The kind of stuff that we usually already have at hand, and probably don’t need,
Do you really need all that stuff?
Sustainable Westport, the Town of Westport, Westport Farmers’ Market, Westport Downtown Association and the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce all say: Enough!
They’ve banded together to encourage Westport to #SkipTheStuff. The goal is to reduce unnecessary takeout waste from local restaurants.
#SkipTheStuff is part of a national campaign to enact legislation requiring restaurants to ask before adding unnecessary “stuff” to orders.
Good news! We’re head of the game. Westport already has an ordinance prohibiting food service establishments from including “stuff” in orders without request.
Westport’s #SkipTheStuff campaign encourages residents to only ask for the single-use or disposable items you truly need.
At the same time, don’t expect food service establishments to provide you with “extras” or “stuff.” By law, they should be included in your order only if you specifically ask for them.
Westporters should invest in reusable “travel utensils” to carry with you, if you won’t be eating your takeout meal at home.
For more information about #SkipTheStuff, click here.
(“06880” supports a sustainable Westport. And we hope readers will support — and sustain — “06880.” To make a tax-deductible contribution, please click here. Thank you!)
The Long Lots Elementary School project moved one important step forward last night.
The Board of Finance voted unanimously to appropriate $6.8 million, for the design phase.
As reported in the Westport Journal, the funds include $6.2 million for a design consultant, architect, engineers and other professionals; $190,000 for a construction manager; $175,000 for a town project managers; $195,000 for testing, studies and borings, and $40,000 for printing and miscellaneous.
The cost per square foot is projected to be $727. Geothermal heating and cooling could raise that to $777 per square foot.
The appropriation request now goes to the Representative Town Meeting.
The Finance Board pushed 2 other requests to its next meeting, the Journal reports: $630,000 in design money to upgrade the Jesup Green and Imperial Avenue parking lots, and $110,000 to update conceptual plans for a new Fire Department headquarters, to possibly include the Police Department and Emergency Medical Service.
A replacement for 70-year-old Long Lots School moved closer to reality last night.
The Westport Rotary Club turns 100 years old this year.
And on March 7 — 100 years to the day that they received their charter from Rotary International — the civic-and-service-and-more organization will celebrate.
Their “First 100 Years” Centennial Gala (6 p.m., The Inn at Longshore) includes cocktails, a great meal, and entertainment, with a multimedia presentation of that first century (photos by Dave Matlow, a new video, and MC Jeff Wieser).
Everyone receives a commemorative book too, highlighting Rotary’s 100 years.
You don’t have to be a Rotarian to attend. The event is open to all.
Tickets are $100 (Venmo @Thomas-Carey-73046, or mail checks to Westport Rotary PO Box 743, Westport, CT 06881). Email: rsvp.WestportRotary@gmail.com.
The Centennial Gala is not the only way for Rotary to mark their milestone. They’re also the lead sponsor for the Compo Beach playground renovation project. It’s planned for late September — just a few days after their annual LobsterFest.
Meanwhile, members of Westport’s other Rotary — the Sunrise Club — will be out in force this Saturday (February 10, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Stop & Shop) for their annual “Souper Bowl Food Drive.”
It’s a team effort, with the Westport Police Department and others. They’ll collect non-perishable food and personal care items — and cash donations — to support Homes with Hope’s food pantry at the Gillespie Center.
Among the items needed: canned tuna, chicken, meat, vegetables and fruit; hearty soup, beef stew and chili; pasta and pasta sauce; peanut butter and jelly; crackers; granola and protein bars; rice; mac and cheese; cereal; shampoo, toothpaste and deodorant.
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Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between January 31 and February 7.
A man was arrested for evading responsibility (hit and run), driving under the influence and illegal operation of a motor vehicle under suspension, following a crash near M&T Bank. The suspect was found passed out behind the wheel, in the bank parking lot.
