Posted onMay 18, 2025|Comments Off on Dog Day Experience
Hundreds of dogs are bringing their owners to Winslow Park today.
Westport’s 9th annual Dog Festival features games, an obstacle course, a police K-9 demonstration, pet-related vendors, food trucks — and all the pawing, sniffing and more you’d expect at a field filled with poodles, greyhounds, and every breed in between.
The event — sponsored by the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce — runs through 4 p.m. today (Sunday).
Westport has 3 K-9 dogs. They search for illegal drugs, track suspects, look for missing people, and do much more. Their handlers demonstrat their talents, discuss their training, and answer questions about the K-9 division.
Chasing a very elusive ball.
TAILS (The Alliance in Limiting Strays) is an all-volunteer, non-profit Westport-based organization. They’re one of the many vendors at today’s Dog Festival.
A couple of hours earlier, 500 kids, parents and volunteers thronged PJ Romano Field, for the 7th annual “Day of Champions.”
The fundraiser for Experience Camps — the Westport-based non-profit that provides summer camps and year-round programs for youngsters grieving the loss of a parent, sibling or caregiver — was just a few dollars short of its $175,000 goal when the event began.
“Day of Champions” included fun competitions, crazy costumes, and community support.
There were 20 teams. And every one was a winner.
This team is ready for the competition …
… and so is this one.
The opening ceremony included a dinosaur.
Sara Deren, a Westporter and CEO of Experience Camps, with Zoe. The Norwalk girl — who turned 15 last week — spoke eloquently about the impact of the camps on her life. She has gone each summer since 2018, when her father died following an asthma attack. (All photos/Dan Woog)
For nearly 20 years, the Westport Farmers’ Market has been a favorite destination for healthy, delicious food.
And much more, including education, entertainment, and community.
Their 19th season begins tomorrow. The time and site are the same: Every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Imperial Avenue parking lot.
What’s new: a special “Friend of the Market” bag. For $40 (click here), you can support the WFM — and offset vendors’ fees. That means they take home more revenue each week. Of course, they plow it right back into their farms.
To launch the season the Market will ring bells at 10 a.m., honoring a member who recently died.
Jon Jaeger — a mainstay at For Hill Farm’s booth — loved WFM, and was well loved. His sisters Sara and Jalna — also great supporters of WFM — will join the celebration. Shoppers are invited to bring their own bells to ring for Jon.
Also special this week: “Get Growing” for children, and Sustainable Westport’s “Your Yard, Our Climate” program (with seed giveaways).
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Also upcoming: the 9tn annual Westport Dog Festival.
The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce/TAILS event is Sunday,May 18 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Winslow Park).
As Dog Festival once again features Police K-9 presentations, kids’ activities, food trucks and more.
The winnter of the obstacle course earns a year’s supply of dog food.
Competitions offer prizes for best tail wager, best dressed, best kisser, best trick, best lap dog over 50 pounds, and the dog that looks most like its owner
There will be also be adoptables, and information about many non-profits.
New this year: Gilbert the Party Pig, for petting and feeding.
Surrounding the main activities are over 60 pet-related vendors, picture booths, caricatures, games and giveaways. WEBE 108 will broadcast live.
Entrance is $10 per person, $30 for a family of 4. Proceeds benefit nonprofit organizations. So far, over $45,000 has been donated by the Chamber to deserving groups from the prior festivals. For more information, click here.
A small part of the big Dog Festival. (Photo/Amy Saperstein)
Among the 1,200+ homegrown perennial plants from members’ gardens, a special selection of Connecticut native plants will be featured. Every plant has a tag with care information.
As always, there are decorative container gardens, gifts for Mother’s Day, and baked goods.
This year, shoppers can also bring garden tools to be sharpened by Edgewise.
Also new: donations of 1 gallon and larger plastic pots. The club will wash and recycle them
Members will happily offer advice on plant selection. A table with lists of native plants, and details about Westport’s Pollinator Pathway Project, will offer even more info.
