Tom Kretsch is a longtime Westport, a retired teacher — and a noted photographer. He writes:
The warmth of the holiday spirit was alive and well in Branson Hall at Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church last Wednesday evening.
Festive decorated tables, a tasty dinner, a large assortment of home-baked desserts, holiday music drifting through the air, and of course the arrival of Santa Claus for young ones.
The occasion was Homes with Hope‘s annual holiday party for the many people blessed to have the help and services of this fabulous organization.
In addition to Gillespie Shelter for men and Hoskins Place for women, they offer affordable housing for those in need, meals, a food pantry, counseling, tutoring and so much more.
It was a joy to be there as a guest and a member of the Artists Collective of Westport, which had organized a special “Art from the Heart” project. Through donations by members, every family at the party could choose a piece through a free raffle.
As dinner wound down, it was time for folks to choose their favorites. Everyone had time to view the art beforehand.
Admiring art, before the raffle.
Watching all this evolve was heartwarming. A mother and daughter chose a piece of gorgeous mystical flowers.
A man dressed in holiday clothing chose a stunning portrait of a horse. He held it, then raised it over his head as if he had just won the Super Bowl, singing out in glee.
I walked up to a woman who had chosen one of my photographs, a huge Ferris wheel taken in Wildwood, New Jersey. I introduced myself and told her a little about the image. She was so pleased, and asked to have a picture taken of us.
Tom Kretsch’s Ferris wheel photo.
Ken Runkel, an artist who donated a piece, also spoke with the people who had chosen his. He too was touched by the warmth and gratitude of the recipients.
And so, it went on until the last piece was taken.
As many were gathered by the piano singing holiday songs, I chatted with Helen McAlinden, president and CEO of Homes with Hope. With her sweet Irish accent and always positive spirit, she is a dynamic and charismatic leader.
As we talked, she told me in a whisper that one of the people who had gotten a photograph said to her, “I wish I had a wall to put it on.”
I almost couldn’t comprehend what I had just heard. Is this possible? Here in Westport, someone does not have a wall of their own to put a picture up. He has no personal space.
That touched the core of my being.
Art can do so much for a person — whether making it or looking at it. It can help comfort, soothe, inspire, create, think, imagine, hope, change, care, heal and smile.
The Artists Collective of Westport made a nice step toward bringing art into people’s lives who might not have the means to purchase it through its holiday “Art from the Heart” project.
The next morning Helen took me on a tour of the Gillespie Center. She showed me the fantastic food pantry, and all the facilities of the recently renovated center. I had not been there in a while.
As we walked through the men’s shelter, I passed several of the beds. Lying on them were the pieces of art they received the night before.
I am sure the wish for a “wall of their own” was also in their thoughts.
Phil Ochs wrote a song some years ago, called “There but for Fortune.” It speaks to the fragility of life:
I’ll show you a young man with so many reasons why
And there but for fortune go you or I, you and I.
As we look at our walls, may we all remember our own good fortune.
Patricia McMahon’s scrumptious Thanksgiving-themed image leads this week’s online art gallery.
A few autumnal artworks follow. Plus the usual eclectic array of drawings, photos and more.
It’s another Saturday show. Thanks for stopping by, and admiring our “06880” artists.
You can join them! No matter your age; the style or subject you choose — and whether you’re a first-timer or old-timer — we welcome your submissions. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, mixed media, digital, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — we want whatever you’ve got.
Please email a JPG to 06880blog@gmail.com. And please include the medium you’re working in — art lovers want to know.
“Tablescaping” (Patricia McMahon — Available for sale; click here)
“Our Maple in Autumn” (Jamie Walsh)
“Autumn Path” (Dayle Brownstein)
“Reservoir Reflections” (Nancy Breakstone — Available for purchase; click here)
Untitled (Eric Bosch)
“Hiking Along the Massif de l’Esterel” — watercolor (Kathleen Burke; Available for purchase; click here)
“Neap Tide” (Lawrence Weisman)
“The Beautiful Game” — Morocco (Tom Kretsch)
Untitled (June Rose Whittaker)
Photographer Mike Hibbard says, “Aaah! You’re a vicious cut-up! We’re ‘deheaded’ to the compost pit!”
“Clowning Around” (Martin Ripchick — Available for purchase; click here)
“Oh, Nurse!” — graphite (Steve Stein)
“Mother Dear” — pencil on paper (Bill Fellah)
(Entrance is free to our online art gallery. But please consider a donation! Just click here — and thank you!)
Posted onAugust 26, 2025|Comments Off on Roundup: Parks & Rec Programs, 1st Day Of School, Westport Community Theatre …
A technical glitch prevented yesterday’s Instagram Live conversation with Independent Party 1st selectman candidate David Rosenwaks. “06880” apologizes to those who tuned in.
For a couple of decades now on the first day of school, Pamela Long has taken a photo of elementary school children waiting at the Juniper Road/Caccamo Lane bus stop.
The faces may change, but the anticipation is always the same. Here is this year’s shot:
(Photo/Pamela Long)
Have a great year, kids.
