Tag Archives: Steven Parton

Roundup: Mrs. London’s, Shred Day, Elvis …

Posted on May 6, 2025 | 2 comments

During 3 years in Westport, Mrs. London’s has made her — er, its — mark.

The Church Lane café and bakery draws big crowds, with its pastries, coffee and more. (It also features a Champagne vending machine, though no one seems to have ever vended from it.)

Now though, it’s changing hands. With the sale of Mrs. London’s to Maman — a New York hospitality group — it will go the way of its predecessors Aux Delices, Java, Wild Pear, Chef’s Table, and probably a few more I can’t recall.

A press release says that Maman, “known for its cafés, bakeries, and event spaces, features a menu that celebrates childhood favorites from the South of France and North America.”

Mrs. London’s will retain its original brand in Saratoga Springs, New York.

Owner Max London says, “We’ve been given the opportunity to expand
nationwide with some of our key menu items, thereby broadening our reach beyond brick and mortar. So despite our success with this location, the timing just made sense.

“We have been very appreciative of Mrs. London’s success in Westport, and as local residents, we are very excited to see Maman thrive here as our successor.”

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What do you think about the Westport Library?

The Library wants to know.

They’ve launched a community survey, covering programs, events and offerings.

It’s anonymous, open to Westporters and non-residents — and patrons, and those who have never stepped inside.

Need an extra incentive? Participants are eligible to win prizes, including 2 sets of  Apple AirPods, free drinks at the Library café; Amazon gift cards; and — for students — a delivery of 10 pizzas to the Library during AP exam study times.

The survey (click here) takes 10 minutes to complete. It’s available through May 31.

Take the survey! Help the Library! Win a prize!

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Everyone’s got documents to shred. And who doesn’t want to support cancer research?

Both come together this Saturday (May 10, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., William Raveis Real Estate, 47 Riverside Avenue).

Raveis is sponsoring “Shred it for Cancer Research.” Your stuff will be shredded as you watch. You don’t even have to leave your car.

There’s a suggested donation of $10 per box or shopping bag, $20 for a large garbage bag (cash, check, credit card of Venmo).

100% of every donation benefits the William Raveis Charitable Fund, Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

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Four months after receiving notice that his contract was not being renewed, Staples High School boys soccer head coach Russell Oost-Lievense will get a hearing.

The Board of Education meets next Monday (May 12, 9 a.m., Town Hall auditorium) to hear the appeal.

Russell Oost-Lievense.

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Elvis is in the building!

Also: Neil Diamond.

Well, they will be on Friday (May 9, 6 p.m.). The building is VFW Post 399 (465 Riverside Avenue).

At least, their music will be there. Tickets for the dinner (and classic hits) are $40. Click here to purchase. For more information, call 302-312-3774.

Good times never seemed so good!

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Yesterday’s Roundup showed yellow tide: pollen washing up on Compo Beach.

On land, these pink blossoms are much prettier.

But if you’ve got allergies, you know that there’s more to this than meets the (watery) eye.

(Photo/Seth Schachter)

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One more sign of summer: The Wakeman Town Farm farm stand opens June 14.

It will be open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It features fresh produce, honey, artisanal baked goods, extra virgin olive oils and gourmet balsamic vinegars, Chaga mushroom elixirs and salsas — plus fresh cut flower bouquets and WTF logowear.

Visitors can also walk through the gardens, say hi to the animals, and chat with the farmers.

Meanwhile, Wakeman Town Farm is looking for volunteers (ages 16+) to prepare and plant gardens (Wednesdays and Fridays, 2 to 4:30 p.m.). Email info@wakemantownfarm.org.

Lots o’ stuff, at the Wakeman Town Farm stand.

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Staples High School’s May Students of the Month are senior Rachel Pontoriero, juniors Isabel Alfageme and Isabel Jo, sophomore Damein Potter, and freshmen  Dylan Robbin and Sofia Urrea.

Nominated by teachers, they “help make Staples High School 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.”

From left: Isabel Alfageme, Rachel Pontoriero, Isabel Jo, Dylan Robbin, Damein Potter. Not pictured: Sofia Urrea.