A man was arrested for assault with serious injury, strangulation/suffocation and unlawful restraint. Following a traffic stop for no headlights and a bumper dragging on the ground, the officer observed the driver and passengers with injuries, blood and scratches. The man had gone through the female’s phone, found messages he believed to be suspicious, assaulted her, and refused to let her get out of the car.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 10 citations
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 5
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 4
Failure to obey stop sign: 4
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 4
Failure to register a commercial vehicle: 3
School zone violation: 1
Evading responsibility: 1
Traveling at unreasonable speed: 1
Passing a motor vehicle stopped in a crosswalk: 1
Failure to renew license: 1
Failure to renew registration: 1
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Driving with a foreign license for more than 60 days: 1
Improper turn/no signal: 1
Failure to grant right of way: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without tint inspection: 1
Homebuyers comparing counties know that the downside to Westchester’s closer proximity to New York City is its much higher property taxes.
But there’s another element of Westchester real estate that buyers may not realize: higher closing costs too.
Refinance costs for mortgages are much higher too.
Our friends at KMS Team at Compass say that the reason is differences in state and county regulations and requirements, along with added taxes and fees.
New York state imposes a mansion tax of 1% on purchases over $1,000,000. There is also a mortgage tax of roughly 1% in Westchester County.
Today (Thursday, February 8, 2 to 4 p.m.), they offer a “Blossom + Stem Floral Design Workshop.”
The local florists will help you design your own centerpiece, for you to take home. Bring your own vase (up to 6 inches wide and 1 foot tall), or purchase a Blossom + Stem vase on-site for $25. All other supplies are covered. Click here to register.
On Saturday (February 10, 5 to 6 p.m., and 7 to 8 p.m.), there’s a “Romantic Evening” chocolate workshop.
Couples can create treats under the guidance of Le Rouge by Aarti chocolatiers — while sipping their signature hot cocoa, Champagne or a BYO beverage. Click here to register.
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Immerse yourself in the art of chocolate-making with your loved one in a romantic setting. Create delectable treats under the guidance of expert chocolatiers from Le Rouge Chocolates while sipping on Le Rouge’s signature hot cocoa, a glass of champagne, or a byo beverage.
The Westport Representative Town Meeting is seeking candidates from District 3 to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Lyn Hogan. I
No party affiliation is required, as Westport’s RTM is non-partisan. The term expires November 18, 2025.
Residents of RTM District 3 interested in being considered for vacancy should invited to send a resume by February 21 to Town Clerk Jeffrey Dunkerton: JDunkerton@westportct.gov.
Sustainable Westport co-directors Gately Ross and Johanna Martell attended the recent Connecticut League of Conservation Voters Environmental Summit in Hartford.
They joined environmental leaders, lawmakers and policy experts to discuss priorities and challenges for the 2024 legislative session, and better understand their impact on Westport.
Sustainable Westport’s Gately Ross and Johanna Martell flank State Representative Jonathan Steinberg at the environmental summit in Hartford.
Pam Docters offers today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo: “food left by a tree along the Library Riverwalk, for ducks, geese and seagulls.”
And, we’re sure, any other creature that comes along.
(Photo/Pam Docters)
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And finally … James Dean was born on this day, in 1931. He died in a car crash in 1955, age 24. Had he lived, the star of “Rebel Without a Cause” would be celebrating his 93rd birthday.
LOCAL CONNECTION: Phil Ochs was giving a concert in Westport on March 31, 1968. He was handed a note on stage — and told the audience that President Johnson had just announced he would not seek re-election that fall.
(“06880” is your place for hyper-local news, upcoming events — and weekly Police Reports. If you appreciate our coverage, please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
On January 1, Connecticut’s “Bottle Bill” doubled its deposit to 10 cents.
Sustainable Westport says: “The bottle bill aims to incentivize recycling and proper disposal of beverage containers by attributing a cash value to each container, making it more likely that the containers will be recycled.
“States with bottle bills (we are one of only 10 in the US) have much higher recycling rates for containers than non-bottle bill states.
“The redemption process — separate from curbside recycling — results in less contamination, contributing to higher-quality recycled materials, particularly for plastics.
