The Board of Finance will need all the time they can get at next Wednesday’s meeting (February 7, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).
The agenda includes 3 discussion-only items: a financial report from the Finance director, and updates on the Longshore Sailing School lease and from the audit manager.
Then come a bang-bang series of action items:
A request from the Long Lots School Building Committee to approve $6.8 million for the design of the new elementary school and Stepping Stones pre-school.
A request from the Parks & Recreation Department director to approve $104,000 to install irrigation at the Coleytown Middle School fields.
Another request by the Parks & Rec director to approve $80,000 for analysis, design and preparation of construction documents to replace critical elements of the Compo Beach Ned Dimes Marina.
A request from the Fire Department deputy chief to approve $110,000 for work to update and merge Fire Department conceptual plans to include the Police Department and Emergency Medical Service in a new concept analysis, for a joint public safety facility.
A request from the Public Works Department director to approve $630,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds for design and permitting of the redevelopment of Jesup Green and the Imperial Avenue parking lot.
That’s a robust agenda.
And it’s an indication that Westporters will be asked to fund a number of big-ticket items, in the months and years ahead.
This is the 8-24 preliminary plan for a new $100 million Long Lots Elementary School. It may cost nearly $7 million for a complete design.
We’ve talked a bit about the redesign of the Parker Harding parking lot — though without much discussion of cost (and no firm decisions yet). Now, Phase 2 of the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee’s recommendations looms on the Saugatuck River horizon.
Few people have mentioned much about plans for a join public safety facility. Police, fire and EMS have all done great work in cramped, aging buildings. A new, shared facility is important — and will soon be a topic for debate.
The request for work at Ned Dimes Marina is a rounding error, compared to what’s ahead for Parks & Rec. Officials have been working for a couple of years on a long-term redevelopment plan for Longshore.
Parks & Rec is developing a long-term plan for the renovation of Longshore.
In addition, the Coleytown Middle School field request is just one of many that Parks & Rec may make.
The Long Lots debate has underscored the woeful conditions of a number of town playing fields. Artificial turf — the modern, non-carcinogenic type — may be an answer, at sites like Wakeman, Staples’ Loeffler Field, and Kings Highway Elementary School. Lights would help alleviate the fields crunch too.
Those are costly, quality-of-life, youth-oriented projects that we’ll hear more about in the months to come.
Not on the Board of Finance’s long agenda next week, but hard to ignore: possible renovation of old-as-Long Lots Coleytown Elementary School.
Dredging the Saugatuck River.
And, I’m sure, one or two other important projects I’ve forgotten to mention, or not yet heard about.
Coleytown Elementary School is in need of modernization too.
On Wednesday, the Finance board will vote, for the most part, on initial design work.
These are small down payments on future work. Appropriations to come will have many more zeroes.
All are important to some people. Some are important to all.
But improving our town for generations to come won’t come cheap.
Buckle up.
(Click here for the full Board of Finance agenda. The meeting will be livestreamed at http://www.westportct.gov, and shown on Optimum channel 79.)
(“06880” will continue to cover these projects — and everything else, big and small, in Westport. But we need your help to do so. Please click here to make a tax-deductible donation. Thank you!)
What do you want — or not want — in the Compo Beach playground renovation project?
All Westporters are invited to an open house this Saturday (January 20, noon to 1:30 p.m., Bedford Middle School cafeteria).
Play by Design, an offshoot of the original playground design company, is leading this project. Lisa Deshano will present the preliminary designs. A Q-and-A session and comments from key committee members follows.
The renovation is the centennial project of the Westport Rotary Club, which constructed the original playground in 1986 and subsequent renovation in 2006. Both were done in conjunction with the Westport Young Woman’s League.
The Compo Beach playground is quiet in winter. Soon — with community input — it will be hopping again. (Photo/Dave Dellinger)
Clarence Hayes saw this morning’s “06880” post by Scott Smith — about clear-cutting trees before building new, large homes — and immediately thought of Newtown Turnpike.
He sent this photo, calling it “a perfect picture to illustrate mindless cutting for the convenience of a developer.”
(Photo/Clarence Hayes)
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Each year, Milford‘s Foran High School wrestling team chooses a charity to support. This year they selected Rach’s Hope — the non-profit that honors the memory of the 2015 Staples High School graduate who died just before her senior year at Cornell University after a rare reaction to common medication.
