Tag Archives: Stop & Shop

Roundup: Lyman Attack, Hillspoint Demolition, Dolby Talk …

Posted on July 17, 2024 | 11 comments

Two 550-pound Russian guided bombs injured at least 5 people on Monday, in Westport’s sister city of Lyman, Ukraine.

A photograph in the Kyiv Independent showed some of the damage:

 (Photo/Vadym Filashkin for Telegram)

Aid for our sister city is always needed. To donate to the non-profit Ukraine Aid International — founded by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer — click here. Click the “I want to support” box; then select “Support for the City of Lyman.” Scroll down on that page for other donation options (mail, wire transfer and Venmo.) (Hat tip: Thomas Jendrock)

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The tiny cottage sat at 246 Hillspoint Road, across from Old Mill Beach, for a century.

It took just a day for it to be gone.

The home — the last remaining non-modernized structure on that stretch of the street — was demolished this week.

Here was the scene yesterday:

(Photo/JD Dworkow)

Construction begins soon on its replacement.

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A large crowd enjoyed Thomas Dolby and Chris Frantz in conversation yesterday, at the Westport Library.

Dolby — a musician, producer, composer, entrepreneur and teacher who played synthesizer for David Bowie, Stevie Wonder, Joni Mitchell and others during his eclectic career — discussed his new book, “Prevailing Wind,” with the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, former Talking Head and longtime Library supporter.

Thomas Dolby (left) and Chris Frantz. (Photo/Dick Wingate)

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Also yesterday: “06880” founder Dan Woog — hey, that’s me! — was the guest speaker at the Westport Rotary Club’s weekly lunch meeting.

I had a great time, offering a peek behind the scenes at our town’s hyper-local blog.

There was a robust Q-and-A session too. Among the most interesting questions: My take on the most important events in our town’s history — the ones that helped make Westport what it is today.

My answer was — nope, sorry. What’s said at a Rotary meeting stays at a Rotary meeting!

Dan Woog, at yesterday’s Rotary Club meeting. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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This Saturday, Stop & Shop is the place to stop, shop — and donate food.

The Westport Police Department and Westport Sunrise Rotary are hosting a food drive, at the Post  Road East supermarket. All donations support Homes with Hope and the Department of Human Service’s food pantries.

Police officers and volunteers will accept non-perishable food items and cash donations, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Suggested donated items include applesauce, breakfast bars, macaroni and cheese, canned vegetables, canned fruit, canned meat and tuna, canned Soup & Stew, Cup of Noodles soup and ramen noodles, cereal, gluten-free foods (pasta, soups, cereals), granola and protein bars, hamburger or tuna helper, Hearty Soups, ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, oatmeal, pancake mix and syrup, pasta and sauce, peanut butter and jelly, rice, and miscellaneous snacks. No glass jars, please!

If you would like to volunteer or have a large pick-up, call Anna Rycenga (203-763.9656).

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“The Best Is Yet to Come!”

That’s the message from the Westport Country Playhouse — and the name of the show celebrating Cy Coleman’s greatest hits. (It’s also the title of one of his most famous songs.)

The September 14 fundraiser features Kristin Chenoweth and Mary-Mitchell Campbell, performing the multiple Emmy, Grammy and Tony Award winner’s music.

In addition, the Playhouse’s 2024 Leadership Award will be presented to longtime board member (and TEAM Westport chair) Harold Bailey, Jr., and his wife, civic volunteer Bernicestine McLeod Bailey.

Tickets are $1,000, $500 and $300. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

Kristin Chenoweth

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The Wednesday Norwalk Community Health Center Farmers’ Market has included onsite meals made by Katie Gervasio. She uses farm produce, and offers samples along with recipes to make them at home.

A voucher program provides customers with bags of fresh-picked vegetables.

What’s makes the market special is its voucher program for the NCHC’s patients with low income. Vouchers have been funded primarily by sponsors, but they have to be rationed near the end of the season.

To supplement the funds, the Health Center hosts a comedy night at Westport’s Joseph J. Clinton VFW Post 399 on Friday, July 26 (7 p.m.).

There will be 3 comedians, plus raffles, a live auction, cash bar and pub grub. Click here for tickets.

If the event’s name — Funny Farm — is any indication, it will be a very  hilarious night.

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This photo is from Monday. But it’s so dramatic it’s worth posting, a few days late.

Jonathan Rosenour captured this lightning strike over Saugatuck Shores, during a very brief afternoon storm:

(Photo/Jonathan Rosenoer)

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It’s hot and humid.

