This afternoon’s brief — but fierce — Compo Beach storm left this aftermath … (Photo/Liz Bloch Lindecke)
… while this was the scene not far away, at Sherwood Island State Park. Photographer Chris Swan explains: “The large cumulonimbus cloud passed over Sherwood Island and Burying Hill at 3:45 p.m. The interesting weather was caused by heat, humidity and a front approaching from the Hudson Valley.” … (Photo/Chris Swan)
… and the view from Burying Hill Beach (Photo/Wendy Levy)
Posted in Beach, Pic of the Day, Weather
Amy Schneider warns: “Don’t sit on the Westport Library patio!
“There is a swarm of spotted lanternflies there. Some flew on us.”
Not enough to make you consider taking your café coffee elsewhere?
Check out her photo:
(Photo/Amy Schneider)
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Speaking of creatures: Chris Swan enjoyed Jay Dirnberger’s photo of the Sherwood Island lifeguard chair — painted with a turtle — in yesterday’s Roundup.
Chris loves Westport’s first state park. He’s there nearly every day.
And, he notes, all 3 lifeguard stations are painted.
The eastern side (#1) shows a snail:
The western one (#3) is a starfish.
“I believe these were made a few years ago by kids at the Friends of Sherwood Island’s Nature Center,” Chris says.
“There are terrariums there, with jellyfish, terrapin turtles and starfish on display.”
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Now you see it.
Now you don’t.
In a scene repeated nearly every week in Westport, a demolition crew turned an entire house — bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, garage, roof — into rubble yesterday.
It does not take long.
John Richers watched yesterday on Pond Edge Road, as this home met its end.
Here it was at 7 a.m.:
Then, a couple of hours later:
By 3 p.m., it was all gone:
(Photos/John Richers)
All that was left was loading the remains into the back of a trailer-length dump truck.
And memories.
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John McCarthy sent this photo from the Baldwin parking lot downtown to “06880” …
(Photo/John McCarthy)
… and writes: “These wires have been there, unconnected to any device, since the reconstruction several years ago.
“Looks to me like they could have been intended to connect to surveillance cameras. Maybe. Why wasn’t the job finished?”
I asked town operations director Thomas Kiely. He says: “Correct. The poles were wired to include security cameras in the future.
“I do not have a time frame for installation. That would be coordinated through the Police Department and Department of Public Works.”
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Wakeman Town Fam’s final “Pizza on the Patio” event of the summer is set for August 27 (6:30 or 7 p.m.). Anthony K of Tony Pizza Napolitano will do the honors.
Each order includes 2 personal pizzas (select at checkout) and 1 bottle of wine (dtto). plus taxes and service fees. A limited number of single tickets, and additional bottles of wine or pizzas, is also available. Click here to order, and for more details.
Pizza at Wakeman Town Farm.
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We’re not sure what this guy at Sherwood Mill Pond is squawking about.
But he’s sure making a scene.
And also making today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo.
(Photo/Nikki Gorman)
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And finally …in honor of next month’s “Pizza on the Patio” at Wakeman Town Farm (story above):
(When you click on the link, after pizza and a drink: that’s amore! What link? The one that helps you donate to “06880.” Grazie mille!)
Westport was one of several Connecticut communities participating in yesterday’s “Good Trouble Lives On” day of action.
The event on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge marked the 5th anniversary of the death of Congressman and civil rights ledaer John Lewis.
(Photo/Pippa Ader)
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The Westport Farmers’ Market is in full swing.
Yesterday, the Imperial Avenue parking lot was packed — as usual.
And — as they do every Thursday — the WFM put out a “Grow a Row” cooler.
(Photo/Dan Woog)
Grow-A-Row is a volunteer effort to grow and donate fresh produce.
Since 2020 members have planted, tended, harvested and collected nutritious donations of fresh fruits vegetables and herbs to benefit food-insecure people and families throughout Fairfield County.
So: Buy a little extra. Walk a few steps, and drop donations in the collection area at the center of the market.
Every week, let’s all help Grow-a-Row grow.
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Also yesterday: VFW Post 399’s monthly Veterans Benefits Luncheon.
The free event is open to all veterans. It’s part of the VFW’s effort to check in on their welfare, and connect them with the benefits and support they earned.
Representatives answer questions, and provide information on services and assistance available to veterans.
Yesterday’s veterans’ lunch, at the VFW. (Photo/Sal Liccione)
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A reader writes: “Last Thursday (July 10), around 2:55 p.m. I was walking my dog north on the southbound side of Compo Road South.