Rach’s Hope provides nutritious food, lodging, transportation and encouragement to family members when a child is in intensive care
The Foran wrestlers helped at the annual Walk for Rach’s Hope at Compo Beach in October. They sold t-shirts with the tagline “We Choose Hope,” which they designed.
Last week, they dedicated their home opening match to Rach’s Hope. The gym was filled with supporters.
Team captains eloquently shared the story and mission of Rach’s Hope — and then presented Rachel’s parents, Alan and Lisa, with a $5,000 check.
“The love and support in the gym from spectators and the team were palpable,” says Lisa.
“The wrestlers wore Rach’s Hope singlets with pride. It was an extraordinary event.
“What an incredibly warm group of high school students. They are not only dedicated and empathic to both their sport and our cause, but the effort they put into raising funds for Rach’s Hope was over the top.”
Next up for Rach’s Hope: the 5th annual PJ Gala (FTC in Fairfield). Click here for tickets. Click here to learn more about Rach’s Hope.
The Foran High School wrestling team. The backs of their shirts say, “We Choose Hope.”
COQODAQ — a new fried chicken “concept” — opened recently in the heart of New York’s Flatiron district. Mayor Eric Adams cut the ribbon, and Busta Rhymes delivered a surprise performance.
The “06880” connection: Staples High School graduate and returned-to-Westport resident Jacqueline Broder Hensel is a partner in Gracious Hospitality Management, which developed COQODAQ.
turned the space that once housed Rocco DiSpirito’s reality-TV restaurant into a glittering room dedicated to the veneration of this humble bird: A series of luminescent golden arches form a nave under which two banks of booths scallop out, and the walls are covered in a dermis of subtly textured golden panels.
“We wanted to create a cathedral of fried chicken,” (award-winning restaurateur Simon) Kim says.
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Westport Writers’ Workshop picked the perfect spot for their 3rd annual Pitch & Publish Conference (March 16): the Westport Library.
The event is aimed at anyone seeking a literary agent, hoping to be educated about the industry at large, or looking to meet and be inspired by authors, agents and editors. T
Keynote speaker Leigh Stein is a fiction writer, poet and memoirist.
The conference begins Friday, March 15 with a welcome party at WWW (25 Sylvan Lane), followed by Saturday’s panels, one-on-one pitches, and a wrap party.
New this year: Each agent will read 5 pages of a writer’s work (in addition to their query letter); a mini “practice your pitch” session, and a catered lunch.
The after-party is at Basso.
Individual tickets for the conference only are $350 each (walk-ins accepted); tickets for the conference plus 2 one-on-one pitches with literary agents are $600 each before February 9, $675 each thereafter. Click here to register, and for more information.
Longtime Westport resident Nancy Wilder died peacefully on January 6. She was 95.
A 1949 Mt. Holyoke College graduate, she remained active throughout her life keeping alumnae connected with each other, and the school.
Nancy was married to Milo Wilder for over 50 years. They had 2 sons, Sandy and Scott (“Hoover”). Scott died in 2008, after becoming a quadriplegic in 1974. They joyfully cared for him all those years until Milo’s death 2000. She then selflessly cared for him alone for the rest of his life. Sandy now lives in the St. Louis area. Nancy lived in Westport for the last 67 years.
Nancy is survived by her grandchildren and step-grandchildren: Duncan Wilder, Holly Wilder, Katharine Burgdorff Tyler, Lauren Burgdorff Frederick, and Douglas James Burgdorff.
Nancy was very active in her boys’ education, serving on many PTA boards and traveling often to watch their sports events from childhood through college. She was primarily a stay-at-home mom, although she did bookkeping for her husband’s company for many years.
Nancy adored her many golden retrievers and cats, was an active boater with her husband, and played tennis weekly with many good friends for much of her adult life. She loved watching tennis, golf, the New York Yankees and University of Connecticut women’s basketball.
Her (and her family’s) favorite place is Southwest Harbor, Maine. She went there every summer of her life. She met her husband-to-be there, and has ancestors in the region dating to the 1600s. She felt especially grateful that she got to spend all of July and August there last summer. Her favorite activity was visiting with family on the deck, looking out at Norwood Cove, the Causeway Club, and the mountains of Acadia National Park.
Nancy loved to do jigsaw puzzles, read, and visit with family She had a special knack for helping people feel deeply valued and appreciated independent of their age, like a cheerleader of the soul.