“Eligible containers include most metal, glass, and plastic beverage containers within specific size ranges for carbonated and non-carbonated drinks. The program covers various beverages, but excludes certain items like paper cartons, pouches, milk, wine and liquor.
“Consumers can redeem containers at stores selling the deposited beverages, including those equipped with self-service reverse vending machines (RVMs). Two near locations to redeem bottles and cans are Stop & Shop and Stew Leonard’s.
“Connecticut’s Bottle Bill laws contribute to the creation of a circular economy by ensuring that valuable resources within these containers are efficiently recycled and reused. This conserves raw materials, and reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with producing new containers from scratch.
“Beyond its environmental benefits, this legislation fosters a sense of responsibility and awareness regarding waste management. For more information about the new bottle bill and to learn about other redemption options, check out our recent blog.
(“06880” is your go-to local blog, for environmental news and notes. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Michael Friedman’s pop-up photography gallery — featuring intimate images he took more than 50 years ago, of the Rolling Stones, Doors, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and more — was slated to close over the holidays.
But the Staples High school graduate is staying on for a while, at 31 Church Lane.
He’s open weekends from noon to 5, and other times “by chance.”
If you’d prefer more certainty than that ’60s-type vibe, call or text 203-247-6869.
It’s worth the, um, trip.’
Michael Friedman in his pop-up gallery. His photo shows Levon Helm, legendary drummer for The Band.
‘The third — and final — session in Sustainable Westport’s Residential Energy Learning Series is “Everything Solar.”
Set for January 23 (6:30 p.m., Westport Library), it features Westport architect John Rountree and Aegis Solar consultant Nathan Hernandez.
They’ll offer ideas on how to transition your home or business to solar energy, including how solar panels work, how to choose a solar installation company, key design and installation considerations, the expected ROI from going solar, and financing options (with federal and state incentives).
Westporter Jim Wolf, who recently installed solar, will also speak.
Panelists will answer audience questions too. Click here to register.
John Rountree — who will speak on January 23 — added solar panels to his house, and a nearby garage.
“We did it! We have reached our goal of inspiring (over) 150 Westporters to make a gift in support of Sustainable Westport.
“We deeply appreciate every individual who participated in our first-ever Community Giving Challenge.
“Your support helped us raise money to expand our programming in 2024, demonstrated our community’s continued commitment to sustainability, and helped us unlock an additional $10,000 challenge grant from a generous Sustainable Westport donor. When we come together, even small actions have an incredible impact! Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
Jake Thaw is going to the College Football Playoff championship.
His University of Michigan Wolverines edged Alabama 27-20 in overtime yesterday, at the Rose Bowl. They’ll face the University of Washington next Monday in Houston (January 8, 8:15 p.m., ESPN).
It almost didn’t happen, though. The only punt that came the 2020 Staples High School graduate’s way was muffed, at the 5-yard line. Thaw did a great job of avoiding a safety, under intense pressure.
Jay Harbaugh — the UM special teams coordinator, and son of head coach Jim Harbaugh — was heavily criticized on social media for allowing Thaw to attempt the catch inside the 10, and not simply letting it bounce.
Bridgewater Associates — the Westport-based world’s largest hedge fund, and the object of so much interest and mystery in that world — is under the media microscope again.
Not long after the publication of Rob Copeland’s tell-almost-all book “The Fund,” a Bloomberg story examines charges against the company of favoritism, age and sex discrimination.
The article includes this description of what goes on inside the office:
Because many employees at Bridgewater are in their 20s and 30s and work long hours in the Connecticut suburbs far outside New York City, romantic relationships are common, people who have worked there said….
And the togetherness extends beyond work. There are almost 100 clubs where employees can do everything from play softball to rescue pets.
Click here for the full story. (Hat tip: Allan Siegert)
Bridgewater’s Nyala Farm headquarters, where romance blooms. (Photo/Nico Eisenberger)
Bassist/composer/producer Harvie S and guitarist Sheryl Bailey kick off the 2024 Jazz at the Post year this Thursday (January 4, VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 6:30 p.m. on).