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Westport artist Steven Parton just completed an intriguing, throwback beach series of paintings.

This one will be part of New York’s Salmagundi Club Summer Invitational Exhibition, from May 20 through June 6.

Steve will see you there. Or at Compo.

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Play ball!

Westport Little League Softball welcomes 130 players grades pre-K through 8th — and their families — to opening day Saturday, at Meyer Field.

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker threw a strike, for the ceremonial first pitch.

(Photo/Fairfield County Sports Photography)
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Speaking of sports: TOPSoccer — a national program for youngsters with disabilities — kicked off Saturday.

The partnership between the Westport Soccer Association and Weston Soccer Club drew a great crowd.

But there’s room for more players — and more volunteer buddies.

Sessions run the next 4 Saturdays, plus a rainout makeup date TBA; 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Morehouse Farm Park in Weston.

To register as a player — or volunteer — click here.

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JazzFC’s “PianoFest” — this month’s feature at Jazz at the Post — cotninues with a repeat performance by David Berkman.

He’ll be joined by saxophonists Billy Drewes and Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall, bassist  Jakob Dryer and drummer Quinton Cain.

It’s this Thursday (May 8) at VFW Post 399. Shows are 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner begins at 7. Tickets are $20; $15 for veterans and students. Click here to purchase.

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Congratulations to Cara Mocarski.

The longtime Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce board member earned President’s Sales Leadership Club status for her regional work with Welcome Wagon. She was also named 2025 Local Business Person of the Year in Westport by Alignable, a national business networking platform.

Cara Mocarski

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Fore!

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature shows Claudia Sherwood Servidio’s early morning “shot” of the Longshore golf course.

(Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)

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And finally … in honor of Elvis Presley and Neil Diamond’s “appearances” at the VFW this Friday (story above):

(Viva Westport! If you enjoy this hyper-local blog: We’re glad. But don’t forget: We rely on reader support. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Environment, Library, Local business, Sports

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Roundup: Kristallnacht Observance, Water Rescue, Riverside Avenue …

Posted on November 9, 2021 | 6 comments

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Tonight marks the 83rd anniversary of Kristallnacht — the night the Nazis’ repressive policies toward Jews turned violent. At least 91 men, women and children were murdered; 1,000 synagogues were attacked and vandalized, with over 300 demolished, and at least 7,500 Jewish-owned businesses were destroyed.

The number of eyewitnesses to those horrors is rapidly fading. But tonight, a special commemoration (Tuesday, Saugatuck Congregational Church, 7 p.m., in person and livestream) includes Ruth Zimbler. As a child, she watched her synagogue in Vienna burn.

Two days later, she and her 6-year-old brother escaped on the Kindertransport to the Netherlands. Her story — filled with love, hope and optimism — is a chance to hear from a survivor who was old enough to remember, and at 93 still young enough to tell her story.

The event will be moderated by Dr. Gavriel Rosenfeld, professor of Germanic Studies at Fairfield University. Click here for the YouTube livestream link; click here for the Facebook link.

Co-sponsors include The Conservative Synagogue, Temple Israel, Federation for Jewish Philanthropy, and Merkaz Community High School for Judaic Studies.

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At 5:55 a.m. this morning, Westport Police officers responded to Saugatuck Shores on a report of an elderly male who was missing.

Officers immediately searched the area, and saw the man partially submerged in the water. Working quickly in the cold, they deployed a canoe located nearby.

One officer held the man’s head above the water, while others lifted him into the canoe. Once ashore, the Westport Fire Department helped bring him to waiting EMS personnel.

They evaluated the man, and transported him to the hospital for further treatment.

While his condition is unknown, any injuries did not appear life=threatening.

Police, Fire Department and EMS personnel work together during this morning’s water rescue. (Photo courtesy of Westport Police Department)

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If it’s mid-November, it must be time for … the indoor Westport Farmers’ Market.

Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center once again hosts the long-running institution. The winter market opens Thursday, November 18. It runs every Thursday (except Thanksgiving) through March 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

It’s open-air, throughout 3 greenhouses. Favorite summer vendors return, with high-quality locally grown or raised fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, milk, baked and prepared foods, plus handmade items.