“I looked carefully at Baker Avenue. A car on Baker had its right turn signal on. The driver swiveled his head, and appeared to see me. Seeing several cars and cyclists heading south, I got ready to cross.
“The car slowly crept forward; then the driver accelerated into me. He must have been trying to pull out into the line of cars/
“I was hit, but my dog was okay. The driver rolled down his window and said, ‘I didn’t see you.’
“He slowly turned onto South Compo as though he would pull over, but took off. I am fairly certain I left a dent in the hood on the driver’s side.
“The car was a mid-range blue SUV (Toyota, Honda, etc.), with a faded American flag sticker. It had Connecticut plates. The driver was a male with white hair and blue eyes. An elderly woman was in the passenger seat.
“A woman and her adult son were in a pickup truck behind the offending vehicle. They got out to sit with me while I calmed down. I’ve forgotten their names, but I would love to reconnect with them. The woman said she lived by Longshore.
“I filed a police report and went to urgent care. If you have any information about the incident, please notify Officer Carr of the Westport Police Department.”
Baker Avenue, at Compo Road South.
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A new home at 5 Fraser Road, off North Avenue, has sold for $10.25 million.
According to SmartMLS, that’s the highest residential price ever in Westport — north of I-95, that is. (Hat tip: Bross Chingas Bross)
Record-setting sale at 5 Fraser Lane. (Photo/Turn Key Media)
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Most lifeguard stations are utilitarian: ladder, seat, umbrella.
They’re almost always all white.
Sherwood Island State Park is an exception.
Jay Dirnberger is intrigued by this one:
(Photo/Jay Dirnberger)
If you know the back story, click “Comments” below.
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Pam Docters serves up today’s “Westport … Naturally” treat.
She spotted these raspberries off Post Road West and Sylvan Road North, near the Pierrepont School.
(Photo/Pam Docters)
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And finally … Connie Francis — the most popular female singer in the US between 1958 and the British Invasion — died Wednesday. She was 87. Click here for a full obituary.
PS: Westport connection: Former resident Neil Sedaka co-wrote her hits “Stupid Cupid” and “Where the Boys Are.”
(Everybody’s somebody’s fool. But you don’t have to be ours. Just click here to make a tax-deductible contribution to “06880,” and you’ll be a genius. Thank you!)
Posted in Beach, Environment, Police, Politics, Real estate
Tagged Sherwood Island State Park, VFW Post 399, Westport Farmer's Market
One of the joys of the Westport Weston Family YMCA is the view from inside.
The spectacular scenery includes the Mahackeno Outdoor Center woods and trees.
And occasionally, its bears.
Adam Siegel was startled yesterday to see a young bear amble into view.
(Photo/Adam Siegel)
Looks like the cub was having fun with a ball.
Just like youngsters at Camp Mahackeno — all very safely out of the way — do, all the rest of the time.
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It was hot and hazy yesterday.
And a decent-sized crowd took advantage of a mid-summer hump day to enjoy Sherwood Island State Park.
(Photo/Pam Docters)
Today’s forecast: Clouds early, followed by partial clearing. It will hit 94 degrees — perfect for cooling off at your favorite beach.
And then, at 6 p.m. tonight (Thursday), the “o6880” blog party at Compo. ‘
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Speaking of beating the heat: Lou Mall had a chance to do that yesterday.
And he didn’t even plan on it.
The Representative Town Meeting member was on his way into the Senior Center, when he saw 2 teenager girls offering free lemonade.
From left: Taylor Lunney and Nicole Tooker. (Photo/Lou Mall)
Taylor Linney and Nicole Tooker also invited seniors to join them in a “When life gives you lemons, play Cornhole!” event there, on July 30 (10:30 a.m.).
“What great young women!” Lou says.
“I had a wonderful conversation about their upcoming senior year in high school, and colleges.
“It was so nice of them to volunteer their time and energy. And who doesn’t love free lemonade on a hot day like today?”
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The Westport Downtown Association sponsors music on Church Lane, every Friday and Saturday from early June through mid-September.
Now there’s music on Wednesdays too. Spotted Horse hires the performer. But they play outside the popular restaurant, so diners at other venues enjoy them too.
Ethan Walmark was last night’s featured act. The very talented 2024 Staples High School graduate — a rising sophomore at the University of Southern California’s prestigious Thornton School of Music — rocked the al fresco roadway with a sampling of some of his 3,000 covers, of popular tunes in a variety of genres.
Of course, Ethan took requests. That’s the way he rocks.
And rolls.
Ethan Walmark, in action. (Photo/Jerry Kuyper)
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Also yesterday: 2 well-attended events, on either side of the Westport Library parking lot.
