Tag Archives: Westport Community Gardens

Roundup: Sybil Steinberg, School Safety, Garden Goodbye …

Posted on August 23, 2024 | 1 comment

During her life as an editor at Publisher’s Weekly, Sybil Steinberg amassed an enormous array of books: advance copies of the most revered works in literature, first editions, volumes signed by the authors and inscribed to the beloved Westporter.

Steinberg died earlier this year. At the Westport Library’s StoryFest 2024, many editions from her vast collection will be available for purchase.

Among the items: a first edition copy, inscribed to Steinberg, of Amy Tan’s “The Joy Luck Club,” a signed copy of Kurt Vonnegut’s “Timequake,” and advance copies from authors like Joyce Carol Oates, Peter DeVries and Laura Z Hobson.

Also available: a compilation of past Sybil’s Lists, collections of her recommended books that she unveiled  regularly at the Library.

Proceeds from the sale will benefit StoryFest, the Library’s annual literary festival which this year is dedicated to Steinberg’s memory. A special dedication ceremony in her honor is set for Saturday, September 21 (1 p.m).

Sybil Steinberg

Sybil Steinberg

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When school starts next Tuesday, the Westport Police Department will increase traffic enforcement in school zones.

Officers will look for drivers using cell phones, speeding, and disregarding school bus signals.

Police remind commuters to allow for extra time, as school buses and students again take to the roads.

Homemade reminder, near Kings Highway Elementary School.

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As summer winds down, the Westport Community Gardens growing season nears an end.

As plans proceed for a new Long Lots Elementary School, the final resolution of the gardens is up i the air.

Sally Kleinman calls the end of the season “always a bittersweet experience.”

But, she writes, yesterday “was particularly sad. I couldn’t resist channeling the last episode of ‘M*A*S*H,’ using the rocks that had lined one of my beds.”

If you remember that classic show from 1983 — the finale after 11 memorable years — you’ll instantly recognize Sally’s message.

If you haven’t: Well, it was TV at its finest.

Click below to see:

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Joni Mitchell is the focus of the next First Folk Sunday.

Acoustic guitarist Suzanne Sheridan — founder of the monthly event — will be joined by keyboardist Bob Cooper and violinist Cat Lines on September 1 (Saugatuck Rowing Club, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.), in a tribute to the legendary singer/songwriter.

The music cover charge is $15 per ticket; click here to purchase, and for more information.

A special First Folk Sunday menu will be available, and the Rowing Club bar will be open.

For more information, call 203-984-7562.

Bob Cooper, Suzanne Sheridan, Cat Lines

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Cat Malkin — the longtime Westporter; animal communicator, animal Reiki master and pet loss grief counselor, and co-author of “Overcoming Your Child’s Fear of Dogs” — hosts a Zoom fundraiser this Sunday (6 p.m.).

“Chat Pawty” with Minnie — the bulldog star of Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building” — is a chance to ask pet celebrity questions and win prizes.

It’s like “Oprah” — except animals are interviewed by Cat. Minnie will answer questions live. Cat will translate.

Prizes include a VIP Chat Pawty for your animal family, spa animal Reiki treatment, “Only Murders in the Building” Swag and more.

There’s a minimum donation of $20 (Venmo @HurleysHeart-BulldogRescue; note “Chat Pawty,” and add your email to receive the Zoom link and details.

Can’t make it live? You’ll receive a recording.

All proceeds benefit Hurley’s Heart Bulldog Rescue, a non-profit that rescues and rehabilitates French and English bulldogs.

Cat Malkin

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Lou Weinberg and his wife were enjoying a leisure paddle out to Cockenoe Island on Wednesday, when this bad boy rolled by.

(Photo/Lou Weinberg)

The kayakers kept their distance. And wondered who was on board, and where they were headed.

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Earlier this year, “06880” sponsored a cool contest with Cohl Katz.

The Westport stylist to the stars offered her talents — a haircut and makeup application for women, a haircut and style for men — to 3 winners of a contest she and I cooked up.

We asked 3 trivia questions about famous current or past Westport or Weston residents. All have been Cohl’s clients.

Todd Pines knew that an actor who prepared for a role by eating only bananas, water and rice for a month was Christopher Walken (“The Deer Hunter”).

Yesterday, he picked up his prize.

“Todd wanted a haircut he could just towel dry,” Cohl reports.

But he left with something extra: jalapeños from her garden.