Earthplace will host a children’s table, with nature-inspired activities, while the Westport Library Book Store offers a variety of garden-related books.
Proceeds from the sale support the club’s civic projects, including maintenance of public gardens, educational programming, and grants to environmental non-profit organizations. Cash and credit cards are accepted. For more information, click here.
Speaking of the environment, a reminder: Starting May 15, handheld and backpack gas-powered leaf blowers are prohibited in Westport. The prohibition runs through October 15.
Last year, the town received “numerous written complaints.” The Conservation office issued notices to 168 different properties.
Owners were told about the ordinance, and given information highlighting alternative options, impacts of noise, and how to limit emissions.
There were few surprises Tuesday night, when the Representative Town Meeting passed the town budget. There had been little controversy throughout the entire process.
In addition to a yearly ritual of restoring funds to the Westport Transit District’s Wheels2U program, the RTM voted 28-1 to add $25,000, which had previously been cut, for Earthplace.
One of the highlights of the night was a heartfelt speech by Jonathan Dobin-Smith. The Staples High School student spoke on behalf of classmates in his Science Research Honors program. He earned solid applause at the end.
Click here to see. If the link does not start at his remarks, it’s at the 1:18:25 mark.
Connoisseur Media is a big name in Connecticut and New York radio.
Now they’re going national.
The Post Road East-based owner of 11 stations is buying Alpha Media. The Portland-based company owns some of Oregon’s best-known stations — and dozens of others around the country.
In fact, they own over 200 in all.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Click here for more details. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)
Connoisseur Media CEO Jeff Warshaw, and his expansive view of Westport. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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Westport Police made 5 custodial arrests between April 30 and May 7.
A 68-year-old Milford woman was charged with DUI and evading responsibility, following a hit-and-run accident at Compo Road South and Bradley Street. The driver rode over a lawn, struck a fence and light post, and left the scene. She was released on $25,000 bond.
A 25-year-old West Haven man was charged with 2 counts of larceny, and 2 counts of conspiracy to commit larceny, followin an investigation into 4 incidents in which tires and rims were stolen off of vehicles at Honda and Toyota of Westport. He was held, after being unable to post $50,000 bond.
A 25-year-old New York City man was charged with larceny, and conspiracy to commit larceny, following an investigation into a theft at Ulta Beauty. He was transported to Westport, after being arrested in New Jersey, and held on an active arrest warrant.
A 67-year-old Norwalk woman was charged with larceny, after a purse was stolen from a table at Nômade. She was released on $50,000 bond.
A 35-year-old Fairfield woman was arrested on an active failure to appear warrant, after police responded to the report of a motor vehicle accident.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Texting while driving: 13 citations
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 4
Failure to renew registration: 4
Distracted driving: 3
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 3
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 3
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 3
Traveling unreasonably fast: 2
Failure to obey stop sign: 2
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
Simple trespass: 1
Disorderly conduct: 1
Texting while driving (2nd offense): 1
Failure to grant right of way: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Improper use of markers: 1.
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The “Shake It For Shea” silent auction is live.
Every dollar raised helps fund Long QT Syndrome research. The event is organized by Mark and Kira Greenfield, whose daughter was diagnosed with the cardiac condition. Her heart’s electrical system takes longer than usual to recharge between beats. She is at risk of fainting, seizures, cardiac arrest and sudden death.
Items include:
Carbone dinner for 4 at any Carbone location
Grove XXIII golf foursome: Play at Michael Jordan’s exclusive club in Hobe Sound, Florida
VIP Knicks experience: 2 front-row seats, post-game photo on the MSG floor, and the option for your child to be the “ball kid” for pregame shoot-around
Golf and lunch with Knicks legends John Starks and Larry Johnson, at Westport’s own Birchwood Country Club.
Winged Foot golf for 3
Dinner for 3 with Stephon Marbury
Luxury hotel stays at Le Barthelemy (St. Barth), The Brazilian Court (Palm Beach), The Little Nell (Aspen) and Ocean House (Rhode Island)
Autographed sports memorabilia
Fine jewelry, including pieces from Howard Engle, Josh Levkoff Jewelry and JL Rocks.
