Many Westporters have weighed in on the Hamlet at Saugatuck — the retail/residential/hotel/marina complex proposed for the area near the railroad station and river.
We have not heard a lot from Saugatuck business owners and employees, however. “06880” intern Katherine Phelps reports:
The ROAN Ventures project could have a dramatic impact on our town’s original commercial center. Some restaurateurs and workers believe it will benefit them; others fear it will destroy all they have worked for.
Patrick Camaro, general manager of The Bridge at Saugatuck, is optimistic.
“It’s good for the area, it’s good for us, it’s good for business,” he says.
The Bridge at Saugatuck opened last fall.
Others fear the project could do more harm than good.
Paul Nessel, owner and butcher at Saugatuck Provisions, supports thoughtful development, but is skeptical about the project’s impact on local infrastructure.
“Traffic is already at a standstill coming through Saugatuck for several hours pretty much every day,” he says.
“If anything is wrong on 95 or the side roads, we’re really shut down. It hurts my business, and makes it hard for people to get through.”
Parking and congestion are longstanding challenges in Saugatuck — issues critics say The Hamlet may worsen. Nonetheless, proponents argue that the developer is equipped to address them.
“ROAN can help figure out the traffic situation because they can hire engineers,” Camaro said.
Charles Street traffic, at Railroad Place.
At the May 19 Planning & Zoning Commission meeting, Fiona Flynn of SLR — representing the traffic planning side — noted that the state approval for traffic volume had already been cleared.
Byron Alonso, an employee at Kneads, is passionate about the Hamlet development, specifically the long-term vision of the plan.
“I think it’s important to have better construction and the best future in Westport,” he says.
“So many people say it’s not good because we lose the natural elements and there will be traffic. But I agree with improving the future of Westport.”
Still, numerous concerns persist — particularly, for restaurant owners, about traffic.
Congestion along Charles Street and Riverside Avenue is a longstanding issue that could be worsened by new development.
Bill Rizzuto, founder and owner of the restaurant that bears his name, adds, “Saugatuck already suffers from a significant parking shortage, especially in the evenings.
“Despite this, we continue to add capacity without adequately addressing infrastructure — particularly parking.” This impacts residents as well as visitors.
Rizzuto’s’ parking lot is larger than most in the area.
When Rizzuto opened his restaurant in 2009 he struggled to secure a variance, because even his large lot did not meet required parking ratios.
In the 15 years since, Rizzuto says, while traffic is more dense, parking issues seem to have become less of an official priority.
Rizzuto notes that issues like those are crucial.
“If we want mixed-use developments in Saugatuck to thrive, we must put parking and access at the forefront of planning discussions,” the restaurant owner says.
“Ignoring these fundamentals risks undermining the long-term success of any project before it even begins.”
The debate over The Hamlet at Saugatuck — including its potential effects on parking, traffic and the impact on restaurants and businesses beyond its boundaries — continues next month.
The Flood & Erosion Control Board considers its wetlands application June 4 June 4 (7 p.m., Zoom; meeting ID 864 1571 7675; passcode 407757). The Planning & Zoning Commission is expected to again address the Hamlet at its June 9 meeting.
What do Westport police officers do on their time off?
They help the waiters and bussers at Rizzuto’s.
No, they’re not earning extra cash. At least, not for themselves.
For 4 hours Friday night, Westport’s finest welcomed diners, took orders and served meals. The “Tip-A-Cop” event was a fundraiser for Special Olympics Connecticut.
Customers were encouraged to leave extra tips — and boy, did they. The WPD raised a whopping $11,000.
“Rizzuto’s was an amazing host, and their guests were very generous,” says Lieutenant Eric Woods.
With passion, insights, humor and love, scholars present and past honored A Better Chance of Westport last night.
The highlight of the annual Dream Event fundraising gala for the program that provides educational and enrichment opportunities to students of color from less advantaged communities was — as always — speeches by soon-to-be graduates, and a returning alum.