That’s full service, for sure.

Todd Pines, and his peppers: Lookin’ good!

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is a bit different than usual.

Richard Fogel spotted this sign, at Wakeman Field:

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And finally … the upcoming First Folk Sunday honors Joni Mitchell (story above). Today, we honor her too:

(School will soon be open. Stay on top of all the news with “06880” — and please consider a contribution to help us share it with you. Please click here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Entertainment, Environment, Library, Media

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Pic Of The Day #2670

Posted on August 9, 2024 | 8 comments

Westport Community Gardens and adjacent Long Lots Preserve: an aerial view …

… and a close-up view of some plots (Photos/Bill Armstrong)

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Posted in Environment, Pic of the Day

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Roundup: Doris Kearns Goodwin, Mike Birbiglia, Community Gardens Access …

Posted on June 5, 2024 | 8 comments

There was a lot to choose from last night in Westport.

Mike Birbiglia was at the Playhouse. Sustainable Westport sponsored a talk on making our town more walkable and bikeable.

Doris Kearns Goodwin captivated a sold-out crowd at the Westport Library. In an easy but wide-ranging, deep and educational conversation with former NBC anchor Brian Williams, she offered insights into the American presidency, her husband Richard’s role in our history, and her own place in all of it.

The event celebrated a new partnership between the Library and the Remarkable Theater. Details will be announced soon.

At a private reception afterward at Remarkable Theater founder Doug Tirola’s house — hosted by his wife Kristen — their son Cooper and friends Ben Seidman, Ava Waldman and Caroline Motyl joined Williams in reading from the historic speech Richard Goodwin wrote for President Lyndon Johnson, introducing civil rights legislation in 1965 after “Bloody Sunday” in Selma, Alabama.

Then everyone sang a song by Kearns Goodwin’s favorite group, the Platters: “The Great Pretender.”

Doris Kearns Goodwin, Brian Williams and Staples High School graduates Ava Waldman and Caroline Motyl, singing together. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Also last night, 150 tech and entrepreneurial types gathered on the La Plage patio at Longshore, for Startup Westport‘s summer social.

There was high energy at that event (and all the others). The public/private Startup Westport partnership brings together many of the town’s most creative innovators.

If I missed something else, my apologies. There was just too much going on.

And it was all good.

Startup Westport founders and officials, at La Plage. (Photo/Noah Fenn)

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Also last night: the monthly Representative Town Meeting session.

Members voted 29-4 against a petition to reject a new Board of Selectwomen regulation, which prohibits access to the Westport Community Gardens near Long Lots Elementary School from 7:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. during school days.

The RTM also voted 30-2 against modifying the hours of access.

The regulation — passed last month by the selectwomen — is effective immediately.

Westport Community Gardens (Photo/Franco Fellah)

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It took 10 innings. But Rhys Jamali’s single, driving in Luke Oakley, gave the Staples High School baseball team a thrilling 4-2 state tournament semifinal win over archrival Fairfield Warde yesterday, in Waterbury.

The victory vaults the Wreckers into the Connecticut “LL” (extra large schools) championship game. They’ll shoot for their 3rd title since 2017 on Friday or Saturday (to be determined), at Middletown’s Palmer Field.

#19-seed Staples’ foe in that game is #4 Amity. The Wreckers fell to the Woodbridge school 6-2, earlier in the season.

Revenge will be on coach Jack McFarland’s team’s mind, as it was yesterday. Warde (ranked #2 in LL this year, and the 2-time defending state champion) ended Staples’ title hopes 2-1 last year in the final — also in 10 innings.

Andrew Oppenheimer pitched 9 strong innings yesterday. Mason Tobias got the win in relief, pitching out of a 10th-inning jam.

Staples High School baseball

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There’s another Staples team vying for a state championship too: boys rugby.

The Wreckers trounced Trumbull 55-17 earlier this week. That sets up their title match: Saturday (June 8) vs. longtime rival Greenwich, at Southern Connecticut State University. The time has not yet been determined.

Staples High School boys rugby team.

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Young patients love reading books in the Village Pediatrics waiting room.

Then they go outside on the “Story Walk,” and read more.

The newest addition will also interest their parents (and grandparents). “The Pronoun Book” explains gender-neutral pronouns to men and women people who may not have grown up with them.

The display  was installed recently by Village Pediatrics’ Staples High School senior interns, Stella Libman and Sophie Lubis.

