Did It?,” from “Only Murders in the Building,” completes the prestigious 4-play.

They previously earned a Grammy for the cast album of “Dear Evan Hansen,” an Oscar for the “La La Land” song “City of Stars,” and 2 Tonys (for the score of “Dear Evan Hansen,” and as producers of “A Strange Loop”).

Only 19 other people have won EGOTs (for an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony). The list includes Richard Rogers, Helen Hayes, Rita Moreno, John Gielgud, Audrey Hepburn, Marvin Hamlisch, Mel Brooks, Mike Nichols, Whoopi Goldberg, and Sir Elton John.

So with his EGOT, we now have even more proof: Justin Paul is the GOAT! (Hat tip: Fred Cantor)

Justin Paul and Benj Pasek, with their earlier Grammy Awards.

==================================================

Yesterday’s CT United Motorcycle Ride honored the victims and first responders of 9/11 in its traditional way.

The largest motorcycle ride in the state began at Sherwood Island State Park. Hundreds of riders headed south on I-95, then north on Route 33 up Riverside Avenue and Wilton Road. The ride continued through Wilton and 7 towns, before ending at Bridgeport’s Seaside Park.

It was quite a sight to see — and hear.

Bob Levy reports: “Police, firefighters and ordinary people were there to honor that day.

“My family was there. Each of us were glad and touched we were. My little granddaughters asked if they will have this every year.”

They sure will. And it’s an honor for our town to be the starting point.

Start of the CT United ride, at Sherwood Island State Park. (Photo/Bob Levy)

================================================

The Paralympics ended with a bang for Matthew Torres.

The Westport Weston Family YMCA Water Rat swimmer won a bronze medal, as part of the US 4×100 mixed freestyle team.

It was Matthew’s 2nd Paralympics bronze. He earned his first 4 years ago, in Tokyo.

Matthew also raced this year in the 400 meter freestyle, where he finished 5th; the 100 meter backstroke (10th), and 100 meter freestyle (15th).

Matthew Torres in the water …

The Ansonia native was born with amniotic band syndrome. He is missing half his right leg, has deformities on both hands and moderate hearing loss.

He began swimming in 2008, after watching Michael Phelps at the Beijing Olympics. The rest is history.

Congratulations to Matthew; his teammates, friends and family, and his coaches at the Y and the national level. You made Westport proud! (Hat tips; Maggie Gomez, Christina Schwerin)

… and on the podium.

================================================

Speaking of sports: Parker Kligerman tied his best career Xfinity Series finish in Atlanta Saturday.

The 2009 Staples High School graduate — perhaps the only former Wrecker to become a NASCAR driver — came in second, just behind winner Austin Hill.

Kligerman predicts a win is coming, for the Big Machine No. 48 crew. (Hat tip: Frank Rosen)

==================================================

The Remarkable Bookcycle is down to just a few books.

The whole idea of the mobile free library is to borrow a book — and donate one.

Seems like too many people have been doing the former, too few the latter.

So stick a few of your favorites in the car. The next time you’re near the Compo Beach volleyball court, pop out. Pop open the Bookcycle door.

It’s your good deed of the day, for your book-reading neighbors.

The Remarkable Bookcycle, earlier this summer. The number of volumes has dwindled since this was taken. (Photo/Sunil Hirani)

==================================================

The other day, “06880” gave a shout-out to Ruben, at the Westport Post Office.

Less than a week later, here’s another. Denise Torve writes: “Last week I stopped in to the PO, took care of business, then headed to Trader Joe’s — only to discover my wallet was missing.

“I went straight back to the PO, fingers crossed, to see Ruben waving the wallet when he saw me come in. He was a lifesaver, given what was in it.

“He had also already posted on Facebook that I had left something there. So thank you Ruben — and thank you Dan for your positive, good news posts!”

==================================================

The Westport Writers’ Workshop is 20 years old.

They celebrated Friday, with a Saugatuck Rowing Club bash. The event included dinner, dancing, a silent auction, tributes to founder Jessica Bram and former executive director Valerie Ann Leff, and a special storytelling session.

Funds raised will help underwrite WWW’s outreach programs serving underrepresented populations, like the Bigelow Senior Center, Moms of Children with Disabilities, and STAR.

Westport Writers’ Workshop founder Jessica Bram, and executive director Blake Schnirring.