The two highly regarded musicians will be joined by saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall and drummer Steve Johns.
Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com
Since then, Pierluigi Mazzella’s bakery (whose name means “made by hand” in Italian) has risen faster than the sourdough bread, focaccia, biscotti and pastries he makes in his Westport commercial kitchen.
The other day — in the midst of his very busy panetone-making Christmas season — Forbes stopped by for an in-depth profile.
The best part of the story is this quote from Pierluigi:
I think most of my customers love me as much as I love them. We have customers that have been so loyal and so supportive since day one. A funny thing is, my customers are noticing the growth of Fatto a Mano and tell me they are afraid I will become too famous and forget about them. But I will never. Every single one of them is the reason why I can do what I do.
Pierluigi Mazzella, and his Fatto a Mano panettone. (Photo courtesy of Forbes/Lisa Nichols with Bread & Beast Photography)
For Sustainable Westport, a challenge grant is the gift that keeps on giving.
So far this holiday season, 115 residents have contributed to the town’s environmental advisory group.
Inspired by the outpouring, the generous donor who issued the initial challenge has doubled down. If Sustainable Westport receives a total of 150 gifts by December 31, the donor will add another $5,00.
That will fund programs like Refill Not Landfill, the Residential Energy Learning Series, Clean Up Westport Day, Green Building awards, mattress and box spring recycling, the “Abundance” film screening and panel, a Sustainable Hospitality Guide, and more.
At Staples High School, Clay Singer was known as a talented actor (Players) and Orphenians.
He went on to perform in shows like the national tour of “The Band’s Visit.”
In February, his voice will join “The Voice” Season 16 winner Maelyn Jarmon. They’ll star in “The Last Five Years,” at The Drowned Lands in Warwick, New York.
Before yuletide fades too far into the background, here’s a look back at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport candlelight Christmas Eve service.
Senior minister Rev. Alan Taylor is at the right. (Photo/David Vita)
Pianist/keyboardist/music director Henry Hey headlines tomorrow’s Jazz at the Post (Thursday, December 28, VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner service starting at 7; $15 music charge).
Hey has toured and recorded with David Bowie, George Michael and Rod Stewart, served as musical director for Kennedy Center extravaganzas, and played with some of the most compelling jazz artists in the world.
He’ll be joined by bassist Hannah Marks, drummer Jon Wikan, and saxophonist Greg Wall. Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
Yesterday, she sent her minions here to pick up a large order from Fatto a Mano.
That’s Pierluigi Mazzella’s bakery. He’s earned a large, devoted following — at the Westport Farmer’s Market, and through online ordering — for his magic with all things sourdough: bread, focaccia, pastries and more.
Martha wanted plenty of panettoni.
And for good reason. Though Pierluigi comes from Italy — and an image of his village and his father’s boat is on his cookie boxes — his baked goods are actually out of this world.
Pierluigi Mazzella and his bakers, at Fatto a Mano. The name means “made by hand.” (Hat tip and photo/Frank Rosen)
Speaking of food: There are some changes on the restaurant scene, just over the Southport line:
A sign promises that X Ramen (“Ramen, Fried Chicken, Tea”) is coming soon to the site of the former Wafu. A quick Google search turned up no further information.
Meanwhile, a few yards east, the longtime S&S Dugout has already become Kabab & Hummus House, offering “Mediterranean Fusion Grill.”
The menu looks great, even if they did not employ an editor to check mis-apostrophied words like Soup’s, Salad’s and Special’s.
Plus, “Meat Balls” is actually one word.
Oh, yeah: They also spelled “Mediterranean” wrong on their big outdoor sign.
Last week, Sustainable Westport announced its first-ever Community Giving Challenge.
Since then, 73 Westporters have supported their mission: to help Westport make small changes and big commitments toward a healthier, more sustainable future.
If they reach 100 gifts by December 31, a generous Westporter has pledged to donate $5,000 to help expand the organization’s sustainability programs, educational initiatives, and community outreach efforts.
Sustainable Westport is ab independent non-profit, run entirely by volunteers. To donate, click here.
