Tag Archives: Westport Marketplace

Roundup: College Protests, Mother’s Day, Robbie Mustoe …

Posted on April 27, 2024 | 33 comments

Westport college students are on both sides of the protests roiling campuses nationwide.

One made it into the Washington Post.

Reporting from the University of Texas, where Governor Greg Abbott is sending in troops, the paper quoted students who called his actions politically opportunistic.

However, the Post said: “Not every student found the response unsettling.

“Lily Caplan, 19, a sophomore journalism major from Westport, Conn., joined fellow members of Longhorn Students for Israel at a counter-protest next to the pro-Palestinian gathering Thursday, waving Israeli flags and chanting ‘Bring them home now’ — a reference to Jewish hostages in Gaza.

“‘Yesterday we saw a totally different response than other universities around the country and me, as a Jewish student, I was so grateful for that. Don’t mess with Texas,’ she said, echoing a state slogan as she stood in a circle with other counter-protesters.

“Caplan said she was reassured by support from Abbott and university president Jay Hartzell.

Click here for the full Washington Post story. (Hat tip: Douglass Davidoff)

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Husbands and kids’ alert: Mother’s Day is May 12.

Westport Marketplace has the holiday covered. Brunch spots, spas, chocolates, other gifts and more are all in a handy list. Click here to see — then act!

The mom in your life will thank you.

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Officer Joe Saponare of Westport Animal Control wants Westporters to know: “All wildlife animals — especially coyotes — will be out more now, both day and night, searching for food because of their newborn babies.”

He suggests taking dogs out on leashes. Owners of little dogs should be especially vigilant.

Compo Beach coyote. (Photo/Richard Gabor)

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Soccer fans around the US know Robbie Mustoe as a keen-eyed commentator on NBC Sports’ Premier League coverage. Soccer fans around the world know that he’s a former English professional player.

Westporters know him as our neighbor — and a golfer.

He may not have scored the winning goal at Wembley. But on Monday he did the next best thing: He got a hole-in-one.

Don’t take our word for it. Here’s what he posted on X:

(Hat tip: David Groner)

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Tonight is A Better Chance of Westport’s annual Dream Event (Saturday, 6:30 p.m., Westport Library).

If you’re going, you know it will be an inspirational evening. But those not there can still take part in a great online auction.

Broadway and Yankees tickets, golf, Arabian horse lessons and more are up for bid. Just click here, then click “Not attending” and follow the prompts.

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ABC’s Dream Event is just one of many galas this spring. All are important, for excellent causes.

But the Westport Weston Family YMCA is hosting an “Extra Special Spring Bash” on May 4 (6 to 8:30 p.m.).

The evening is tailored to students ages 12-18 with disabilities. 

The Y promises fun and excitement, with food, a photo booth, gift bags and a DJ.

Students will be partnered with a student volunteer buddies who spend the evening with them. Parents can stay in a separate room where they can mingle, and enjoy refreshments.

Click here to register, and for more information.

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Jesse Terry and Sam Robbins share the bill next Saturday (May 4, 8 p.m.), at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport’s Voices Café.

Terry — a full-time touring artist for well over a decade, and Wilton native — has been called “a gentle soul with a formidable songwriting talent and a clear artistic vision.”

Sam Robbins is based in Nashville. He brings a modern, upbeat edge as a storytelling troubadour.

The concert supports local social justice programs. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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That’s not Sam Robbins’ only upcoming Westport appearance.

Carolyn Miller runs Westport-based Meals for Music. The non-profit provides free meals to touring musicians.

Their first fundraiser is May 8 (7:45 p.m.) at Fairfield Theatre Company. Damn Tall Building — and Robbins — provide the entertainment. (And presumably will eat well.)

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Speaking of entertainment: Nearly 300 musicians have signed a letter, urging US senators to help fix the broken concert ticketing system.

Three of the them — more than 1% of all of signees — have Westport connections. Nile Rodgers lives here. And Billie Eilish and Finneas’ father, Patrick O’Connell, is a 1975 Staples High School graduate.

They’re in good company. Other signers include Duran Duran, Fall Out Boy, Graham Nash, Green Day, Cyndi Lauper, Indigo Girls, Jason Mraz, Siaand Lorde. (Hat tip: Mark Mathias)

Finneas has some Westport roots.

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Johanna Keyser Rossi loves Burying Hill Beach.

