Tag Archives: Westport Post Office

Roundup: Post Office, Restaurant, Music, Sports & More …

Posted on March 12, 2026 | 8 comments

It’s that time of year again: People put tax payments in the mail.

And once again: Other people are stealing them, from the mail.

Our friends at the Westport post office say: Hand all important mail directly to the clerks behind the counter.

That’s right. It’s not only dangerous to use your own mailbox, and the one outside the post office in Playhouse Square — it’s also risky to use the drop box inside. 

It’s a sad state of affairs. But you’ve been warned.

The only upside: Our postal clerks are the best, and friendliest, anywhere. It’s always nice to have that little bit of human interaction.

Nope! Don’t use the drop box inside the post office. Hand important mail directly to a clerk at the counter!

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From Mediterranean to pancakes to Japanese.

That’s the journey of the 2-floor restaurant at 43 Main Street.

Yuzu has opened its doors, at the Parker Harding Plaza side of the “Tunnel of Love” connecting the parking lot with Main Street. The spot was most recently the Original Pancake House. Before that is was Acqua, preceded by Boca.

Yuzu brings “a fresh take on Japanese cuisine,” featuring “a premium cuisine and omakase experience.” Their goal is to create “a welcoming space where Westporters can gather, and enjoy high-quality dining.”

Yuzu is the newest in a recent spate of Main Street restaurant openings. Just last week Felice debuted, in nearby space previously filled by Mexicue.

Click here for Yuzu’s website, with menus and more information.

 

Inside Yuzu.

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Musicians get most of the headlines at VersoFest.

But the Westport Library’s annual music, media and more extravaganza includes plenty of non-artists, headlining intriguing panels.

The newest addition is “Coffee with the C-Suite: Creators, Technologists, and Music’s AI Frontier” (Sunday, March 29, 10:30 a.m.).

Executive-level leaders from across music tech, rights investment, AI creation tools and licensing platforms will discuss the seismic shifts redefining the industry.

Speakers include Westporter Sam Hendel, managing partner at Chord Music Partners and Dundee Partners (and co-founder of StartUp Westport); Paul Sinclair, chief music officer at Suno; Daniel Rowland, vice president of strategy and partnerships at LANDR, Danny Newcomb, CEO and co-founder of Incantio. Music industry veteran and Westport resident Dick Wingate will moderate the free panel.

For more information on this AI panel, click here. For the full VersoFest schedule, and more information, click here.

Sam Hendel

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Speaking of music: The Mamas and the Papas, Byrds, Buffalo Springfield, Doors, Crosby Stills & Nash, Neil Young, James Taylor, Carole King, Joni Mitchell and the Eagles all come to the Westport Country Playhouse on March 22.

Well, maybe not the actual artists.

But their music will sure be there.

“Live from Laurel Canyon – Songs and Stories of American Folk Rock” is an evening of live music and narrated stories of some of the most influential songwriters who lived in Laurel Canyon in the 1960s and ’70s. them.

It’s a tribute evening — and much more. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Great bluegrass comes to the Levitt Pavilion on June 11.

Greensky Bluegrass is the latest addition to the outdoor summer series lineup.

The quintet’s underground die-hard fans pack venues across the country. The group has sold out multiple-night runs at venues like Red Rocks and the Ryman. Tickets go on sale to the public tomorrow (March 13, 10 a.m.). Click here to purchase, and for more information.

The Levitt also added a new free ticket show. Circles Around the Sun — tangibly linked to Grateful Dead history, and “sharing shelf space with post-rock, psych-rock, jazz-funk and good old fashioned psychedelia” — has been booked for June 27. Click here for free tickets, and more information.

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TOPSoccer — the program for youngsters with physical or learning differences — returns for a second spring season.

Blake Serotta — a freshman player at Staples — leads the program, in conjunction with the Weston Soccer Club and Westport Soccer Association.

TOPSoccer is open to boys and girls in grades K-8. It runs Saturdays, 11;30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., from April 11 through June 6 at Morehouse Farm Park in Weston.

The program is run by Coach Felipe of Ole Soccer, and includes fun games, drills, and small-sided games. Each child is paired with a buddy, who stays with them on the field.

High schoolers are welcome as volunteers and buddies.

To learn more, and sign up as a player or buddy, click here.

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Speaking of sports: The Westport Swim Club’s first “Candy” meet of the year last Sunday got the season of to a fun, energetic start, at the Staples High School pool.