Seniors Michael Loya and Brian Lu traced their journeys from freshmen in an entirely new environment (Westport seemed like “a forest”), to their proud achievements in the classroom, and beyond.
They offered profuse thanks to the many volunteer host families, drivers, tutors, executive directors and board members who helped them on their journey.
Brian Lu and Michael Loya.
In the COVID year of 2020, Yoel Hooper-Antunez never gave his senior speech. He made up for it this year, with an inspiring tale of his 4 years at ABC’s Glendarcy House, his career at Grinnell College, and his work now for a gaming company in Las Vegas.
Yoel too acknowledged the cultural change he navigated, coming here. Growing up next to John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California, the first thing he noticed about Westport was the quiet.
It was a joyful, heartfelt night. Westport does much for our ABC scholars.
A reader writes, “While I was walking with a friend at Sherwood Island State Park Friday around noon, her credit card, debit card, $50 in cash and a blank check were stolen from her purse. It was camouflaged (she thought), but sitting in the console of her car. She thinks she locked her car, but isn’t positive since no windows were broken.
“A few minutes after we finished our walk, she started getting fraud alerts from her credit card company. The thieves had already been to Staples in Fairfield, trying to charge over $1,000 in merchandise.”
Sherwood Island has always seemed like a safe, secure refuge. Of course, no place always is. Always lock your car, everywhere — and double-check to make sure!
A beautiful spot for a walk. But lock your car doors!
Sandy Cooper — the always helpful, all-knowing and much loved owner of Cooper’s Auto Parts had major heart surgery a year ago.
It has not slowed him down at all. He opens his door (across from Stop & Shop) at 7 a.m. every day. All day long, he solves problems, soothes customers, and saves them money.
This Tuesday (April 29), Sandy turns 77. John Karrel — one of his many fans and friends — urges every customer to stop by, with a birthday card.
John notes that the best ones will have “the sort of ironic sentiment one finds on the many signs in his shop.”
Mother’s Day is 2 weeks from today! (You knew that, right?)
And Wreathing for Community believes that moms should be celebrated in a big way.
The group collects donations from community members and businesses. then creates beautiful wreaths, centerpieces and other home decor items.
Some are donated to non-profit organizations for their fundraising efforts. Others are given as gifts to grouops, volunteers and community members.
Faith Sargent says: “If you’d like to honor your mom this Mother’s Day, please email WhimsicalRedheadCrafts@gmail.com. Tell us what makes her so special.
“One wonderful mom will be chosen to receive the whimsical butterfly wreath (below).”
A great annual Staples High School baseball tradition is welcoming Little League players. This year’s Little League Day takes place Friday (May 2, 4:15 p.m.).
Youngsters will be invited onto the field for the lineup, and to run the bases on prior to the first pitch.
They’ll then cheer on the Wreckers against Wilton, and enjoy free pizza from the Colony truck.
Four Little Leaguers at Staples in 2019. Three are now varsity baseball players; the other calls Wrecker games on WWPT-FM. From left: current Staples varsity players Will Allott, Mark Kelly and Connor Brill, and WWPT-FM announcer Charlie Curran.
=================================================
Sure, you can honk at traffic.
Or you can fly above it — and do your honking there. Just like in today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo, courtesy of Carol Anne Ances.
And finally … on this date in 1791, Samuel F.B. Morse was born.
He was not the only one to invent the primary language of telegraphy. But he’s the one whose name is on it.
(Besides the tip in the item at top, here’s another one: If you click here, your tax-deductible contribution helps support “06880.” We rely on our readers, so thank you!)
The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce has stopped eating, and counted over 1,000 votes. The winners of their Great Burger Contest are:
Best Classic Burger – Shake Shack
Best Cheeseburger – Viva Zapata
Best Gourmet Burger – Nômade
Best Veggie Burger – The Black Duck
Best Non-Beef Burger – Match Burger Lobster
Best Slider Burger – The Black Duck
Two winners repeated from the first burger competition in 2019. Viva Zapata and Match Burger Lobster both won again, but this year in different categories.