She had many friends she kept in touch with. After Scott’s death, many of his friends adopted her as their “second mom.”
A celebration of Nancy’s life will be held March 2 (2 p.m., Saugatuck Congregational Church).
As winter weather finally sets in this week, Pam Docters captured this “Westport … Naturally” image.
It shows the Saugatuck River downtown, looking toward Gorham Island. For the first time in a while: brrrrrr. (With apologies to our friends in Buffalo, where it actually is cold.)
And finally … it’s a short hop from COCODAQ (story above) to “06880.” Welcome to Westport (or at least, our hyper-local blog), Busta Rhymes!
(To honor Busta Rhymes’ first appearance in our “06880” pages, please click here. You can donate in honor of anyone else on earth there too. Thank you!)
Josh Koskoff — the Staples High School graduate, longtime resident and attorney who helped Sandy Hook families win a massive defamation suit against conspiracy theorist Alex Jones — is handling another important case.
Along with colleagues at the Bridgeport firm of Koskoff, Koskoff & Bieder, he’s representing over 100 plaintiffs. They are women who received fertility treatment at the Yale reproductive, endocrinology and infertility clinic, and their spouses.
Without medication, they were subjected to excruciating pain — which was ignored for years. Their medication was being diverted (stolen) by a drug addicted fertility nurse with keys to the medication cabinet. Yale personnel disregard the women’s complaints. The case is currently in discovery.
The “Retrievals” serial podcast chronicling the case was recently named the #1 podcast of 2023 by both Time and New York Magazine. Click here to listen.
But this guy didn’t care. He chilled on top of the Sherwood Mill Pond garage. Matt Murray — who did his part by not driving downtown — spotted him, for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.
And finally … since this Roundup includes 2 stories about poles (above), why not celebrate Christmas with these Polish carols:
(There are just 2 days till Christmas — and you’re still wondering what to get “06880”? Just click here, for a tax-deductible contribution. Your hyperlocal blog thanks you!)
“In June, the town and Police Department contracted with a company called RequestFOIA to give a web-based Freedom of Information Act request portal, through which people could submit FOIA requests.
“It is now live and reachable by clicking on “Public Record Request” on the Police Department website. After clicking, you are sent here.
“It doesn’t look like anyone has used it yet. I have not seen any official notice of it going live.
“This could be a great tool for the town, especially if it was expanded to all other departments and commissions.”
To make a public record request through the Westport Police Department website, click on the box at the right of the home page.
Like any good startup, Startup Westport has made a big mark in a short time.
Since its formation last winter, the citizen-led organization — a public/private partnership to promote Westport as the most attractive place in Connecticut for start-up tech companies — has brought together a diverse group of residents.
They’ve heard speakers, networked, and energetically leveraged the astonishing amount of creativity lurking here in offices, homes and coffee shops.
On Tuesday night, over 100 members partied.
Startup Westport’s first annual holiday gathering, at the Westport Country Playhouse Sheffer Barn, was a fun, festive — and intellectually fertile — event.
Founders Jay Norris, Peter Propp and Cliff Sirlin spoke. So did Dan O’Keefe, Connecticut’s first chief innovation officer (who spoke at a previous meeting), and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker.
But mostly, the evening was a chance to meet and chat with like-minded folks.
And eat, drink, and be tech-merry.
(To learn more about Startup Westport, click here.)
Scenes from Startup Westport’s first holiday party.
When Planning & Zoning Commission chair Danielle Dobin was elected to the Board of Finance earlier this month, the Democratic Town Committee was charged with recommending a replacement.
14 “outstanding” candidates stepped up, the DTC says. Tonight, members will vote to accept the Nominations Committee’s recommendation of Amy Wistreich. The full P&Z will then vote on that recommendation, at their next meeting.
Wistreich was appointed to the Zoning Board of Appeals in 2019, then elected to a full term in 2021. She currently serves as secretary. She has a degree in environmental design, and spent her career working in all areas of construction, including architecture, engineering, design, planning, project management, contracts and insurance, in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors.
Amy Wistreich
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Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between November 15 and 29.
A man was arrested, following an investigation into a December 2020 larceny at HomeGoods. He then returned stolen merchandise, got store credit, used it to purchase other items, returned those, and got full credit baci.