The intra-squad meet for swimmers in grades 2-8 was a first for many. Candy Meets are a friendly introduction to competitive swimming. Participation, confidence and fun come first (with a little candy as motivation after each race). Staples swimmers volunteer, and help the youngsters learn to cheer for each other.

There is still room for young swimmers (and divers). Click here, or email swimwestport@gmail.com.

All smiles at the Westport Swim Club “Candy Meet.”

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Miggs Burroughs has had quite a career.

And on Tuesday, the Staples High School graduate, noted artist/graphic designer/photographer/civic volunteer took the Y’s Women through it all.

He spoke about his engineering studies at the Carnegie Institute of Technology; working at Pepperidge Farm; designing a stamp for the US Postal Service, and his many efforts on behalf of countless local organizations.

And he did it all with his trademark good humor, and great modesty.

Miggs Burroughs (Hat tip and photo/Vera DeStefano)

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Westport Police made no custodial arrests between March 4 and 11.

They did issue these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 15 citations
  • Failure to renew registration: 10
  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 6
  • Texting while driving: 5
  • Distracted driving: 5
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 5
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 3
  • Speeding in a school zone: 2
  • Reckless driving: 1
  • Speeding: 1
  • Traveling too fast for conditions: 1
  • Disobeying the signal of a police officer: 1
  • Interfering with a police officer: 1
  • Passing in a no-passing zone; 1
  • Following too closely: 1
  • Failure to yield right of way 1
  • Unreadable license plate: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1

Disobeying the signal of a police officer is against the law.

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Speaking of police: We don’t know what this driver did to get booted.

But here’s a sight you don’t see every day, at the Westport train station:

(Photo/Michael Diggin)

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Speaking still of police: Where were they Tuesday at Compo Beach, when this egregious breach of the law occurred?

(Photo/Nancy Lewis)

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Staples High School graduate Jeffrey Ruden and his family have been touched by Alzheimer’s disease.

His mother Carole suffered. That journey inspired Jeffrey and his brother Dave to help others. They have chaired the CT Walk for Alzheimer’s, and Jeffrey served on the CTALZ board for several years.

Jeffrey wishes he had known about CaringKind during his mother’s illness. With over 45 years of experience, they work directly with community partners to develop information, tools, training and support for caregivers.

Now he is chairing an inaugural “Hope Blooms” gala for CaringKind (May 14, Fairfield County Hunt Club).

For tickets or sponsorship opportunities, click here or email jmruden@yahoo.com

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It’s that time of year.

A mother hawk trains her fledgling near Bayberry Lane, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo.

Hopefully, they won’t go after Carl’s chickens.

(Photo/Carl McNair)

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And finally … just to reinforce the Post Office alert (story above):

(The good news: You don’t have to mail a check to support “06880.” Click here for the many ways to contribute to your hyper-local blog. Thank you! PS: Be careful out there.)

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Posted in Beach, Entertainment, Library, Police, Restaurants, Transportation, Westport Country Playhouse

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Roundup: Post Office Thefts, Hamlet Meeting, Arts News …

Posted on March 21, 2025 | 9 comments

For the past couple of years, Westport has suffered thefts from private mailboxes. Checks are stolen, altered and cashed.

Amazingly, thieves also hit the big blue drop box outside Westport’s main post office in Playhouse Square.

Last Friday night — in a stupendously surprising and brazen move — the mail drop inside the post office was victimized. (The outside box was too).

Bad guys apparently “fish” for mail through the small slot. The staff is gone at night, but the front part of the building is open.

Westport’s postal clerks (who are perhaps the friendliest and most helpful in the entire US Postal Service) advise handing mail — particularly checks — directly to them.

Even the mail slot on the left is no longer safe (after hours).

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The Planning & Zoning Commission meets next Thursday (March 27, 6 p.m., Zoom).

They’ll continue to discuss a request for special permit/coastal site plan approval for The Hamlet at Saugatuck: the mix of hotel, residential and non-residential uses in the area bordered by Riverside Avenue, Railroad Place, Franklin Street and Charles Street.


Part of the Hamlet at Saugatuck plan: a market, adjacent to Luciano Park, where boats are now stored in a private parking lot.

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For nearly 50 years, Neighborhood Studios has helped underserved children and those with special needs throughout Fairfield County.

Programs include an art institute for children ages 4-12; a dance academy for those as young as 3; theater for 6-12-year-olds; a Saturday studio; a music school, and a conservatory for teenagers serious about the visual arts, media, music, theater and dance. It’s hands-on, dynamic, fun. Neighborhood Studios offers hope, and changes lives.

