The crowds at last weekend’s “No Kings” protest on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge got us thinking about that very busy span.
In the 1930s — long before the bridge’s namesake came to town — it was much narrower than today.
Traffic was far less intense. We see just one vehicle, in the photo below:
The view looks east. There is National Hall, in the lower left. The buildings housing Stephen Kempson London, Arezzo and other businesses and apartments are at the lower right.
Nearly a century ago, the Saugatuck River lapped up against the backs of Main Street stores. It would be 2 decades more before Parker Harding Plaza was built, on landfill.
Just over the bridge, on the left, was the original Westport Public Library (before the Starbucks addition). Behind it is the YMCA (now Anthropologie); beyond that is the church that is now the Seabury Center), on the Church Lane/Elm Street corner.
What else do you notice? Click “Comments” below.
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Five days remain to complete the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee survey.
Questions include the use and knowledge of parking options, metered parking, a deck and more.
The aim is to vet recommendations already developed by consultants and DPIC. Final recommendations will be presented by to the Board of Selectwomen next month. To take the survey, click here.
Speaking of downtown: The Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge — the gathering place for Westport protests — is the site Saturday (June 14, 11 a.m.) for a “No Kings” rally.
The event is part of a national anti-Trump effort. Organizers — including know Indivisible, 50501 and others — say: “Bring posters.”
On the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge, for an anti-Trump rally in April 2025. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Westport’s social group for adults with disabilities closed out their year with a celebration at Ned Dimes Marina.
The Parks & Recreation Department provided the venue. Westport Rotary Club volunteered joined those from the club. MoCA helped attendees make costers for cocktail cups. Susan Wright led everyone in movement and music. And Super Duper Weenie cooked up over 100 meals.
After a summer off, Club203 picks up right where they left off in June.
The Levitt Pavilion kicks off its Children’s Series — 11 great (and free!) shows for kids and their families tonight (Wednesday, 7 p.m.).
Divinity Roxx blends upbeat tunes with positive messages that inspire creativity, confidence and self-expression. She toured and performed with Beyoncé, as her bassist and musical director. Divinity has now expanded her mission of inspiration to children’s music. More details on tonight’s show are available here.
The Children’s Series runs on select Tuesdays and Wednesdays now through August. Pre-show activities include giveaways, and a new “Touch-A-Truck” experience.
The lineup continues highlights like the ever-popular Hall Family (June 25), and an August 25 special needs community celebration and back-to-school spectacular.
An ice cream truck is always on site. And, as always, picnics are encouraged.
Click here or below to see and hear Divi Roxx in action.
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Meanwhile, at the other edge of the age spectrum: Leo Botwin turns 103 years young today.
He’s lived in the same Westport home since 1967 — but that’s just over half his life.
He and his wife of 71 years, Roberta — who, like Leo, is still very healthy — will celebrate with dinner in Westport. On Saturday, there’s a big family-and-friends party at their daughter Ellen’s home in Guilford.
Veteran TV journalist and Westport resident Anne Craig writes: “Many of us take clean laundry for granted. Endless folding and putting away make it a dreaded chore for many, like me.
“But for many families, it’s a luxury they can’t afford. So 10 local congregations are bringing ‘Laundry Love’ to more than 150 families in Bridgeport.
“That’s a full day of free laundry, on the third Tuesday of each month at the Bridgeport SuperSaver.
Volunteers are always needed. Click here or below to learn more.
The Parks & Recreation Commission meets June 18 (7:30 p.m.; Zoom).
The agenda includes reports from the golf, parks and racquets advisory committees, followby updates on the Longshore capital improvement plan project, and the parks master update plan.
Aerial view of Longshore.
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For years, Lorenza Arnal has shared her love of Mexico through food. She created her own brand of salsa macha, and sold homemade guacamole at the Wesport Farmers’ Market.
Now she is helping others experience her home country in a deeper, more personal way: through journeys that celebrate the history, culture and tradition of Mexico.