But Westport’s beauty continues. And it’s very, very “cool.”

Here’s today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature, from George and Bevi Bullwinkel’s yard:

(Photo/Bevi Bullwinkel)

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And finally … in honor of the Westport Country Playhouse’s upcoming benefit tribute to Cy Coleman (story above), here’s my all-time favorite performance, of his all-time best song:

(From world affairs to entertainment, food drives to real estate, “06880” is your blog for hyper-local news. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Entertainment, Library, Police, Politics, Westport Country Playhouse

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Roundup: Dems, Reps React To Shooting; Billie Jean King Tickets …

Posted on July 15, 2024 | 20 comments

Yesterday — in the aftermath of the assassination attempt in Pennsylvania — the Democratic Town Committee said:

Dear Westport Community,

The Westport Democratic Town Committee denounces the violence perpetrated against former President Donald Trump, and all other acts of political violence.

We live in unusually divisive times, where conduct has devolved both nationally and locally. This is unacceptable. The Democratic Town Committee is committed to civility, community, and above all – safety.

Sincerely,

Michelle Mechanic, Chair
Nicole Klein, Vice Chair
Robin Weinberg, Secretary
Alan Shinbaum, Treasurer

This was posted on a Westport Republicans social media account:

There’s no place for political violence in our republic.

Civility & respect.

God bless Donald Trump, America and those harmed by these actions.

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Tickets for this year’s “Booked for the Evening” — featuring tennis legend and social justice pioneer Billie Jean King, set for September 12 — go on sale today (Monday, July 15) at 10 a.m.

Click here to purchase, for this sure-to-sell-out-quickly fundraiser. Click here for a seat map of the event.

The library notes: “All tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis, and we cannot guarantee access to tickets.” A livestream/watch-from-home ticket option is also available.

NOTE: If you don’t see tickets available on the website at 10 a.m., refresh your browser. The ticket link might be added to the page after you logged on.

King will come to the Library fresh off the 2024 US Open, whose grounds were named in her honor in 2006.

Onstage, she’ll chat with Chris McKendry, a Westport resident and host of ESPN’s tennis coverage.

Billie Jean King

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Decades ago, Functional Clothing sold used blue jeans in a basement-level Main Street store, near the current Gap.

Soon, a new used clothing store will open downtown this fall.

2nd Street takes over at 17 Main Street. Most recently, it was the site of Loft.

The chain’s originated in Japan in 1996. There are now more than 700 locations there.

The first 2nd Street in the US was in Los Angeles, in 2018. there are now about 3 dozen in the this country. The Westport and New Haven sites will be the first 2 in Connecticut.

The website boasts of “a huge selection of styles from street wear to vintage to Japanese designer and luxury accessories.” It also cites the company’s sustainability and waste-reduction efforts”
As part of our Hand2Hand project, we make sure to reuse all the clothing that arrives in our stores. Any items that we cannot sell are donated to a partner company that will recycle the clothing to clean up oil spills in factories, while other items are resold to create job opportunities and provide clothing to those in need.
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In other business news, Stop & Shop is closing 5 underperforming stores in Connecticut — and 27 others throughout the Northeast — by November.

The Westport location will remain open.

The 5 Nutmeg State stores to be shuttered are in Ansonia, Danbury, Milford, Stamford (West Main Street) and Torrington.

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Many readers enjoyed yesterday’s “06880” story on Westport road names.

Nancy Anderson adds: “My father, Dr Arnold Pearlstone, moved to Westport in 1963 where he lived until his passing in 2020.

“In 1963 he and his partner Leonard Flom (they were both well known ophthalmologists) purchased adjacent plots of land on a road without a name. It  is off North Ave extension, and was named “Arlen Road” after both of them.”

Dr. Leonard Flom

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Cali Carleton is a Westport mom of 5. A year ago, she launched Domino & Juliette.

They create high quality, safe, affordable and “educationally accurate” toys for children. Favorite items include alphabet and numbers puzzles. Made from food grade silicone, they are dishwasher safe (and great for crafts and messy play).

The toys are hailed by by parents of neuro-divergent children and therapists, because they are soft, flexible and chewable.

D&J also sells placemats for children of all ages to practice counting, spelling, sorting, geography and science.

With every order placed, the company donates a 24-pack of Crayolas to children in need, in places like Bridgeport.