Program graduates have gone on to attend colleges like Yale, the University of Connecticut, Howard University, Art Institute, Parsons School of Design, the New School, and Berklee College of Music. Some have become music or art teachers — and Broadway performers.

(That’s an added bonus. The goal of Neighborhood Studios is not to produce lifelong artists. It’s to use the arts to help each child achieve his or her potential — and, hopefully, nurture a lifelong love of the arts.)

It’s a small operation, with a big mission. And some of Neighborhood Studios’ driving forces are Westporters. Board members include Rita Appel, Bob Jacobs and Laurie Gross.

Laurie and Jeff Gross, their son Zack and his wife Sheera, Jim and Lizzie Wolf, Tauck and Brigade Capital Management are sponsors of a very cool “Dueling Pianos” fundraiser.

The April 24 event (7 p.m., Park City Music Hall, Black Rock) includes (or course) music — with a twist. Attendees can request favorite songs, then sing and dance along. There’s plenty of food and drinks, too. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Speaking of the arts: Cabaret Olé — the fundraiser for the Staples High School Orphenians and VOCES8 Foundation that includes entertainment, Spanish tapas, a raffle and a silent auction — just got even better.

A VIP Flash Sale ticket — now just $170 — includes special seating, and a meet-and-greet (with photos) with “Wicked” star Mary Kate Morrissey, “Wicked” music director Dan Micciche, and more.

The raffle includes up to 10 nights at the Pineapple Beach Club in Antigua, theater tickets, restaurant gift cards and more. The silent auction features over 80 experiences and items. Bidding begins at noon on March 30; click here.

Cabaret Olé is March 30 (6 p.m., Christ & Holy Trinity Church). Preferred tickets are $150; general admission is $125. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Speaking (still) of entertanment: VersoFest has added another big name to next month’s music-and-more Westport Library event: 3-time Grammy Award-winning hip hop artist and co-founder of The Roots, Black Thought.

A conversation with “one of the best lyricists in hip hop history” and community leader June Archer is set for April 5 (4 p.m.; free).

Copies of Black Thought’s memoir, “The Upcycled Self: A Memoir on the Art of Becoming Who We Are,” will be for sale, with the author signing copies after the talk.

Black Thought and Questlove founded The Roots in 1987. From humble beginnings performing on Philadelphia street corners to commercial success, they expanded their reach as the house band for Jimmy Fallon, on “Late Night” and “The Tonight Show.”

Click here for more information on Black Thought. Click here for full details on VersoFest ’25.

Black Thought

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And more about music: Voices Café often attracts interesting artists, from up and down the East Coast.

On April 5, one of them is a homegrown talent.

In fact, very talented.

Dustin Lowman — a 2011 Staples High School graduate, now making his name as a New York-based singer/songwriter — opens for Lucy Kaplansky.

Dustin says: “In the years since leaving Westport, I’ve forged an unconventional path, using the tools that growing up there afforded me.

Livingston Taylor says,“Dustin is on the path of a terrific musical career. His musical voice is waiting to be heard by those hungry for the next real thing.”

Kaplansky has gained a fervid following over 3 decades for her folk-inflected singing and songwriting.

Click here for tickets about the show at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport, and more information.

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Hey, Staples High School Class of 1985: Your 40th (!) reunion is coming!

Organizers have planned a welcome gathering on July 18 at the Black Duck, followed by a July 19 dinner at Saugatuck Harbor Yacht Club, and brunch at Compo the next morning.

Email stapleshs1985@gmail.com for more information, or click here to sign up.

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Female high school seniors who plan to continue their education at a college or vocational school can apply for a $3,000 Philanthropic Educational Organization scholarship.

Criteria include academic success, community service and financial need. For more information click here, or email pal9948@aol.com.

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Staples graduate and prolific author Carl Addison Swanson has a new book out. It’s called “Thank You For Your Service!”

The author says: “The beloved boat bum Hush McCormick is back on center stage as he is hired by a veteran’s wife to get her husband out of an immigrant detention center in Buffalo.

“While the vet in question served his country honorably in Iraq with 2 deployments, he is not a naturalized citizen, and subject to deportation if he commits 3 misdemeanors or 1 felony. Follow Hush and his small band of Marines who try the impossible: help a fellow Marine get out of federal prison.”

Click here to order, and for more information.