The other day, she noticed that artificial flowers placed along the fence at the top of the hill had been removed.

She thought they were a tribute or memorial to someone, and was sad to see them gone.

Yesterday, to her delight, someone — the same person perhaps, or someone else — had replaced them.

Beautifully.

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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Sometimes the Fresh Market osprey leaves its nest to fish.

Sometimes it just wants a change of pace, from its platform in a busy parking lot.

Hilary Ellis spotted today’s “Westport … Naturally” scene on Spicer Road.

(Photo/Hilary Ellis)

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And finally … Mike Pinder, founding keyboardist of the Moody Blues, died this week in California. He was 82. Click here for a full obituary.

(Go now! But before you do, please click here to support “06880” — your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

33 Comments

Posted in Beach, Education, Environment, Longshore, Politics, YMCA

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Roundup: 1 Glendinning Place, Our Town Crier, Floodplain Management …

Posted on January 25, 2024 | 13 comments

After input from neighbors, developers of 1 Glendinning Place have reduced the scope of plans for the property off Weston Road (mostly recently, offices of Bridgewater Associates).

The previous one had 14 units. The new plan includes 10 free-standing units, of 3,000 square feet each.

Two will house special needs affordable residents. There are 3 units in each. One of the 6 will be reserved for a live-in supervisor.

Developer David Waldman notes that this is similar to supportive housing at 136 Riverside Avenue.

The change at 1 Glendinning Place will allow Westport to obtain more 8-30g (affordable housing) moratorium points.

The next step: application to, and hearing with, the Planning & Zoning Commission.

Artists’ rendering shows 10 proposed homes (green) for 1 Glendinning Place. Click on or hover over to enlarge.

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Our Town Crier and Westport Marketplace have joined forces.

Now there’s one place for over 800 local listings — restaurants, retail, realtors, services (business, personal and home), and more — along with statewide information for categories like “Pizza Trail” and Valentine’s Day (places to eat and stay; things to do).

Betsy Pollak masterminds both. Click here to see; click here to sign up for the Westport Marketplace newsletter (monthly, plus special editions).

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The Westport Progress Report on Floodplain Management is complete.

It is prepared annually to enable Westport residents to receive a 10% reduction in their flood insurance. Flood Insurance is offered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to communities that participate in the Community Rating System. Click here to read the plan. 

Municipalities that participate in the CRS are ranked from 1 (highest) to 10. Classifications warrant what flood insurance rate reductions are offered. Westport’s ranking is 8.

Annual reports are required identifying how Westport is implementing the Western Connecticut Council of Governments Multi-Jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan. Click here for the Westport report.

Local flooding is becoming more prevalent. This was the scene in a back yard earlier this month. (Photo/Meghan Norris)

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Alert reader Bob Mitchell writes:

“I recently enrolled in USPS Informed Delivery, a service that tells you every day what mail is being delivered to you.

“I was mildly interested until last Friday, when I was informed that I was receiving 6pieces of mail.

“The mailbox was empty. Since that day, none of the indicated pieces of mail have shown up. (The service shows you pictures of the mail pieces, so I know they haven’t arrived.)

“In addition, I had ordered 2 boxes of COVID test kits. On Friday I was informed by USPS in great detail the progress of the delivery of these kits, culminating in notice that the packages were delivered to my mailbox. I have never seen these packages either.

“I have reported the non-deliveries, but have had no response from USPS. I wonder if any others have had similar incidents.”

So, “06880” readers: Do you have USPS Informed Delivery? Have you experienced non-delivery? What are your options if you report them, but never hear back? Please click “Comments” to help Bob.

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This week’s League of Women Voters of Westport annual “Pie & Politics” event at Pizza Lyfe featured Westport’s 3 state legislators: Senator Ceci Maher, and Representatives Jonathan Steinberg and Dominique Johnson.

They updated attendees on issues expected to be debated this year in Hartford, including funding for voter education about early voting, support for polling staff, and the ballot initiative to amend the state constitution to offer no-excuse absentee voting. All 3 spoke passionately about protecting and expanding voters’ rights, and the importance of taking steps to improve voter turnout.

The discussion also included climate change, whether Connecticut should adopt an electric vehicle mandate to go into effect in 2035, and other initiatives to mitigate climate change and train a workforce for clean energy jobs.

The legislators spoke to the importance of looking at solar, geothermal, heat pumps, reskilling, and addressing housing shortages to attract clean energy companies and their employees.