Westport’s drive to supply 2,000 homes in Lyman, Ukraine — our sister city — with heat this winter is nearing its goal.
We set out to raise $60,000 — the amount needed to pay for 2 wood pellet machines. Each provides enough pellets to heat 1,000 homes, all of them nearly destroyed during the long Russian siege.
Thanks to 2 large anonymous donations, and many smaller ones, we are at the $55,000 mark. We hope to raise the final $5,000 this weekend, so the machines can be delivered by New Year’s.
$30 will heat one home. $300 will heat 10. $3,000 will heat 100 homes — and bring us thisclose to our goal.
To donate by credit card, click here; then click the “I want to support” box; then select “Westport — Lyman Sister City.” Scroll down on the Donate page for other options: mail, wire transfer and Venmo. Thank you!
To learn more about the machines from Brian Mayer — the Westporter who co-founded Ukraine Aid International, which delivers aid directly to Lyman — click below:
Sustainable Westport announces its first-ever Community Giving Challenge.
If 100 followers make a gift to the town’s environmental advocacy organization by December 31, a generous Westport has pledged to donate $5,000.
“Reaching our goal will demonstrate our community’s commitment to sustainability and allow us to expand our sustainability programs, educational initiatives, and community outreach efforts,” officials say.
Jo Ann Miller was told by her postal carrier that all the mailboxes on Blue Coat Lane — off North Avenue — were hit by a thief. Similar thefts were reported on Greens Farms Road.
We’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: Don’t raise the flag on your mailbox.
To be even more safe — because thefts occur even when flags are not raised: Take your mail to the post office, and deposit it inside.
Pro tip: The Greens Farms post office — in front of the train station — has much easier parking.
Your best bet, any time of year. (Photo/Bobbie Herman
Yesterday’s “06880” reported that — contrary to our previous reporting — Cava would not be opening next to Westport Hardware.
We were right the first time.
The casual restaurant — featuring pitas and bowls — will indeed open, in mid-January.
Meanwhile, a mattress store — which we said erroneously would take over the intended Cava space — will actually move in in the same strip mall, near the UPS Store.
We apologetically eat our words. (Hat tip: Megan Brownstein)
A few offerings from Cava.
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This year’s Martin Luther King Day observance will be special.
Dr. Clarence B. Jones — the slain civil rights leader’s longtime speechwriter and confidant — will be the guest of honor, at Westport’s 18th annual celebration. He speaks at the Westport Library on January 14 (3 p.m.).
Dr. Jones served as legal counsel, strategic advisor, and draft speechwriter to King from 1960 until his assassination in 1968. He wrote the first 7 paragraphs of King’s historic “I Have a Dream” speech.
Dr. Jones worked with many leaders of the movement, serving as a liaison between King and Malcolm X, James Baldwin and Robert F. Kennedy, among others.
Dr. Jones carries on King’s legacy. As a lawyer, civil rights leader and business executive, he has maintained close personal friendships and working relationships with Muhammed Ali, James Baldwin, Harry Belafonte, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee and Lorraine Hansberry, among others.
Dr. Jones is chair of the Spill the Honey Foundation, which brings together historic and contemporary voices of the Black-Jewish alliance to achieve social justice non-violently. He also founded the Dr. Clarence B. Jones Institute for Social Advocacy, and serves as the founding director emeritus of the Institute for Nonviolence and Social Justice at the University of San Francisco.
In 2021, Dr. Jones received the Thurgood Marshall Award from the American Bar Association, the highest recognition given by the ABA.
The Martin Luther King Jr. celebration is a partnership between the Library, TEAM Westport, Westport Country Playhouse, and the Westport/Weston Interfaith Clergy and Council. Click here for more information.
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Speaking of the Library: A full house Thursday enjoyed the 2nd of 3 “Short Cuts Film Festival” evenings.
This month’s theme was “documentaries. Director Luchina Fisher discussed her film with producer Nancy Diamond, after the screening of 4 short docs.
The final “Short Cuts” screening is January 18. Click here for more information, and tickets.