What started as small culinary tours has blossomed into immersive travel. Lorenza is booking several tours now for the fall.
They include a celebration of Día de los Muertos in Oaxaca; a Jewish heritage trip through Mexico City, and corporate retreats with personalized itineraries, culinary experiences and wellness-focused excursions.
Tomorrow’s Jazz at the Post celebrates the life and music of Wayne Shorter. Artists include pianist Jen Allen, bassist Essiet Okun Essiet, drummer Sylvia Duenca, trumpeter Andy Gravish and saxophonist Greg Wall.
Dinner service at the VFW begins at 7 p.m. Shows are 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. Music cover is $20 ($15 veterans and students). Click here for reservations.
And finally … in honor of the Staples High School Class of 2025:
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The last time we checked in with Ben Casparius, he had just earned himself a World Series ring.
It was a storybook finish for the 2017 Staples High School graduate. In just 2 months, he moved from the minor leagues to an important role in the Los Angeles’ drive to the championship.
What’s next for the pitcher? Perhaps League Rookie of the Year.
At least, that’s what the (somewhat biased) TrueBlueLA.com website thinks.
They say: “The season is only about 1/3 complete, so there’s plenty of time remaining. But in terms of NL Rookie of the Year, Ben Casparius has pitched himself firmly into the discussion.”
The reliever threw 3 scoreless innings Friday against the New York Mets, striking out 6 of the 10 batters he faced.
Three days earlier he got the final out of the 8th inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks, protecting a 1-run edge with the bases loaded.
TrueBlueLA notes: “Stephen Nelson on the Dodgers radio broadcast said something to the effect of any National League Rookie of the Year poll that doesn’t include Casparius is invalid. He’s right.”
Casparius has a 2.94 ERA, with 38 strikeouts and only 6 walks.
Thanks to our sister city of Lyman — a town now just 7 miles from the Russian front — residents and town officials have felt connected to the entire war-torn nation.
Ken Bernhard and Larry Weisman’s relationship goes back even further.
Nearly a decade ago, Bernhard — an attorney, former state representative, and civic volunteer for many causes — taught a class in Ukraine on US constitutional law.
Over the years, he and fellow Westport attorney Lawrence Weisman continued to work with Professor Dmitry Kamensky via Zoom. They spoke to his Ukrainian law students about the American legal system, and the current state of affairs here.
Professor Kamensky has been in the US since April. He’s lectured at several universities, and visited the US Military Academy at West Point.
On Friday, he met a small group of Westporters at Weisman’s home.
Professor Kamensky spoke candidly about the war’s effects on his country, his university and students, and his own wife and young children. It was a first-hand look at a life that includes nightly attacks, daily uncertain, and people who — despite all the devastation — strive to lead as normal lives as they can.
Afteward, he wrote to those met, “I am incredibly grateful for all the support, empathy and kindness that you share with the people of Ukraine. Even more so, with the people in Lyman and other eastern Ukrainian towns, which now face the war carnage daily.
“Thank you all for being with us on this incredibly hard path to freedom and European future. Your dedication, your involvement, your encouragement have no borders. I felt it with my heart today and this is something I will share with my people upon my return home soon.”
A reminder about Westport’s sister city of Lyman: Our connection began through Ukraine Aid International, the boots-on-the-ground non-profit founded by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer.
They’re supporting 2 camps this summer in the Carpathian Mountains. It’s a chance for Lyman’s displaced children to reconnect with their former schoolmates.
The 10-day July session for 40 youngsters is fully funded. UAI is raising $10,000 for the August camp.All donations are welcome here. (Under “Designation,” select “Westport” from the dropdown menu.)
Let’s do, this Westport!
Professor Dmitry Kamensky (right), with Westporers on Friday.
Plenty of Westporters are attending college reunions this month.
But Tom Lowrie may be the only one going to his 75th.
The longtime Westporter — who stepped down earlier this month as our town’s pickleball ambassador — attended that landmark event yesterday, at Princeton University.