Next year, the Chamber sponsors the Great Westport Soup Contest. The prior one (2020) was suspended due to Covid.
Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce director Matthew Mandell congratulates (clockwise from top): Shake Shack, Match Burger Lobster, Nômade, Black Duck and Viva Zapata.
It was the Spin Doctors’ turn to rock VersoFest last night.
(Photo/Dick Wingate)
The long-running alt band did not disappoint the sold out Westport Library crowd.
(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)
The 5-day music/media/and more event wraps up this weekend. Today’s highlights include a conversation between Doors drummer John Densmore and CNN’s Alisyn Camerota; a session with WFUV’s Paul Cavalconte, and a workshop called “Pitch Your Podcast.”
Click here for a full schedule of today’s and tomorrow’s VersoFest.
Over a dozen of Westport’s finest joined the restaurant’s wait staff (off duty, of course). They served, poured drinks — and encouraged customers to leave extra tips.
Patrons obeyed. When the night was over, they’d raised over $4,000 for Special Olympics Connecticut.
Which just proves: We have the best police force, restaurants and diners around!
From left: Det. Erin Shaw, Sgt. Richard Bagley, Officer Melissa Bike, Lt. Eric Woods, Sgt. Sharon Russo, Officer Greg Gunter, Lt. Sereniti Dobson, Cpl. Brendan Fearon, Cpl. Rachel Hall, Officer Ryan Kardamis, Sgt. Dan Paz. Other WPD “waiters” are not pictured.
The agenda for the Board of Selectwomen’s Wednesday meeting (April 10, 9 a.m., Town Hall auditorium) is filled with the usual: acceptance of gifts, approval of contracts, actions taken as the Water Pollution Control Authority.
But there’s also this: updating the “Parks & Recreation Department rules and regulations to include: “Recreational facilities located on Board of Education grounds are not accessible to those who are not students, staff or invited guests between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. on school days.”
The vote follows the unanimous approval of the new regulation last week, by the Parks & Recreation Commission.
Board of Selectwomen (from left): Andrea Moore, Jen Tooker, Candice Savin.
Yesterday’s “Friday Flashback” featured a postcard of “The Five Little Pigs.” It was (presumably) a restaurant that no one in Westport seemed to recall.
Both Peter Gold and Neil Brickley sleuthed out the back side of the postcard, on eBay.
Here’s what it showed:
Yum!
Meanwhile, Jack Whittle searched through the 1931 Westport Directory. He found “5 Little Pigs Tea Room (Mrs. Lillian Hawley) E State n Colonial Rd GF.”
A Sanborn Map confirmed it was right where The Flower Basket is today (next to Stiles Market) — exactly where I guessed it might be, based on the shape of the buildings.
Mystery solved. Too bad we can’t go back in time, and taste some of “the only place in the east where this delicious BARBECUE” is served.
=================================================
In 2018, Connecticut restricted the use of insecticides called neonicotinoids (“neonics”). This class of chemicals is very harmful to pollinators. They include midacloprid, cothianidin, thiamethoxam, acetamiprid and dinotefuran.
On Household Hazardous Waste Day (April 13, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Greens Farms railroad station parking lot), residents can safely dispose of any neonicotinoids containing insecticides.
Click here for a full list of products containing these chemicals.
Bring this stuff next Saturday, on Household Hazardous Waste Day.
Last month, Faith Sargent started The Whimsical Redhead. She makes wreaths, swags, centerpieces, garlands, showroom tree decorating, etc).
She’ll also teach wreath-making classes. The first is May 1.
Faith would like to start crafting items like wreaths, centerpieces and wall hangings to donate to fundraisers like silent auctions for schools and non-profits.
She hopes that “06880” readers with faux florals, nice wired ribbon, fake wreaths that need refreshing, lightweight planters, baskets, wooden candle holders or other items that would work as centerpieces (and are too nice to toss out) will give them to her, to “recycle.”