==================================================

Yesterday’s New York Times‘ “Found in the Files” feature — a weekly look at something from the newspaper’s clippings library — focused on Alan Abel.

The longtime Westporter was known for his hoaxes — including convincing the Times to print his obituary, even though he was very much alive.

The “Files” story focused on Abel’s first big effort, in 1959, about a non-existent non-profit called the Society for Indecency to Naked Animals. Its mission was to clothe dogs, cats, horses, cows and others, to protect children from lewdness.

Click here for the full Times story. (Hat tip: Les Dinkin)

Alan Abel, with a (supposed) copy of the Society for Indecency to Naked Animals newsletter.

==============================================

Westport native and longtime resident Janet Aley died peacefully at home on July 21. She was 98.

Her family calls her “a kind, warm, intelligent, creative person, with a twinkle in her eye and a whimsical sense of humor. She loved life: family, friends, children, pets, nature, art, music, and travels with her family. She found wonder and joy in wordplay, poetry, song, and the view out her back window.”

Janet attended Westport schools, then graduated in 1944 from the Thomas School in Rowayton.

As a student at Bedford Elementary, she was one of several children chosen by WPA artist Robert Lambdin to pose for the 3-part mural, “The Spirit of Adventure” that still hangs outside the auditorium of what is now Town Hall. Janet holds a tennis racquet on the right.

After Black Mountain College in North Carolina, she became the society editor of the Westport Town Crier.

She left in 1948 to join an American Youth Hostel group in the Netherlands, repairing roads bombed in World War II.

Following her marriage in 1948 to Robert Jonathan Aley, Janet worked for 7 years in the promotion merchandising department at Look Magazine. She refused the job of department head in favor of motherhood. The family moved to Westport in 1960.

Janet volunteered for or served on the boards of many organizations, including PTAs, Intercommunity Camp, the Interfaith Housing Program, the Arts Council, and the Westport-Weston Counseling Service, primarily in producing publicity and newsletters. For many years, she also volunteered with the oral history program of the Westport Historical Society.

After her husband died suddenly in 1974, Janet returned to work — first in the selectman’s office, then in the Planning & Zoning Department. From 1983 to ’88 she was an assistant town clerk and secretary for the Planning & Zoning Commission in Weston.

She retired in 1988 and joined the Democratic Women of Westport, where she was co-president. She received the organization’s Silver Donkey Award, and regularly rode with DWW in the Memorial Day Parade.

Janet is survived by her children Jennifer Aley (Steve Gold), Judith Aley, Judson (Maria Cheung) and Jonathan (Ellen Louer); grandchildren Nathanael Jonathan Ranson, Ruby Alice Ranson and Dylan Tam (Alex McClaren).

In addition to her husband, she was pre-deceased by her daughter Judy’s husband Paul Ranson, and her brother Charles Harvey Ramsey.

Services will be held September 21 (Saugatuck Congregational Church, 1:30 p.m). Donations in Janet’s name can be made to the Southern Poverty Law Center, Homes with Hope or PAWS (Pet Animal Welfare Society).

Janet Aley

==================================================

Looking for dinner? Boasting about his size? Just having fun?

Whatever this guy is doing at Burying Hill Beach, he’s a great subject for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Peter Swift)

==================================================

And finally … Otis Redding was born on this day, in 1941. He died in a plane crash just 26 years later.

The Macon, Georgia native quit school at 15 to support his family, working with Little Richard’s band. Over the next decade he became an international star.

But his biggest fame came after his death.

(“Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay” became the first posthumous #1 record on both the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts. He then received many other honors, including 2 Grammys, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame,^[5] and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

(Since 2009 — without missing a day — “06880” has been your hyper-local source for news, information, features, photos and more. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

Comments Off on Roundup: Justin Paul’s EGOT, Paralympics Bronze, NASCAR Silver …

Posted in Beach, Entertainment, Obituaries, Sports, YMCA

Tagged Alan Abel, CT United ride, Justin Paul, Matthew Torres, New York Times, Paralympic Games, Parker Kligerman, Remarkable Bookcycle, Westport Writers Workshop

Roundup: Old Mill Trees, Compo Bookcycle, White House Visit …

Posted on July 23, 2024 | 3 comments

Several “06880” readers were saddened to report the removal of 3 shade trees at Old Mill Beach.

I asked Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department for the back story. Here’s the answer, from parks superintendent Mike West:

“During last Wednesday evening’s thunderstorms, 1 of the 3 leaders of that Norway Maple came down (see photo).