Police also issued these citations:
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 13 citations
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 7
Traveling unreasonably fast: 4
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 4
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 3
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 3
Speeding: 2
Driving while texting: 2
Distracted driving: 2
Passing a standing school bus: 1
Following too closely: 1
Failure to obey stop sign: 1
Failure to carry driver’s license: 1
Improper use of marker plates: 1
Learner’s permit violation: 1
The sign probably does not work. But be warned: You can be fined up t9 $500 the first time you pass a standing school bus.
At first glance, this looks like a major catastrophe. A cop car, ambulance and fire truck — all with flashing lights — right on the holiday-lit William F. Cribari Bridge.
No worries.
It’s a posed shot, showing Westport’s 3 vital first responders, at a site we all love.
Westport Police, the Westport Fire Department and Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service wish everyone in town — residents, business, employees, visitors — a happy, healthy holiday.
In other words: One in which their lights are not needed. And instead, we all enjoy the lights on the bridge.
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Yesterday’s story on Lucia Palmieri — the very generous Westporter who is inviting kids and parents to meet the Westport Fire Department’s Santa on December 8 — left out one very important detail: the time.
It’s “after 5 p.m.,” Lucia says.
For details on how to participate — including donations made to the Westport Uniformed Firefighters Charitable Foundation, and how to drop off the wrapped gift for your child ahead of time (that’s how “Santa” knows what to give) — click here.
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David Bowie will have a big role at VersoFest 2024.
Sure, the English singer/songwriter/musician/actor died in 2016. But Tony Visconti — who was his producer and arranger, along with T. Rex and Thin Lizzy — will offer the keynote address at the Westport Library’s 3rd annual event.
The Saturday, April 6 discussion of Visconti’s art and career is set for Saturday, April 6 (1 p.m.). The event is free, but requires registration. Click here for tickets.
The 4-day music festival and conference runs from Thursday, April 4 through Sunday, April 7. It includes panels, workshops and performances. Further details will be announced soon.
If you’ve been wondering about “The Miyawaki Method: Microforests in the Age of Climate Change”: You’re in luck!
That’s the topic of Aspetuck Land Trust’s next “Lunch & Learn” webinar.
Set for Friday, December 8 (noon to 1:30 p.m.), it features micro-forest creator and environmental advocate Maya Dutta. She’ll discuss this unique method for reforestation, and how micro-forests can build communal and climate resilience.
And finally … in honor of VersoFest 2024 — and the keynote address by David Bowie’s former producer and arranger (story above):
(VersoFest — set for next April — will be here before you know it. So will December 31. Give yourself a tax-deductible break before the New Year. Please click here, to support “06880.” Thank you!)
And she’s inviting Westport kids and parents, too.
The Westport Uniformed Firefighters Charitable Foundation already sponsors “Santa” runs, complete with a fire truck. But spots are limited, and not every parent who wanted to could sign up.
So on Friday, December 8, Santa (and the fire truck) will come to Lucia’s house, at 4 Narrow Rocks Road.
The Big Guy will hand presents to children. But first (kids — stop reading here!) — their parents need to make a minimum $35 donation to the Firefighters Foundation. Click here to do that.
Parents also must drop off a wrapped gift for their child (kids — you should not be reading this!) at Lucia’s house before the event.
Lucia will also provide a fire and hot chocolate. She may even lead a few carols.
And — spoiler alert — she is not just a very generous woman. Lucia is also a professional opera singer, with gigs at Carnegie Hall and the US Open, and on ESPN, Bravo, ABC and NBC.
To RSVP, and for questions, emailluciapalmieri@yahoo.com or call 917-578-8443. (Hat tip: Katherine Calise)
Also, just in time for the holidays, a shop has popped up in Westport.
West | Out East — with locations in New York City, East Hampton and Miami — is now open at 1 Main Street. That’s near the intersection of Post Road East — the previous site of POP’Tart gallery.
This is a bigger space than their previous location, 9 Riverside Avenue.
Modular products are “versatile in style and function, accentuated by customizable millwork.” The collection includes indoor and outdoor furniture, decorative and architectural lighting, closets, storage systems, kitchens, bath fixtures, rugs and accessories.
Led by quarterback Caleb Smith and the offensive line, they rallied from a 9-6 halftime deficit to nip Fairfield Prep 13-12, in last night’s state “LL” (extra large schools) quarterfinal game.
The Wreckers are seeded first; the Jesuits were 8th. Prep ended the Westporters’ season last year, with a 23-22 state playoff win.