Not only that: With his daughter Anne, he took part in the school’s “P-rade.”
Tom was joined by 5 others, from the Princeton Class of 1950.
They hope to see each other again, at the 80th reunion.
Sixty protesters lined the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge yesterday, in another Saturday protest against President Trump and his administration.
Ages ranged from 26 to 92. One Tesla driver gave the crowd the finger, but other cars honked in support.
Canine protestor on the Ruth Steinkruas Cohen Bridge. (Photo/Pam Docters)
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A couple of miles away, the first beach weekend was a bit chilly. Early in the morning — before families arrived for the Parks & Recreation Department “Kickoff to Summer” and dedication of the new Compo Beach playground — a lone swimmer got ready to take the plunge.
“Pig Party” — Jo Ann Miller’s new book — has just been published.
Carl Addison Swanson provides background: “In 1962, the men of the University of Texas voted famed singer-student Janis Joplin as the ‘ugliest man on campus.’ While the university and Janis were not pleased, the news of the pig party spread fast. Soon, such parties were being held at schools across the country.
Lifelonng Westport resident Malcolm Watson, Jr. died unexpectedly on Sunday. He was 76.
He graduated from Staples High School in 1967, and worked for Nash Engineering in South Norwalk. He served in the Navy in Vietnam during the war, and marched every Memorial Day in the Westport parade.
He owned Nielsen’s Wood Arts, a furniture refinishing business where he performed meticulous antique furniture restoration.
An avid swimmer and sailor, he was a member of the “High Tide Club,” swimming at Burying Hill Beach nearly year round.
He was a member of the Norwalk River Rowing Club, and served as a mentor for generations of younger rowers. He competed as a rower and coxswain all over the East Coast, including the famed Head of the Charles race in Boston.
He is survived by wife Roseann, daughter Amanda (Nathan), son Malcolm III,grandchildren Conrad and Rosie, brother Elmer Sniffen (Patricia), sister Nancy Sniffen, and sister-in-law Kathleen Carusone
A memorial service will be held on June 11, (11 a.m., Burying Hill Beach). In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to an organization of your choice.
And finally … in honor of Tom Lowrie’s 75th reunion (story above):
(If Ben Casparius becomes Rookie of the Year, you heard it first here. You hear a LOT of things here first, right? If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
The British came, 248 years ago. We sent ’em packing.
They came again — this time with guitars — 187 years later. We loved ’em.
Now it looks like the British are coming again. This sign now flies at the former Porch deli, on Cross Highway:
(Photo/Diane Johnson)
It certainly seems as if Gruel Brittania — the Fairfield restaurant beloved for its shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, bangers and mash, Yorkshire pudding, mushy peas, scones and more, founded by Westporter Karen Hubrich — is moving in.
And it sounds as if the target for opening is next month.
Jolly good!
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Several dozen protesters gathered on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge yesterday.
As they have every Saturday for weeks, they carried signs decrying a variety of actions by President Trump and his administration.
As with past demonstrations, there were honks and thumb’s-up signs from passing drivers.
Organizer Bean Corcoran says protests will continue every Saturday, from 11 a.m. to noon.
Among the protest targets: funding cuts to PBS. (Photo/Rowene Weems)
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Mothers Day is around the corner. (Next Sunday — get on it!)
Which means Fathers Day is not far. And that means the Yankee Doodle Fair.
The dedades-old tradition returns that weekend. Dates are Thursday and Friday, June 12 and 13 (6 to 10 p.m.); Saturday, June 14 (1 to 10 p.m.), and Sunday, June 15 (1 to 5 p.m.).
As always, there are carnival rides, games, food — you name it. Sand art is back too.
And as always, it’s a major fundraiser for the Westport Woman’s Club, where the whole shebang takes place.
Speaking of the Westport Woman’s Club: There’s a Red Cross blood drive there (44 Imperial Avenue) on May 12 (8 a.m. to 1 p.m.). They provide baked goods, too.