The auction closes Sunday (May 11, 9 p.m.). Click here for all items, and to bid.
Tickts are still available for tomorrow’s gala (May 8, 7:30 p.m., The Knowlton, Bridgeport). Click here to purchase.
And finally … in honor of the “Shake it For Shea” live auction, underway right now (story above):
(There’s plenty to do in Westport — and “06880” makes sure you know all about it all. If you appreciate our daily Roundup, or any other blog features, please click here to support our work. Thanks!)
Meeting again Wednesday night, the RTM clarified that although they had approved $630,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds for a redesign of Jesup Green and the Imperial Avenue parking lot, there will be no further consideration of parking on Jesup Green.
The final vote was 23-10, in favor of that resolution.
Parking will no longer be considered for Jesup Green, the RTM clarified Wednesday night.
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In Italian, “finalmente” means “finally.”
The final day for Finalmente Trattoria — the small but much-loved Italian restaurant across from Design Within Reach — is this Sunday (May 12).
Owners Andre and Mary Iodice wrote to their customers:
It’s with a mix of emotions that we share the news of Finalmente Trattoria’s closure after 19 remarkable years. Andre’s decision to retire brings an end to a chapter filled with cherished memories and lasting connections.
We are immensely grateful for the unwavering support and loyalty shown by the Westport community and surrounding towns throughout the years. The memories created and the friendships formed have been the heart and soul of Finalmente Trattoria. Your patronage has been the lifeblood of our restaurant, and we are profoundly thankful for every moment shared with you. Whether you joined us for a special celebration, a quiet meal with loved ones, or simply to savor our culinary creations, your presence has enriched our lives in countless ways.
We also want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated team whose hard work and commitment have been invaluable. Their contributions and loyalty have been instrumental in making Finalmente Trattoria a special place for all who walked through our doors.
Unfortunately, the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic have been significant, with rising costs and staffing shortages making it increasingly difficult to sustain our operations. While we have poured our hearts and souls into creating a welcoming space and crafting delectable dishes, the challenges of the past years have proven insurmountable. After careful consideration, we have come to the difficult decision that we will be working with our landlord to navigate the changes and sign a new tenant to take over the space.
While we may be closing our doors as of May 13th, the memories created, and the connections formed at Finalmente Trattoria will forever hold a special place in our hearts. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being a part of our journey, and we look forward to carrying these memories with us as we embark on new adventures.
The 8th annual Westport Dog Festival is set for May 19 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m). The event is sponsored by the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce, in association with TAILS. The local non-profit promotes spaying and neutering of animals. multiple informative and exciting demonstrations, goofy competitions, Police K9 presentation, obstacle course, kids activities, food trucks and more.
As always, the day includes demonstrations like guide dog training, obedience exhibitions and police K9 presentations. There’s an obstacle course (with a year’s supply of dog food for the winner), and competitions with prizes for best tail wagger, best dressed, best kisser, best trick, best lap dog over 50 pounds, and the dog that most looks like its owner.
Surrounding the main activities are over 60 pet-related vendors, picture taking, caricatures, games, giveaways and food trucks.
The entry fee is $10 per person, $30 for a family of 4 (2 adults, 2 children). Proceeds benefit non-profit organizations. So far, over $40,000 has been donated by the Chamber to deserving groups.
Dog owners can register for the competitions at the event ($5 per entry). Click here for more information.
For the first time in over 50 years, Bill Vornkahl will not lead this month’s Memorial Day parade.
The Korean War veteran — “Mr. Westport Parade” — died in January. He was 93.
But his memory is very much alive. And his legacy will be celebrated on Saturday, May 25 — 2 day before the annual parade — with a special blood drive.
St. Paul Church is partnering with the Vornkahl family and the Connecticut Blood Center. The event is at the Easton Road church, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Click here to sign up for a time slot. Walk-ins are welcome too.
