Tag Archives: Rye Ridge Deli

Roundup: Rye Ridge/159 Main, Row House, Staples Graduation …

Posted on June 24, 2024 | 1 comment

Yesterday, “06880” reported that Rye Ridge Deli was closing. A new place called 15 9 Main would take over.

In fact, Rye Ridge’s Westport location was sold to new owners in February. They have operated since, with a 4-month agreement to use the Rye Ridge name.

That’s ended. It is now officially 159 Main. It is open as usual.

Meanwhile, Rye Ridge’s 2 other locations — in Stamford and Rye Brook, New York — remain open under that name.

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However, there is definitely a vacancy in Compo Acres Shopping Center.

Row House — whose 25 erg (rowing) machines once hummed with activity, with people of all ages seeking a strong workout — has closed its doors.

Row House began in New York’s Columbus Circle in 2014. The Westport location opened 5 years later.

With the closing of Westport, the nearest location is Stamford.

Row House, in its heyday.

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Did you miss Staples High School’s 137th graduation ceremony this month?

Were you there, but want to relive it?

Jim Honeycutt — who retired after many years as a teacher, including director of the media lab — has posted the entire event online.

NOTE: Sharp-eared viewers will note that the “Pomp and Circumstance” processional music in the video is not the same as was played that day.

Staples now uses a recording, which is blocked by YouTube. Honeycutt substituted music played by the Staples band, back when they performed at fieldhouse graduations.

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Yesterday morning, 25 people from Saugatuck Congregational Church left for this year’s high school youth group mission trip. They’ll help Vermont residents recover from last year’s floods that devastated the state.

20 youth and 5 leaders will work on farms, assemble furniture, clean up areas in need, and meet people affected by the disaster.

The Saugatuck Church youth group is open to all students entering, in, or just graduated from high school. Attendance at Saugatuck Church or Staples High is not required.

Heading north: Saugatuck Church youth group. (Photo/Mark Mathias)

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Since his birth, Wakeman Town Farm has fostered an orphaned baby goat.

“Stuart Little” has now found a home. Time Out Foundation of Lakeville — a horse rescue/sanctuary that runs a free therapeutic program for children — adopted him.

Stuart Little and friend.

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Speaking of animals: After 4 years of hibernation, Sunny the Duck is back on Jesup Green.

The much-larger-than-life waterfowl advertises the Sunrise Rotary Club’s annual Great Race.

It’s this Saturday (June 29), at Jesup Green.

The fun begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, with activities like Nerdy Derby, pin making, face painting, bubble machines, duck pond giveaway and more (plus food trucks!).

The duck race starts at 1 p.m. Thousands of plastic ducks are dropped from a giant front loader, down a 160-foot long sluice course on Jesup Green.

Each duck has a number, matching a $20 raffle ticket. The first 10 ducks across the finish line win money for their ticket holders. First place gets $5,000, second place $1,000, while the next 8 earn $500 awards.

All the fun is for a great cause. Sunrise Rotary donates the proceeds to local and international charities.

Tickets can be purchased online at westportsunriserotary.org, or from any Westport Sunrise Rotarian at any time — including the morning of the event.

Wendy Krueger — daughter of Ralph Krueger, for whom Little Ralphie is named — checks out her father’s namesake with Bruce Paul, Sunrise Rotary’s Great Duck Race chair.

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The Soundview Avenue streetscape is particularly beautiful this time of year.

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image complements the sculpture that — all year long — draws plenty of attention, even without the flora.

(Photo/Sunil Hirani)

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And finally … in honor of Row House (story above):

(As we start another week — including our daily Roundup — we remind you: “06880” relies on readers’ support. Please click here to help. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Rye Ridge Changes, Henry Wynne Runs, Compo Cars Crash …

Posted on June 23, 2024 | 27 comments

For decades, Oscar’s was a fixture on Main Street.

When Lee Papageorge died in 2016, Westporters mourned the loss of a friend — and a great deli owner.

A year later, there was excitement when Rye Ridge Deli opened in that space.

Now, it’s changed hands.

Rye Ridge’s Westport location was sold to new owners in February. They have operated since, with a 4-month agreement to use the Rye Ridge name.

That’s ended. The new name is 159 Main.

Rye Ridge’s 2 other locations — in Stamford and Rye Brook, New York — remain open under that name.