Click here or call 800-733-2767 for an appointment.
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Westport has Winslow Park.
Tomorrow — after 9 years of effort — Weston will have its own dog park.
Weston Dog Park opens at 22 Lords Highway East, on part of the Moore property — land purchased by the town more than 2 decades ago for $2.3 million, specifically for municipal use.
Construction, design and the first years of maintenance are funded through grants like ARPA, gifts from private individuals, and a contribution in memory of late 2nd Selectman Brian Gordon.
It will be open 9 a.m. to sunset. Click here for more information.
Plenty of Staples High School’s athletic teams do great community service work.
Few do it better than the boys lacrosse program.
Every year, they try to raise $50,000 for Sticks for Soldiers. Every year, 100% of their funds help combat-wounded veterans and their families.
This year, they’re selling custom Sticks for Soldiers shirts and hats. Orders are being taken online (click here) through May 7. (Under “team,” select “Staples HS Sticks for Soldiers 2025”; the password is Sticks2025).
The annual Sticks for Soldiers game is May 19. Hats and shirts can be picked up there.
Mary Scott Himes is this month’s gueste exhibitor, at the Westport Book Shop.
Her prints explore questions of identity and the female body.
She says, “I started making things again during my treatments for breast cancer in 2021. Cancer has taken many things from me, but my art practice is what I took from it.
“In the public realm, married to Representative Jim Himes, I play a role. I am a person whom people think they know. This leads to questions about how we create identity: how the different layers of history and mass culture and personal experience bond together to make us who we are.
“My nascent art practice focuses mostly on printmaking because I love the spatial thinking, the variety of techniques, and the collaborative creative process it offers.”
Himes co-founded and was executive director of The Unload Foundation. The Connecticut arts initiative developed educational and cultural events to raise awareness around issues relating to gun rights and gun violence.
The opening of the new Finalmente Restaurant on Post Road East — across from Design Within Reach and next to Jeera Thai — “has exceeded our expectations,” says owner Giuseppe Cinque.
He asked “06880” to pass along this message: “We are deeply grateful for the warm congratulations and heartfelt welcome we’ve received from the Westport community. It’s been truly moving, and more meaningful than we could have imagined.”
And finally … in honor of the (probable) new operator of The Porch (story above):
(From the UK to the Ruth Steinkraus Bridge — and everywhere in between — “06880” brings you Westport-oriented news you can use. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Congratulations to the Staples High School math team!
The “mathletes” finished first among all public schools in this year’s 29-school Fairfield County Math League.
They beat Greenwich — always a joy for Stapleites, whether on the field or in the classroom — and finished second overall, behind private Brunswick School.
That vaults them into the state meet — and the New England Association of Math Leagues competition, May 2 in Canton, Massachusetts.
Sophomore Ayush Rudra earned the highest sophomore score. Last year, he was the top freshman in the league.
The team (and Math Club, both under faculty advisor Mike Forgette) draws students interested in the complexity, problem-solving challenges, and excitement of mathematics.
They say that the qualities needed for success in math competitions include clear communication, quick decision-making, curiosity, passion, and a bit of “light-heartedness.” They don’t get stressed by tough questions; they work collaboratively to solve them. (There is an individual component to math meets, too.)
The math team is like any sports team, they say. The more they practice, the better they get.
Go Wreckers!
Math Club and team advisor Mike Forgette (far left) with Math Club members (from left): Serena Diamond, Sahil Vora, Chloe Wong, Adan Wang, Anit Arvind, Ayush Rudra, Abe Lobsenz, Akil Arvind. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Book these April events at the Westport Book Shop:
“Savor: Recipes to Celebrate” (April 10, 6 p.m.): Food Network competitor, Staples High culinary teacher, AMG Catering owner and cookbook author Alison Milwe Grace discusses her new book.