And parents: Savor the moment. In a week or two, you’ll be dropping them off at college.
For 68 years, the Westport Community Theatre — a black box-style space in the lower level of Town Hall — has entertained local audiences.
Whether you’re a longtime audience member, or have never heard of it — read on for details for the 2025-26 season. It includes comedy and drama, and new plays and modern classics.
“Dooley at the Bar” (September 12-28): At the height of the Gilded Age, America’s favorite news analyst was Mr. Dooley — a fictitious bartender created by humorist Finley Peter Dunne. At his hole-in-the-wall tavern Mr. Dooley takes on robber barons, newspapers, political corruption, and a new century, in a hilarious one-man show.
“Conscience” (November 14-30): Connecticut premiere. In the 1950s, as Senator Joseph McCarthy rose to power through fear and intimidation, one Republican senator – Margaret Chase Smith of Maine – stood against him. This is the story of a remarkable woman who refused to back down.
“Happy Days,” by Samuel Beckett (January 30-February 15): Winnie is a middle-aged married woman determined to make the best of an absurd situation, by finding joy in little things, and hoping to catch the attention of her oblivious husband.
“The Savannah Sipping Society” (April 10-26): Four Southern women – an unemployed workaholic, a lonely widow, a boisterous good ol’ gal, and a life coach – are drawn together by fate (and an impromptu happy hour).
“The Matchmaker,” by Thornton Wilder (June 12-28). In 19th-century New York, wealthy widower and merchant Horace Vandergelder hopes to marry the milliner Irene Molloy. He turns to Dolly Levi for help, but she wants Horace for herself.
A 5-play subscription is $130 – that’s 5 plays for the price of 4 if purchased individually. Subscriptions include priority seating, and 2 bonus tickets to introduce friends to the theatre. Click here for details, or call 203-226-1983.
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La Plage — the Longshore restaurant — will close after Labor Day for the season.
They’ll reopen in early summer next year. The adjacent Inn at Longshore begins its remodeling project November 1.
The Inn and La Plage are part of the Delamar hospitality group. Dandelion — the new Westport hotel’s restaurant — holds a job fair today (Tuesday, noon to 4 p.m.0 for many positions.
A pre-opening cocktail party is set there for September 6. Organized by realtor Judy Michaelis, it’s a fundraiser for Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service. Click here for tickets.
The Planning & Zoning Commission meets tomorrow (Wednesday, 7 a.m. — yes, that time is correct — in Town Hall Room 201).
They are expected to immediately vote to go into an executive session to discuss pending litigation: ROAN Development Ventures vs. the P&Z, regarding the Hamlet at Saugatuck project.
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Tom Kretsch is one of Westport’s most talented, and favorite, photographers.
His exhibit “A Symphony of Color” is on display in the Westport Library’s South Gallery now through October 5.
Tomorrow (Wednesday) is the opening reception. The 6 p.m. event will be followed by a 7 p.m. conversation between him and Artists Collective of Westport co-founder Miggs Burroughs.
The Library says, “Kretsch’s background as an educator and lifelong traveler informs his ability to see beauty in the simple and the small. Whether he’s photographing New England, further afield or right here in Westport, his work speaks to his genre of peaceful places.” Click here for more details.
Congratulations to Team Schur — champions of this year’s resurrected Monday night men’s basketball league at Compo Beach.
A crowd of 50 people — including Staples head coach Dave Goldshore and associate head coach Chris Pickens — watched the title game. The scoe was 66-43.
The champions’ roster includes Jordan Schur, Travis Test, Noah Hammond, Zach But, Don Snyder, Connor Whelan, Kevin Cline, Brandon Barton and Michael Smith.
One Bad Oyster brings ska, surf and happiness to the Weston History & Culture Center’s outdoor summer concert series “Music at the Barn” on Sunday, September 7 (5:30 to 7 p.m.).
Guests should bring a lawn chair, and their own beverages. Tony Pizza Napolitano will be selling thin crust pizzas. Members of the Weston History & Culture Center receive a complimentary glass of beer or wine.
There will be 2 more candidates on the November 4 ballot.
Democrats Steve Shackelford and Jodi Harris collected — and the town clerk certified — over 400 petition signatures.
He is a former Representative Town Meeting member; she is a former Staples High School PTA co-presisdent.
They’ll join Democratic Town Committee-endorsed candidates Lauren Karpf (RTM deputy moderator) and Abby Tolan (incumbent BOE member), and Republican Town Committee-endorsed candidates Dorie Hordon (incumbent), Michelle Hopson, TEAM Westport member Andy Frankel, and Kaitlin Zucaro.
Shackelford and Harris say, “We are honored to have the opportunity to earn the trust and support of our fellow Westport residents. We look forward to engaging with the community and sharing our vision for a thoughtful, effective and forward-looking board that puts students and families first.”
Steve Shackelford and Jodi Harris.
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The Westport dining scene is about to change.
And “06880” is eating it up.
Today (Thursday) at 6 p.m., Dan Woog and Dave Briggs bring our popular “Dave & Dan” Instagram Live camera to Don Memo. Our Instagram is @06880danwoog.