Bill Vornkahl (Photo/Ted Horowitz)
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Craig Melvin is a noted news anchor of NBC’s “Today,” co-host of the “Third Hour of Today,” a memoir author (“Pops: Learning to Be a Son and Father”), and a Westport resident.
Now he’s written a children’s picture book too.
“I’m Proud of You” — published Tuesday — is also about father/son relationships. It follows the ups and downs of a young boy’s life. One thing is always certain: his father’s unwavering support and love for him, no matter what.
The heartfelt book — perfect for Father’s Day! — is a tribute to all fathers, sons, and childhood milestones.
“I have many passions in life, but what I’m most passionate about is being a father,” says Melvin. “’I’m Proud of You’ is a celebration of the small things in life, and a book for anybody who has experienced the joys and wonders of parenthood and wants their children to know how amazing and inspiring they are.”
On Tuesday, Jake Sussman visited the Westport Library.
The Westport native — and founder of Superpower Mentors, which has facilitated over 7,000 sessions connecting youth to neuro-diverse mentors worldwide — spoke about how to reach the next generation of youth with learning disabilities.
Sharing his own story, Jake demonstrated that challenges can be transformed into “superpowers.” T
He spoke about embracing different learning styles, becoming a better self-advocate, finding healthy outlets and managing time.
If you missed it — no problem! Click below for the presentation:
Amy and Eric Falkenstein — and seniors from Staples, Weston and other area high schools — will honored at The Circle of Friends’ 17th annual evening of recognition (May 19, 5:30 p.m., Westport Woman’s Club).
More than 100 local teenage volunteers enjoy friendships with special needs children, through the organization.
The Falkensteins — who will receive the Heart of Friendship Award — have 3 children. Their son Theo participates in Circle of Friends programs.
For reservations, sponsorship opportunities, to place an ad in the journal or more information, click here, email cof@circleoffriendsct.org, or call 203-293-8837.
Amy and Eric Falkenstein
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This past winter, Staples High School held a “signing day” ceremony for students who have committed to play NCAA Division I sports next year.
The athletic department followed up this week, with a similar ceremony for students playing Division II and III sports.
Jack Farnen: Baseball, Hobart and William Smith College
Cooper Levinson: Rowing, University of California at San Diego
Andrew Berkowitz: Swimming and diving, Amherst College
Cisco Celotto: Lacrosse, Gettysburg College
Gabriela de Brito: Soccer, Massachusetts Institute of Technolgoy
Liam Donaldson: Lacrosse, Emerson College
Natalie Greene: Squash, Mount Holyoke College
Charlie Iannone: Lacrosse, Rochester Institute of Technology
Charlotte Moody: Cheerleading, Elon University (DI; announces in spring)
Caroline Roschen: Field hockey, Franklin & Marshall College
Leilani Fleming: Cross country, track and field, Swarthmore College
Luke Rabacs: Track and field, Case Western Reserve University
Libby Turner: Swimming and diving, Swarthmore College
From left: Charlie Iannone, Liam Donaldson, Cisco Celotto at Staples High School’s NCAA Division II and III signing day.
Westport content creator Julia Dzafic has just published a cookbook. “Garden Grown: Garden-to-Table Recipes to Make the Most of Your Bounty” features recipes, using ingredients from her husband Anel’s (you guessed it) garden.
According to her Instagram stories (@lemonstripes), it’s available at Terrain. There are also signed copies at Barnes & Noble.
Click here to order direct from Penguin Random House, and for more information. (Hat tip: Erin Regan)
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Drew Angus is one of the highlighted musicians at this summer’s “Soundview Stroll” (July 25) — the first-ever Sunday street party on the Compo Beach exit road.
But you don’t have to wait for this summer to see the popular Westport singer-songwriter.
The Staples grad performs at Fairfield Theatre Company on May 17 (7 p.m.).
Drew mixes superb storytelling with a mix of Americana sounds, blending indie and folk rock.