Last month, Domino & Juliette entered retail space for the first time. They joined Honeypie, the children’s boutique on Riverside Avenue also run by a Westport mom.

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A bird found a home on Dave Briggs’ front porch.

Feeling safe, she hatched 5 tiny chicks. “It’s been amazing to watch,” he says of the process that led to today’s very cool “Westport … Naturally” photo.

(Photo/Dave Briggs)

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And finally … on this date in 2006, Twitter was launched. The world has never been the same.

(From local roads and stores to national politics, “06880” is “where Westport meets the world.” Please click here to help us keep those connections strong. Thank you!)

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Posted in Children, Downtown, Library, Local business, Politics

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[UPDATE] Larceny Suspect Flees; Strikes Van Crossing Post Road

Posted on May 31, 2024 | 1 comment

At 1:50 p.m. today, Westport police officers responded to Stop & Shop, on a report of a larceny in progress.

An officer on patrol in the parking lot approached the suspect vehicle, to take the 2 involved parties into custody.

The male, in the driver’s seat, immediately complied, and exited the van.  The female jumped from the passenger side into the driver’s seat.

As the officer attempted to prevent her from leaving, she accelerated and dragged the officer for a short distance.

The suspect vehicle fled west on Post Road East, and was quickly spotted by responding officers. They attempted a motor vehicle stop, but the driver continued at a high rate of speed.

As the suspect vehicle raced through the intersection of Morningside Drive, it struck a van that was crossing the intersection.

This van was struck as it crossed Post Road East, from Morningside Drive North. It spun around twice, before ending up facing east. (Photo/Dan Woog)

The female suspect was taken into custody and transported to the hospital for what appeared to be minor injuries.  No other injuries were reported.

The accident closed Post Road East for a short period of time.

Garrett Sprouse, 45 of New Haven, was charged with conspiracy to commit larceny, and operating a motor vehicle without a license. He was released after posting a $500 bond, and assigned a date at Stamford Superior Court.

Hannah Howell, 31 of New Haven, was charged with larceny, interfering with police, assault on a police officer, reckless driving, engaging in a pursuit, and failure to obey a traffic signal. She is being held on a $15,000 bond.

 

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Posted in Police, Transportation

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Roundup: Stop & Shop, Westport Playhouse …

Posted on July 31, 2023 | 5 comments

Yesterday’s “06880” lead story included a shout-out to a Westport woman and her 2 young sons.

Inspired by the Sunrise Rotary/Westport Rotary Club/Westport PAL drive at Stop & Shop to collect non-perishable goods for Homes with Hope, they made a special trip just to shop for the non-profit’s Gillespie Shelter and food pantry.

But there’s even more to this great story.

The woman — still insisting on anonymity — emailed me yesterday. She noted:

“When my children and I were in line to pay for the groceries, the cashier overheard them discussing the plan to donate all the food in the cart to Homes with Hope.

“I am not a regular Stop & Shop customer, so I did not have a rewards card or coupon fliers. Nevertheless, the cashier went out of her way to find us all the coupons we could utilize.

“She saved us over $70 on our cart full of food — a gesture she was under no obligation to make.

“What an incredible community we belong to!”

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“Dial M for Murder” is over.

But the Westport Country Playhouse “Script in Hand” series continues.

“Maytag Virgin” — a class love story — is set for Monday, August 21 (7 p.m.).

The play reading follows Alabama school teacher Lizzy Nash and her new neighbor, Jack Key, over the year following the tragic death of Lizzy’s husband. The play explores the ideas of inertia, self-enlightenment, and the bridge between the two.

All tickets are $25. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

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Yesterday, Scott Smith noted the dearth of butterflies in his garden.

Jay Petrow has plenty. “My meadow has had active visitors,” he writes.

As proof, the landscape architect offers today’s gorgeous “Westport … Naturally” image.

(Photo/Jay Petrow)

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And finally … in honor of both Scott Smith and Jay Petrow (see above):

(Butterflies are free. Producing “06880” is not. Please click here to donate, and support our work. Thank you!)

5 Comments

Posted in Local business, Westport Country Playhouse

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Homes With Hope: Two Heartfelt Tales

Posted on July 30, 2023 | 1 comment

Tacombi does not open until August 7.

But the much-anticipated restaurant has already made a great impression on Westport.

Tacombi Community Kitchen launched in 2020, during the early days of the pandemic. The goal was to provide food relief in New York City, where the restaurant began.

Today, under the auspices of the 501(c)(3) Tacombi Foundation, it provides over 9,000 meals weekly out of all 16 taquerias, in New York, Miami and Washington, DC.