The popular Mexican restaurant in the middle of downtown will soon become a popular Italian-American spot: Massi Co.
We’ll chat with owner Massimo Tullio about the new concept, his own career, and Westport’s ever-evolving culinary scene.
Also today — like every Thursday, from May to November — the Westport Farmers’ Market comes alive, at the Imperial Avenue parking lot (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.).
But this day is extra special. It’s part of National Farmers’ Market Week, celebrated every first week of August.
Check out the 36 vendors — along with live music, informational tables, a great community vibe, and much more.
In other Farmers’ Market news, the Young Shoots photo contest — for photographers ages 5-18 — has been extended one week. The new deadline is August 15. Click here for details.
Happy National Farmers’ Market Week! And if you’re a young photographer: Celebrate with your camera.
See you at the Farmers’ Market! (Photo/Marcus Slomich)
Speaking (still) of food: Quietly but deliciously, Field Trip has helped make Westport the jerky capital of the Northeast.
The company’s headquarters are at 153 Post Road East, opposite Design Within Reach.
Now they’re adding a sister brand there.
DefenderBar will be the first bar ever — and one of the first snacks in the US — to use functional ingredients like psyllium husk (to support gut health) and dandelion root (for the liver and gut), while also fueling the brain and heart with chia, flax and hemp seeds.
There are 3 flavors: cinnamon churro oatmeal, peanut butter chocolate chip and coconut almond chocolate.
To support the launch on TikTok, Instagram and Facebook, founders Matt Levey, Tom Donigan and Scott Fiesinger invite any “06880” reader to come in to the store, and show you’ve followed the brand on any of those platforms.
You’ll get 25% off the entire store, including Defender and Field Trip.
The first 100 people in (and following on social media) will receive a free Defender bar. The promotion begins August 13, and runs through August 20.
Levey explains, “we realized we’re not 25 anymore. But we’re still pushing ourselves — on the trails, in the gym, at home with our wild kids — and we needed a better way to fuel that lifestyle.
“As longtime friends who have spent half our lives in the better-for-you food industry, and as adventurers and dads, we looked for something with functional macros, real ingredients, and satisfying.
“We were tired of bars that were all sugar and no substance, or ones that claimed to be ‘healthy’ but left us crashing mid-hike. So we got to work. We kept it simple, with nutrient-dense ingredients.”
Defender bars are definitely worth a field trip!
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Speaking of local businesses: The Gig Center (next to Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids) is now The Music Collective.
It offers the same services: private music lessons, rock band programs, instrument repairs, music books and instrument accessories. It’s also still the home of Westport Musical Instrument Rentals.
The new phone number is 203.292.3077.
Jamming at the Gig Center.
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Nature, memory, abstraction and form are the basis of 3 new art exhibits at the Westport Library.
The artists and their works are Steve Moen (“Circling Back,” in the Sheffer Gallery), Tom Kretsch (“A Symphony of Color,” South Gallery), and Linn Cassetta (“Eggcentric,” Jesup Gallery).
Each exhibit will have a separate reception (6 p.m.) and artist conversation (7 p.m.), with Artists’ Collective of Westport co-founder Miggs Burroughs. Moen’s is set for August 13; Kretsch’s is August 27, and Cassetta’s is September 17.
What’s new in the world universe of amateur telescopes?
Wesetport Observatory Bob Meadows is just back from the 89th annual convention of amateur telescope makers. He’ll describe all the innovations at the Westport Astronomical Society’s next lecture: August 19 (WAS classroom, 8 p.m.)
The event will also be livestreamed on Zoom and YouTube.
Seen at the Westport Observatory. (Photo/Frank Rosen)
And finally … on this date in 1789, The Department of War was established.
(Politics, food, art, entertainment … just another day on “06880.” If you learn about your town — or anything else — from our daily Roundups, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Happy 94th birthday to a Westport icon: Joanne Woodward.
Over 60 years on stage and television she won an Academy Award, 3 Primetime Emmys, and 3 Golden Globes, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. She is one of the last surviving stars from the Golden Age of Hollywood, and the oldest living Best Actress Oscar-winner.
Just as importantly, she — and her husband, Paul Newman — contributed mightily to the civic life of Westport.
Whether helping save the Westport Country Playhouse or dishing up popcorn at the Westport Historical Society, Joanne Woodward made our town a better place.
Among the items at the next Planning & Zoning Commission meeting (Monday, March 4, 7 p.m.; Zoom, and Optimum channel 79 and Frontier channel 6020): a request from First Selectwoman Jen Tooker to temporarily amend the lease at 655 Post Road East (the Linxweiler house, between McDonald’s and Fresh Market) to allow Gillespie Center clients to be housed and supported there temporarily, during renovation of the downtown homeless shelter.
Click here for the full agenda, and additional materials.
Linxweiler House, on Post Road East.
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Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service president Mike Burns gave an in-depth, eye-opening look at the most recent Y’s Women meeting.