They would not be resold; they’re all for donations to charitable functions.
If you’ve got items, please send photos to whimsicalredheadcrafts@gmail.com. And if you’ve got a fundraiser and would like an item from Faith, use that email too.
A Faith Sargent creation.
================================================
Staples High School’s April Students of the Month are seniors David Nivia and Caroline Roschen, juniors Kate Banks and Noah Wolff, sophomore Mia Moore and freshman Sadie McEntee.
Students of the month “help make Staples a welcoming place for their peers and teachers alike. They are the ‘glue’ of the Staples community — the type of kind, cheerful, hard-working, trustworthy students that keep the high school together, making it the special place that it is.”
“Students of the month are nominated by their teachers, who are asked to think of those students who come to school regularly, are friendly to the staff and to fellow students, and make positive contributions in class as well as the Staples community. In short, these students are all-around good citizens of our school.”
Staples’ April Students of the Month. From left: Noah Wolff, Kate Banks, David Nivia, Mia Moore, Caroline Roschen, Sadie McEntee.
“Footloose” — Coleytown Company’s spring production — is not just another “middle school show.”
With high-quality sets, costumes, lighting — and of course choreography and acting — it’s a full-scale musical. Performances are set for 1 and 7 p.m. today (Saturday), and 1 p.m. tomorrow (Sunday). Click here for tickets.
The next Westport Country Playhouse Script in Hand play reading is “Tenderness and Gratitude Number Four” (Monday, April 15, 7 p.m.).
The new comedy features Mary Testa — 3-time Tony nominee for “On the Town,” “42nd Street,” and “Oklahoma!,” and Robert Sella (“Flying Over Sunset,” “Sylvia,” “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”).
The play is about a party boy who avoids intimacy at all costs. and a jaded, wise-cracking office worker who still harbors dreams of becoming an artist. When the two strike up an unlikely friendship at work, they are forced to learn what it means to open up to someone else, and how to take a long, hard, messy look at oneself in the mirror.
Tickets are $30. For tickets and more details, click here.
In the wake of yesterday’s earthquake, Bob Weingarten writes:
“While in Japan, we were provided with this Earthquake Kit by our employer (IBM). It contains a first aid kit, radio, flashlight, batteries, crackers, blanket, etc. We still have it in our basement here.”
Longtime Westport resident Tom Seligson died yesterday at his home in Deep River, with his wife Susan and daughter Justine at his side. He was 78.
His family moved from New York’s Upper West Side to the Old Hill section of Westport in the early 1950s. He attended Westport schools through 9th grade, then went to Phillips Academy–Andover. He ran cross country and excelled at other sports, as well as academically. He served as the Class of 1964 secretary for 15 years following graduation.
Tom graduated from Columbia University with a BA in political science in 1968.
After many years in Manhattan, Tom moved back to Westport. He and his family lived at Compo Beach for 23 years.
He wrote 6 books (fiction and non-fiction), one of which became the foundation for a major movie and its sequels. As an executive producer at CBS News, he produced hundreds of shows, winning 3 Emmy Awards. He was also a print journalist, with bylines in major magazines.
Whenever Tom was asked what he did, he talked about a young man on death row for whom he advocated. It was one of the most meaningful experiences of his life.
Tom scuba dove around the world, climbed mountains from the Dolomites to the Andes, and rode wild mustangs in Wyoming. He enjoyed tennis, cycling, skiing, hiking, and tookk up boxing to counter the effects of Parkinson’s disease.
He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Susan; daughter Justine of London; sister Dr. Jane Sillman (Dr. Fred Sillman) of Cambridge, Massachusetts; twin brother Dr. Robert Seligson of Manhattan; nephew Eric Sillman Dr. Rebecca Johansson Locke) of Brookline, Massachusetts; niece, Kathy Sillman (Ray Lewis) of Newton, Massachusetts; nieces, nephews, and many friends and colleagues.
Details for a celebration of Tom’s life will take place on a date to be announced.