Other topics included mental health policies, transportation, housing and education.

From left: State legislators Dominique Johnson, Jonathan Steinberg and Ceci Maher at Pizza Lyfe.

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The Westport Rotary Club heard an animated talk by Tommy Greenwald at this week’s lunch meeting.

Of course, anyone who knows Greenwald — the 1978 Staples High School soccer state champion/father of 3 sports-playing sons/Broadway marketer/young adult author knows that he lives his life in an animated way.

Greenwald writes often about the hyper-competitiveness and pressure of youth sports — for children and their parents. He told the Rotarians that his goal is to bring fun back into that stressful world, and show youngsters that the path to a well-balanced life does not totally revolve around the success of a team, or individual achievement on the field or court.

 

Tommy Greenwald (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between January 17 and 24.

A woman was arrested after she found a $550 MoneyGram on the ground, endorsed it using her real name and address, and deposited it in her bank account. She was afforded the opportunity to reimburse the victim but refused, and was charged with larceny.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 5 citations
  • Traveling too fast for conditions: 3
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
  • Operating a motor vehicle while texting: 2
  • Distracted driving: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
  • Failure to renew registration: 2
  • Reckless driving: 1
  • Speeding: 1
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 1
  • Failure to drive right: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
  • Improper use of markers: 1
  • Failure to reinstate license within 60 days: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without proper load cover: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle in violation of license class: 1

Failure to secure a load can lead to a citation.

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Sure, it’s a church.

But the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport is the site of a “barn dance” this Sunday (January 28, after the service at approximately 11:30 a.m., until around 3 p.m.).

Billy Fisher will call the dance, with live music from Wry Bred. The event includes Cake Carousel and pizza.

Everyone is invited: all ages, all levels of experience. A recommendation donation of $5 per person, $15 per family covers entertainment costs.

Questions? Email mcelroy.cathy@gmail.com.

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MoCA’s 2nd Artisan Market (February 11, noon to 4 p.m.) features handcrafted items: bespoke jewelry, textiles, fine art and gourmet foods.

It’s a chance to purchase unique gifts before Valentine’s Day, while supporting local creators.

Staples musical sensation Ethan Walmark will entertain.

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Also at MoCA: Jazz musician Anthony Hervey, in concert February 27.

He has impressed audiences worldwide as a sideman for Christian McBride, Jon Baptiste, Michael Bublé and Wynton Marsalis (who called him a “beautiful trumpet player of first magnitude.”

He’ll be joined by saxophonist Markus Howell, pianist Isaiah J. Thompson, bassist Russell Hall and drummer Miguel Russell. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Anthony Hervey

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Patricia (“Patty”) Palmer died Sunday. She was 79.

The Bridgeport native graduated from St. Vincent’s School of Radiology in 1964.   She worked at Norwalk Hospital for over 40 years, first as a registered X-ray technician and then as a manager.

Patty lived in Westport for over 50 years, and raised 2 daughters here. She was involved in their Parent Teacher Association, and led their Brownie and Girl Scout troops.

She enjoyed reading at Compo and Burying Hill beaches, taking a wide range of local classes, and was a regular walker at Sherwood Island State Park.

Her favorite activities were dancing and travel. She met her husband David on the dance floor. They spent over 30 years traveling and sightseeing, especially in Cape Cod and the Caribbean.

Patty is survived by her husband of 35 years; daughters Kelley Swift and Megan Tibball (Jeff), all of Fairfield, and grandchildren Jordan and Brendan Tibball, and Jackson Swift.

Her family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the nurses and caregivers at Bridgeport Hospital who took good care of her, and made her final time peaceful and comfortable.

Visiting hours are Monday (January 29, 4 to 7 p.m., Harding Funeral Home). A mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Luke Church on Tuesday (January 30, 11 a.m.).

Patty Palmer

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All winter long, dogs are allowed on Compo Beach — and in the water.

These goldens enjoy the opportunity, oblivious they are the subjects of today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo.

(Photo/Deborah Herbertson)

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And finally … Melanie — the one-named, much-loved singer/guitarist/ songwriter of the late ’60s and early ’70s — died Thursday. She was 76. Click here for a full obituary. (Hat tip: Amy Schneider)

(Real estate news? Police reports? Obituaries? Whatever you’re looking for, it’s here at “06880.” This is your hyper-local blog — and it’s reader-supported. Please click here to help. Thank you!)