Many members were surprised to learn that the 45-year-old non-profit relies entirely on donations. The 75 EMS volunteers — who respond in 7 minutes or less to everything from strokes, seizures and births to accidents on I-95 and the Merritt Parkway (and even incidents on Metro-North) pay for all their own supplies: heart monitors, gurneys ($70,000 each), and ambulances.
WVEMS’ 3 ambulances are 10 years old. The first of 2 new ones will arrive next year — at a cost of $450,000.
All donations are welcome (83% are less than $100); click here.
WVEMS president Mike Burns, at the Y’s Women meeting. (Photo/Jilda Manikas)
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Westport resident Tom Kretsch spent his career as a teacher in the Norwalk schools.
And for almost 40 years he’s been involved with that city’s partnership with Nagarote, Nicaragua. They’ve created and run a community development project that provides opportunities for young people and families to improve their economic and educational lives.
A benefit cabaret — “Spring Into Song” — is set for Sunday, March 24 (5:30 p.m., Westport Woman’s Club).
Attendees can bring food and drink to share at small tables before the music begins. Nine great vocalists — including Westporters Michelle Pauker, Bill Hall and Emily Hall Stevens, and Charlotte Roth of Weston — are donating their talents. They’ll sing tunes from Broadway shows, original music and other covers.
For more information and tickets ($50), email kretscht@yahoo.com.
Michelle Pauker (Photo/Brynn Owen)
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Trumpeter Andy Gravish plays the music of Hank Mobley and Lee Morgan — 2 iconic musicians of the “hard bop school” — at this Thursday’s Jazz at the Post (February 29; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7 p.m.; $20 music cover charge, $15 for veterans and students).
Gravish performs at top international jazz festival, and has been the featured soloist with the Village Vanguard Orchestra, Toshiko Akiyoshi/Lew Tabackin Big Band, Paquito D’Rivera and many others.
Joining Gravish are pianist Michael Cochrane, bassist Essiet Essiet, drummer Steve Johns, and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.
Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
It’s been 15 years since the Staples High School Class of 1974 had a reunion.
Now they’re ready for their 50th. And members of adjacent classes — with friends among the ’74 graduates — are invited too.
It’s the weekend of October 18-20. There’s a Friday night social at the VFW, a Saturday night main event with dinner and dancing (and the class’ Mark Santella as DJ) at the Westport Woman’s Club, then Sunday at the Compo Beach Ned Dimes Marina.
The road to the state championship ended one run short — and 3 innings extra — yesterday for the Staples High School baseball team.
The Wreckers’ Hiro Wyatt and Fairfield Warde’s Griffin Polley dueled brilliantly — and scorelessly — for much of the game. In the end — the 10th inning — Polley drove home the Mustangs’ winning run, in a 2-1 contest at Palmer Field in Middletown that was even closer than the score. It was the 2nd straight state title for the Fairfielders.
Congratulations to the Wreckers, and coach Jack McFarland, on their great run to the ultimate game of the season.
Hiro Wyatt — the Connecticut Gatorade Player of the Year — had a heroic season on the mound for Staples. (Photo courtesy of Staples Baseball)
Congratulations too to Staples’ number 1 doubles team. Karenna Birns and Audrey Kercher won the State invitational championship Friday, at the Milford Indoor Tennis Club.
The #3-ranked pair defeated Fairfield Ludlowe’s top seed 6-4, 6-3. They also won the semifinals in straight sets, over #3 Amity-Woodbridge.
Karenna heads to Georgetown University in the fall, and Audrey to the University of Florida. Congratulations to both — and to coach Jena Wider.
Speaking still of Staples: Westport photographer Tom Kretsch just returned from a tour/workshop in Washington state.
Walking around Pullman, he spotted pictures in many stores of the high school graduates, in windows and on signs.
He wonders if it’s something we could replicate in Westport.
Sounds like something to investigate. And it sure would be less intrusive than the epidemic of signs that sprawls all along the entrances to Staples, for every team and activity imaginable, which no one can even read.
And speaking again of baseball: The Westport Winners Challenger team, for players with disabilities, ended their 10th season yesterday with a special event.
A big party included player announcements and personalized trophies, plus free ice cream gift cards from The Porch at Christie’s.
Scenes from yesterday’s Westport Winners party. Coach Mike Connors (top left) has been with the program since it began in 2013.
The Little League Challenger division is one of the best sports programs in Westport. Congratulations to all who participate — and all who make it happen!
The Challenger crew. (Photo and hat tip/Beth Cody)
The public is invited to the magnificent Greens Farms property (Sunday, June 11, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; GPS either 13 or 25 Prospect Road).
Besides 9 acres of beauty and joy, Prospect Gardens offers something else.
Last year, the Greens Farms Garden Club has assumed responsibility for the 3-tiered vegetable garden, for their Growing For Good program.
Owners John and Melissa Ceriale turned over the space for their effort. All produce is donated to the Mercy Center in Bridgeport, at time serving as the only source of fresh produce for some of families.
Last year, the Greens Farms Garden Club donated over 1,600 pounds of vegetables. It’s a win-win-win: for the Ceriales, the Club, and Mercy Learning Center.