(Photo/Steven Goldstein)

We hope the new owners will keep the mural on the back wall. Dating back to the 1980s, it shows a group of Oscar’s regulars — and Lee Papageorge.

A Rye Ridge waiter looks at Lee Papageorge, longtime Oscar’s owner. The mural was restored by Rye Ridge Deli. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

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Henry Wynne continues to run toward the Olympics.

The 2013 Staples High School, 2017 University of Virginia graduate, and holder of many Connecticut and collegiate running records, finished third in the semi-final heat of the 1500 meters at the Olympic trials yesterday, at the University of Oregon. He ran a season-best 3:34.40.

That qualifies him for tomorrow’s (Monday) finals (8:47 p.m. EDT; NBC and Peacock) — and a spot on the US track team that will compete at the Olympics next month in Paris.

Also yesterday, another Westport athlete fell just short of her Olympic goals.

Annam Olasewere competed in the 50 and 100 meter freestyle trials in Indianapolis, and reached the semifinal of the former.

She’s got a fantastic future. A rising senior at Staples, who competes year-round for Chelsea Piers Athletic Club, she’s already committed to Stanford University for the 2025-26 school year.

Next stop: the 2028 Olympics, just down the California coast, in Los Angeles.

Annam Olasewere

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Compo Beach residents are used to drivers speeding down Bradley Street, and blowing past the stop sign at Danbury Avenue.

But they were stunned today as a car driven by a teenage boy, with another teen as his passenger, raced along Compo Road South, roared onto Bradley without stopping, then passed several vehicles in the other lane on its way to the beach.

Without stopping at Danbury Avenue, it turned left onto Compo Beach Road, slammed against a car driving past, drove off and continued into the beach.

The car that was hit …

The young driver was apprehended quickly. No one seemed injured.

But if anyone had been walking or biking on Bradley or Compo Beach Road, it could have been much, much worse.

Be careful out there — everyone!

… and the vehicle that hit it. (Photos/Dan Woog)

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Speaking of the beach, here’s a new trend: Cars parking on the Hillspoint Road bridge over I-95.

Of the 6 cars in this photo, 4 are from out of state.

At first, it seems odd.

But apparently it’s the new way to avoid paying the daily out-of-town rate at Compo.

Signs warn that vehicles parked on Hillspoint between Schlaet’s Point and Old Mill, and at Sherwood Mill Pond Preserve, must have beach stickers.

There are no such signs this far north.

So folks park on the bridge, and hoof it to the beach.

On the one hand, it’s great that Compo is so attractive to out-of-towners.

And they should probably be applauded for creativity.

On the other hand …

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And speaking of dangerous behaviors (see above), Rob Jackson writes:

“I live in Saugatuck Shores, and drive to and from downtown on Route 136.

“With the onset of warmer weather, the electric scooter parade begins. There are some adults, but the majority are young teenagers.

“There is no bike lane, so these kids ride in the narrow strip between the traffic and the grass. It’s terrifying to see these young people, sans helmets, at times with headphones or earbuds, speeding along at 15-20 mph with cars, trucks, etc. blowing past a foot or two away. (The 35 mph speed limit seems to be only a suggestion)

“No helmets is downright lunacy. But the small diameter tires on these scooters (as opposed to a much larger bicycle tire) are an invitation for the first small rock to send the riding flying, possibly into a passing vehicle.

“I invite any parent to come watch their child navigate this roadway on their electric scooter. This isn’t Compo Beach or Saugatuck Island. It is a disaster in the making.”

Fun … until it isn’t.

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The Westport Weston Family YMCA marked its 100th annual meeting last week with a number of awards.

Honorees included Diane Dubovy Benke (Lee J. Edelstein Volunteer of the Year0; Robin Tauck (Legacy & Impact Award), and Kate Murray and Andrew Berkowitz (Youths of he Year).

Employee Recognition Awards went to James Leask, maintenance technician (Above & Beyond); Victoria Walters, lifeguard and swim instructor (Commitment to Mission); Alejandro Flores, maintenance technician (Relationship Champion), and Tina Turechek, digital marking manager (Rookie of the Year).

Robin Tauck (right) with Westport Y CEO Anjali McCormick.

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The Westport Library will be buzzing this afternoon.

The Hive — Frederic Chiu and Jeanine Esposito’s new community-building project — brings an intriguing music-making event to the Trefz Forum stage (today, Sunday, 2 p.m.).