The victory earns Staples a home semifinal contest against #5 Southington, at 12:30 p.m. this Sunday. Staples beat the upstaters 34-27 earlier this year.
Quarterback Caleb Smith. (Photo/John Nash for The Ruden Report)
Neighborhood Studios — the multi-discipline, multi-dimensional Bridgeport arts program supported by many Westporters — and the Curtis Summer Camp Fund have partnered on a very cool benefit concert.
With very cool local musicians.
“Give Kids a Chance!” (December 5, Fairfield Theatre Company; reception at 6 p.m, concert at 7 p.m.) features great local talent. They’re backed by the Zambonis: the greatest (and only) hockey rock band on the planet.
Many musicians’ names are familiar to Westporters: Jim Francis, Jeffrey and Laurie Gross, Dave Hart, Stanton Lesser, Rob Morton, Leila Shields, Rick Smilow and 5th State Band. They’re joined by students and alumni of the Neighborhood Studios Contemporary & Jazz Ensemble.
Neighborhood Studios serves more than 1,000 Bridgeport youth, ages 3 to 19, with after-school programs and summer camps. It transforms lives through arts education, and empowers youngsters to make differences in their community.
The Curtis Summer Camp Fund changes lives by sending Bridgeport youths to sleepaway camp.
Dr. Robert Altbaum is now retired. But he’s still helping Westporters live healthy lives.
On Tuesday, he brought 40 years of experience to the Y’s Women meeting. Altbaum discussed osteoporosis — its causes, dangers, and how to live with it.
It was an important topic. Osteoporosis predominantly affects women over 50. 30% of women over 65 have the disease; only 4% of men do.
Altbaum said that strong bones are the key to osteoporosis prevention. He recommends weight-bearing exercises like walking, running or the elliptical; vitamin D; reduced alcohol consumption, and no smoking.
He also discussed ways to reduce falls, including night lights, getting rid of throw rugs, clearing clutter, a chair or grab bars in the shower, and always using stair rails.
Dr. Robert Altbaum, at yesterday’s Y’s Women meeting.
Tomorrow’s Jazz at the Post features The Caribbean Jazz Connection (Thursday, November 30, 7:30 and 8:45 p.m., VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; dinner at 7 p.m.; $15 music charge).
Led by drummer Jim Royle, who crosses jazz and Caribbean Latin styles, it features steel pan player Bryan Garbe, an internationally acclaimed percussionist who grew up in Fairfield.
The band also includes bassist John Mobilio and pianist David Childs.
Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
“Lux Freer” — the award-winning short film shot and produced in Westport last year — screens this Sunday at the Dances With Films festival in New York.
Show time is 2 p.m., at Regal Union Square.
It was the first film directed by actress (and Staples High School graduate) Cynthia Gibb, known for her on-screen work in “Gypsy,” “Fame” and “Youngblood.”
“Lux Freer” won Best USA Film, and Gibb was named Best First-Time Director, at the New York Cinematography Awards. It was also honored as Outstanding Narrative Short at the Ridgefield Independent Film Festival). Gibb’s film also earned Honorable Mention in the Best LGBTQ Short Film category at Los Angeles’ Indie Short Fest.
The lead, Echo Bodell, will attend the New York showing, along with Gibb, writer Jill Johnson Mann and other cast members, including Staples senior Cameron Mann (who played the killer in HBO’s “Mare of Easttown.”
And finally … Jean Knight — whose only hit (“Mr. Big Stuff”) lives on more than 50 years after its release — died last week in Florida. She was 80.
It was nominated for a 1971 Grammy Award nomination for best female R&B vocal performance (Aretha Franklin won for “Bridge Over Troubled Water”), and best R&B song (Bill Withers won for “Ain’t No Sunshine”).
Josh Koskoff has earned tons of national attention. As lead attorney representing the Sandy Hook families, he won a momentous decision in a defamation lawsuit against conspiracy theorist Alex Jones.
On Tuesday, the Staples High School graduate, longtime Westport resident and senior partner at Koskoff, Koskoff & Bieder of Bridgeport was on a different stage: the Westport Rotary Club’s lunch meeting.
He noted that 20 years ago, mass shootings were not a major problem. He cited some factors that explain our gun violence epidemic, including laxer gun laws, excessive greed on the part of gun manufacturers, internet-enabled direct marketing of assault weapons to young people, and a “crisis of unhappiness” that makes them susceptible to angry, toxic and violent messaging.