The Staples High School boys basketball team reached the end of the line yesterday.
#1 ranked St. Bernard-Uncasville topped the #7 Wreckers, 63-50 in the state Division II finals, at Mohegan Sun.
But Staples’ heads are high. First-year coach Dave Goldshore’s squad enjoyed a storybook season. They reached the FCIAC championship game, then electrified everyone with a stunning 4th-quarter comeback from 18 points down in the state semifinal to advance to the title game for the first time in 86 years.
And they did it all with talent, teamwork, tenacity, passion, poise — and plenty of class.
Thanks, Wreckers, for entertaining and inspiring an entire town, all season long!
The 2023 Staples High School boys basketball team.
High on a Bayberry Ridge hill, the mid-century home (designed by noted Broadway set designer Ralph Alswang) and bountiful gardens (inspired by the Villa Ephrussi de Rotshchild) were developed over more than half a century by advertising entrepreneur Barry Blau.
Blau House & Gardens.
It’s a special property. A recent visitor called it “spectacular! Soothing, cool and wonderful to experience the calm and peacefulness of this environment.” Another described it as “nirvana in Westport.”
BHG is a public charity. Its mission is to acquire and transform the intimate, beautiful midcentury building and space into a public asset for arts, horticulture and garden enjoyment.
Blau house, designed by Ralph Alswang.
Pilot programming has included a book reading by a New York Times best- selling author, a college horticulture field trip, a garden lecture for the Garden Conservancy, and several garden tours.
But Blau’s widow Eileen died last week. The future of the property is uncertain. The estate will have to sell the property to meet mortgage and property expenses.
BHG has the opportunity to acquire it — essential to supporting their mission. They need to raise funds now.
$3 million would include:
$1.5 million for the house and gardens
$1 million for adjacent property on Fairview Drive, for parking and support facilities
$500,000 to start an endowment for operations and maintenance, for 5 years.
The minimum needed is $1.5 million, for the Bayberry Ridge property and gardens.
To help, or for more information, email r@blauhouseandgardens.org, or call 203-952-3335. For a PowerPoint presentation on the project, click here. For the Blau House & Gardens website, click here.
With March Madness in full swing, this event tonight seems quite timely:
Positive Directions sends news of a Region I Gambling Awareness Team webinar tonight called “Betting on Your Future: What Parents, Teens and Young Adults Need to Know About Sports Betting.”
The Zoom session covers, among other topics, the import of sports betting on youth and the developing brain, and its correlation to mental health.
The webinar is tonight (Monday, March 20, 7 p.m.). To register, click here.
Long-time Westporter, watercolorist and Save Westport Now board member Matthew Levine has one more passion: healthy vision.
Having worked in eye research grant-making for the past 20 years, he knows that 80% of vision loss is preventable — if people practice healthy habits.
“I wish I’d known years ago what I know about eye health,” he says. “I might have been able to help my father (renowned caricaturist David Levine) from losing his career to macular degeneration.”
But Matthew Levine is helping many others. He appears in a new documentary, “Losing Sight, Finding Hope: Loving with Macular Degeneration,” created by the American Macular Degeneration Foundation.
It premieres tonight (Monday, March 20), at 8 p.m. on YouTube. Click here to see.
If you miss it, no problem. The film will be available afterward, at the same link.
For over 45 years, Our Vision has provided recreational and social activities for people with disabilities.
Among the most popular activities: Special Olympics competitions in bowling, track and swimming.
On April 15, nearly 2 dozen Our Vision members and friends will take part in a Penguin Plunge at Fairfield’s Jennings Beach in Fairfield to raise money for Special Olympics.
As of this morning, Westporter Michael Johnson led, with the most number of donors. Click here to contribute to his campaign, or the team in general.
And finally … Bobby Caldwell died last week, of long-term complications of a toxic reaction to antibiotics. He was 71.
The New York Times called him “a singer-songwriter whose sultry R&B hit “What You Won’t Do for Love” propelled his debut album to double-platinum status in 1978 and was later covered by chart-toppers like Boyz II Men and Michael Bolton….
“Over his 4-decade career Mr. Caldwell swerved freely among genres, exploring R&B, reggae, soft rock and smooth jazz, as well as standards from the Great American Songbook.” Click here for a full obituary.
(From basketball to beauty, “06880” covers Westport. As a non-profit, we rely on readers’ contributions. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Just before Martin Luther King Day, longtime Westport resident and superb photographer Tom Kretsch and his wife Sandi joined a trip to the South, sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County.
The group — which included other Westporters, and Shirah Lpson Sklar (a Staples graduate, the new senior rabbi at Norwalk’s Temple Shalom) — traveled to places crucial to the civil rights movement, like Atlanta, Montgomery, Selma and Birmingham.
When Tom returned, he wrote a “Letter to Dr. King.” Today he shares it — and several powerful photos he took — with “06880” readers.
We want to let you know what an incredible journey we have just completed. We think it would make you happy to know 50 of us had traveled on this powerful Civil Rights Mission sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Fairfield County, following in your footsteps on the roads you traveled for justice.