It’s called a “LID Session.” The acronym stands for “Lay It Down.”

Chiu — a world-renowned pianist, who lived for many years in Westport — has always been fascinated by the way pianos connects people of diverse ages, backgrounds and experiences.

He has invited local people to take a chance, and “Lay It Down” for an audience of fellow community members. The 6 who will perform range in age from 12 to 94.

“The playing doesn’t have to be perfect, and the audience doesn’t need to know how to play,” Chiu says.

“The shared experience creates connection for everyone.

Chiu will kick things by playing a short piece. Six guest pianists then take their turn on the Library’s special Yamaha Disklavier, which captures the performance for posterity.

To close, Chiu will lead a community conversation. (For more information, click here.)

Frederic Chiu, at the Westport Library.

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A good crowd headed to the Westport Observatory yesterday, for the start of ARRL Field Day.

The Westport Astronomical Society hosted the local meeting of a nationwide ham radio event.

Attendees young and old heard from ham operators, and got on the air themselves.

ARRL Field Day continues today (Sunday) through 8 p.m. at the observatory on 182 Bayberry Lane. For more information, click here.

Coleytown Middle School student Dylan Rosen learns about ham radio yesterday from Larry Reed (AB1JC), at the Westport Observatory. Dylan contacted a ham operator in Iowa — and the hams in Westport stopped to applaud. PS: Check out Dylan’s shirt!

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Sure, “Westport … Naturally” featured a turtle the other day.

But this shot — taken yesterday morning, at the Longshore stone wall on Compo Road South — is stop-the-presses-worthy.

Quite an interesting looking character. Worth waiting for, even if he does take his time walking the golf course.

(Photo/Peter Armstrong)

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And finally … on this date in 1713, French residents of Acadia were given one year to declare allegiance to Britain or leave Nova Scotia.

They did not pledge their allegiance. The result: a vibrant Cajun culture in Louisiana.

(“06880” wants everyone to be safe. That way we can all enjoy our town — and this hyper-local blog. And if you get a chance, please consider supporting us too. Just click here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Police, Restaurants, Sports, Staples HS, YMCA

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Photo Challenge #422

Posted on January 29, 2023 | 16 comments

I’ve long marveled at the front counter at Rye Ridge Deli.

Filled with fascinating food — chocolate-covered pretzels! red velvet cake! M&M confections! – it is no place for dieters.

It is a great place though for a colorful photo like the one in last week’s Photo Challenge. (Click here to see.) 

And although I’ve never seen anyone actually order anything from the tempting front counter, plenty of readers knew exactly where it was. (For readers of a certain age: Rye Ridge replaced Oscar’s Deli several years ago, after Lee Papageorge died.)

Congratulations to Kelly Konstanty, Mark Heilshorn, Randy Herbertson, Jeannie Pearl, Lisa Price, Dennis Jackson, Todd Ehrlich, Andrew Colabella, Tammy  Barry, William Gibson, Sandy Nathan, Diane Silfen, Rachel Halperin Zobelman, Susan Yules, Martin Gitlin, Seth Braunstein, Jennifer Zorek-Pressman, Wendy Schaefer, Lisa Hayes and Bobbi Essagof.

You win last week’s Photo Challenge. First prize could be one of those 10-pound Hershey Kisses that sit in front of the counter.

Except I know this is the New Year, and you all resolved to eat healthy this year.

Today’s Photo Challenge is here. If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.

(Photo/Bob Weingarten)

 

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Posted in Downtown, Photo Challenge, Restaurants

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Roundup: Pro-Choice Protest, Mitzvah Day, Bathroom Humor …

Posted on May 5, 2022 | 1 comment

News of a draft of the Supreme Court’s decision in an important abortion case has sparked nationwide protests.

There’s one planned for 4 p.m. this Sunday — Mother’s Day — on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge downtown. Organizers (DefenDemocracy of CT) expect a large turnout.

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“Mitzvah,” loosely translated from Hebrew, means “good deed.”

Last Sunday, over 150 congregants of all ages showed up at Temple Israel to perform mitzvahs.