In the Trefz Forum, the 50th anniversary of “Jaws” was celebrated with a special screening of the iconic thriller — followed by an intriguing talk with nephew Christopher Shaw Myers, author of “Robert Shaw: An Actor’s Life on the Set of Jaws and Beyond,”and film critic Joe Myers.
(Photo/Copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)
Meanwhile, a few yards away, the Levitt Pavilion welcomed the folk trio I’m With Her:
(Photo/Jerry Kuyper)
As if all that wasn’t enough: Singer Rosanne Cash and her husband, guitarist John Leventhal performed at the Westport Country Playhouse.
(Photo/Susan Garment)
In the words of former 1st Selectman Jim Marpe: “If you can’t find something to do in Westport, you’re just not trying.”
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Speaking of the Westport Country Playhouse: Individual tickets are now on sale for the upcoming season.
Beginning in the fall, and running through next summer, it includes 3 mainstage productions of 3 weeks each, plus 3 limited-run shows.
Click here for details, and ticket information.
Artistic director Mark Shanahan gets ready for another season.
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Sunday is the Big Day for Lloyd Allen.
The Double L Market owner — and musical theater playwright — debuts “Screen Time” at the Westport Library (2 p.m.).
It tells the story of Angie (a bookeworm) who meets Marshall (a coder) building Angela (an AI chatbot).
The humans fall in love. Marshall introduces Angie to his influencer friends. Cautious at first, she acquiesces. With Angela’s guidance, she becomes a viral influencer.
“It’s the biggest artistic risk I’ve ever taken,” Lloyd says. “But it feels right.
“And I can’t think the Library enough. They haven’t just given me a stage — they’ve become partners in the artistic endeavor.”
The show will stream live on the library’s YouTube station, and be archived there. For free tickets and more information. click here.
Screenshot from “Screen Time.”
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1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker says: “It is with deep sadness that I learned of the passing of Fairfield 1st Selectman Bill Gerber.
“He was a kind, engaged and accomplished public servant, having served the Fairfield in a wide range of elected and appointed roles over the past 30 years.
“Personally, I found Bill to not only be a good colleague, but even more importantly, a good human.
“On behalf of the town of Westport, I extend my sincere condolences to his wife,Jessica, his family, friends, and the entire Fairfield community. Please know that you are in our thoughts during this time of profound loss.”
Fairfield 1st Selectman Bill Gerber
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“Nature can heal itself, if we give it a little help.”
That was the message from Bob Mazzone, SoundWaters’ vice president of development, the the Westport Rotary Club on Tuesday.
The Stamford-based non-profit teaches students about the environmental challenges threatening Long Island Sound, through programs like sailing, growing kelp to improve the quantity of oxygen, and harbor maintenance.
Bob Mazzone addresses the Westport Rotary Club at Green’s Farms Church. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
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5th through 8th graders interested in history and photography: Check out “History Through a Lens.”
The 3-Saturday workshop (August 23, September 13 and 27, 10-11:30 a.m., Weston History & Culture Center) encourages youngsters to dive into photographs from the archives, uncover the stories they tell, capture their own images, and become storytellers too
No experience is necessary. Bring a camera or smartphone (or one will be provided).
Free for members; $10 for non-members. Click here to register, and for more information.
Photos from the Westport History & Culture Center archives.
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Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between July 9 and 15.
A 23-year-old West Haven man was charged with larceny, and conspiracy to commit larceny, after an investigation into the October 4 thefts of tires and wheels from Honda of Westport. The loss and associated damage was estimated at $15,530. He posted a $75,000, and was turned over to Stamford Police, who also held a warrant for his arrest.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Criminal trespassing is a crime.
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Longtime Westporter and civic volunteer Mary Shaughnessy died peacefully in November in Stamford, 2 days after celebrating her 95th birthday.
Raised on a Minnesota farm during the Depression, and one of 10 children, she was Homecoming Queen at Rochester High School.
She put herself through the University of Minnesota by working at the Mayo Clinic. She then taught physical education and health at Minnetonka High School.
Mary was married for 60 years to Tom Shaughnessy. Together, they raised 6 children.
In Westport Mary was active with the Church of Assumption, volunteered with Meals on Wheels, and was the only female coach of Westport’s first co-ed softball league.
Mary is survived by her children and their spouses: Tom of River Forest, Illinois; Mary Kay of Stamford; Elizabeth of Nashville; Peggy of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin; Patrick of Redwood City, California and John of Coral Gables, Florida; 11 grandchildren, and her siblings Margaret Tushaus, Donna Mae Stock and Eugene Tushaus.