Nancy Diamond (left) and Luchina Fisher, on stage at the Short Cuts Film Festival.
Connecticut Children’s — the state’s only healthcare system dedicated exclusively to the care of kids — has received a $1 million commitment from the David and Geri Epstein Private Foundation to support the hospital’s Westport Specialty Clinic, as well as research with statewide and nationwide impact.
The infusion center at the new Westport Specialty Clinic was named for Geri Epstein at a ceremony last month.
Infusion Center patient Rhys (left) with his parents, Kia and Ryan; Connecticut Children’s president and CEO Dr. Jim Shmerling, and David & Geri Epstein Private Foundation trustee Karen Hess.
Here’s Sherwood Mill Pond in late fall, off of Grove Point.
It’s a different angle of a familiar scene — just right for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
(Photo/Ellen Wentworth)
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And finally … news of thefts from mailboxes (story above) brought this classic to mind.
Forget the abysmal, rolling-their-eyes lip synching. Just realize that when he recorded the gruff, blue-eyed soul vocal with the Box Tops, Alex Chilton was just 16 years old.
(Hey: You don’t have to mail a contribution to “06880.” Just click here to donate with a very safe credit card, Venmo or Zelle transfer. Of course, you CAN send a check too. Whichever way: Thank you!)
For several weeks, small posters with photos of Israelis kidnapped by Hamas have hung on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.
That triggered one Norwalk resident.
The woman, whose social media handle is “Best of CT Moms” — definitely not to be confused with “Moms of Westport” — posted a video story on Instagram.
Admitting it would be “an unpopular opinion,” she said: “I do not like all the kidnapped signs all over Westport. There’s nobody here who has been kidnapped that we can actually find.”
Should there be one side of the bridge with Israelis, and one side with Palestinians, she asked, “and you choose which side to walk on?”
She continued: “What was the goal? To let people know people were kidnapped? I feel like everyone knows.”
Or perhaps to let people know that antisemitism exists? “We know as Jews people are antisemitic,” she said. “I don’t need to be reminded. It’s not positive.”
She said that protecting her own mental health was important, so she stays away from the news. But, she concluded, “I don’t need news. I can drive through Westport and see all the kidnapped people.
“It’s too much. It’s too much. It’s too much.” (Hat tip: Andrew Colabella)
In just 24 hours, Westport passed the halfway mark in its drive to provide heat to 2,000 residents in our Ukraine sister city this winter.
“06880” announced yesterday a $60,000 goal for Lyman. That would cover 2 wood pellet machines. Each heats 1,000 homes — a dire need, in the 2nd winter after Russia’s invasion.
An anonymous donor kick-started the campaign, with a $30,000 donation. Within an hour, another anonymous Westporter contributed $10,000.
Combined with $6,300 more from individual residents, we’re less than $15,000 away from funding both wood pellet heating machines.
Come on, Westport. We can finish this today — and have the machines delivered, up and running by Christmas. Ukrainine Aid International — the non-profit created by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer — will handle all details.
To donate by credit card, click here; then click the “I want to support” box; then select “Westport — Lyman Sister City.” Scroll down on the Donate page for other options: mail, wire transfer and Venmo. Thank you!
Westport’s annual Hanukkah menorah lighting is set for Monday (December 11), at 5 p.m. in front of Anthropologie, where the Post Road meets Church Lane and Main Street.
The public is invited.
The downtown menorah, in 2020. (Photo/Arlene Yolles)
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Interested in learning how to make your home more energy efficient? Want to help Westport reach our goal of becoming Net Zero by 2050?
Sustainable Westport offers a “Going Geothermal” session. It provides information, resources — and confidence — to kick off an energy-saving home improvement project.
A panel of energy professionals — and Westporters who have actually been through the process — will lead a conversation, and answer questions. The event is next Tuesday (December 12, 6:30 p.m., Westport Library). Click here to register, and for more information.
It’s all 12s for the Artists Collective of Westport.