WFM kicks off the season with a celebration. Bubble and Brew, and Parlor Pizza, will set up trucks outside the greenhouses. Staples graduate Luke Molina will play music. while Mae Farrell entertains youngsters in the Get Growing program with a nature-inspired craft.

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A Riverside Avenue improvement project — involving demolition of the concrete roadwaym and reconstruction of the pavement — begins today.

Traffic on Riverside Avenue between Bridge Street and Saugatuck Avenue (the area of Viva Zapata and the Saugatuck Rowing Club) will be restricted to northbound (headed toward the Post Road) vehicles only. All southbound traffic will detour down Saugatuck Avenue to Charles Street.

During paving — planned for this Thursday and Friday — the road section will be closed to all but local traffic. All other traffic will be detoured around Charles Street and Saugatuck Avenue.

Riverside Avenue area slated for reconstruction.

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“Doubt: A Parable” — the thought-provoking play running now at the Westport Country Playhouse — has earned great praise.

But no one has mentioned that Kerstin Anderson — the woman playing the young nun — has a Westport connection. She’s the daughter of 1976 Staples High School graduate Ted Anderson, and the niece of longtime “06880” reader Britt Anderson.

Neither Ted nor Britt live in Westport now. But both were on hand opening night. They were proud of Kerstin — no “doubt”!

Kerstin Anderson and her aunt Britt Anderson, at the Westport Country Playhouse.

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Westport artist Steven Parton’s oil painting, “Anticipation,” is being shown at the 93rd Grand National Exhibit of the American Artists Professional League, in New York’s  Salmagundi Club.

“Anticipation” (Steven Parton)

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Today’s amazing “Westport … Naturally” fall foliage shot shows a Jennie Lane/Mayflower Parkway scene, off South Compo. Enjoy it while it lasts!

(Photo/Amy Schneider)

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And finally … on this day in 1967, Rolling Stone magazine published its first issue. You know what song that means:

 

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Posted in Arts, Environment, History, Police, religion, Transportation, Westport Country Playhouse

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Roundup: Dog Festival, Banned Books, Social Anxiety,

Posted on October 5, 2021 | 1 comment

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Anne Lutz Fernandez is a former English teacher at Staples High and Bedford Middle Schools.

She’s also an author, and a contributing writer for NBC News’ “Think” website.

The other day, she started a “Think” essay this way:

“A few years ago, I was asked to phone a parent who wanted her high school senior to switch English classes. Her daughter had selected the class ‘Women in Fiction,’ but the mother wanted her to take my class instead to avoid books that would go against the family’s Christian beliefs.

“Her daughter would be welcome, I said, but warned that my course, ‘Literature of Suspense,’ might also prove problematic. The books include a lot of crime, some violent, I explained. That’s okay, she replied. Supernatural evil? Not a problem. Substance abuse? Fine. Death, demons, and drugs: all were judged inoffensive. This parent just didn’t want her daughter reading books in which characters have sex.

“Death, demons, and drugs: all were judged inoffensive. This parent just didn’t want her daughter reading books in which characters have sex.

“I’ve been pondering this exchange during Banned Books Week and as numerous states have passed legislation purportedly meant to protect America’s K-12 students from ‘discomfort’ when learning about history or contemporary issues.”

It’s a provocative, insightful essay. To read the rest, click here.

Anne Lutz Fernandez

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Forget the dog days of autumn. This Sunday (October 10, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.,  Winslow Park) marks the return of the Westport Dog Festival.

The popular event was knocked out 2 springs in a row by COVID. But you can’t keep a good dog down.

The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce and TAILS bring attendees — human and canine — a day filled with fun competitions, kids’ activities, demonstrations, police K9 presentations, giveaways, vendors, food trucks and more.

Piglet — the blind and deaf chihuahua — will be there. So will Earth Animal, presenting prizes for best tail wagger, best dressed, best kisser, best trick, best lap dog over 50 pounds, and the dog that most looks like its owner.