“Tuesday’s Mah Jongg Is More Than a Game” (April 16, 6 p.m.) Local author Marsha Temlock discusses her latest novel about friendship and strengthening bonds, as a group of friends support each other through life’s challenges.
Celebrate Poetry Month (April 17, 6 p.m.): Poetry reading and conversation with Ira Joe Fisher ,
Knitting Workshop (April 21, 6 p.m.): Session with avid knitter Linda Franciscovich, for knitters of all levels. Bring needles and yarn, and your knitting project.
Short Story Book Club (April 24, 6 to 7:30 p.m.). “The Elephant Vanishes” by Haruki Murakami, and “Patriotism” by Yukio Mishima.
Local artist Linn Cassetta is exhibitor for the month of April at the Book Shop. A reception is set for April 23 (6 to 7:30 p.m., Westport Book Shop).
Space is limited for the book events. RSVP@westportbooksaleventures.org.
. .Linn Cassetta
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The Fortunoff family — Scott, Laurie, and sons Aaron (Staples High sophomore) and Brett (Bedford Middle School 8th grader) — partnered with Staples’ Cereal4All Club and Stop & Shop last weekend.
They collected over 1,000 boxes of cereal, along with cash donations, to provide breakfast food for those who need it. Homes with Hope picked up all the donations.
“Thank you, Westport!” say the Fortunoffs.
Collecting cereal, for all. From left: Aaron Fortunoff, Alex Burtzlaff, Alex Kovics, Lemar Feliciano. (Stop & Shop manager).
There is always something going on at VFW Post 399.
This Friday (April 11; $20, plus 1 drink minimum), it’s comedy.
Laura High, Joe Portillo, and Matt Vita all take the stage. Doors open at 7 p.m. for food and beverages. The laughs begin at 8. Click here for tickets.
Speaking of the VFW: Emmy-nominated composer/pianist Steve Sandberg plays Ellington, Monk and Mingus this week at Jazz at the Post (Thursday, April 10, VFW; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7 p.m.; $20 music cover, $15 veterans and students).
“Masterfully blending classical, world music and jazz with the excitement of virtuosic improvisation,” he’ll be joined by bassist Michael O’Brien, drummer Jeff Hirshfield, and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall. Click here for tickets, and more information.
And finally … in honor of the “Westport … Naturally” photo above:
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Congressman Jim Himes, state Attorney General William Tong, and 1,500 other men, women and children thronged the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge today.
Stretching up and down Post Road East from Main Street to Route 33, it is believed to be the largest political protest in downtown Westport since the Vietnam War.
(Photo/Rowene Weems)
Wearing red, white and blue, carrying signs and chanting, the crowd was part of more than 1,200 “Hands Off!” demonstrations in Washington, state capitals and all 50 states.
They sang, too: “This Land is Your Land.” “God Bless America.” And “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
(Photo/Dayle Brownstein)
They protested an array of actions by President Trump, Elon Musk and the current administration: the firing of federal workers and closing of agencies, deportation of immigrants, cuts to health and veterans programs, and more.
Passing drivers offered support, honking and giving thumbs-up signs. Some in Teslas yelled, “We bought ours before we knew” about Musk’s actions.
Here are some signs and scenes from the day.
(Photo/Ted Horowitz)
Police Chief Foti Koskinas, ensuring Westport is safe for democracy. (Photo/Alan Shinbaum)
(Photo/Ted Horowitz)
Young protesters … (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)
… and 97-year-old Carol Gluckman, who has seen her share. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)
Congressman Jim Himes (Photo/Dayle Brownstein)
(Photo/Dayle Brownstein)
State Senator Ceci Maher (2nd from right), and Democratic Women of Westport.
(Photo/Nicole Klein)
One of the few dissenters. (Photo/Dayle Brownstein)
(Photo/Dayle Brownstein)
(Photo/Rowene Weems)
(Photo/Rowene Weems)
“All I want is peace,” explained this sign holder. (All photos/Dan Woog unless otherwise noted)
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