He’s played alongside Stevie Nicks, Noah Kahan, Zach Bryan, Brandi Carlisle and The Lumineers, and performed for the San Francisco Giants and New York Mets,
Paul Delano writes: “We are less than a week away from the first day of the Quiet Season. On May 15 the gas leaf blower ban begins in Westport. It continues until October 15.
“I’ll celebrate by listening for new birds.
“The free Merlin phone app from Cornell listens for bird calls, and tell you what they are. It’s very cool.
“For me it turned up a variety of birds, including beautiful ones like the yellow warbler, common yellowthroat and Northern parula.
“May is a peak time for seeing and hearing migrating birds like warblers.”
The Merlin app can identify catbirds like this, from its sounds. (Photo/Lou Weinberg)
Westport native and lifelong resident Eleanor Banyard died April 21 in Norwalk. She was 99.
Ellie was born in the same house on Franklin Street in Saugatuck where her mother, Antoinette Eleanor Gilbertie DePalmer was born, and where her grandparents had lived since they were newlyweds.
She attended Saugatuck School, and remembered Miss Coyle as her favorite teacher. She graduated from Norwalk High School.
In 1953 Ellie married Joseph Banyard Jr., an accountant for the US government. They bought land on Lyons Plains Road, and built a house there. Ellie live in her beloved home for 70 years. Though they divorced, Ellie and Joe remained close friends until his death in 2021.
Ellie worked as a bookkeeper, then a teller. at Westport Bank & Trust Company. She rose to senior vice president and corporate secretary. She was an active member of the American Society of Corporate Secretaries, and earned a certificate in international banking. She retired after 47 years of service to the bank.
Ellie took drawing and painting studies at Silvermine Guild Art Studios, and took classes with well-known artists like Frank Covino and sculptor Stanley Bleifeld. in retirement she had time to paint and garden. She also cared for her mother, until her death in 2000.
Ellie was predeceased by her brother Anthony DePalmer and sister Dolores Karl, who died 3 days before Ellie at the age of 95.
She is survived by her sister-in-law Judy DePalmer of Citra, Florida, and many nieces and nephews, and their children.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Weston on May 21 (11 a.m.). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Notre Dame Nursing & Rehabilitation, 76 West Rocks Road, Norwalk, CT 06851, where she received superb care the last year of her life. Condolences may be left on line at www.hardingfuneral.com.
Eleanor Banyard
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo was taken in Steve Halstead’s back yard. He does not know what this great blue heron was doing — but it had a good time doing it.
(Photo/Steve Halstead)
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And finally … on this day in 1503, Christopher Columbus visited the Cayman Island. He named them “Las Tortugas,” after the many turtles there.
(Our Roundup gets more roundup-ier every day. We couldn’t do it without your news — and your support. Please click here to make a tax-deductible donation. Thank you!)
A few folks grumble about paying admission to the Slice of Saugatuck or Westport Dog Festival.
Quit bitching. Held this fall after a COVID hiatus, they helped fund donations of more than $10,000 to non-profit organizations. The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce sponsors both events, and announced the grants.
The traditional recipient of the Slice of Saugatuck is Homes with Hope’s Gillespie Food Pantry. This year’s donation of $4,500 brings the grand total since the Slice began to over $30,000. The giant neighborhood food tasting tagline is: “Food for those who can afford it, and food for those who can’t.”
Donations to local non-profits from the Dog Festival total $6,000 this year: $4,000 to co-producer TAILS; $1,000 to the Westport Police Department (split between the K9 unit and Animal Control via Westport Animal Shelter Advocates); $500 to Fidelco Guide Dogs; $250 to the Connecticut Humane Society, and $250 to Adopt-a-Dog.
The Dog Festival returns this spring to its usual date. Slice of Saugatuck will be held right after Labor Day.
For years, Richelle Evarts has been a familiar, friendly face at Organic Market.
She’s been diagnosed with colon and liver cancer. Her husband William is reaching out for help.
He writes: “After exploring many options, she decided to take an integrated holistic medical path to recovery.
“Unfortunately, insurance doesn’t cover such a path. We found a facility in Mesa, Arizona, with an extensive 6 week-stay.