Parking is available at the Westport Country Playhouse, and lots along Post Road East. Tickets are $10 per person; $25 for a family of 4. Proceeds benefit non-profit organizations.

To register for competitions, and more information, click here.

This guy loved the 2017 Dog Festival. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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With little fanfare, the Kings Highway North bridge by Canal Street has reopened to traffic.

In only slightly less time than it took to build the pyramids or create the NASA program that put a man on the moon, crews have completed work on a project that most Westporters never even realized was a bridge.

The new route to Wilton Road from Main Street should ease downtown traffic a bit. Fingers crossed …

A welcome sight, once again. (Photo courtesy of Google Street View)

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Eighteen months into the pandemic, Westport moms want to know as much about COVID as possible.

So tonight (Tuesday, October 5 (8 p.m.), Westport Moms is hosting an Instagram Live session with Dr. Scott Gottlieb.

The former FDA commissioner — and current local resident — will talk about vaccines, kids, and where we go from here.

Westport Moms is a multi-platform resource. Look for @WestportMoms for tonight’s IG Live event.

Dr. Scott Gottlieb

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Kids are talking about popularity and social anxiety.

And this week’s “Kids Are Talking” — the online, Westport-based, multi-platform show — tackles that fraught topic. 
This week’s show will be talking about popularity and Social Anxiety.

What does popularity mean to teenagers today? How does pressure to fit in affect self-esteem and confidence? Do the stresses of being popular come at a price, and how important is it?

Click here for the link.

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An update on the GoFundMe drive for Horace Lewis, the beloved Staples High and Coleytown Middle School custodian who suffered a devastating stroke on his anniversary in July.

The goal of $50,000 has been surpassed. Grateful Westporters have donated $54,990 so far. But more is needed, for costs not covered by insurance. He receives physical and occupational therapy, and has still not returned home. Substantial renovations will be needed to make the house accessible for him.

Click here to help Horace. (Hat tip: Andrea Cross)

Horace Lewis

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Three bits of art news:

The George Billis Gallery on Main Street hosts an opening reception this Friday (October 8, 4 to 7 p.m.) for its next exhibition. Artists include Nancy Bass, Paige Bradley, Steve Cosentino and Denise Petit.

On Saturday (October 9, 1 to 3:30 p.m.), One River School of Art + Design presents a solo exhibition of work by Chuck Webster. His mediums include painting, drawing, collage and printmaking. His works are on display through December 19.

And Westporter Steven Parton has been named a Signature Member by the  American Artists Professional League. That brings him one step closer to being recognized as a Living Master by the organization.

Steven Parton, with one of his works.

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Builders Beyond Borders — the international service organization for teenagers — hosts an open house tomorrow (Wednesday, October 6, 66 Fort Point Street, Norwalk, 5:30 to 7 p.m.). Students and their parents are invited to learn more about programs and possibilities.

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As of last Friday, dogs are allowed back at Compo Beach.

Yesterday — right on cue — these pooches enjoyed their freedom. Tracy Porosoff was there to capture this iconic “Westport … Naturally” scene.

(Photo/Tracy Porosoff)

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And finally … Bob Moore, who played upright bass on hundreds of country music’s biggest hits, died last month in Nashville. He was 88.

The New York Times said: “Over 40 years Mr. Moore elevated the bass in country music from a subordinate timekeeper to an instrument capable of considerable tonal and emotional reach. By turns restrained and robust, his imaginative phrasing revealed a gift for seizing the dramatic moment within a recording or arrangement.” Click here for the full obituary.

Among his most noteworthy recordings:

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Posted in Arts, Education, Environment, Local business, Teenagers

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0*6*Art*Art*0 — Week 7 Gallery

Posted on May 2, 2020 | 16 comments

Wasn’t it just yesterday we were stunned to be self-isolating — and art seemed a safe, sensible way to keep our wits and express our emotions?

No. It was nearly 7 weeks ago.

Every Saturday since, “06880” has shared readers’ artwork. Professional, amateur, old, young — you’re sending us your paintings, collages, sketches, photos, sculptures, chalkwork, cartoons, whatever.