It is like we stepped back in time, reliving so much of the history that was part of our early 20s. Sadly, I remember being in the Peace Corps in South America and learning of your assassination on BBC Radio. I could hardly believe this had happened to you, shortly after the same fate came to Robert Kennedy. Sandi remembered all the lessons she had taught her kindergarten students about your efforts to create a more just world, and the struggle for freedom for all.
(Photo/Tom Kretsch)
Our journey started at your favorite church: Ebenezer Baptist in Atlanta. We attended Sunday Service, with the Reverend Raphael Warnock preaching. We heard the choir’s soulful voices, saw him hold up little babies who had come to service and heard how he so skillfully weaved some of the political discourse into the meaning of the gospel of Luke, even touching on the recent injury to Damar Hamlin and the teamwork of the responders.
Senator Reverent Raphael Warnock (Photo/Tom Kretsch)
His message, like yours, was that life should be more about the “us” and less about the “me.” You would have loved how enthusiastic the worshipers were as they responded to his messages. He is now also Senator Warnock from Georgia. I don’t think you could have imagined that happening, but oh how sweet it is!
Your old friend Andrew Young spoke with us outside the church. You remember how hard he worked with you for civil rights, and became US Ambassador to the United Nations under President Carter. We couldn’t believe we were able to meet with this radiant man, who like yourself worked so hard for freedom for all.
Andrew Young (Photo/Tom Kretsch)
On to Montgomery our bus rolled. Under gray skies we pulled into the grounds of the Equal Justice Memorial to Peace and Justice. You would be so proud of the work of Bryan Stevenson, who initiated this idea. He has dedicated his life to working to exonerate people unjustly imprisoned for crimes they did not commit. He is our hero!
This memorial he helped create is one of the most provocative things we have ever seen. It is dedicated to the 4,000 or more African Americans lynched during the Jim Crow Era. It is hard to comprehend the depravity of people and what went on during this time in our nation’s history. For Bryan to have envisioned this place is remarkable. Walking through and seeing the iron cross-like stations from different counties in the South, with the names of people who were hanged, tears the heart. Every American should visit this shrine.
The Legacy Museum tracing the history of slavery in our country was equally powerful. As we entered we saw ocean water moving against glass, and imagined a slave ship traveling from Africa. The next station shows clay-like sculptures of slaves who didn’t make it, resting on the bottom of the sea.
The exhibits are interactive. We talked to slaves, and found out what life was really like in those dreadful times, in truthful, honest depictions of some of our history.
Legacy Slave Museum (Photo/Tom Kretsch)
At the end of the museum is a beautiful gallery of African American art, and a hall with 800 photographs of African Americans who made contributions to this country. Some we never knew about.
We needed more time at each place, but the journey continued the next morning with a visit to the Rosa Parks Museum. What a brave woman! Her actions began the Montgomery Bus Boycott that lasted 380 days. What hardships it put upon the African American community. They organized ingenious ways of getting to work, around the obstacles created by authorities to negate their strike. Your support, Martin, kept their eye on the prize.
Rosa Parks statue. (Photo/Tom Kretsch)
We headed to Selma, taking the route that the famous march to Montgomery followed, on a lonely road where the marchers stopped to rest. We learned about the only white woman, Viola Liuzzo from Detroit, a mother of 5, who came down to help and was killed by the Klan while transporting protestors to the airport.
Here we met Lynda Blackmon Lowery, who at age 15 participated in the marches and strikes for equal rights. We learned how children did much of the marching, as adults feared being arrested and losing their jobs. Hearing words from people who lived through these experiences is so powerful.
Linda Blackmon Lowery (Photo/Tom Kretsch)
Then the 50 of us stood by the Edmund Pettus Bridge, were led in prayer by several of the rabbis that made the trip, and walked across this iconic structure. There were no troopers with billy clubs, barking dogs, fire hoses, tear gas canasters and people waving Confederate flags.
Edmund Pettus Bridge (Photo/Tom Kretsch)
We were honored to make the walk in memory of those who did, including the late John Lewis. After Bloody Sunday they reassembled with you and made the 50-mile journey to Montgomery, which precipitated the passing of the Voting Rights Act.
I am sure you remember your friend Bishop Calvin Wallace Woods who we met in Kelly Ingram Park, next to the 16th Street Baptist Church. There those 4 little girls were killed one Sunday, when the Klu Klux Klan planted dynamite in the church.
The Bishop, a spry 89-year-old, was full of joy and spirit. He talked, danced, sang and filled our hearts with his memories of those turbulent days in Birmingham, maybe the most violent city in the struggle for justice. It was called Bombingham for good reasons.
Bishop Calvin Wallace Woods (Photo/Tom Kretsch)
So Martin, here we are at the end of this moving journey of reliving our history. We learned so much.
Where do we go from here? This group of people who traveled together became so energized by this experience. Such a joyful gathering of people who came to learn, reflect, and commit to being part of this journey of making a difference.