Koskoff ended on a positive note. He believes that gun control forces are growing, becoming moreorganized and financed, and now stand a better chance of passing necessary legislation.
Josh Koskoff with an AR-15 assault rifle, at Tuesday’s Westport Rotary Club meeting. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
The Bedford Acting Group invites everyone to “Be Our Guest, Be Our Guest, Be Our Guest” at their production of “Beauty and the Beast: The Broadway Musical!”
With strong vocal and dance talents, an inventive set and fine costumes, the well-known tale about a spirited, book-loving French village girl, the hideous beast who imprisons her, and the quirky, hilarious characters in the famous classic come to life.
For younger fans, BAG offers a special opportunity to participate in a “Be Our Guest Experience.” It includes a meet-and-greet with Belle and other characters from the show, plus “Beauty and the Beast”-themed crafts and games. The event will take place Saturday, December 2 at 1:30 p.m., before the matinee (separate tickets are required).
Performances are Friday, December 1 (7 p.m.).; Saturday, December 2 (3 and 7 p.m.), and Sunday, December 3 (3 p.m.). Borh matinees are already sold out. Click here for tickets to the evening shows.
The cast and crew of Bedford Acting Group’s “Beauty and the Beast.”
50 years ago tomorrow — November 12, 1973 — Time magazine published their first editorial ever. It called for the resignation of President Nixon.
The cover read “Nixon’s Jury: The People.” It showed 12 people, in various stages of contemplation about the Watergate scandal-engulfed chief executive.
That cover was drawn by Miggs Burroughs.
He was just 27 years old. Less than a decade earlier, he’d graduated from Staples High School.
“It was not my proudest moment artistically,” he recalled yesterday.
Because of an extremely tight deadline, he worked in the Time/Life office. Staffers ordered paint and supplies from the Arthur Brown Art Store nearby.
Then they stood over Miggs — with the doors barred — until he was done.
Because of its historical significance — it was the magazine’s first editorial, after all, the magazine is now in the Smithsonian Museum.
“Not the best looking jury ever convened,” Miggs added.
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As temperatures drop, the Westport Fire Department has partnered with Bridgeport Rescue Mission for a “Share the Warmth” coat drive.
New or gently used (and clean) winter coats, hats, mittens, gloves, scarves and snowsuits can be dropped off at Fire headquarters (515 Post Road East), the Senior Center and Town Hall through December 15.
Several schools will have collection boxes at their entrances, too.
Westport firefighters will sort and transport the items to the Bridgeport Rescue Mission.
The Secretary of the State’s office has released official turnout results for Tuesday’s election.
In Westport, 45.6% of eligible voters cast ballots. That’s up from 43.1% in 2021 — the last town-wide election (although that also included state-wide races, like governor and the General Assembly).
Throughout Connecticut, turnout was 33.3% — exactly one-third of eligible voters.
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Last month, Westporter Walter Fischel was evacuated from Ashkelon, Israel, where he had lived and worked for 9 months. Because there was so much uncertainty around when and if he would return to work, he decided to travel.
Though he will make a full recovery, his passport, phone and credit cards were stolen.
He got a new passport and should be well enough to travel next week, but his accounts have been frozen since the robbery and he is unable to book a flight home.
All funds raised will go directly to Fischel, to assist with travel, medical expenses, and living expenses for him and his family.
“Back in the spring I bought some pre-cut butternut squash from Trader Joe’s. At the bottom of the tray I found 1 seed, and put it in water.
“It sprouted, so I stuck it into a small pot with soil. It turned into a little plant.
“Thrilled to see the growth, I stuck it in the ground. Amazingly, that 1 seed became a huge vine over 25 feet long!
“My daughter Mikayla and I tended to it all summer. We just harvested 5 beautiful monster-sized butternut squashes. Never underestimate the power of one small seed!”
Mikayla and Linda Doyle, and their butternut squashes.
Aspetuck Land Trust’s next “fall lunch and learn” webinar could not be more timely.
Arborist Chris Teter discusses fall foliage (Friday, November 17, noon to 1:30 p.m.). He’ll explain the biology of leaves on trees and shrubs in autumn, highlight their significance in the ecosystem, then connect it to urban and suburban settings.
He’ll also provide information on how to use leaves to enhance both beauty and ecological value.