This is the medical practice’s 12th year of participation in the internship program. It’s a way to introduce graduating seniors to the world of pediatrics and child development.

Village’s founder Dr. Nikki Gorman enjoys seeing her former interns around town. And, she proudly notes, her first — Emily Harris — is becoming a pediatrician herself. She trained at one of the premier programs, Boston Children’s Hospital.

Village Pediatrics interns Stella Libman and Sophie Lubis with “The Pronoun Book” on the Story Walk.

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Speaking of kids: On Monday night, the Westport PAL 7th grade lacrosse teams faced off, at the Staples field.

Boys vs. girls.

They followed girls’ rules: no checking, shallower pockets on their sticks, no helmets or pads).

The girls won, 5-1.

Westport PAL 7th grade lacrosse action. (Hat tip and photo/Jonathan Alloy)

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Speaking of youth sports: Twice a day, Maxx Crowley walks his dog at PJ Romano Field.

Sunrises and sunsets are always different. But one thing seldom changes: There is trash everywhere.

This was the scene Monday night:

That’s bad. But — compared with what I sometimes see at Wakeman Fields — PJ is almost pristine.

Come on, coaches. Parents. And especially, young athletes.

You can do better than this.

A lot better.

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Marcy Sansolo — the one-woman wunderkind behind the “What Up Westport” Facebook group — is at it again.

She and Lisa Marriott are spearheading a drive to collect new underwear for Norwalk’s Open Doors Shelter (this Saturday, June 8, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Imperial Avenue parking lot). It’s a small item, but something every shelter needs.

Any type of new underwear for women and children is great. The shelter requests boxer briefs for men.

Can’t make it Saturday? Lisa will pick items up, or accept them at her Town Hall office. You can also send them to her via Amazon. For details, email lsmarriott@gmail.com.

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I received a very angry email yesterday.

The sender wrote: “You just narrowly missed hitting me and my dog while driving what I assume is a blue BMW, going up Thomas from Imperial. License plate ‘06880.’

“It was so close and so egregious that the car in the oncoming lane swerved onto the grass side, got out of his car, and motioned that you were CRAZY.

“Blog aside, be a better community resident and stop speeding. You clearly were!”

As regular readers know, “06880” is a longtime advocate for safer streets. You can imagine my surprise at this email, because:

  • I don’t drive a blue BMW.
  • I was not on Thomas Road.
  • My license plate is not “06880.”

When I protested, the emailer replied that he had been told by 2 witnesses that I was the driver — presumably, because of the license plate.

I am happy to take the blame for anything I get or do wrong on this blog.

But please don’t come after me for a car I don’t drive, or a license plate I don’t own.

Not my license plate — or my windshield.

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Quick: What kind of business is Squeeze?

A juice bar? Retailer of stress balls? Dating app?

Nope. It’s a “massage service destination.”

The newest location opens June 28, in the Fresh Market shopping center.

Promotional materials say, “Squeeze was created to disrupt an outdated industry by providing consumers an accessible, stress-free, and personalized massage experience….

“(In) a prime location surrounded by fitness studios, shops and food & drink offerings, the opening of Squeeze provides a one-stop-shop for health and wellness needs. The 1,838 square-foot shop boasts a modern yet sophisticated design, which features six treatment rooms. The ambiance at Squeeze is carefully crafted to foster a relaxing setting, promoting comfort, and enhancing the overall well-being of its guests.

“With its personalized app-based approach, each massage is tailored to the customer’s liking including pressure, music, lighting and the ability to tap a ‘ready button’ letting the therapist know to return in-room to begin the massage. Guests are also able to set preferences around what body areas to focus on, pressure, oil or lotion and more.”

Squeeze also offers deep tissue, heat therapy, percussion therapy and aromatherapy.”

For more information, click here. For the local Instagram, click here.

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The sign on this new bird feeder at the Senior Center is tongue-in-cheek.

I think.

(Photo/Bob Weingarten)

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I won’t even try to write a comment for today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo.

It’s picture perfect.

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … Westport welcomes Squeeze, our newest business (story above):

(Can we squeeze a nickel or two out of you? “06880” relies on reader support. Please click here to help. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Community Gardens, Wakeman Field, RTM Vote …

Posted on June 4, 2024 | 4 comments

Gardeners, dog walkers and parents of schoolchildren — some of whom fit in more than one of those categories — await tonight’s Representative Town Meeting agenda item #7 (Tuesday, June 4, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).