There is the big picture of supporting causes that are committed to finding justice for all. Bryan Stevenson said it best: “The opposite of poverty is not wealth; the opposite of poverty is justice.”
There are still so many injustices in health, housing, job opportunities, and making sure that everyone has the right to vote. In our own state of Connecticut we see the challenges of creating a fair and equitable education for all, by creating more diverse schools in the inner cities and allowing more students of color to enter suburban schools.
There is the more personal one-on-one commitment we can all make: listening to others who might be different, finding out their needs, and perhaps impacting their life in a positive way. One small step for justice and understanding.
Through the images and information collected on this journey we can hopefully share this story of our nation’s history with students in nearby communities. Your birthday is a holiday now, but your work should continue throughout the year.
I hope you enjoyed our letter, Martin. We have been deeply nourished by this journey. I will share it with others. Perhaps it will light a spark and encourage them to make a similar journey of learning, reflecting and growing.
Sincerely,
Tom and Sandi Kretsch
Close-up at the Legacy Museum. (Photo/Tom Kretsch)
But 4 months after developers presented a text amendment allowing a retail/residential/hotel complex in Saugatuck, the Planning & Zoning Commission voted 5-1 to approve it.
The decision — which came after changes in height, setbacks and floor area coverage — is a key step in the redevelopment of the train station neighborhood. ROAN Ventures can now apply for a site plan approval of its Hamlet at Saugatuck project.
P&Z approval requires that 20% of the slips at any new marina be available for free public use, and that there be paddleboard and kayak tie-ups; design standards beyond those required for a typical special permit including maintaining the New England coastal village aesthetic reflected in the most recent renderings, and no extra height without significant public outdoor areas along the river.
The text amendment includes the rectangle between Riverside Avenue, Railroad Place, Franklin Street and Charles Street, plus land on Riverside Avenue, and the private parking lot above Luciano Park now used for boat storage.
ROAN envisions The Hamlet as an economic engine for residents and visitors, and a gateway to the rest of the town. The concept includes:
A boutique hotel with rooms, condo-type residences, pools, and underground parking.
New shops and restaurants, featuring local artisans.
A year-round gourmet market on the now-private railroad parking lot, with local vendors.
A marina.
A boardwalk along the river similar to Bartaco’s, with the goal of connecting Saugatuck and Westport via waterway.
Re-skinning and beautification of the 21 Charles Street office building — often called “the ugliest” in Westport.
Senator Richard Blumenthal is the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston’s guest this Friday (December 16, 10 a.m., Westport Library). The event is open to the public.
The senator will discuss a range of topics. Afterward, former 1st Selectman Jim Marpe will lead a Q-and-A.
Senator Richard, last March in Westport. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Why schlep all the way to Stew Leonard’s for a menorah lighting?
We’ve got one right here in Westport!
The 2nd night of Hanukkah will be celebrated next Monday (December 19, 7 p.m.), outside Trader Joe’s
The lighting will be led by Rabbis Levi Stone (director of the Chabad Schneerson Center) and Yehoshua Hecht (Beth Israel Chabad(.
The ceremony includes live music. Chanukah gelt and cookies, doughnuts and dreidels will be distributed to all. For more information, call 203-635-4118.
The Town of Westport posted this photo on social media:
It shows local and store officials celebrating Lux Bond & Green’s just-in-time-for-the-holidays renovation. Congratulations, of course!
But I am sure every downtown shopper — and every other merchant in Brooks Corner — joins me in asking: “Can you please get rid of those 3 valuable parking spots marked (ridiculously and archaically) ‘Reserved parking Lux Bond & Green curbside pickup’?”
From folk-rock to jazz: Harvie S. — an award-winning bassist, educator, composer, arranger, and producer — stars at this week’s Jazz at the Post (Thursday, December 15, shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 6:30 p.m.).
He’s joined by drummer Jason Tiemann, Norwalk native and keyboardist Rob Aries, and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.
There’s a $15 cover. Reservations are strongly recommended: JazzattthePost@gmail.com.
Tom Kretsch celebrates his birthday this Saturday (December 17, 4 to 6 p.m.) with an art opening.
Gordon Fine Arts (1701 Post Road East) hosts the talented Westport photographer and his new exhibit “The Color of Water: Capturing the Sound and Beyond.”
Tom invites everyone to see his serene images, enjoy cake, and meet interesting people. For more on his work, click here.
Congratulations to Barry Beattie. The Staples High School girls soccer coach has been named New England region Coach of the Year by United Soccer Coaches, the 30,000-member group of professional, college, high school and club coaches. He is now in contention for national Coach of the Year honors, to be announced at the organization’s annual banquet next month in Philadelphia.
This fall, Beattie led the Wreckers to their 2nd straight state championship. With a strong core of returning players, the future looks very bright for both Beattie and his team.
Coach Barry Beattie (to the right of the scoreboard, and the 2022 state champion Staples High School girls soccer team. (Photo/David G. Whitham, courtesy of The Ruden Report)
The Planning & Zoning Commission took no action last night on the retail and hotel project known as The Hamlet at Saugatuck.