Among the donations:

  • 10,000 meals to Ukrainian refugees
  • 200 comfort bags to hospitalized children
  • Dozens of lap blankets, walker bags, potted plants, and centerpieces to Jewish Senior Services and Weston Senior Center
  • 100 blessing/toiletry bags to Bridgeport Rescue Mission
  • 12 lasagnas were baked and delivered to Homes with Hope
  • 100 bagged lunches to Gillespie Center
  • 30 Mother’s Day cards to women fighting breast cancer
  • 50 cards and letters to US service members and IDF lone soldiers,

It was truly a local — and global — Mitzvah Day.

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Want to give Mom something different for Mothers Day weekend? (Psssst…it’s Sunday!)

Take her to join Anthony Zemba at Earthplace on Saturday (May 7, 8 to 10 a.m.). The avid birder/environmental analyst/soil scientist/certified ecologist will lead a group along the trails of the nature and wildlife sanctuary.

Anthony recently joined LandTech, the civil engineering and environmental science firm that’s underwriting the bird walk.

Among the probable wildlife: scarlet tanagers; wood thrush; pileated, red- bellied, hairy and downy woodpeckers; indigo buntings, goldfinch and orioles.

Spots are limited. Click here to register, and for more information.

Calling all bird watchers: See the pileated woodpecker!

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Staples was ranked #5 nationally (large schools division), in this year’s 100 Best Wise (Working In Support of Education) High Schools Teaching Personal Finance. It was the top finish for any Connecticut school.

The list and ceremony honor excellence in personal finance education. Congratulations to teachers Lenny Klein and Sarah White — and of course their very “wise” students.

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Whether it’s a Broadway show or a Westport restaurant, women know the drill: There’s a longer wait for the women’s restroom than the men’s.

So Tammy Barry was relieved (ho ho) when she spotted this sign yesterday at Rye Ridge Deli:

(Photo/Tammy Barry)

Every problem has a solution. This one is simple. It doesn’t cost a cent.

Now let’s see it everywhere else in Westport too.

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Westporters know that the Memorial Day parade is one of the best community events of the year. Those who stay afterward, for the ceremony on Veterans Green across from Town Hall, know that it is a moving and important way to honor those who gave their lives for our country.

That is the idea of the holiday, after all.

There’s another chance to pay tribute too. That morning (May 30, 7:45 a.m.), the Fire Department honors all who died in service to our nation, and the Westport firefighters who died in the line of duty.

All are welcome at fire headquarters on the Post Road.

Westport Fire Department headquarters,

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Former Westporter Diane (Prezkop) Reed died in November, after a brief illness. She was 71.

Diane graduated from Staples High School in 1968. She participated in intermural sports, and wrote for the school newspaper Inklings and yearbook.  She graduated from the University of Connecticut with a BA in English and a master’s in Counseling and Higher Education.

In 1972, Diane married Steven Reed. She began a career at UConn as a research associate, then became assistant director of research and data acquisition for the Institute of Social Inquiry at Storrs.

The couple’s careers took them to Ohio, where Diane worked as an analyst, project director, manager of research operations and operations manager. A final move took them to Michigan, where she worked as marketing group director and director of teleservices. She loved being a mentor and coach to her staff, and enjoyed social and golf activities at Indianwood Golf Club.

After her divorce= Diane created a consulting practice, developing and editing training curricula and coaching management teams. In 2005 Diane returned to Westport to enjoy her family, and pursue her writing.

Friends and family describe Diane as “sweet, witty, compassionate, generous and kind.” She loved literature, science, spectator sports, music and humanity as a whole.  She was an avid collector and supporter of local artisans and craftsmen. She was passionate about her family, lifelong learning, and creative writing.

Diane’s siblings were Edward of Seattle, Raymond of Westport, Carole Prescott of Madison, and the late Thomas Prezkop of Newburyport, Massachusetts.  She is survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, great-nieces and great-nephews.

A memorial service to celebrate the lives of Diane and her brother Thomas Prezkop will be held June 29 at Waters Edge in Westbrook. Donations in her name may be made to the Westport Library.

Diane Prezkop Reed

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Former Westporter Thomas Prezkop, of Newburyport, Massachusetts, died earlier this year, after a battle with pancreatic neuroendocrine cancer. He was 73.

Tom was raised, and taught himself to sail, here. That started a lifelong love for all things aquatic. He graduated from Staples High School in 1966.

In early 1971 he headed to St. Maarten. There he co-owned and restored a 108-foot ketch, which he chartered. He also managed restaurants, started an omelet café, and captained other boats.