Last month, the Board of Selectwomen approved a request by the Parks & Recreation Department to close all school grounds to anyone not a “student, staff member or invited guest” between 7:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m., whenever school is in session.

Tonight, the RTM will vote on a petition “to review, discuss and reject the new Parks & Recreation regulation, or modify it in order to preserve the gardening hours at the Westport Community Garden to their prior hours during school days (i.e. no gardening between 8-9 a.m. and 3-4 p.m.).”

The prohibition is currently in effect, though apparently it has not been enforced due to the pending petition.

Wakeman Field — adjacent to Bedford Middle School — is part of the ban. It was not included for an exemption in the petition before the RTM.

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When a section of Winslow Park off Compo Road North was handed to contractors, as a staging area for sewer work nearby, many folks feared the worst.

Industrial fencing went up. Gravel covered the grass. Paradise wasn’t exactly paved over, but — despite promises to the contrary — it sure seemed like it would never be back the way it was.

A year later, that area is as good as new.

If not better.

The fencing is gone. Gravel was trucked away. Grass grew back quickly. You’d never know the difference.

Thanks to Westport’s Public Works Department, and all others who made sure the contractors lived up to their promise.

Let’s hope the new sewers are in equally good shape.

New grass at Winslow Park’s former staging area. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Speaking of which: One reason to avoid Whitney Street is … sewer work.

Next on the agenda: new sidewalks.

In the meantime: Avoid this very tempting shortcut between Roseville Road and downtown.

(Photo/Richard Fogel)

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And speaking again of Winslow Park: A memorial service for Johnny Barnett — called by some its “mayor” — will be held there Sunday (June 9, 10 a.m.). See the map below for the exact location.

This Sunday is also Barnett’s birthday.

Guests should bring folding chairs. There will be acoustic music from the Barnett children, and an informal reception after the memorial.

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Staples Tuition Grants does 2 things very well.

It raises money. Then it gives it away.

STG celebrated its 81st year last night at the high school auditorium. The organization awarded $380,000 in scholarships to 104 graduating seniors and students already in college.

The money goes to students with demonstrated financial need. Over 400 people donated to the general fund this year, or to named or endowed awards that honor Staples’ history — and support its future.

To learn more about Staples Tuition Grants, click here.

Some of the STG recipients, in the Staples courtyard. (Photo/Pam Einarsen)

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After 23 years as director of the Westport Weston Cooperative Nursery School — and 34 total years — Pat Rackliffe is retiring.

The Co-op was founded in 1955 by parents to provide a strong, supportive environment for their children’s early education. Pat exemplified that mission, through a strong sense of community with the students, staff, and parents.

Meanwhile, new director of education Libby Gustafson began June 1. She knows The Co-op well, having served as a junior counselor at age 14.

She later returned as a teacher, parent, contributor to the parent education series, and accreditation consultant.

But that’s not all. Pat Racklifee is Libby Gustafson’s mother!

Pat will be honored for her contributions this Friday (June 7). Email info@westportwestoncoop.org), or call 203-227-9318 for details.

Pat Rackliffe (right) and Libby Gustafson

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Westport educators Lauren Francese and Anthony Battaglia have been honored for their commitment to excellence in social studies.

The awards were given by the Connecticut Council for the Social Studies.

Francese — the Westport Public Schools’ social studies coordinator — welcomed attendees at the annual meeting. She and several colleagues received an award for helping develop Connecticut’s new social studies standards.

Battaglia won the Pre-Service Excellence in Social Studies Education award, for exceptional student teachers. A pre-service teacher from the University of Bridgeport, he recently completed his student teaching in 8th grade at Coleytown Middle School.

Anthony Battaglia and Lauren Francese

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At Staples, from which she graduated in 2010, Caroline Goldstein was very active in the school paper Inklings.

Her sophomore and senior year English teacher Gus Young inspired her love for writing through an independent study, and encouraged her to apply to a summer program at Simon’s Rock.

That led to her study of creative writing as an undergrad at New York University, where she also earned a master’s of fine arts.

It all paid off. The writer — who now goes by Caroline Wolff — just published her first book.