And finally … in honor of yesterday’s big geological news:
(Life is unpredictable, as we learned yesterday. But you can always rely on “06880.” We rely, meanwhile, on readers’ support. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
Hundreds of Westporters mingled, sipped cocktails, nibbled on light bites, listened to jazz, bid on auction items, and watched dozens of neighbors walk the Westport Library runway last night.
“Fashionably Westport” is one of the town’s hottest tickets. The annual Westport Downtown Association event is a fundraiser for Homes with Hope.
MC Dave Briggs and runway director Carey Price kept things lively.
A full day of in-store activities follows today (Friday, March 29).
Seen on the runway: 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker …
… Representative Town Meeting member Andrew Colabella …
… and a host of other models. MC Dave Briggs is at right. (Photos/John Videler for Videler Photography)
When it comes to watching — and understanding — a solar eclipse, most of us are, well, in the dark.
The always-helpful folks at the Westport Astronomical Society can help.
For the April 8 event, Westport Observatory volunteers will bring telescopes and safety gear to the Westport Library’s upper parking lot (near the Levitt Pavilion).
Peak eclipse is at 3:26 p.m., when the sun in Westport will be 90.7% obscured.
The next partial solar eclipses aren’t until 2028 and 2029 — and they won’t obscure the sun anywhere near what we’ll see next month.
For that, you’ll have to wait until the total solar eclipse on the morning of May 1, 2079.
There are a thousand reasons to appreciate and admire our Westport Police Department.
Here’s reason 1,001.
Next Thursday (April 4, 5 to 9 p.m.), officers will “work” with the wait staff at Rizzuto’s restaurant. Customers are encouraged to leave extra tips. They’ll all go to Special Olympics Connecticut.
Our police are known as Westport’s finest. Thanks to the force, Rizzuto’s and Special Olympics, for this very “fine” idea.
Music and Women’s History Month are the themes of 4 new art exhibits at the Westport Library.
“Thinking Inside the Box” on the main level is an idea put forward by artist and author Melissa Newman. 21 artists from around the area created multi-dimensional works.
In the Sheffer Gallery, Marlene Siff’s “Finely Tuned” features 5 large dimensional paintings named for, and linked to, a specific expression found in music, along with several maquettes she created prior to construction of the final pieces. Visitors to the gallery can scan a QR code next to each piece and listen to the musical selections that inspired her. Finely Tuned runs through June 10, with a reception and artist talk moderated by Miggs Burroughs on May 5 (2 p.m.).
Also running through June 10 is Camille Eskell’s exhibit, “Scheherazade: Storyteller.” Eskell’s reception and talk is on Wednesday (6 p.m.). Eskell’s digital photo-based collages incorporate textiles such as saris, hand-made paper, cast sculpture, trims, jewels, and more, to explore self-perception, societal attitudes, and psychological states related to gender bias.
Rounding out the new exhibits is “Art of the Album: And All That Jazz,” album covers from the collection of Ellen and Mark Naftalin, displayed in the Jesup Gallery. It features album covers of some of the pioneering jazz musicians who changed the face and sound of American music forever.
From left: Camille Eskell, Marlene Siff, Mark Naftalin.
David Meth went to the transfer station the other day. The amount of trash in one gigantic vehicle stunned him.
He watched in awe as it disgorged its garbage. It took a long time.
As the truck unloaded and the pit filled, David took some photos.
“06880” often posts beautiful shots, of gorgeous Westport.
These are a bit different. But they too provide an important look into who we are.
Beginning …
middle …
… and end. (Photos/David Meth)
================================================
Westport loves our ospreys.
But as we look at these magnificent raptors, it’s easy to forget that they survive by preying on other creatures.
The other day, one of our Fresh Market ospreys dined out on a good-sized flounder. Ospreys have a keen eye for detecting prey from afar, sharp talons for killing, and powerful beaks for tearing flesh.