In 1978, Tom settled in Massachusetts. He married his first wife, Linn Anderson, and had a son, Andrew

Tom’s second career was in mechanical design engineering. He worked for medical device companies before founding Andover Medical Development Group, to do component manufacturing. He operated AMDG for 35 years, fulfilling contracts with NASA, Boston Scientific and others.

Tom was a passionate sailor.  He was an expert angler, certified scuba diver, licensed pilot and professional cook. He also enjoyed snow skiing, surfing, water skiing barefoot, and golf. He could build and fix anything

Tom passed his patience, creativity and playfulness on to Andrew, in whom he fostered lifelong passions as a musician, athlete, craftsman, outdoorsman, adventurer and father.  He was overjoyed to be a grandfather to Avery and Luke.

In 1995, Tom and a friend rescued a fellow boater who had fallen overboard in Gloucester and been seriously injured by the propeller. Tom received a congressional commendation.

In addition to his wife, son, daughter-in-law Geneva Brion and grandchildren, he is survived by his sister Carole Prescott of Madison, and brothers Edward of Seattle and Raymond of Westport, as well as nieces, nephews and cousins. He was pre-deceased by his sister Diane Reed of Westport.

There will be a celebration of life at Water’s Edge in Westbrook on June 29.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to The Ocean Foundation and the Kaplan Family Hospice House.

Thomas Prezkop

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows a recent visitor to Berkeley Road.

Hey, a guy’s gotta eat!

(Photo/Jill Grayson)

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And finally … in honor of Rye Ridge Deli’s new restroom policy (see above story): These are the 2 best bathroom songs I could find.

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Posted in Environment, Obituaries, Politics, religion, Restaurants, Staples HS

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Roundup: A Camp, A Course, 2 Concerts; More

Posted on June 25, 2020 | 7 comments

Many sports camps are closed this summer. So are science camps, space camps — most camps, period.

But the Westport Library’s new Camp Explore is open. And open to all children, everywhere.

It’s a weekly, virtual (and free) program. Kids can experience it any time. They can watch it alone, or share with friends. There’s something for everyone.

The program kicks off on July 9 with Jennie Lynn Finch. The softball pitcher led the US to a gold medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics, and a silver 4 years later.

Also in July, deep sea explorer Dr. Robert Ballard returns to the library. The discoverer of wrecks like Titanic and the Bismarck, he’ll show campers what life is like on his ship the Nautilus.

Shark lovers will enjoy Emmy-winning writer and cinematographer Kevin Bachar. He spent 10 years as a National Geographic producer, and wrote specials for “Shark Week.”

Kids will also appreciate Emily Calandrelli. The MIT engineer-turned-TV host was a featured correspondent on “Bill Nye Saves the World,” host of “Xploration Outer Space,” and wrote the children’s book series “Ada Lace Adventures.”

New York Knicks star Charles Smith will share his story, from his career as an athlete to his accomplishments as a corporate executive.

Camp Explore also features Jerry Craft, author of the novel “New Kid” and comic strip “Mama’s Boyz.”

The program ends with R.L. Stine. The “Goosebumps” author will do a (virtual) reading around a campfire.

The Library will provide a “Keep Exploring Kit” to accompany each presentation, with suggested books to read, films to view, and fun activities. Separate kits are geared for children entering grades 4-5, and 6-8.

Click here for more details, and registration information.

Everyone’s talking about the skills young people need to navigate today’s world. We’re all concerned about civic virtues. Of course, everyone wants to develop creative thinkers.

Westport Continuing Education is sponsoring an online course — “The Art of Innovation: Cultivating Qualities for the Emerging Future” — for students entering grade 10 through college.

Set for July 13 to 17 (10 a.m. to noon), it will focus on skills like critical thinking, collaboration and global perspectives.

Click here to register. For more information, including scholarships, email conted@westportps.org, or call 203-341-1209.

There may not be fireworks. But Pauli’s Deli will celebrate July 4.

The Norwalk-based bagels-and-breakfast place replaces Bagel Maven that day.

Last night, Chris Fanning snapped a shot of the preparations:

One more reopening sign: MoCA Westport has announced a concert with the renowned American String Quartet.

It’s July 31. And it’s a real one. Not virtual, Zoom, Facebook Live or anywhere else in cyberspace.

The performance is outdoors at the museum, with groups spread 6 feet apart and masked. Concert-goers should bring their own chairs and snacks, though drinks and food are available for purchase before the concert.