Amazon says of “The Wayside”:

When Kate Cleary’s son, Jake, dies at his elite liberal arts college, she refuses to believe it was suicide. Something sinister is at play, and Kate becomes determined to retrace Jake’s steps during his final days. Descending into a spiral of obsession as she finds herself up against unknown forces at every turn, Kate falls further into a dangerous mystery that brings her closer to a terrifying truth even Jake himself wanted to keep hidden.

Combining elements of dark academia and domestic fiction with a modern twist, “The Wayside” is a sharply observed story of suspense, devotion, and the secrets we keep from those who love us most.

Click here for more information, and to order. (Hat tip: Jessica Isaacs)

Caroline Wolff

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The Westport Fire Department responded to an outdoor structure fire next to a Burnham Hill residence just before midnight..

There were no injuries. The incident is being investigated by the Westport Fire Marshal’s office. The WFD was assisted by Westport Police and Volunteer Emergency Medical Service.

Burnham Hill fire (Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)

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Azerbaijan may not be the jazz capital of the world.

But Amina Figarova rose from her youth behind the Iron Curtain to become of the most celebrated pianists and composers on the international jazz scene.

This Thursday (June 6, 7:30 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7 p.m.; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399), she makes her debut Jazz at the Post appearance.

She’s joined by flutist Bart Platteau, bassist Will Goble, drummer Ryan Sands and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.

Tickets are $20 for the music; $15 for veterans and students. Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.

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Mary Lou Denke Rotella died last Wednesday, with her family by her side. She was 73.

The Saugatuck native and Staples High School graduate lived in Westport for most of her life.

She met her husband of 53 years, Angelo Rotella, through close friends.

She raised 3 children, while taking care of her parents and mother-in-law.

Mary Lee worked as a certified nursing assistant at a convalescent home, and in the Coleytown Elementary School cafeteria. In her spare time, she loved to bake, dance, fish and garden. Mary Lee was adamant about cutting her own grass and weed-whacking, and did her own lawn care until shortly before she died.

Her family says,, “Mary Lee’s favorite thing was to bring people together, and make others happy and feel cared for. We can only aspire to have a fraction of her energy, strength, and love for others.”

Mary Lee is survived by her children Dawn, Angelo Jr. (Natasha); and Lisa (Christian); grandchildren Brianna, Paddy, Darragh, Isabelle and Angelo III, and siblings Frank Denke Jr. and Pamela Fortner. She was predeceased by her husband, and brothers John, Merritt (Bobby) and Donald Denke.

Calling hours are at Harding Funeral Home on Thursday (June 6, 4 to 7 p.m.). Mass will be held Friday (June 7, 11 a.m., Assumption Church).

Mary Lee Rotella

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It’s peony season!

And Pat Saunders sends this perfect specimen to “06880,” for our “Westport … Naturally” daily feature.

(Photo/Pat Saunders)

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And finally … On this date in 1919, Congress approved the 19th Amendment to the Constitution. The measure — guaranteeing suffrage to women — went next  to the 48 U.S. states for ratification.

(From the Community Gardens, Wakeman Field and Winslow Park to Broadway and Azerbaijan, “06880” is where Westport meets the world. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Children, Education, Entertainment, Local politics, Obituaries, Staples HS

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RTM Petition: Restore Community Gardeners’ Hours

Posted on April 22, 2024 | 35 comments

On April 3, Westport’s Parks & Recreation Commission adopted a regulation restricting access to non-school personnel and guests, on schools and adjacent property, between 7:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m.

The Board of Selectwomen approved the regulation on April 10.

The Westport Community Gardens, near Long Lots Elementary School, is among the sites impacted by the new rule.

Toni Simonetti — a 23-year town resident, and longtime Gardens member — has petitioned the Westport Representative Town Meeting to reject the regulation, or modify it to restore prior hours of operation for the Community Gardens. (Gardeners were previously restricted from 8-9 a.m. and 3-4 p.m. only, when school was in session.)

The RTM has not published the agenda for its May meeting yet. Simonetti’s petition has 24 signatures.

Simonetti hopes members will examine these points:

— The Westport Community Gardens are “non-school grounds, but rather public town land adjacent to a school but a great distance from the school building and outdoor play area.”

— The garden is fenced and locked. No other part of the property, encompassing the entire perimeter, has a security barrier. Bauer Place is “within a few feet of the school’s’ playground.”

— Only Garden members can unlock the gate. The combination is changed each season.