13 Comments

Posted in Environment, Local business, Obituaries, Police, Real estate

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Dozens Of Interns Make Marketplace Work

Posted on August 21, 2020 | 2 comments

Since its launch last month, the Westport Marketplace has been a smash.

The online, one-stop shop for operating hours, safety precautions, links and more for nearly every store, restaurant, market, medical office, fitness center, realtor, auto dealer, and professional, home, personal and children’s service in town was a herculean effort.

Our Town Crier‘s Betsy Pollak led the way. She had the backing of the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce, Westport Downtown Merchants Association and town officials.

But none of it would have been possible without the skills and smarts of over 40 interns.

From graphic design to social media — and of course boots-on-the-ground gruntwork — the team of teenagers and and 20-somethings stepped up for their town.

It helped that all of the interns were already here. They left Staples High School and their colleges abruptly in March, pivoting to distance learning. But they had time on their hands, an abrupt end to their social lives to contend with — and talent, creativity and energy to share in abundance.

Rising Staples junior Tessa Moore got involved because she saw her community struggling. She appreciates being able to share information, while helping the local economy.

Sanna ten Cate, Marketplace co-director and a rising junior at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, had a chance to get “an inside look into the back end of businesses.” She calls the skill set of her fellow interns “astonishing.”‘

One of the most skillful was lead graphics intern Nate Kolek. The rising Staples senior called the digital collaboration “such a positive environment.”

A few of Westport Marketplace’s many interns.

Web operations lead and Emory University rising freshman Serena Ye volunteered as a way to combine her passions for business and communications, while supporting her community.

Jasmine Kitahara — a 2020 Cornell University graduate, and the lead web developer — was “able to do something I’ve never done before, and would never get the chance to do prior to starting my full-time career.” She used her college education to program and build the website.

Now that she is starting that career, the Westport Marketplace is looking for someone to take over her role (click here for details).

The Marketplace is also looking to expand its media team. For that, the web developer position and other posts, email info@thewestportmarketplace.com.

Before the Marketplace project, there was no master list of every Westport business. Even town officials had access to land records only, not the businesses within the parcels.

That’s one legacy of this effort. And — if the interns’ work has helped save even a few of them — that’s another.

(To view the Westport Marketplace, click here. To support it — and the interns — click here. Hat tip: Ally Schwartz)

2 Comments

Posted in Local business, Media, Organizations, People, Restaurants

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Westport Marketplace: The Town At Your Fingertips

Posted on July 1, 2020 | 14 comments

What’s open? What’s closed? What’s different? What’s going on?

Everyone wants to know. Now we can.

A herculean collaboration between Our Town Crier, the Westport Downtown Merchants Association, Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce and Town of Westport has resulted in a comprehensive, almost-beyond-comprehension website covering every conceivable business, service and organization here.

Welcome to the Westport Marketplace.

Screenshot from Westport Marketplace

The “Virtual Yellow Pages” directory is filled with links and up-to-date information for just about every business and service in Westport. There’s contact information, operating hours,, safety precautions and more.

Users can search by name, relevance, distance, even popularity.

Major categories unfold with dozens of sub-categories.

Besides retail, restaurants, automotives, realty, markets and pharmacies, there are sections on home services (landscaping, builders, interior design, organizers …), medical (acupuncture, specialists, therapists …), banks (accounting, financial advisors, tax help …), personal services (hair, dry cleaners, physical therapy, tanning …), children’s services (sports and music lessons …) and more.

The project could not have happened without 72 interns, says Our Town Crier founder Betsy Pollak.

“The first group drove around town, literally going to each doorstep. They hand-surveyed the entire town. The next group got it onto the website, and took care of social media.”

The Chamber helped keep the restaurant list accurate. The WDMA did the same with retail. Selectwomen Jennifer Tooker and Melissa Kane funneled new information to Pollak and her crew. Local artist/super-volunteer Miggs Burroughs created the Westport Marketplace logo.

“We have incredible young people in Westport. I feel like I should be working for them,” she says.

This is the site we’ve all been waiting for. And need.

Click here to access (and bookmark) the Westport Marketplace. Then go to town!

(Questions? Email info@thewestportmarketplace.com. To update or add a business, or offer feedback, click here.)

14 Comments

Posted in Local business, Media, Organizations, Restaurants

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