(Photo courtesy of Westport Parks & Recreation Department)

“When I inspected the tree with our team, we identified other points of concern on both of the remaining leaders.

“Unfortunately, the only way to eliminate any safety concerns was to remove the remaining portion of the tree.

“It was sad to see the tree removed, but we’re lucky no was injured.”

=================================================

The Remarkable Bookcycle — the free, funky mobile library that wheels around town — is back at Compo Beach.

It’s been rehabbed by Ryan Peterson. It looks great!

Feel free to grab a book. Or donate one.

Or do both.

(Photo/Ryan Peterson)

================================================

Three Westporters were honored at the White House yesterday, as part of a salute to all 2023-24 NCAA champions.

Staples High School 2021 graduate Paddy Donovan is a goalkeeper on the Clemson University men’s Division I soccer national championship. It’s coached by Mike Noonan, a ’79 Staples alum and star on the Wrecker’s ’78 state title squad. This was the 2nd NCAA title in 3 years for Noonan and the Tigers.

Congratulations to both!

Head coach Mike Noonan (front row, 2nd from left, white shirt), Paddy Donovan (middle row, far right, orange shirt), and Clemson Tigers at the White House.

Also honored: Janna Moore. The Tufts University rising sophomore — and daughter of 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore — was a member of the Jumbos’ Division III national champion crew team.

Janna Moore (2nd from left) with her Tufts teammates.

NOTE: When the visit was scheduled, no one knew it would mark the first official appearance for Kamala Harris, as a presidential candidate. She was subbing for President Biden, recovering from COVID at his Delaware home.

================================================

The Westport Police Department reminds residents to “stay vigilant in locking their cars and homes.”

Last weekend, Westport saw an increase in stolen vehicle attempts and larcenies from unlocked cars.

“Please lock your homes and vehicles, utilize alarm and surveillance systems, and report any suspicious behavior to the Westport Police Department,” the WPD says.

Lock your car! And don’t leave your key in the ignition!

==================================================

Scarcely believing that 40 years have passed, the Staples High School Class of 1984 gathered Saturday night at Saugatuck Rowing Club.

They partied like it was … well, 1984.

And they sure look good!

Staples Class of 1984.

==================================================

In his new book — “Better Pissed Off … Than Pissed On: Narratives on Fubar America” — prolific Westport author Carl Addison Swanson rants and raves about everything: cell phones in schools, leaf blowers, the rise of pickleball, diminishing manners in this country, bad television, dress codes in daily life, teachers making a difference in one’s life, our money-grubbing health system, love and being a father, the puzzling new array of new products on the shelves, bad skin commercials, why siblings fight after the parents are gone — you get the ida.

“Four stars, a hoot,” says Booklist. Click here to purchase. Click here for Carl’s website.

==================================================

A Westport boat owner writes: “We found all kinds of ‘critter foot prints’ on our boat after the last storm. So we put a camera in, to see what it was all about.

“This photo says it all. It’s amazing who likes boats in Westport!”

The owner called Animal Control, to get rid of the critter peacefully.

The owner adds: “I’m glad he or she did not have the key!”

==================================================

Frank Zappa once said, “If you want an education, go to the library.”

On August 1 (6 p.m.), his proteges take his advice to heart. Tribute act Banned From Utopia and the Paul Green Rock Academy bringing the “authentic Zappa experience” to the Westport Library.

General admission tickets are $20. A VIP Meet and Greet ticket ($60) offers early admission to enjoy the company of Banned From Utopia members Robert Martin, Ray White and Scott Thunes, all of whom played in Zappa’s band.

It’s a chance to chat, listen to stories, take pictures, have a cocktail, and hang out with band members who toured with Zappa in his prime.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

==================================================

How secure are our elections?

The office of the Registrars of Voters will conduct memory card and tabulator testing beginning today (Tuesday, July 23, 10 a.m., Town Hall Room 212D).

The public is invited to observe today, or any continued testing tomorrow (Wednesday).

Election Day.

=================================================

One of nature’s wonders is the starfish.

This guy happily (?!) posed at Compo Beach, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Marcus Forman)

==================================================

And finally … in honor of Frank Zappa (story above):

(We may not be as eloquent as Frank Zappa, but our message is just as heartfelt: Please click here to support “06880.” We rely on our readers! Thank you.)