The Westport Community Gardens gate. (Photo/Peter J. Swift)

— “Members and registered guests, restricted to town residents and employees, are screened by the garden’s Steering Committee; names and addresses are submitted to the town of Westport for sex offender status. Those approved must carry a hand pass while in the garden when school is in session. The town
knows exactly who the gardeners are and where they live. This is a significant security measure that far exceeds any other public space in Westport — including the unrestrained and unrestricted access that Compo provides anyone from anywhere to approach the hundreds of children (and staff) at Camp Compo.”

— There have been no “untoward incidents” in the Gardens’ 20 years at the Hyde Lane location.

— Gardeners can actually serve as “a valuable early notification adjunct for school resource officers and local law enforcement.”

— “Resources are better spent securing the grounds at more exposed school sites such as Greens Farms, Saugatuck and Kings Highway Elementary Schools.”

(“06880” is your source for hyper-local journalism. We rely on reader contributions. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Eclipse Pets, Compost Heap, WMMM Lives …

Posted on April 8, 2024 | 2 comments

Cathy Malkin has spent her career around animals. She says: “Unlike humans, our pets don’t need special glasses during the eclipse.”

Still, Yogi Bear would rather be safe than sorry:

(Photo/Cathy Malkin)

Experts do note that dogs and cats may exhibit brief periods of confusion or fear during the event.

Today’s peak eclipse is at 3:26 p.m. The sun in Westport will be 90.7% obscured.

Of course, that will happen whether or not there are clouds in the sky, to amaze humans and confuse pets.

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Fashion and hip hop closed out VersoFest yesterday. The 5-day event was the best attended and most diverse in the 3-year history of the Westport Library event.

The penultimate event was “Glam to Punk Fashion Roundtable: Alice Cooper, Bowie, Blondie and Beyond.” Christine “The Beehive Queen” Ohlman moderated.

Christine Ohlman (left) leads the fashion panel.

The finale was “Hip Hop Panel and Performances: 51 Years of Wild Style, the First Hip Hop Motion Picture” with Tony Tone (Cold Crush Brothers).

Hip hop on stage. (Photos/Dinkin Fotografix)

VersoFest ’24 drew plenty of Westporters — and many others from throughout the tri-state region.

All were impressed by the depth and breadth of the programming, as well as the venue. Those who had never been in the Westport Library before were awed by the space.

And amazed that no one said, “Be quiet. This is a library!”

Congratulations to all who made it happen: Library staff, sponsors, performers, panelists, and anyone else.

Rock on!

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For 3 years, Peter Swift has overseen the compost effort at the Westport Community Gardens.

Now, the recycling effort is bearing fruit — or at least, the organic version of “black gold.”

This was the scene this weekend, at the Gardens:

(Photo/Peter Swift)

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In the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s, WMMM was Westport’s local radio station.

Broadcasting from studios above Oscar’s (now Rye Ridge) Deli, 1260 AM offered local news and sports, plus middle-of-the-road music.

They were there for the Save the Children radio auction, the Great Race, Festival Italiano and the Oyster Fest.

Of course, John LaBarca hosted a weekly Italian house party — and made trips (as Santa) to deliver holiday gifts to the Southbury Training School.

WMMM is no longer (though the FM station lives on, as 50,000-watt WEBE 108).  WMMM’s last owners — the Graham family — donated WMMM to Sacred Heart University.  In 2000, the call letters were changed to WSHU-AM.

But WMMM is back, at 105.5. Those are the call letters now of a radio station serving the Madison, Wisconsin area.

I don’t know how former Westporter John Kelley stumbled on the station, but he shared the news with “06880.”

PS: When WMMM was our station, the letters stood for “Modern Minute Man” (owner Red Graham owned Minuteman Travel, too).

Out in Wisconsin these days, they call it “Triple M.”

The “new” WMMM …

… and the original.

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The Fortunoff brothers — Aaron, a Staples High School freshman, and Brett, a Bedford Middle School 7th grader — spent all of yesterday outside Stop & Shop.

The boys were collecting cereal and donations for Cereal4All. The non-profit provide cereals to local food pantries.

Their hard work paid off. Shoppers donated 989 boxes of cereal, and added $2,100 in cash.

If you missed the Fortunoffs, but want to help, you can Venmo @lauriefortunoff, or click here for an Amazon wish list.

There will also be a collection box at Temple Israel in Westport throughout May.

 

Aaron and Brett Fortunoff, with a few of their many cereal boxes. 

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Suzuki Music Schools are best known for their violin instructions.