And finally … in honor of Miggs Burrough’s Time magazine cover, 50 years ago tomorrow (story above):
(From Watergate to winter coats, butternut squash to fall foliage, “06880” is your place for hyper-local news. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Also last night: The annual “Stand up for Homes with Hope” benefit.
A full crowd packed Fairfield University’s Quick Center to laugh uproariously with Roy Wood Jr., and raise much-needed funds for Westport’s supportive shelter and food pantry non-profit.
Laughter and homelessness don’t often go together. But the star of the night — and Helen McAlinden and the many board and staff members who make Homes with Hope a local treasure — made sure attendees understood that connections between all of us are the most important thing in life.
Flooding is a major issue in Westport. As climate change worsens, it too will became even more prevalent.
The Flood & Erosion Control Board meets November 1. On the agenda:
Prioritize and assist the Department of Public Works in the approval and implementation of flood related projects involving watersheds in Westport.
Work with the Representative Town Meeting to revise regulations, allowing the board to review large projects if required, and educate the RTM about public input related to flooding.
Dedicate a minimum of 2 public discussion meetings per year to discuss updates on flood projects.
Develop and implement a campaign to help educate the public about flood and erosion issues in Westport.
Develop and implement a plan to educate the community on ways to help mitigate the impact of flooding and erosion on private and public properties.
Advocate for supporting the town mitigation efforts by sharing the board’s perspective with the Board of Finance, state legislative leaders, and Department of Energy & Environmental Protection officials.
The meeting will be held virtually. Click here for the Zoom link. The meeting ID is 892 4707 8896; the passcode is 900470.
Grove Point flooding, from a December storm. (Photo/John Kantor)
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Saranda and Al Strazza are very involved with Veterans of Foreign Wars Joseph J. Clinton Post 399. Al — a retired combat Marine who served in the first Gulf War — is now vice commander of the local VFW. Saranda helped obtain a $100,000 gift, to pay for river dredging in the area.
This Friday (October 20, 6 p.m.), the VFW hosts a Chili Cook-off. The participation fee is $15. Funds raised will benefit Westport’s Police and Fire Departments, and Emergency Medical Services.
There are prizes, a 50/50 raffle — and of course chili.
While participating in the Citizen Police Academy, Saranda and Al were surprised to learn that the local K-9 unit is completely funded by donations.
They vowed to help raise funds for a new bite jacket, medical costs, food, equipment supplies and training toys.
A booth at the Chili Cook-off will sell plush toys for sale, and collect donations.
For more information, call 203-227-6796, or email vfw399ct@gmail.com.
October is both Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Fire Safety Month.
So — of course! — on Friday the Westport Fire Department brought fire trucks and pink fire boots to Kings Highway Elementary school, for an all-school event.
Fire Marshal Terry Dunn spoke to students about fire safety. Meanwhile, his fellow firefighters collected donations from students for the American Cancer Society. Students filled the pink boots with more than $475.
After listening to the fire safety speech, students, teachers and administrators explored a vintage fire truck. ‘
They also placed pink ribbons in the back of the school, as a symbol of support for those impacted by breast cancer.
Kings Highway Elementary School administrators, in a vintage fire truck. From front to back: principal Tracey Carbone, assistant principals Catherine Carmona and Jame’el Lawrence.
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Also on Friday, the Norwalk Housing Authority brought students to the Westport Community Gardens for after-school art enrichment.
Creativity “bloomed,” as NHS and WCG adults watched with pride.
The Westport Woman’s Club’s annual Clothing Tag Sale runs this Friday and Saturday (October 20-21) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday (October 22) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the WWC’s historic clubhouse (44 Imperial Avenue).
Gently used women’s, men’s and children’s clothing and accessories are featured, with a wide variety of suits, dresses, pants, blouses, gowns, coats, scarves, shoes, jewelry, handbags and hats.
Funds raised help support the town’s food closet, many charities throughout Fairfield County, and student scholarships.
Rolling Stone magazine just listed their 250 best guitarists of all time.
There at #7 — behind Jimi Hendrix, Chuck Berry, Jimmy Page, Eddie Van Halen, Jeff Beck and Sister Rosetta Tharpe, but ahead of artists like BB King and Duane Allman — is Westport’s own Nile Rodgers.
The story begins:
There’s “influential,” then there’s “massively influential,” then there’s Nile Rodgers. The story of pop music over the past 50 years is basically the story of Rodgers’ guitar.