“I’m reaching out to all who know Richelle and what a beautiful, wonderful and giving person she is, I’m asking you to help us reach our goal for her to live many more healthy and active years. Any donation is greatly appreciated.”
Click here for Richelle’s GoFundMe page. (Hat tip: Sarah Gross)
Often, the state Department of Transportation works slowly.
This time, they got the job done quickly. And right.
Earlier this month, the Hillspoint Road bridge over I-95 was named for Khaliq Sanda. He’s the smart, energetic, dynamic and popular 2013 Staples High School graduate (and A Better Chance of Westport scholar) who was diagnosed with brain cancer while majoring in pre-med at Duke University. His death in March devastated Westport.
Today, signs went up on the span. They’ll serve as a constant reminder of all that we lost.
A few days ago, our “06880” Roundup previewed Todd Suchotliff’s upcoming New York Marathon — which he would run entirely in Westport. A recent arrival in town, he invited his friends (and strangers) to run a bit with him, or cheer along the route.
It happened Sunday. Todd reports:
“It was a great day, made all the better with help from the amazing community here in my new hometown, from start to finish.
“My neighbors came out to cheer me on. Three people from the Joggers Club ran with me — one for the first 20 miles (!), the others to run the last 6.2 home. Plus my family chased me all around Westport, holding up signs and cheering for me.
Thank you fall. And we raised close to $8,500 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, in my mom’s memory.”
“The guy who got away. The guy who’s hotter than you. The guy you always go back to. The guy who’s much older. The guy who’s toxic. The guy you can’t remember.
“Gabi Conti knows them all. She’s dated them all.”
The hook was that Gabi — a 2005 Staples High School graduate — had just written a book. Called “20 Guys You Date in Your 20s,” it was a compilation of her greatest hits — and misses.
Gabi is now 34. As of earlier this month, she’s also married.
This past weekend, the New York Times featured her Greens Farms Church wedding. Click here for the whole story.
Spoiler alert: The 31st date was a charm.
Gabi Conti and Daren Johnson (Photo courtesy of Robert Norman Photography)
The Town Clerk’s office (Town Hall, 110 Myrtle Avenue) will be open this Saturday (October 30, 9 a.m. to noon) to issue absentee ballots for the November 2 election.
Absentee ballots will continue to be available on Monday, November 1, until 4:30 p.m. All ballots must be returned to the Town Clerk’s office no later than 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Questions? Click here; email tclerk@westportct.gov, or call 203-341-1110.
And finally … Jay Black, the 2nd “Jay” of Jay and the Americans, died Friday in Queens, of cardiac arrest. He was 82, and suffered from pneumonia and dementia. (Click here for the full obituary.)
The first Jay (Traynor) had a great voice, on songs like “She Cried.” But Jay Black’s baritone made his predecessor sound like a wannabe. Consider these classics:
Westporters have responded generous to a call to help Afghan refugees resettling in the area.
A final collection of needed items is set for this weekend (Saturday and Sunday, October 16 and 17, 12 to 3 p.m.).
Men’s and women’s coats; teen and children warm clothes; boots, scarves, warm hats and umbrellas; backpacks filled with school supplies, and household toiletries, towels and cleaning supplies can all be dropped off at Greens Farms Congregational Church.
Backpacks and school supplies are among the items needed for Afghan refugees.
The weather looks great for tomorrow’s oft-postponed Dog Festival.
The event is set for Sunday (October 17, Winslow Park, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
Sponsored by the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce and TAILS, it features demonstrations, fun competitions, police K-9 presentations, kids’ activities, vendors, food trucks, a special appearance by Piglet (the blind and deaf chihuahua) and more.
Tickets are $10 per person, $25 for a family of 4. Dogs go free. Proceeds benefit non-profit organizations.
Dog owners can register for the competitions online or at the festival.
Interested in the kind of world today’s students will inherit? Do you have ideas how our schools can prepare them for it?
The Westport Public Schools invites all Westporters to an Education Summit next Wednesday (October 20, 6 to 8 p.m., Bedford Middle School auditorium).