Sophie B. Hawkins does not play the violin.

No matter. The Westport-based singer/songwriter is the special guest performer at Suzuki’s annual gala (April 26, Aspetuck Country Club, Weston). She’ll be accompanied by Suzuki students.

The event includes a cocktail hour with open bar, dinner, and a live auction.

Last year’s gala raised nearly $40,000 to support their Bridgeport Outreach programs, to provide music lessons to children in need.

This year’s goal: raise enough funds to provide violins for those children to take home for practice.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

Sophie B. Hawkins

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Coming up at MoCA Westport:

Community Conversations: “It Will Go On” curator Victoria McCraven and Black Art Library founder Asmaa Walton (Thursday, April 11, 6 to 7 p.m.; Zoom only): A discussion about the current exhibit, and New England’s first Black art library installation. Click here to register, and for more information.

MoCA Some Noise: Open Mic Night (Friday, April 26, 6:30 p.m.): A night of creativity and talent, celebrating the power of expression and connection through music, poetry and more. Click here for more information.

Voices of Women: Natalia Kazaryan (Saturday, April 27, 7 p.m.):  Georgian pianist Natalia Kazaryan celebrates the contributions of women composers. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Stéphanie Szostak — the Westport actress whose credits include “The Devil Wears Prada,” “Iron Man 3” and “A Million Little Things.” — is a keynote speaker at the American Cancer Society’s annual Women Leading the Way to Wellness luncheon (May 15, 11 a.m., Stamford Marriott).

Szostak speaks often about overcoming failure, being an outsider and living with authenticity.

Kitt Shapiro — owner of WEST boutique, and a longtime supporter of the ACS — is a tri-chair for the event.

The luncheon highlights the importance of being one’s own health advocate. Over the past 10 years it has raised more than $1 million to support women’s health research, advocacy and more.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

Stéphanie Szostak

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I have never been in the bathroom at Village Pediatrics.

But Tracy Porosoff has.

Intrigued by the décor, she took a photo.

Look what I’ve been missing:

(Photo/Tracy Porosoff)

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A deer silhouetted in the Vista Terrace woods, in Longshore near the 1st and 2nd holes on the golf course, starts this week’s “Westport … Naturally” feature off on a handsome note.

(Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)

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And finally … Happy International Trombone Week!

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog — and we rely on support from readers like you. Please click here to help. Thank you

2 Comments

Posted in Arts, Children, Entertainment, Environment, Library

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New 8-24 For Long Lots Submitted; P&Z Meets Monday

Posted on January 18, 2024 | 13 comments

The Planning & Zoning Commission received a resubmitted 8-24 (municipal improvement) request for 13 Hyde Lane (the Long Lots Elementary School property) at midday today.

The request, from 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, includes 2 possible sites for relocation of the Westport Community Gardens. One is near the current spot. The other (labeled “alt. location”) is behind where the current school now sits.

Long Lots Elementary School 8-24 plan, submitted today. Click on or hover over to enlarge. 

The application has been posted to the Town’s website. Click here to see all materials.

The request is scheduled for review by the P&Z at their remote meeting on Monday (January 22). Click here for the Zoom link.

Written comments may also be received prior to the meeting. Email: PandZ@westportct.gov by noon Monday, if intended to be distributed to P&Z members.

Written comments received after noon on the day of the meeting will be entered into the record, but will not be distributed until the next business day.

All correspondence received to date from residents on the prior 8-24 request (withdrawn on January 4) will be incorporated into the record. Residents do not need to re-send prior emails.

For the record, here is the official notice:

  1. 13 Hyde Lane: Appl. #PZ-24-00029, Request for a report from the Planning and Zoning Commission, submitted pursuant to CGS-§8-24, Municipal Improvement, by John Broadbin, Deputy Director of Public Works, on behalf of the First Selectwoman, for a Substantial Improvement to Town-owned property in the Residence AA/A Districts, PID #G10058000, for the construction of a new Long Lots Elementary School, a replaced and relocated multipurpose athletic field and a replaced and relocated community garden on site.(Must decide by 2/22/24). Applicant’s Presentation Time: 30 Mins.

It is the only item on the agenda.

 

13 Comments

Posted in Education, Environment, Local politics

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[OPINION] Gardeners Support A New Long Lots School

Posted on January 15, 2024 | 46 comments

Lou Weinberg is chair of the Westport Community Gardens, and director of the Long Lots Preserve. He is concerned about a perception that gardeners oppose renovation of Long Lots Elementary School. He writes:

Members of the Westport Community Gardens and the volunteers involved with the Long Lots Preserve support the construction of a new/improved Long Lots Elementary School.