The manic-staccato funk jangle he invented with Chic, in Seventies disco hits like “Le Freak” and “Good Times” — that’s been the heartbeat of global pop ever since.
His warp-speed guitar on the 1980 Diana Ross classic “I’m Coming Out” was still the toughest sound on the radio almost two decades later, when Biggie turned it into “Mo Money Mo Problems.” Now that’s staying power.
Jack Backiel is a frequent commenter on “06880.” He no longer lives here, but he has fond memories of the years his family owned Westport Lanes — the bowling alley located where BevMax is today.
Jack’s son John recently added a small display about the Lanes in his dining room. It includes newspaper clippings, stationery, and a photo of opening day (with professional bowlers, sent by Brunswick).
John lives in the Washington area, and is vice president of finance and accounting at the Heritage Foundation.
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High on the cell tower behind Walgreens, Johanna Keyser Rossi counted 20 turkey vultures. And a few crows.
It takes an eagle eye to sport them. But they’re all part of “Westport … Naturally.”
And finally … let’s hear it for our neighbor Nile Rodgers, the 7th greatest guitarist in the world! (See story above …)
(From floods and the Fire Department to Nile Rodgers and Keith Richards, we’ve got 06880 [and 06883] covered. Please click here to support local journalism. Thank you!)
Today’s weather sliced into the Slice of Saugatuck attendance.
But plenty of people of all ages still headed to the triangle formed by Riverside Avenue, Railroad Place and Saugatuck Avenue, for the 11th annual food tasting, retail experience and fundraiser for the Homes with Hope pantry.
The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce event included bouncy houses, a face painter, balloon bender, firehouse tours, beer and wine gardens, and 7 bands.
Any way you slice it, it was a great Saugatuck day.
Pasta, meatballs — and dog treats — at Tutti’s …
… Tuck Gin on Railroad Place …
… kids’ fun by the train station …
… tickets sold by RTM moderator (and former Homes with Hope CEO) Jeff Wieser …
… one of 7 bands …
… Deputy Fire Chief Nick Marsan at the Saugatuck stationhouse, where the Fire Department raised awareness of breast cancer …
… and let little kids drive a fire truck …
… treats at Saugatuck Sweets …
… and cheeseburger meatball at Match Burger Lobster (All photos/Dan Woog)
Dr. Elliott Landon — Westport’s superintendent of schools from 1999 through 2016, who oversaw continued growth in the district and the opening of the new Staples High School building — died last night.
He came to Westport after 10 years in Long Beach, New York. Prior to that, he served 9 years as Ridgefield’s superintendent.
Landon began his teaching career at James Madison High School in Brooklyn, following his graduation from Columbia University’s Teachers College.
“06880” will post a full obituary, and service details, when they are available.
There’s a local election looming. How much do you know about the boards you’ll be voting for?
Next Wednesday (September 6, 7 p.m., Westport Library), the Westport League of Women Voters hosts a forum called “Know Your Town: The Board of Education.” It follows 2 similar successful sessions, on the Representative Town Meeting and Board of Finance.
Three members of the Westport Board of Ed — chair Lee Goldstein, secretary Neil Phillips and member Dorie Hordon — will discuss how the BOE operates. Topics include governance of our school system, operating and capital budgets, deliberations on major policy decisions, and how the public can most effectively participate in the process.
This Sunday’s 10 a.m. service at Saugatuck Congregational Church will be special. Guest minister Rev. William Salmond will provide time for worshipers to share their personal memories of Rev. Ted Hoskins, the longtime minister who died last month in Maine.
Rev. Hoskins touched many Westporters, in the church and beyond. All are welcome to attend.
Rev. Ted Hoskins
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Westport Deputy Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director Nick Marsan joined Westport Community Emergency Team members Wednesday night, for their annual picnic.
CERT is a little known — but very effective and truly important — volunteer effort. They provide support during crises allowing Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Services personnel to concentrate on their tasks.
Deputy Fire Chief Nick Marsan (far right) and CERT volunteers. (Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)
That is, Elvira’s Pizza. The new restaurant on Norwalk’s Belden Avenue is owned by Harry Yiovanakos, son of the founders of the former Westport deli of the same name.
Norwalk’s Elvira’s Pizza. (Photo and hat tip/Andrew Colabella)
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The Board of Finance will need all the time they can get at next Wednesday’s meeting (February 7, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).