A memorial Mass will be held at Assumption Church on August 9 (10 a.m.). In lieu of flowers, donations made be made to the Thomas F. ’46 and Mary A. Shaughnessy Scholarship Endowment Fund at Cretin-Derham Hall, St. Paul, MN.
Mary Shaughnessy
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Carolyn Doan sends a pair of spectacular “Westport … Naturally” photos.
She reports: “The Fresh Market osprey is getting ready to leave the nest.
“There is one chick this year. It can lift itself high above the nest. and is now assessing the idea of leaving. Proud parent looks on as this unfolds.”
(Photos/Carolyn Doan)
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And finally … see you tonight at our “06880” blog party (story above)!
(Sure, it’s hot. But the AC is cranking at “06880” Central, and we’re pumping out our usual mix of news, events, features, photos and more, without letup. Please click here to support our work. Thanks!)
Longtime Westporter and noted think-outside-the-box-er Scott Smith has watched the long debate about Westport’s athletic fields.
There are few, compared to neighboring towns. And there very few places to build new ones.
Scott may have a solution. He writes:
The biggest, most convenient site in Westport for ready-made new athletic fields, by far?
Sherwood Island State Park. There are acres and acres of flat grass fields, including a full-sized baseball diamond with rusted backstop, that could easily be refurbished into legit playing grounds for all kinds of sports.
Once upon a time, softball was played here. (Photo/Scott Smith)
These areas are rarely in use during the school year (and most, hardly even in the summer).
Of course, they would have to be equitably shared in any season by all, including local football leagues, rugby clubs and other users.
It’s a public-facility improvement that would not only benefit Westporters in search of new athletic fields to play on, but all Connecticut residents.
There is precedent for the state sharing Sherwood Island with other entities. I love watching the remote airplanes piloted by members of The Country Squire Modelers of Norwalk, a club that has operated by permit in the park since the 1960s.
Country Squire Modelers fly remote planes at Sherwood Island.
What’s more, Friends of Sherwood Island State Park — the nonprofit whose mission is to “preserve, maintain, improve and enhance Sherwood Island State Park for the benefit of the general public” — exists as a possible resource for expertise and connections.
I can’t speak for them, nor for the Westport athletic groups that I expect would be called on to share in the costs of upgrading and helping maintain the fields for their respective sports.
All would have to take part in the necessary negotiations to work out fair usage between town sports groups and others who might want to use them.
Open space at Sherwood Island State Park. (Photo/Scott Smith)
I’ve long heard that “the state” is impossible to deal with. But given the recent botched dealings with the Department of Transportation over the state maintenance facility project, maybe it’s Westport town officials who are the problem?
I don’t want to sound hopelessly naïve. But why wouldn’t we want to explore a public-private partnership with the state that could result in enhanced fields for local athletes of all ages and abilities? Isn’t that what a public park is for?
(“06880” Opinion pages are open to all. Email 06880blog@gmail.com).
Among Sherwood Island State Park’s 232 acres: plenty of flat land.
Posted in Beach, Environment, Sports
Tagged athletic fields, Friends of Sherwood Island, Sherwood Island State Park
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.
A tip of the “06880” hat to all!
Westport Police and Rizzuto’s staff.
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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.
But they give us much more in return.
Yoel Hooper-Antunez
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Also last night: Club203’s monthly party.
The Westport Weston Family YMCA hosted members of Westport’s social club for adults with disabilities.
They swam, played sports, rocked out to great music, made wind chimes, and enjoyed healthy snacks.
Club 203 thanks Brian Marazzi, the lifeguards, Staples’ Service League of Boys (SLOBs), Calise Deli & Market, and MoCA CT.
Club203 and SLOBs, at the Y.
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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!
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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.”
Sandy Cooper, in his timeless store.
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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).”
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Bill Shakos’ fifth “What Do I Know?” podcast is particularly compelling.
The in-depth interview with State Senator Ceci Maher focuses on mental health.
Powerfully and honestly, she discusses her husband’s struggles with PTSD and alcoholism, in the wake of September 11.
Shakos’ next podcast — featuring Homes with Hope — drops tomorrow.
Click here for links to listen.
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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.
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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.
(Photo/Carol Anne Ances)
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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!)
Sherwood Island State Park (Photo/Ron Henkin)
Sherwood Island State Park scenes
(Photos/Pam Docters)
A very careful Sherwood Island deer (Photo/Tracy Porosoff)
Sherwood Island State Park sunset (Photo/Ron Henkin)
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