Their 12″x12″ small works holiday show kicks off in the Westport Country Playhouse Sheffer Barn next Tuesday: 12/12. The reception (not 12 noon, but rather 6 to 8 p.m.) includes food, music and wine. “Affordable artwork” will be available, in a variety of mediums.
The show continues December 13 to 17, from 2 to 6 p.m.
Yesterday, Mercy’s new president and CEO Lindsay Wyman told members the many ways in which the Bridgeport non-profit educates women, in turn helping families overcome poverty.
Mercy’s holistic support services include adult education, English instruction — plus full infant and toddler care, and an early childhood education program.
Since opening in 1987, over 16,500 women have been helped. Many earn GEDs and citizenship. Volunteer tutors and childcare givers are always needed, Wyman said.
Mercy Learning Center CEO Lindsay Wyman. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
The mega-popular knighted singer — who has sold over 300 million records worldwide — recently posted an Instagram of his reactions to a couple of other versions of his double platinum 1973 hit “Step Into Christmas.”
Among the songs he liked: the one by 2007 Staples High School graduate Angus.
Check it out below. Drew appears twice: first in a circular frame, wearing crazy glasses; then performing, in a red flannel shirt.
Speaking of entertainment: In a few minutes (10 a.m.), Westporter Rex Fowler — half of Aztec Two-Step 2.0 — will be live on Rob Silber’s “Rock Therapy” show on WPKN-FM.
Rex will discuss his new memoir, and play a few songs mentioned in it. Click here, then click on the “Listen” link — or tune in to 89.5.
Following up on yesterday’s announcement about makeup, skincare, health and wellness products and hair products at a special holiday gift event at Salon Nash this Saturday (December 9, 2:30 to 6 p.m., 179 Post Road West), which is a fundraiser for the Friends of the Senior Center:
Owner Felicia Nash will also give a free blowout for contributions to Ukraine Aid International’s sister city fund (click here; then click the “I want to support” box; select “Westport — Lyman Sister City”).
Robert Bernstein — a noted educator, and Westport resident for 55 years — died yesterday morning, surrounded by his family. He was 94. He leaves a legacy of love and laughter.
Born in the Bronx, the third of 3 boys, he earned BA and MA degrees from Brooklyn College. He served in Korea as Sergeant First Class with the 101st Airborne Infantry Division, then joined the pre-doctoral program at Teachers’ College, Columbia University.
Bob’s soulmate and life partner was Barbara (Bobbie) Grishman (Bobbie). They raised 3 children: Lydia, Doug and Brian.
Bob began his teaching career in elementary schools in New York City and Westchester County. After an administrative internship, he accepted a principalship in Wilmington, Delaware.
In 1968, Bob found a perfect fit as principal of Redding Elementary School. The family moved to Westport.
Bob was the beloved principal of Redding Elementary for 25 years, dedicating himself to facilitating the growth of children and teachers and profoundly impacting the community. After retirement, he held 4 interim principalships.
Bob also taught adult education in New York City and Westchester County, and ESL with Norwalk Community College and Literacy Volunteers in Danbury. He was a member of the board and served as president of the Elementary/Middle School Principal Association of Connecticut.
Bob was a longtime member of the Y’s Men of Westport Weston and Temple Israel. He loved opera and the symphony, enjoyed playing tennis and ping pong, and watching his grandchildren play sports. Spending time at Compo Beach remained his favorite activity.
His family says, “Bob was the consummate gentleman, treating every person with kindness, respect, and dignity. We will carry forward his most enduring and endearing quality; a belief in every person’s goodness and their capacity to grow.”
Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Bobbie, their children Lydia, Doug (and Melissa) and Brian (and Lauren), his grandchildren Miriam, Brendan, Ilana, Jessica (Graham), Audrey, Cayla, Sydelle, Esther and Nate; brother-in-law Hank Grishman (Jill), and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his grandson Jason.
Bob’s service will be held at Temple Israel tomorrow (Thursday, December 7, 1 p.m.). Burial will follow at Temple Israel Cemetery in Norwalk.