The only rule is it must be inspired by, reflective of, or otherwise related to the times we’re going through.

Keep the submissions coming (including students, of any grade!). Just email dwoog@optonline.net.

Here is this week’s gallery. It’s long on photos, with some very welcome springtime themes.  Enjoy!

“When We Still Had Hope,” soft pastel on sanded paper (Deborah Howland-Murray)

Funky hand-knit mask with tassels (Amy Schneider)

“Kissing,” Sherwood Island (Karen Weingarten)

“Day 1” (Rebecca Ross)

(Eileen Lavigne Flug)

“Wine and Tears” (Nina Bentley)

“Stuck in Your Hometown, Or Loving Your Hometown? Walking Downtown by the River” (Rob Feakins)

“Painting Flowers to Get Excited for Spring,” watercolor and ink pen (Eden Rossman, age 9)

“Robin’s Nest in My Back Yard” (Mary Sikorski)

“Stay Home” (Beth DeVoll)

Winslow Park Animal Hospital (Molly Alger)

“The Zeitgeist,” Sherwood Island (originally plane-less, but “stuff happened”); oil on canvas (Steven Parton)

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Posted in Arts, Environment

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COVID-19 Roundup: Longshore Golf Course; Paul Newman; Jon Gailmor; Food, Art, And More

Posted on March 22, 2020 | 11 comments

1st Selectman Jim Marpe and Parks & Recreation director Jen Fava confirm that the Longshore golf course fairways, rough and cart paths are open to walkers. The greens are not open, and of course the course is closed to play.

Oh, yeah: It’s closed to dogs too.

(Photo/Patricia McMahon)

Can’t get to the Westport Country Playhouse? Missing Paul Newman?

In 2002, our town’s hero appeared on stage — as the stage manager — in Thornton Wilder’s classic “Our Town.”

It was one of the most memorable performances on that venerable stage. And now you can watch it all, through the magic of YouTube. Click below — and thank your lucky “stars.”

Speaking of stars, Jon Gailmor shined brightly — and sang beautifully — even before graduating from Staples High School in 1966.

Decades later, “Peaceable Kingdom” — his Polydor album with classmate Rob Carlson — remains one of my favorites ever. (You’ve got time on your hands. Click here and here for 2 of the greatest tracks.)

Gailmor then moved to Vermont. He runs music-writing workshops in schools, writes and performs all over, and has been named an official “state treasure.”

Ever the social commentator, he’s taken his guitar and pen to the coronavirus. “What We Have Found” (“This is 2020 from a distance”) is all too true, and very poignant.

There’s not a lot to enjoy about COVID-19. This, though, is one of them:

They’re located just a few yards over the border, in Southport. So Garelick & Herbs did not make the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce’s great list of markets open for takeout and delivery.

However, their many local customers will be glad to know that G&H offers curbside pick up and home delivery, via phone (203-254-3727) or online (click here).

Trader Joe’s is limiting the number of customers in the store at a time. Mornings are the most crowded, but the line moves quickly. This was the scene this morning, as shoppers lined up (properly socially distanced) beyond Jersey Mike’s.

(Photo/Tom Cook)

At 12:30 there was no line. When I left 15 minutes later, 2 people waited outside.

Reader Adam Murphy writes about this generous act: “When the owner of The Simple Greek in Norwalk (its really close to Westport!) found out that a recent catering order was for the Gillespie Center, he voluntarily doubled the amount of food. ‘I want to make sure everyone has enough,’ he said. In times that must have him worrying about his business surviving, he still has generosity for others. Great food and great people!”

Westporter Steve Parton reminds readers that — with galleries closed, and self-isolating the new normal — our neighbors who make their living from art and art lessons are having a tough time.

“We would all like to make a sale if possible,” he says. “Everything must go! No reasonable offer refused!”

Check out his website — and those of any other local artists you like. As you look at your walls (what else is there to look at?!), now is the perfect time to buy new works!

“Compo Beach,” by Steven Parton

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Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Longshore, Restaurants, Westport Country Playhouse

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