And finally … I was at the “3 Presidents” event at Radio City Music Hall last night. Joe Biden, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton were interviewed by Stephen Colbert.
It was a remarkable evening.
The 3 US presidents discussed the state of America and the world. They looked back at history, and forward to November.
They were interrupted several times by protestors, angry about Biden’s policies in the Middle East. “Let them speak,” he said.
Obama took a stronger tone: “You can’t just talk, and not listen. The world is complicated. It’s hard to solve these problems.”
There were speeches too by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and First Lady Jill Biden.
Plus — and this is where this feature is heading — entertainment. The list included Queen Latifah, Lizzo, Ben Platt, Cynthia Erivo, Lea Michele and Mindy Kaling.
Cynthia Erivo
The only one of those performers I had ever seen live was Ben Platt. I’m sure I would have gone to my grave without imagining seeing any of the others.
But they all slayed.
So — in keeping with our traditional end-of-Roundup musical salutes — enjoy:
(“06880” is indeed “where Westport meets the world.” Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
The intersection of Riverside Avenue and Bridge Street is one of the most heavily trafficked in Westport.
But because it’s so congested and complicated — with drivers converging from several directions (including nearby parking lots) waiting for that elusive green light, pause in traffic or wave from the cop — most drivers don’t seem to look around and enjoy the scenery.
Like the solar-powered flamingos in front of Rizzuto’s restaurant.
They were the subject of last week’s Photo Challenge. (Click here to see.)
Despite being right there in plain sight, only 4 readers knew the answer. No one else even hazarded a guess.
Congratulations to jim McKay, Harry Brady, Beth Berkowitz and Andrew Colabella.
When I see you at Rizzuto’s bar, I’ll buy you a drink.
Meanwhile, don’t have a cow complaining about the difficulty of last week’s Photo Challenge. Instead, turn your attention to the new one.
If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Ellen Wentworth)
(If you enjoy our Photo Challenge every Sunday, please support “06880.” Click here to contribute — and thank you!)
June Rose Whittaker’s image showed the geodesic dome-like “igloos” that warm — and protect — outdoor diners at Rizzuto’s. (Click here to see.)
It’s a very visible location: Riverside Avenue, at the head of the Cribari Bridge.
It’s a popular restaurant too. No wonder so many of you quickly got it.
A “tip” (of the hat — not the wallet) to Seth Schachter, Martha Press, Janet Freedman, Lauren Schiller, Julia Broder, Barry Cass, Gloria Smithson, Nancy Engel, Janice Strizever, Andrew Colabella, Molly Alger, Fred Cantor, Karen Como, Michael Calise, Tom Risch, Pete Powell, Seth Braunstein, Phil Kann, Juliana Sloane Fulbright, Linda V. Velez, Werner Liepolt, Jo Kirsch, Shirlee Gordon, Peter Tucker, Patricia Auber, Abby Tolan and Sara Palmer.
Is this week’s Photo Challenge tougher?
You be the judge. And if you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.
Eversource has deployed its “Make Safe” crew as of 6 this morning, so progress is expected on blocked roadways. The town Department of Public Works has initiated the cleanup of trees and debris, and many previously impassable roads are now clear. Emergency access is prioritized.
Here’s what some of Westport still looks like, 72 hours after Isaias struck. This is on Charcoal Hill Road. (Photo/Pat Blaufuss)
Police are aware of the signal light outages at high traffic intersections and are making efforts to monitor them as power continues to be restored. Temporary signage and other warning devices have been deployed as equipment inventory allows in the areas determined to be of greatest need. However, please understand that the Police Department cannot safely or effectively provide personnel to manually direct traffic at all of the main intersections. Attempting to do so only creates more traffic back up and further disruption. Motorists should continue to proceed through intersections with caution and obey temporary signage where posted. Please allow extra time to reach your intended destination to account for increased traffic on our roadways.
AT&T Wireless and Verizon Wireless teams have been working around the clock to restore cellular service in Westport. Last night, Verizon successfully deployed a spot cell at the Compo beach area. AT&T has deployed a mobile cell tower at the Police Station. Many of the surrounding cell sites are back on line.