Shiva will be held at the home of Bob and Bobbie’s home on December 7 immediately following the burial, and Friday, December 8(1 to 4 p.m.) and Saturday, December 9 (7 to 9 p.m.; service at 7:30).
Bob’s favorite educational and cultural arts charities were: A Better Chance of Westport (PO Box 2153, Westport, CT 06881) and Neighborhood Studios of Fairfield County (391 East Washington Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06608).
The Staples High School field hockey team lost 3-2 in overtime to Darien during the regular season. The Blue Wave shut out the Wreckers 3-0 in the FCIAC championship earlier this month.
But Staples won the game that really counted: the state class “L” (large schools) championship.
The #2-seeded Wreckers prevailed 3-1 over their #1-ranked archrivals yesterday, at Wethersfield High School.
Darien led 1-0 in the second quarter, but Sofia Fidalgo-Schioppa equalized 4;40 before, the half, on Staples’ first shot of the game.
Soon after intermission, freshman Leah Larit knocked in a rebound off a penalty corner, giving the Wreckers the lead. Storey Ahl added an insurance goal in the final quarter.
Goalie Paige Knesich and her defense secured the win.
it was the 5th Connecticut crown for coach Ian Tapsall’s girls, but the first since their 4 consecutive titles from 2016-19.
Congratulations to all. You kept your eye on the prize — and now its yours.
State champion Staples High School field hockey team.
Now everyone living, shopping or dining in Saugatuck — or driving through it — knows it for sure.
The William F. Cribari Bridge lights were lit last night. They’re a gift to the town — and visitors — from Al’s Angels. The non-profit provides holiday meals and gifts to children (and their families) battling cancer, rare blood diseases, natural disasters and severe financial hardship. (Click here to give back to Al’s Angels.)
The lights are traditionally lit the day after Thanksgiving. This year, they came on a few days early,
Al’s Angels founder Al DiGuido says, “we believe that our world needs a beacon of hope and love right now (as always). We are called to be a light in the world!”
The Cribari Bridge lights are on! (Photo/Patti Brill)
And with it, spectacular amounts of food and consumer waste.
Sustainable Westport can help. Westport’s non-profit environmental advisory group says:
“This holiday season, we encourage you to consider small changes that will help you minimize your impact on the environment.
“It is estimated that 305 million pounds of Thanksgiving food is thrown out each year. Click here for our tips on how to ‘rethink the feast,’ and minimize the food waste you produce at Thanksgiving and other holiday gatherings.
“Speaking of gatherings, if you are hosting this season, click here for our sustainable hospitality guide for recommendations on how to make your party less wasteful and more eco-friendly.”
With so much to celebrate and so much pressure to “make magic,” Sustainable Westport knows it can be hard to commit to change.
To encourage residents to reduce food waste and participate in the Westport Zero Food Waste Challenge, they are giving away an Alabama Sawyer countertop compost bin (retail value $195) to one Instagram or Facebook follower.
To enter, follow Sustainable Westport on Instagram and/or Facebook, like the post shown below, like the “Compost Bin Giveaway” post, and tag a Westporter who you think should follow them. The deadline is this Tuesday (November 21).
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The Flying Fingers Jug Band bring season 1 of “First Folk Sunday” to a rousing close.
They group — featuring washboard, string bass, jug, dobro, fiddle, kazoo, mouth harp and stove pipe — are booked for December 3 (12:30 to 2:30 p.m., VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399).
Former Westonite David Barron joins them, on banjo and mandolin.
Suzanne Sheridan, First Folk Sunday’s lead singer, recently saw the Flying Fingers perform, and recruited them for her series.
Click here for tickets. The music cover charge is $10. A special holiday brunch buffet and cash bar are available for an additional cost. Questions? Call 203-984-7562.
Johanna Keyser Rossi spotted today’s “Westport … Naturally” subject — a kingfisher — at Grace Salmon Park. She was surprised he has not yet headed south for the winter.
And finally … on this date in 1493, Christopher Columbus landed on an island he spotted the previous day. He named it San Juan Bautista. It is now called Puerto Rico,
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