Discussion, including comments from the public, ranged from building heights and setbacks to where the proposal fits in the town’s affordable housing plans.
Conversations on the text and map amendment requested for The Hamlet will continue on November 14.
The Thanksgiving Pie Sale is only 3 years old. But it’s already one of the most anticipated of all WTF events.
Plus, it’s for a good great cause. Thanks to a partnership with Earth Animal, the Farm and Westporters will raise funds for Connecticut Food Share, helping neighbors in need.
Oronoque Farms is baking up a storm. Choices include apple and blueberry pies (traditional and crumb), and the holiday classic pumpkin pie.
Click here for pie sizes, prices, and pickup dates and times. Orders end November 18.
The Westport Police have released arrest reports for the October 26-November 2 period.
Three people were detained in custody. Two were charged with identify theft. One was charged with conspiracy to commit larceny, forgery and the sale of a controlled substance.
The following citations were issued:
Traveling unreasonably fast (8)
Cell phone, 1st offense (6)
Violation of any traffic commission regulation (4)
The WPD and Stop & Shop are again sponsoring a Thanksgiving Food Drive. All donations support Homes with Hope’s Food Pantry at the Gillespie Center. and Westport Human Services’ Food Pantry.
Police officers and volunteers will accept non-perishable food items and cash donations at Stop & Shop this Saturday (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
The Department of Public Works begins curbside leaf collection on Monday (November 7).
All leaves must be placed in biodegradable paper bags near the curb of a town street by December 5. Residents living on private streets must place their leaves behind the curb of an intersecting town roadway. Leaves placed in plastic bags will not be picked up.
There is no need to call for a pick-up. Crews will complete pick-ups as schedules allow. For further information, call 203-341-1120 or click here.
Meanwhile, extended fall hours begin at the Bayberry Brush Facility (180 Bayberry Lane, behind the Aspetuck Health District.
The yard waste site is now open Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. 3 p.m. Extended Saturday hours are in effect through December 10.
Westport residents with valid proof of residency may dump up to 6 30-gallon bags or containers full of leaves without a fee. Plastic bags are not allowed.
Any van, pickup or tag-along trailer exceeding the 6-bag limit will be charged $40 per load. Any vehicle or trailer larger than a conventional pickup with a 4-foot by 8-foot bed will be charged $90 per ton.
Any vehicles with a 9-foot body or vehicles changed to significantly enlarge their factory design size will be charged $90 per ton, estimated at 2 ton without weigh slip ($180).
Dump tickets must be purchased at Town Hall, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., or by Department of Public Works, 110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport, CT 06880.
It’s been awhile since we’ve had major flooding here. (Knock wood.)
First Selectwoman Jen Tooker, and the Public Works, Planning & Zoning, and Conservation Departments have arranged a series of open meetings to discuss stream flooding and the town’s responses to it.
Officials and personnel experienced in flooding issues and flood plain management, as well as regulations and oversight authority, will attend.
Each meeting will cover specific streams in Westport. There will be a general overview, followed by a forum for anyone to raise specific issues. Residents are encouraged to attend the meeting specific to their neighborhood, but may attend any session they choose.
Information from these meetings will be analyzed, and sent to the Flood and Erosion Control Board to determine flooding priorities.
The meetings will take place in Town Hall on Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. The full schedule:
Popular Westport photographer Tom Kretsch is being featured at Picture This – Nylen Gallery, the custom frame shop. The theme is “Chasing the Light.”
There’s a reception November 10 (5:30 to 7:30 p.m.). It’s a chance to relax — just like the moods of his local scenes. For more information, click here.
Their hours were long, the commute hard. They didn’t have a lot of time to see a lot of the city.
Now — with many of them retired — they’re enjoying New York walking tours.
Tuesday’s — the 6th in the series — included a jaunt over the Queensboro Bridge. Also called the 59th Street Bridge (by Simon & Garfunkel) and the Ed Koch Bridge (by no one), it connects Manhattan with Long Island City, via Roosevelt Island.
Check out the photo below. Looks like the Y’s men were feelin’ groovy.
Y’s Men members (from left) former 1st Selectman Jim Marpe, tour director Warren Jahn and Bob Mitchell near the peak of the Queensboro Bridge. (Photo and hat tip: Dave Matlow)
Westport attorneys Ken Bernhard and Ted Freedman have again joined forces for a “Soles4Souls” collection. They’re gathering donations of shoes from residents to help lift people out of poverty, and support those who are homeless in the US and around the world.
From now through Thanksgiving, there are collection boxes at Town Hall, police headquarters and the Senior Center. Donors can drop off new or gently used shoes (with no holes or mold). Please tie the laces together, or use rubber bands to keep matched pairs joined.
In the past, Soles4Souls has collected 3,000 pairs of shoes. Bernhard and Freedman hope for at least 500 pairs this year. For more information, click here.
(From left): Ken Bernhard, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Senior Center director Sue Pfister, Ted Freedman and Westport Police Officer Ashley Delvecchio start the Soles4Souls drive.
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