Futurist Michael Weiss offers a keynote address, then lead an interactive discussion. It’s part of superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice’s Strategic Plan, aimed at taking our district into the next decade and beyond.
Fred Cantor is many things: an attorney, off-Broadway and documentary producer, longtime Westporter and avid “06880” reader.
he’s also the author of “Fred from Fresh Meadows,” a memoir of his many years as a New York Knicks fan.
Now the NBA team has repaid the honor.
A 15-second commercial spot featuring Fred, his brother’s older son and brother’s almost 3-year-old grandson premiered last night, during a Knicks preseason game.
It’s part of an MSG Network promotional campaign spotlighting diehard fans. Fred’s spot focuses on his book, and his 6 decades of fandom.
It was filmed earlier this month in the schoolyard behind his former elementary school in Queens.
Fred Cantor (right), being filmed with his nephew Sam and great-nephew Brody.
It’s been a while since we ran an osprey update. The other day, Franco Fellah spotted this young bird in the trees over the Saugatuck River, opposite his office on Riverside Avenue. Ospreys epitomize “Westport … Naturally.”
Posted onOctober 8, 2021|Comments Off on Doggone It! Pooch Fest Postponed A Week.
Possible rain and wind has postponed the Westport Dog Festival. Originally scheduled for this Sunday (October 10), it’s now set for the following week: October 17. The 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. time slot is unchanged.
This is the third weather-related move in 5 years for the event. One year, there was a double rescheduling.
For more information on the Dog Festival, click here.
Comments Off on Doggone It! Pooch Fest Postponed A Week.
Anne Lutz Fernandez is a former English teacher at Staples High and Bedford Middle Schools.
She’s also an author, and a contributing writer for NBC News’ “Think” website.
The other day, she started a “Think” essay this way:
“A few years ago, I was asked to phone a parent who wanted her high school senior to switch English classes. Her daughter had selected the class ‘Women in Fiction,’ but the mother wanted her to take my class instead to avoid books that would go against the family’s Christian beliefs.
“Her daughter would be welcome, I said, but warned that my course, ‘Literature of Suspense,’ might also prove problematic. The books include a lot of crime, some violent, I explained. That’s okay, she replied. Supernatural evil? Not a problem. Substance abuse? Fine. Death, demons, and drugs: all were judged inoffensive. This parent just didn’t want her daughter reading books in which characters have sex.
“Death, demons, and drugs: all were judged inoffensive. This parent just didn’t want her daughter reading books in which characters have sex.
“I’ve been pondering this exchange during Banned Books Week and as numerous states have passed legislation purportedly meant to protect America’s K-12 students from ‘discomfort’ when learning about history or contemporary issues.”
It’s a provocative, insightful essay. To read the rest, click here.
Anne Lutz Fernandez
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Forget the dog days of autumn. This Sunday (October 10, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Winslow Park) marks the return of the Westport Dog Festival.
The popular event was knocked out 2 springs in a row by COVID. But you can’t keep a good dog down.
The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce and TAILS bring attendees — human and canine — a day filled with fun competitions, kids’ activities, demonstrations, police K9 presentations, giveaways, vendors, food trucks and more.
Piglet — the blind and deaf chihuahua — will be there. So will Earth Animal, presenting prizes for best tail wagger, best dressed, best kisser, best trick, best lap dog over 50 pounds, and the dog that most looks like its owner.
Parking is available at the Westport Country Playhouse, and lots along Post Road East. Tickets are $10 per person; $25 for a family of 4. Proceeds benefit non-profit organizations.
To register for competitions, and more information, click here.
This guy loved the 2017 Dog Festival. (Photo/Dan Woog)
With little fanfare, the Kings Highway North bridge by Canal Street has reopened to traffic.
In only slightly less time than it took to build the pyramids or create the NASA program that put a man on the moon, crews have completed work on a project that most Westporters never even realized was a bridge.