MoCA Westport concert series curator (and Staples High School graduate) Alexander Platt will provide commentary. He knows the American String Quartet through his work over the last 18 years in Woodstock.

“Back then they were the gold standard in American string quartets — and they still are now,” Platt says.

“I can’t wait to hear their beautiful music again — now, more than ever. Their program — sublime Mozart, bracing Shostakovich and appropriately, Dvorak’s ‘American’ string quartet — will be the perfect musical tonic, after all we’ve been through.”

Click here for tickets, or call 203-222-7070. The maximum number of tickets will be limited by state guidelines.

Two organizations at opposite ends of the age spectrum — Toquet Hall and the Westport Senior Center — are partnering to present a free livestream concert tomorrow (Friday, June 26, 12 p.m.).

It features the funk band Mojo, with noted local musicians Drew Angus, Eric Lindahl and Spencer Inch. Click here to watch via Zoom (and note the password: 3qgZ4L).

The new planters on Main Street are drawing plenty of attention.

But there are colorful flowers beyond Elm Street. For example, Rye Ridge Deli is doing all it can to make the outdoor experience special too.

(Photo/Jamie Walsh)

And finally … as Westport, Connecticut prepares for jUNe Day this weekend (virtually, of course), let’s celebrate Westport, Ireland with Stuart Moyles.

PS: When the Levitt Pavilion opens next summer, we really need this lad as a headliner!

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Posted in Arts, Children, Downtown, Education, Entertainment, Library, Organizations

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COVID-19 Roundup: Face Masks; Food Closet; Moms’ Morning Photos; More

Posted on May 7, 2020 | 1 comment

Since 1975, the Westport Woman’s Club has partnered with the Department of Human Services on a year-round, emergency food distribution program, the Food Closet.

When the club gets a call members fill bags of groceries, add Stop & Shop gift cards that the WWC purchases, and deliver the food to Town Hall, or directly to the recipient (whose name remains anonymous).

During the pandemic, requests for food have risen dramatically. In addition to increased demand, a traditional May food drive with the US Postal Service has been canceled.

Non-perishables are desperately needed. Canned goods can be dropped off at the Woman’s Club (44 Imperial Avenue) on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, between 9 a.m. and noon. (If the door is locked, call 203-227-4240.)

Checks are also welcome. Click here to donate online. They can also be made out to “Westport Woman’s Club,” and sent to 44 Imperial Avenue, Westport CT 06880.

Last year, Westport Woman’s Club members Wendy McKeon, Catherine Smith and Kim Reichert helped out with the Food Closet drive.

Two women-owned local businesses — Bungalow and Private Portraits — have teamed up to capture casual, candid glimpses of women at home, while raising money for female entrepreneurs affected by COVID-19.

“Sophisticated boudoir photographer” Jen Goldberg takes sunrise, socially distanced front porch sessions — as early as 5:30 a.m. — capturing moms in the moments just before their house awakens.

A portion of the proceeds benefits Sara Blakely’s The Red Backpack Fund. The nationwide effort will make at least 1,000 grants of $5,000 each to women whose businesses have been impacted during the pandemic.

For $100 (additional donations welcome), you’ll receive a 5 x 7 print and a $25 gift card to Bungalow, the Sconset Square boutique. For more information, email jen@privateportraits.com.

HINT: Mother’s Day is Sunday!

(Photo/Jen Goldberg)

Rye Ridge Deli originally stayed open, with curbside and delivery service. Business was slow though, so they closed. Now they’re back open, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Click here to order online.

Also now open, after an initial closure: Five Guys (11 a.m. to 10 p.m.). Click here for curbside pickup and delivery.

“Essential businesses” in Westport with 50 employees or fewer are are eligible for free masks, under a state plan. Click this link, but hurry: The application deadline is early afternoon tomorrow (Thursday, May 7).

In addition, 1st Selectman Jim Marpe advises residents about the proper use of cloth face masks. According to the CDC, they should:

  • fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
  • be secured with ties or ear loops
  • include multiple layers of fabric
  • allow for breathing without restriction
  • be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape

Do not put your hands on the front of mask when putting it on or taking it off. Use the loops or attached ties to secure or remove. Click here for more instructions on cloth mask use.