3 Comments

Posted in Beach, Entertainment, Library, Police, Sports, Staples HS

Tagged Carl Addison Swanson, Frank Zappa, Mike Noonan, Old Mill Beach, Paddy Donovan, Remarkable Bookcycle, Staples High School Class of 1984, Westport Parks & Recreation Department

Pic Of The Day #2277

Posted on July 13, 2023 | 1 comment

Remarkable Bookcycle at Compo Beach (Photo/Jennifer Kobetitsch)

1 Comment

Posted in Beach, Pic of the Day

Tagged Compo Beach, Remarkable Bookcycle

Ryan Peterson’s “Westport Wave”

Posted on July 7, 2023 | 2 comments

The last time we checked in with Ryan Peterson, he had just helped Jane Green turn her dream of a free (and free-wheeling) book lending library into reality.

The 2018 Staples High School graduate rebuilt the internationally best-selling author’s cargo tricycle into the Remarkable Bookcycle.

For the past 4 years, the 3-wheeled contraption — painted pink like Westport’s late, lamented Remarkable Book Shop, and with the beloved store’s “dancing man” logo on the side — has traveled around town.

It’s been parked on Main Street and Church Lane. It will spend this summer at Compo Beach, near the Soundview parking lot.

(Photo/Judith Shaw)

Now Ryan — who graduated last year from Fairfield University — has a new project.

This one’s on water, not land.

Ryan created “Westport Wave,” a Facebook group for boat owners (and anyone else who wishes they were).

It’s a place to post photos, ask questions, and share information. Think yacht club, without the dues.

Ryan has been a Long Island Sound boater, with friends and family, since he was 7.

He loves the water. “Boating opens the door to activities like fishing and water sports,” he says.

“But it also provides what I call a ‘mental factory reset.'”

He is involved with boats even when he’s not on the Sound. As with the Bookcycle, he brings life to older vessels.

In college he bought a 1979 McKee Craft Center Console, then spent 2 years restoring it. The project helped him realize the importance of sharing his passion — and knowledge — with others.

Westport Wave has started slowly. There are 70 members, but besides a few postings for things like free fenders, a referral for a marina mechanic who makes “house calls” — and someone selling a 1979 Viking 35c convertible for $65,000 — there is not much action.

Yet.

That’s fine. Every boat owner knows they must navigate the channel slowly and carefully.

But once they get out on the open water — well, the sky’s the limit.

(To join Westport Wave, click here. Owners of all size boats — and those who simply enjoy boating — are welcome.)

(Ahoy! “06880” shore would like your help. Please click here to support Westport’s hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

2 Comments

Posted in Sports

Tagged boats, Long Island Sound, Remarkable Bookcycle, Ryan Peterson, Westport Wave

Pic Of The Day #2219

Posted on May 15, 2023 | 2 comments

Dogs know they’re not allowed on the beach. Instead, Bobo, Lola and Diablo will settle down with a good book. (Photo/Sunil Hirani)

2 Comments

Posted in Beach, Pic of the Day

Tagged Compo Beach, Remarkable Bookcycle

Roundup: New Trash Pickup Site, Starbucks Garbage, Sabrina & Senator Murphy …

Posted on February 19, 2023 | 8 comments

There’s a new site for today’s weekly volunteer trash pick-up.

It’s now set for 11 a.m. at the Westport Animal Control building (6 Elaine Road, off Compo Road South between I-95 and railroad overpasses). It’s near the Saugatuck River public boat launch.

Organizer Andrew Colabella says that the previous scheduled site — the Saugatuck train station — is almost free of trash.

All volunteers are welcome. They’re advised to dress warmly, and bring garbage bags.

Questions: Email acolabellartm4@gmail.com.

Westport Animal Control building, on Elaine Road.

======================================================

Andrew Colabella and his band of civic volunteers do a great job every week, cleaning up public spaces.

They shouldn’t have to, but there’s enough trash to keep them busy.

They should definitely not have to pick up private property. That’s the job of owners and tenants.

For example: Here’s the area around the drive-through Starbucks:

(Hat tip and photo/Scott Singer)

Pretty gross. In addition to tons of garbage, there are knocked-over stanchions. How hard is it to send someone out from the frappuccino machine, to fix this mess?

And while they’re at it, maybe the manager could help move the concrete parking slab back to where it belongs, so vehicles won’t have to poke their tails out even more into the already dangerously narrow parking lot.