If the development of a new/improved Long Lots Elementary School truly requires the use of the existing gardens space during construction, then our request is to rebuild the gardens, post-construction, in their current location.

Members of the Long Lots Community Gardens and friends, at an open house last fall.

This is our position. At no point in this process has the request for consideration and regard for the gardens and preserve delayed the process of constructing a new/improved school. Not by a second.

To imply otherwise is false. Furthermore, the current efforts by some community members to vilify the gardeners and blame them for delays in the process is misguided. The gardeners are not the problem. The gardeners are not the enemy.

If anybody tries to convince you that the Westport Community Gardens and Long Lots Preserve are responsible for getting in the way of a beautiful new school for the town of Westport, they are misstating facts. We all want the school.

The process is supposed to get us there. I very much hope the new 8-24 application will include the school, fields, and restoration of the community gardens and preserve. Let’s get this done together!

 

46 Comments

Posted in Education, Environment, Local politics

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Long Lots Project Pulled From Monday’s P&Z Agenda

Posted on January 4, 2024 | 45 comments

The 8-24 (municipal review) request for the Long Lots Elementary School renovation project has been temporarily withdrawn.

In a brief email this morning to Planning & Zoning director Mary Young, with copies to town attorney Ira Bloom and Long Lots School Building Committee chair Jay Keenan, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker wrote:

I am withdrawing the current 8-24 application for 13 Hyde Lane.

Following a robust P&Z Commission meeting on 12/18/23, we would like to take into consideration the feedback of the commission members.

After discussing with Chair (Paul) Lebowitz, we have decided to review possible modifications to the application and will file a revised proposal to be heard at the 1/22/24 P&Z meeting.

It is still our goal to start the construction of a new Long Lots Elementary School before the end of 2024, so moving swiftly and decisively remains a priority.

The “robust P&Z Commission” meeting followed months of controversy. Questions have been raised by residents and town officials about various aspects of the project, including construction of new athletic fields and the possible relocation of the Westport Community Gardens.

 

 

The plan for Long Lots Elementary School. The next step in the process — an 8-24 hearing by the Planning & Zoning Commission — is on hold. 

 

45 Comments

Posted in Education, Environment, Local politics

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Happy New Year!

Posted on January 1, 2024 | 18 comments

For several years, “06880” rang in the new year with an iconic photo: The “blue marble” image of Earth, suspended in space.

Taken by Apollo 17 astronauts in December 1972, for half a century it symbolized the beauty and fragility of our planet, and the interconnectedness of us all.

Last year, I went intergalactic.

In the 17 months since the James Webb Space Telescope beamed its first pictures back to us, the world has been mesmerized.

We thought we knew how vast and amazing the universe is.

Now, we realize, we don’t know the half — or the hundredth, or squintillionth — of it.

Gazing at photos like the one above, we realize how insignificant we truly are. Our planet is just one grain of sand, on an obscure beach, in an out-of-the-way location.

We really don’t matter at all.

Except to us.

Take a look at that photo again.

That landscape of “mountains” and “valleys” speckled with glittering stars is actually the edge of a nearby, young, star-forming region in the Carina Nebula. For the first time, we see stars being born.

We look billions of light years into the past. That’s crazy stuff.

So — back here on Earth, in our tiny Zip Code in our small state in our big country in our average-sized planet — we have to wonder: What actually matters?

Is it whether we put a baseball field next to a school, or keep a garden? Is it losing 44 parking spaces downtown? Is it the inconvenience of traffic on our roads, or a neighbor who chops down most of his trees?

The answer is: Yes.

These things matter.

They matter because they are part of our lives here in Westport. Sure, the universe seems endless; we still can’t really conceive of the fourth dimension, and our universe itself may be part of another, “living” life form.

In other words, the Westport — and the world — we know may just be atoms in an infinitely more complex something-or-other.

But all that’s for another day (or time).

Meanwhile, we look for the answers to life out there. But right now, it’s our own lives to lead, right here in “06880.”

Let’s lead them well.

And so … bringing us back to what we know best … here’s that beautiful blue marble, once more.

18 Comments

Posted in Downtown, Education, Environment, Westport life

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