Homes With Hope hosts a non-perishable food drive this Saturday (May 9), from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Gillespie Center behind Restoration Hardware. Items needed include canned chicken, salmon, Spam, tuna, fruit, applesauce, soups, stews and vegetables; pasta sauce; peanut butter and jelly; mac and cheese; Chef Boyardee, and cereal.

 

The Sunny Daes cow has the right idea. (Photo/Lily Bloomingdale)

And finally … this underrated gem, from Sir Elton John:

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Photo Challenge #249

Posted on October 6, 2019 | 19 comments

I thought last week’s Photo Challenge might be too tough for any “06880” reader.

I did not reckon on Mary Papageorge and Lynn Untermeyer Miller.

Both knew that Amy Schneider’s image of a painted smiling face is located on the back side of the large star sculpture that Howard Munce created years ago. It sits on the bank of the Saugatuck River, in Parker Harding Plaza directly behind Rye Ridge Deli.

The fisherman — that’s what the face is — faces the river. It’s not easy to see — and not too many people actually stroll by there (though it is a nice, beautiful spot).

Mary no doubt knows it because the Papageorge family owned Oscar’s — the long-time, beloved predecessor to Rye Ridge.

Lynn knows it because — well, she sees and knows everything.

Can Mary, Lynn and/or you figure out this week’s Photo Challenge? If you think you know, click “Comments” below.

(Photo/Tim Woodruff)

 

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Parker Harding Garbage: The Sequel

Posted on February 19, 2019 | 4 comments

This morning’s post –showing garbage where the dumpster once sat in Parker Harding Plaza, just a few yards away from the finally-working compactor — drew plenty of comments from readers.

And this email from Scott Martin:

I own the Rye Ridge Deli. Someone sent me the pic of the garbage by the compactors.

That is a mix of garbage from various tenants there. A couple of those boxes are ours: the bacon, avocados and Rockland bakery.

I just spoke to a number of my employees who take garbage out at night and during the day. Last night, the compactors were completely filled and overflowing. Everything was stuffed in them to the top. They would not compact any more.

The mess this morning. The dumpster — across from the compactors — is no longer there.

Maybe they were a day late picking up due to the holiday. We are not sure. But when they come to remove the compactors it seems they cannot drive away with them overflowing so they knock it out, and when they return from the dump or wherever they take the trash they fill it back with what was knocked out.

There have been many occasions since the compactors have been installed with them not functioning at all. I guess the kinks are being worked out back there.

Going forward my guys have been instructed to let myself or a manager know when there is this sort of mess back there. Rather then leaving it for someone else to find, we can call City Carting to address it or figure out a better way rather than leaving that mess.

Those compactors are great, better than regular dumpsters, as long as they work (which is not always the case). I have been dealing with them for years in my other locations.

I just got off the phone with Scott. He apologizes for his guys leaving a mess. Nice to know he contacted “06880” to take responsibility.

As he notes though, only a small portion of the garbage is his. The hunt continues.

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Posted in Downtown, Environment, Local business, Restaurants

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Pic Of The Day #199

Posted on November 2, 2017 | 6 comments

Just like old (Oscar’s) times (Photo/Larry Untermeyer)

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Lee Lives!

Posted on September 30, 2017 | 19 comments

The death of Lee Papageorge more than a year ago left a hole in the heart of downtown.

He’d closed Oscar’s — the deli he owned for more than 40 years — just a week earlier.

The end of Oscar’s meant more than the loss of a place with great pastrami and pickles. There was now no place on Main Street for a meal with friends — a spot where regulars always sat at the same table, and everyone (or at least the counter guys) knew your name.

Rye Ridge — the popular Stamford and Rye Brook kosher-style deli — signed a lease. It’s taken many months to renovate the site. But the good news is: They’re opening in a couple of weeks.

Rye Ridge renovations are nearly done.

The better news is: Some of Oscar’s old employees may be back.

And here’s the icing on the cake lox on the bagel: The owner of the new deli arranged with the Papageorge family to hang the iconic Oscar’s mural in the same spot it had been since 1982.

The Oscar’s mural — back at Rye Ridge Deli. (Photos/David Waldman)

Many regulars depicted on the wall are gone. So of course is Lee — the guy with the beard and red apron, all the way on the left.

Now he’s back, standing proudly with his friends and customers.

Rye Ridge’s reverence for the past is important. Here’s wishing them a run as long and successful as Oscar’s — and Lee’s.

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Posted in Downtown, People, Restaurants

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