· The charging station is currently down at the Senior Center. Charging stations and WiFi can be accessed at the rear of Town Hall (110 Myrtle Avenue via access through St. John’s Place) and the Westport Weston Health District (180 Bayberry Lane) in addition to WiFi access at the Library (20 Jesup Road).
· Non-potable water filling stations are available at all fire houses.
The Verizon mobile hot spot, near the Compo Beach skate park. (Photo/Matt Murray)
Rizzuto’s has rented a 175kw generator. They and the Lobster Shack are open from 4 to 9:30 p.m. today for takeout and dine-in. Their phones and internet are out, so you can’t order ahead. No problem — both restaurants are well worth the trip!
Also open with a generator: Gold’s. They’re there until 4 p.m. today (or until they run) — same thing tomorrow. Certain items only, of course. They too have no phone, no internet and no power. Old school!
Gold’s is pure gold!
Looking for fresh food — and want to buy local?
Check out Belta Farms, on Bayberry Lane!
(Photo/Ellen Wentworth)
This crew arrived from Nova Scotia. They spent a few hours in the Unitarian Church parking lot, and have now started working. Thanks, Canada — good thing the border was opened for them!
Sure, Westport is filled with families with school-age children. They may not all have come from Manhattan or Brooklyn, though most did.
But they’re not the only Westporters. Many more people grew up here, stayed or returned, and still live here even after their own kids have grown.
Those folks remember another group of Westporters: the parents of the boys and girls they knew back then. Those men and women are now in their late 80s and 90s.
They too still live here. But many of their sons and daughters do not.
One 60-something resident looks up to that “Greatest Generation.” (And they earned the title not just for helping win World War II. After moving here, they poured their energy and talents into making Westport a great place for us to grow up in too.)
That man — who asked for anonymity — has taken it upon himself to invite some of those older Westporters out for dinner.
They often live alone. Most no longer drive.
He and his wife always pick them up. They head to Pane e Bene, Horizon, Rizzuto’s, Rive Bistro — nice, friendly places with good food.
They have a leisurely meal. They reminisce about old Westport, discuss current events (locally and around the globe). They talk about their own kids (who, in the case of the older folks, are the host’s contemporaries).
“I remember the first time I made enough money to take my parents out to dinner,” the man says.
“It was a rite of passage — and a not insignificant way to say ‘thanks’ at that young time in my career.” Both his parents have since died.
Now he enjoys spending quality time with his parents’ old friends and acquaintances.
“It’s so much fun. I’ve known these people all my life. They were the mentors of my youth.”
He adds, “They are as sharp as ever! And the battles we have over paying the bill are hilarious!”
For decades, Manero’s drew steak lovers to Riverside Avenue, at the foot of Bridge Street.
When it closed, a succession of other restaurants followed quickly. There was John Harvard’s, Conti’s, and probably a couple more I forget.
Rizzuto’s has been there for 10 years now. It’s a Westport favorite: warm, welcoming, lively, packed, always serving great Italian and seafood.
Rizzuto’s has survived an economic downturn, the rebuilding of Saugatuck, and the continuing debate about the Cribari Bridge.
It’s not going anywhere. In fact, owner Bill Rizzuto recently gave his place — the 3rd in his small chain — the strongest endorsement: He moved to Westport.
Like many restaurant owners, he has an intriguing back story. A Long Island native, he attended NYU for chemistry. To help pay for tuition, he worked at the midtown Hilton.
There, he fell in love with the hospitality industry.
Bill Rizzuto
The man who hired him offered Rizzuto a job in Las Vegas. At 26, he headed west.
He quickly worked his way to food and beverage manager at the MGM Grand — at the time, the 2nd largest hotel complex in the world.
Rizzuto sat at the casino with Frank Sinatra (“really friendly and generous”). He was in Dean Martin’s suite (“he changed a lot after his son died”). He met Rodney Dangerfield (“definitely funny”), Sammy Davis Jr. and Pee Wee Herman.