=======================================================

Last week, “06880” reported on Sabrina Guerra.

The non-speaking autistic 10-year-old Weston girl was one of 15 winners statewide, in Senator Chris Murphy’s 7th annual MLK Day essay challenge. She wrote eloquently of her life in “a marginalized group fighting for our right to be heard, the right to define ourselves, and the right to belong.” (Click here, then scroll down for her superb insights.)

Last week, she attended an award ceremony with Senator Murphy. He cited her out by name during his speech, then sat with her for 10 minutes as she presented to him.

It was a great day for her — and the senator. Click here for the inspiring video.

Screenshot of Senator Chirs Murphy and Sabrina Guerra.

======================================================

There is a time for taking … and a time for giving.

The Remarkable Bookcycle — Jane Green’s creative free library that’s parked for the winter on Main Street — is wildly popular with readers.

That’s a problem.

Annette Norton owns Savvy + Grace, a few feet away from the Bookcycle. The other day, she added some books to the nearly bare shelves.

It looks fuller. But there is still plenty of room for more.

Any and all books are welcome. To contradict William Shakespeare, both a borrower and a lender be.

Remarkable Bookcycle (Photo/Annette Norton)

=======================================================

The other day, “06880” reported that Bed Bath & Beyond’s Norwalk store would close in March.

Judging by this photo, they may not make it to next month:

(Photo/John Karrel)

Reader John Karrel asked one of the very helpful employees whether he’d be moving to another BB&B location. His response: “They’re all closing.”

====================================================

It may be a while before orchids bloom outdoors.

But these flowers — a gift to Matt Murray’s wife — give all “Westport … Naturally” readers hope that spring is just around the corner.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

=======================================================

And finally … on this day in 1940, Smokey Robinson was born.

The very prolific and hugely talented singer/songwriter/Rock & Roll Hall of Famer/Library of Congress Gershwin Prize winner performed at a Levitt Pavilion benefit concert, more than 2 decades ago. He also was a guest at Ashford & Simpson’s annual 4th of July party, back when they lived on Cross Highway near Bayberry Lane.

Happy 83rd birthday, Smokey! I know all “06880” readers second that emotion.

8 Comments

Posted in Downtown, Local business

Tagged Annette Norton, Bed Bath & Beyond, Remarkable Bookcycle, Sabrina Guerra, Senator Chris Murphy, Starbucks

Roundup: Saugatuck Zoning, MLK Day, Remarkable Bookcycle …

Posted on January 6, 2023 | 26 comments

The Representative Town Meeting (RTM) will hold a special public hearing on January 17 (7:30 p.m., Zoom) to review last month’s Planning & Zoning Commission decision to create a new zoning and map amendment in Saugatuck.

The vote rezoned 11 properties, and could pave the way for the new Hamlet at Saugatuck retail/hotel/marina project.

The RTM’s Planning & Zoning Committee planned to hold a public meeting to review the P&Z Commission’s decision last night. However, due to a Zoom glitch allowing a maximum of 100 people to attend at a time, with more seeking to participate, the meeting was canceled.

Further meetings are set for January 10 and 12, via Zoom (7 p.m.). The RTM Transit Committee will also meet on Monday, to discuss Saugatuck. Click here for agendas and details.

Details on the January 17 public hearing have not yet been released. It will be livestreamed at www.westportct.gov, and aired on Optimum channel 79 and Frontier channel 6020.

The shaded area includes the new text and map amendment boundaries.

=======================================================

This year, Westport celebrates more than Martin Luther King Day.

It’s a full Martin Luther King weekend.

On Saturday (January 14), the Westport Library features several community events.

Junauda Petrus and local artists offer workshops in creative mediums, culminating in a panel discussion on justice, art and healing. They include:

11 a.m. to noon: Writing Workshop with Shanna T. Melton, a poet, painter and art educator in Bridgeport. The author of “Unraveling My Thoughts” and founder of The Writer’s Group, she is also an arts consultant who integrates social justice and community engagement in her creative workshops, performances and events.

Noon to 1 p.m.: Self-Portrait Workshop with Alicia Cobb, a visual artist, fine body painter and teaching artist in Bridgeport. She honors her ancestors, and creates art for those who couldn’t. Breaking away from conventional canvas and concepts, Alicia creates stories of survival and beauty on human skin and through fine art.