They’ve given away over 750,000 meals to people in need. Each one is prepared specifically to be donated, with the same care as meals served to customers.

On Friday, Tacombi brought their generosity to Westport. They donated 50 meals to clients at Homes with Hope‘s Gillespie Center and Westport  Community Kitchen. They gave another 200 to other area organizations.

Tacombi meals, in the Homes with Hope kitchen.

“This is amazing,” says Homes with Hope CEO Helen McAlinden.

“They are a truly welcomed partner to Westport. Our clients loved the food!”

Friday’s delivery was just the start. Tacombi will continue to provide Homes with Hope with 50 meals a week.

Imagine what they’ll do for the town once they’re actually in business here.

FUN FACT: The name “Tacombi” is a combination of “taco” and “combi” — what Mexicans call a VW bus. The restaurant started as a retrofitted combi, serving as a food truck selling tacos on the beaches at Playa del Carmen.

It’s been a big — and hopeful — few days for Homes with Hope. Yesterday, 4 important groups — Sunrise Rotary, the Westport Rotary Club, Westport Police Department and Saugatuck Rowing Club — joined forces at Stop & Shop for a perishable food collection.

Some folks donated cash. Others picked up a flyer listing most-needed items, purchased them, and dropped them off as they left.

One family — a woman and 2 young sons — came for only one reason: to shop for the Gillespie Center.

“How generous!” McAlinden says.

The generosity continued all day long. Homes with Hope thanks the hundreds of donors and volunteers who stood outside for hours in the heat.

In a town with plenty, there are plenty who give back.

Rob Hauck of Sunrise Rotary with a cart full of groceries, donated by a woman and her sons.

(Homes with Hope can always use help. Click here for information on its food pantry needs; click here for information on all its programs.)

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Posted in Local business, Police, Restaurants

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Roundup: Compo Cove, Compo Cold, St. Patrick’s Day …

Posted on January 30, 2023 | 4 comments

One of the most well-known homes in Westport — 48 Compo Mill Cove, the one closest to Old Mill Beach beyond the Sherwood Mill Pond pedestrian bridges — sold recently.

Now the second most well-known home on the Cove — #43 — is on the market.

43 Compo Mill Cove (Photo courtesy of MLS)

Built in 1940 (original location: the other side of the walking path), the property is just .18 acres.

But it’s surrounded by nearly 100 acres of the Mill Pond, and preserve. The sun and moon both rise over the pond, and there are stunning views in every direction. It’s the only house on the left side of the Cove’s path.

The 2-bedroom cottage needs work (and to be raised, to mitigate flood concerns).

The listing price is $1,999,000. For more information, click here.

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Speaking of the beach:

On Saturday, Simon Gurvets noticed a dozen or so people wading into the Compo Beach water. They were all ages, and both genders.

The stayed for about 20 minutes. Simon stayed too — fascinated, and snapping photos.

From the 45-degree warmth of the sand.

Everyone into the water! (Photo/Simon Gurvets)

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Bonnie Erickson lives in Monroe. But the Staples High School Class of 1971 member still feels connected to Westport.

She also wants to do whatever she can to help others in need.

So when she saw an “06880” Roundup item about a call to assemble 600 life-saving medical kits that will be hand delivered to front line units in Ukraine, she headed last night to The Readiness Collective in the SoNo Collection mall.

The event was organized by Staples High School graduates Jesse and Sefra Levin. The twins are readiness skills specialists, whose company — Tactivate – prepares people for survival worldwide.

Jesse and Sefra have worked in Ukraine since last February.

Last night’s diverse group, assembling medical kits. (Photo/Bonnie Erickson)

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Sure, and though it’s still January, the fine folks at Stop & Shop are already thinking about … St. Patrick’s Day.

Forget Valentine’s. No way, Presidents Day.

This display is all about the green.

In more ways than one.

Late January, at Stop & Shop. (Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

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From green to red, orange and purple …

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows a colorful daybreak, from the kitchen window of Mark Yurkiw’s Cross Highway home.

(Photo/Mark Yurkiw)

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And finally … as noted above, it’s still January. But — as Stop & Shop shows — it’s never too early to celebrate March 17.

(You don’t have to wait until St. Patrick’s Day to celebrate “06880.” Please click here today to support this blog. Thank you!)