He managed 1,500 employees — some old enough to be his grandfather. He learned how to treat people respectfully, how to organize a business, and that there is “life west of New Jersey.”
But he wanted to run his own property. A friend was opening the Dolphin Hotel in Florida. “I went from adult Disney World to the real Disney World,” Rizzuto laughs.
He was handed 12 restaurants, a set of blueprints, and told, “Make it happen.”
It became “the most rewarding part of my career,” Rizzuto says.
Next came 15 years with Hyatt — “the greatest company ever.” He worked in New York, Greenwich and San Francisco.
Bill Rizzuto and his daughter welcomed former President Jimmy Carter to the Hyatt in San Francisco.
But Rizzuto — who had moved 10 times while growing up — did not want that for his young kids. One day, he says, “a brick fell on my head. I said to myself, ‘why are you working for the greatest company in the world, with a car and an expense account, when you can open your own restaurant?!'”
He relocated back East, and opened his first Rizzuto’s in … Bethel.
“I knew a lot about hospitality. I didn’t know jack about real estate,” Rizzuto says.
He earned $3,000 that first year. But he persevered. The Bethel location is now thriving.
In 2008, he opened his second restaurant in West Hartford. The recession took a toll — and opened up an opportunity here.
Rizzuto had always wanted to be in lower Fairfield County. In good times, nothing was available. Yet in 2009, commercial space opened up. Rizzuto examined plenty of properties. When he heard Conti’s was closing, he realized the site was perfect.
A rare shot: The Rizzuto’s bar without a crowd.
The restaurant was an instant hit. It’s survived so long, he says, because “we never tried to be who we were not. It’s good to learn from new trends, but you can’t over-adapt.”
Rizzuto’s recipe for success is “really good, fresh Italian food,” and offering diners a wide range of choices for preparation and sauces.
Over the years Rizzuto’s added more fish and vegetables — the owner is a Westport Farmer’s Market regular — plus an oyster bar. Four years ago they introduced a Lobster Shack. Twice a week, trucks deliver fresh lobsters straight from the Stonington wharf.
Along the way, Rizzuto fell in love with the town.
“Westport is a great place,” he says. “There’s a lot of affluence, but people wear blue jeans. They’re very down to earth, friendly and generous. They really enjoy their community. There’s a very welcoming feel.”
Last year, he moved his family here from West Hartford. That’s another great community, he says. But real estate taxes were “insane.”
He and his wife Lisa are “enthralled” by Westport. “We’ll go to the beach in a blizzard, and walk around.” Rizzuto is an avid fisherman, so the proximity to water is a joy.
Outdoor dining at Rizzuto’s. The Lobster Shack is next door.
Saugatuck’s restaurant scene is far more crowded than 10 years ago. Rizzuto is not only unconcerned — he welcomes the competition.
“Trust me, it’s good,” he says. “More places make Saugatuck more of a destination. People like clusters.”
He gives big props to town officials, who “go out of their way to be helpful to restaurant, retail and other business establishments.”
And, he notes, “we have a huge parking lot. That helps.”
Bill Rizzuto is a hands-on restaurateur. “I love food and people. My favorite thing is hanging out in the kitchen, and walking through the dining room. It’s just like my old hospitality days.”
Of course, Westport is not Las Vegas. He’s not hanging out with the Rat Pack.
Somehow, this is even more fun.
(On Saturday, March 2 — from 6 p.m. till midnight — Bill Rizzuto gives back to the community. An “Ice Bar” bash, sponsored by Tito’s Homemade Vodka and featuring live music, is a fundraiser for the Levitt Pavilion. Admission is free.)
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: dwoog@optonline.net. Thanks!)
GET THE “06880” APP
The “06880” app (search for it on the Apple or Android store) is the easiest way to get “06880.” Choose notifications: whenever a new post is published, or once or twice a day. Click here for details.