The new route to Wilton Road from Main Street should ease downtown traffic a bit. Fingers crossed …
A welcome sight, once again. (Photo courtesy of Google Street View)
Kids are talking about popularity and social anxiety.
And this week’s “Kids Are Talking” — the online, Westport-based, multi-platform show — tackles that fraught topic. This week’s show will be talking about popularity and Social Anxiety.
What does popularity mean to teenagers today? How does pressure to fit in affect self-esteem and confidence? Do the stresses of being popular come at a price, and how important is it?
An update on the GoFundMe drive for Horace Lewis, the beloved Staples High and Coleytown Middle School custodian who suffered a devastating stroke on his anniversary in July.
The goal of $50,000 has been surpassed. Grateful Westporters have donated $54,990 so far. But more is needed, for costs not covered by insurance. He receives physical and occupational therapy, and has still not returned home. Substantial renovations will be needed to make the house accessible for him.
Click here to help Horace. (Hat tip: Andrea Cross)
The George Billis Gallery on Main Street hosts an opening reception this Friday (October 8, 4 to 7 p.m.) for its next exhibition. Artists include Nancy Bass, Paige Bradley, Steve Cosentino and Denise Petit.
On Saturday (October 9, 1 to 3:30 p.m.), One River School of Art + Design presents a solo exhibition of work by Chuck Webster. His mediums include painting, drawing, collage and printmaking. His works are on display through December 19.
And Westporter Steven Parton has been named a Signature Member by the American Artists Professional League. That brings him one step closer to being recognized as a Living Master by the organization.
Builders Beyond Borders — the international service organization for teenagers — hosts an open house tomorrow (Wednesday, October 6, 66 Fort Point Street, Norwalk, 5:30 to 7 p.m.). Students and their parents are invited to learn more about programs and possibilities.
And finally … Bob Moore, who played upright bass on hundreds of country music’s biggest hits, died last month in Nashville. He was 88.
The New York Times said: “Over 40 years Mr. Moore elevated the bass in country music from a subordinate timekeeper to an instrument capable of considerable tonal and emotional reach. By turns restrained and robust, his imaginative phrasing revealed a gift for seizing the dramatic moment within a recording or arrangement.” Click here for the full obituary.
Posted onSeptember 12, 2021|Comments Off on Rush Of Events Fills Chamber’s Fall
The pandemic played havoc with our lives.
Not to mention the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce’s calendar of events.
A host of town activities — from Slice of Saugatuck and the Dog Festival to the Halloween Window Painting Contest — were postponed at least once.
Now they’re coming back. And the schedule is jam-packed.
On tap:
Slice of Saugatuck (Saturday, September 25): A walkable, eatable (tons of restaurant samples!), family-friendly and fun afternoon, in Westport’s funkiest neighborhood.
Westport Dog Festival (Sunday, October 10): Obstacle courses, K-9 demonstrations, vendors and more at Winslow Park. Make sure Fido brings you there!
First Selectman Candidates Forum – Tuesday, October 12: Get informed about the future of Westport, live at the Library.
Restaurant Week (October 19-31): So many great places to eat, we need more than an actual “week.”
Halloween Window Painting Contest (Saturday, October 23): Kids decorate downtown — and compete for prizes.
The Slice of Saugatuck will be back soon. (Photo/Terry Cosgrave)
While those events were put on hold the past 18 months, the Chamber helped the community cope in other ways.
“COVID hit our businesses hard, especially restaurants,” says director Matthew Mandell.
“The Chamber created a Take Out initiative, with a video and our BYOB (Bring Your Own Blanket) campaign to promote outdoor dining. We also ran an hour-long livestream variety show in the middle of the lockdown, to support ur retail stores. We had to think totally out of the box, and I believe we did.
“People needed things to do that were safe, but still felt normal. We organized the first drive-in concert in the state, beating established music venues to the punch. We sold out all 10 of our concerts.
“When the time is right, we hope go back inside the Library for our Supper & Soul series.”
The beat goes on. And the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce seems to have hardly missed a beat.
Comments Off on Rush Of Events Fills Chamber’s Fall
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