 

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Posted in Beach, Environment, Local business, Politics, Real estate

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Roundup: Beach Dogs, Earth Animal, Salmon Trees …

Posted on September 30, 2022 | 3 comments

Tomorrow is October 1.

Every dog owner — and probably every dog — knows what that means.

From Saturday through March 31, canines are allowed back on Compo Beach.

They’re prohibited from the pavilion, playground and walkways. They must be leashed in all areas, except the off-leash area (south of the pavilion, including South Beach).

And it goes without saying — though the Parks & Recreation Department says it anyway, because some dog owners don’t care about this crap — “you are required by law to pick up your dog’s feces.”

Oh happy day! Frank, Oggy, Utah and Winston (Photo/Nicola Sharian)

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Speaking of animals:

Earth Animal has donated $20,000 to build a new barn at Wakeman Town Farm. It will provide shelter, feed storage and veterinary care space.

The funds came through a 6-month Little Barn Project. A percentage of store sales — including WTF merchandise — went to the farm. Earth Animal then matched the funds.

“My sister Abbey and I fell in love with the farm and all that it does for the community, the animals, children, families and their dedicated sustainability mission,” says Merritt Goldstein, whose family owns Earth Animal.

“We asked what we could do for the farm and began supplying food for the animals. We realized that the existing barn was run down, and needed to be rebuilt.”

Wakeman Town Farm barn.

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Aquarion has requested a revenue increase of $49.9 million — a 25% increase. If approved by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, it would add about $4.25 per month to the bill of a typical residential water customer using 72,000 gallons of water annually.

Public hearings will be held next Thursday, October 6  (via Zoom; click here) and Tuesday, October 25 (via Zoom; click here). (Hat tip: Jeff Manchester)

For more information, click here and here.

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As if Westport does not have enough traffic and school bus problems:

Andrew Colabella reports that a bus broke down in this most inopportune spot prior to starting its route today:

(Photo/Andrew Colabella)

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Ribbons around trees usually mean they’re coming down soon.

Probably not so at Grace Salmon Park.

These pink ribbons are undoubtedly in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month:

But it might not hurt to get rid of these particular ones.

They’re trees of heaven — a very invasive species.

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Some people don’t look at food expiration dates.

Jarret Liotta does.

The native Westporter sends this photo:

(Photo/Jarret Liotta)

He writes: “This is probably my third in the last couple of months. Perhaps you can suggest a new ‘06880’ game: Readers can search Stop & Shop for their favorite expired products.”

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The Joggers Club is moving from Greens Farms train station to Compo Beach.

There are fun runs every Saturday at 8 a.m. (parking available even without a sticker). There are short (3-5 miles) and long courses (6 to 9 miles) each week.

The cost is $50 (not each time!). New Joggers Club members receive a Brooks racing shirt.

The club also introduces a new members-only track night, every Wednesday at 6:15 p.m., at the Staples High School Track.

Got kids? The Joggers Club Jr. welcomes youngsters in kindergarten through 8th grade. They work on speed, strength and how to love the sport.

The Joggers Club was founded in 2007 to help runners build friendships, form bonds,  have fun (and run).

For more information, click here, or go to Instagram (@TheJoggersClub.CT),
Facebook or Strava for weekly courses and local running chatter.

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Speaking of sports: Tennis fans would give anything to watch Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal up close and personal. When they do, it costs big buck$. And they’re surrounded by thousands of other people.

Squash aficionados can watch their heroes — Paul Coll (ranked #2 in the world), Diego Elias (#4) and Faraz Kahn (#53) — on October 6.

The site is Intensity — the tennis/squash/fitness/dance center just over the Norwalk line. (It’s also home to the Staples High School squash teams.)

The event starts at 5 p.m. with junior clinics. Adult clinics follow at 6, with the pro exhibition matches beginning at 7.

Admission includes food, drink, and photo and autograph opportunities — something else you’d never get with Federer or Nadal. Click here for tickets.

Paul Coll — the #2 squash player in the world — comes to Intensity.

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Slava Ukraini!

Last week, Westporters Anna Dubchak, Steve Taranko, Vitaly Yakubovskiy and Mark Yurkiw, plus Luba Zam from Norwalk, held the first meeting of the
Ukrainian Society of Fairfield.

The group hopes to assist Ukraine cope with the horrors of the Russian invasion.

Non-Ukrainians are welcome to help too. For more information, email: UkrainianFairfield@hotmail.com.

The Ukrainian Society of Fairfield.

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There’s always something going on at Sherwood Mill Pond.