1 to 2 p.m.: Art Workshop

2 to 3 p.m.: Workshop with Junauda Petrus, a creative activist, writer, playwright and multi-dimensional performance artist. Born on Dakota land, West-Indian descended and African-sourced, her work centers around Black wildness, futurism, ancestral healing, sweetness, spectacle and shimmer.

3 to 4 p.m.: Justice, Art and Healing panel discussion with Junauda Petrus and guest artists; moderated by Connecticut poet laureate, author and artist Antoinette Brim-Bell,

Click here for more details about the free Library events, and registration.

On Sunday (January 15, 3 p.m.), Petrus will deliver a keynote address at the Westport Country Playhouse.

The program includes a dance performed by the Regional Center for the Arts.

Click here to register for the free Westport Country Playhouse event.

The Playhouse — partnering for the weekend with the Westport Library, TEAM Westport, Westport/Weston Interfaith Council, and Westport/Weston Interfaith Clergy, says:

“Together, we invite our entire community — those who live, work, study and participate in the life of Westport, Fairfield County, and adjacent counties — to join us as we begin the work needed to continue King’s call to action, as urgent now as it was in 1968.

“For members of a community such as Westport, that begins with a challenge to understand our place of comfort and the work we each, as individuals, need to do to transform ourselves and our society into a more equitable and just one.”

Westport’s 17th annual Martin Luther King Day celebration begins next Friday (January 13), with Petrus leading student workshops in various schools.

Junauda Petrus

=======================================================

The Remarkable Bookcycle is enjoying its winter home on Main Street, outside Savvy + Grace.

It’s all good. Except: It needs books!

They can be dropped off in the Bookcycle itself, or with Annette Norton in her Savvy + Grace. (No yellowing softcovers, please.)

The back story: Jane Green — yes, that Jane Green — and her husband Ian Warburg created the Remarkable Bookcycle as a tribute to the beloved pink book shop — the Remarkable — that sat on the Main Street/Parker Harding Plaza corner for 34 years.

The Bookcycle is a free library that moves between Compo Beach and Main Street — reminding everyone, Jane says, “of the many charming idiosyncrasies, and the many creative people, that made us fall in love with Westport in the first place.”

Jane Green, and the Remarkable Bookcycle on Main Street.

======================================================

As contributions for Westport’s sister city of Lyman, Ukraine continue to come in — $4,500 over the past 2 days — our 3-week fundraising total stands at $246,300.

That’s just $3,700 of our $250,000 goal.

Meanwhile, Brian and Marshall Mayer — native Westporters, and our partners on the ground through the Ukraine Aid International organization they founded — are in Europe. They are sourcing material and goods to help Lyman, as it emerges from several months of Russian occupation.

Tax-deductible donations can be made to Lyman through Ukraine Aid International. Please click here. Click the “I want to support” box; then select “Support for the City of Lyman.” Scroll down on that page for other tax-deductible donation options (mail, wire transfer and Venmo). You can also donate directly, via Stripe (click here).

====================================================

Food for thought: The Westport Library’s January 10 (7 p.m.) event.

Michel Nischan dishes on “Dinner Disrupted: The Power of Food.”

The Library says: “Food has the power to transform. From where it is grown through consumption, food transforms us along its journey from seed to plate. But what journey is your food taking? And is it reaching everybody? Do we all have access to healthy and nutritious foods?”

Nischan — former partner with Paul Newman in The Dressing Room restaurant; 4-time James Beard Award-winning chef; founder and president of Wholesome Crave, which sells responsibly sourced, plant-forward soups to large-scale dining facilities, and co-founder of Wholesome Wave, the nonprofit food equity organization — will talk about food access, food choice, and how to create a more equitable and sustainable food system.

Click here for more information.

Michel Nischan

======================================================

Yesterday’s Roundup mentioned a new store — Courtgirl — moving into 125 Main Street soon. They sell tennis and golf products in private clubs, pro shops and sports stores. This will be their first retail outlet.

Patti Brill — one of Westport’s 12 zillion pickleball players — wondered if “tennis products” included her sport.

The answer: Yes! Courtgirl will sell pickleball gear.

I don’t play. (I know, I know …). So I don’t know what “pickleball gear” is.

But I’m sure everyone else in Westport does.

=======================================================

This year’s CT Challenge is July 29.

The bike tour that raises money for cancer survivors through 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100-mile rides through Connecticut (and virtually) draws dozens of Westport cyclists (and contributors).

Registration opens January 17. Click here for details.