Matt Murray spotted this great blue heron yesterday. Today, it’s our handsome “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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And finally … rapper Coolio, the rapper and Grammy winner of hits like “Gangsta’s Paradise,” died Wednesday in Los Angeles. He was 59. Click here for a full obituary.

This may be the first YouTube video I’ve ever linked to with over 1 billion views.

(“06880” is your source for all local news (and worldwide hit songs). Please click here to support this blog.

 

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

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Tim Harman’s Milestone

Posted on June 27, 2022 | 11 comments

In these polarized days, there is little that Westporters agree on.

From national issues like reproductive rights and our leaders, to local ones like the Cribari Bridge and affordable housing, battle lines have hardened.

But there is one thing all “06880” readers know: We love Tim Harman.

You’ve seen him — always smiling — bagging groceries at Stop & Shop.

Tim recently celebrated 30 years an an employee there. He started as part of Staples High School’s work/study program. For 3 decades, he’s been one of the supermarket’s most loyal employees. 

Tim’s sister-in-law Karen writes proudly about other parts of Tim’s life:

In addition to Stop & Shop, Tim — who is now 51 — works at the wonderful Prospector Theater In Ridgefield. Its mission is to  offer work opportunities to residents with special needs.

Tim Harman, working at the Prospector Theater …

Tim is also a longtime member of Our Vision. The organization’s mission is to enrich the lives for persons with disabilities by providing social, cultural and recreational activities which foster enduring friendships, and expand their potential through teamwork and training in Special Olympics.

But Tim’s greatest gifts are his infectious smile, and that he knows almost everyone in town —  from everyday shoppers to teachers and coaches, and the town firefighters who come in almost  daily.

In fact, he is an honorary firefighter, riding in the fire truck every Memorial Day parade.

… riding in the Memorial Day parade …

Every new customer is a new friend. The next time you meet him, he will remember your name. You can’t go anywhere without him knowing somebody.  Some refer to him as the unofficial Ambassador of Westport.

Tim is a life-long Westporter. He attended Westport schools as a special education student, all the way, from Coleytown Elementary and Middle Schools, through Staples High. Tim was a member of the Wreckers swim team, and a manager for the baseball team.

His sports talent is evident at annual Connecticut Special Olympics competitions. He has run, swum, and even tried shot putting this year.

He’s pretty good. He has won close to 100 medals over the past 45 years ,including 3 last month. Tim doesn’t even count his  ribbons.

… starring at Special Olympics …

Ask him about his favorite teams. He is a long-suffering fan of the Mets, Knicks and  Giants. He can tell you the scores of each team’s games the next day.

Tim’s parents, Gail and Jim Harman, moved to Westport in 1963. Gail spent many years as a paraprofessional at Staples. Jim is well known as the proprietor of the garage next to The Porch @ Christe’s. Tim’s brother Jim lives locally, while his sister Liz  calls New York City home. Both went through Westport schools, as did Tim’s niece Chase Harman Burke and nephew Andrew Harman.

Tim is a proud and loving uncle to 6 adults, and grand-uncle to 7 little ones.

… and with a great-nephew.

Congratulations, Tim, on your 30 years at Stop & Shop. And thank
you for making Westport a better place, every day!

(“06880” relies completely on reader support. Please click here to contribute.)

Tim Harman (bottom row, center) with his family.

 

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Posted in Education, Local business, Staples HS, Westport life

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Pic Of The Day: A Scam?

Posted on March 1, 2022 | 11 comments

Last night’s Pic of the Day — a photo of a violinist playing in the Stop & Shop parking lot, raising money to pay medical and other bills — tugged at heartstrings.

(Photo/Karen Solicito)

It may also have been a scam.

Several readers commented — publicly and privately — that “musicians” like these are not always what they seem. Their bow strings don’t always match up, and they may lack vibrato.

Jonathan Prager linked to a YouTube video, with an investigative report from a Texas TV station.

The Pic of the Day may have to go back to Compo sunsets.

You can’t fake those.

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Posted in Entertainment, Pic of the Day

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Pic Of The Day #1778

Posted on February 28, 2022 | 5 comments

When Karen Solicito was walking into Stop & Shop today, she heard Eastern European music. She thought the store was supporting Ukraine.

On her way out, she spotted the source: a young musician, playing in the parking lot. He had a tip jar, and a sign with his Venmo: @London-Radu. 

Every little bit helps.

(Photo/Karen Solicito)

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Posted in Entertainment, Local business, Pic of the Day

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