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For today’s “Westport …. Naturally” feature, we head to Nash’s Pond.

And a fine feathered photo by Dan Nash.

(Photo/Dan Nash)

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And finally … hey, didn’t Bob Dylan kind of predict the mail drop thefts (story above) in this song?

(Whether you’re in Westport, Mobile, Memphis — or anywhere else in the world — if you enjoy “06880,” we hope you support our work. As Dylan says; “I want you.” Please click here to donate. Thanks!)

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Posted in Arts, Library, Local politics, Real estate, Saugatuck, Staples HS

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Roundup: jUNe Day, Sunday Worship, Longshore Pool …

Posted on June 27, 2024 | 6 comments

Westport will be hoppin’ on Saturday.

In addition to the Sunrise Rotary Club’s Great Duck Race (10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Jesup Green; the race begins at 1), we’ll play host to the 59th annual jUNe Day.

300 guests — UN staffers and their families, from around the world — will spend the day here.

They’ll get breakfast and a gift at Jesup Green in the morning. There’s a brief welcoming ceremony. Then they’re free to take part in the Great Duck Race; shop downtown; join hosts for tennis, golf or swimming at Longshore; tour Earthplace and Wakeman Town Farm, and of course enjoy Compo Beach.

There’s also a soccer game (UN team vs. Westport Knights) at PJ Romano Field (11:30 a.m.).

Click here for details on jUNe Day.

FUN FACT: jUNe Day was a special project of Ruth Steinkraus Cohen, founder of the United Nations Association of Southwestern Connecticut. Every year, flags of our UN guests and other countries flew on the Post Road bridge.

Now, the bridge from which those flags will fly is named in her honor.

Happy jUNe Day! (Photo/Jeff Simon)

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Jay Schadler is a veteran journalist, photographer and artist. He has traveled the world as a correspondent and anchor for ABC News, “20/20,” “Nightline,” “Good Morning America,” National Geographic TV, Bravo, Discovery and more.

Now he’s launching a new podcast at the Westport Library’s Verso Studios.

And he wants us to be a part of it.

“Turning Point with Jay Schadler” debuts later this year. It will focus on the life transitions — big and small, subtle and monumental — of Westporters of all stripes.

Each podcast will focus on a different story. Schadler will interview the guests.

Right now, he’s searching for great personal stories. He wants to hear about life transitions: a career change, new discovery, a challenge faced or a hurdle overcome.

The story can be ongoing — a struggle that continues. He’s looking for soaring triumphs and bitter disappointments. ents, most soaring triumphs, and more.

If interested, click here; scroll down, then fill out the form.

Jay Schadler

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Sunday worship at Compo Beach returns this Sunday (June 30, 8:30 a.m., near the cannons). Saugatuck Congregational Church will lead the service.

It continues every Sunday through August 18. Green’s Farms Congregational Church, the United Methodist Church of Westport-Weston and Norfield Congregational Church will rotate with Saugatuck as hosts each week.

All are welcome. A beach sticker is not necessary; tell the gate attendant that you’re there for the church service.

The dress code is casual; flip flops and nice shorts are fine. Bring your own beach chair!

 Sunday morning worship, at Compo Beach.

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Yesterday’s Roundup reported that the Longshore lap pool had reopened.

Several readers reported it was closed.

We are told that sand got in the filter. Parks & Recreation Department guest services say it will be open today.

But it doesn’t hurt to call ahead: 203-341-5073.

The pool is one of Longshore’s most popular attractions.

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We’ve all heard horror stories about thefts from mailboxes.

But private ones are not the only ones victimized.

Bad guys steal checks from big blue US Postal Services boxes.

Even the one right outside the main post office.

So heed this sign:

(Photo/Bob Weingarten)

Open the door. Take a few steps inside. (It’s open 24/7.)

Better to be safe than sorry.

Though it is astonishing that our world has come to this.

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It’s near the end of Pride Month. And Independence Day is just around the corner.

One home on North Avenue, near Long Lots Road, has both celebrations covered.

(Photo/Ed Simek)

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Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between June 19 and 26.

A 49-year-old Bridgeport man was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, illegal possession of a controlled substance (ecstasy), evading responsibility and following too closely, following a 7 p.m. hit-and-run accident at Greens Farms Road and Compo Road South.

A 47-year-old Leigh Acres, Florida woman was arrest for assault and criminal mischief, following a complaint of domestic violence. The complainant said that the woman, an ex-spouse was waiting for them on the street, then began assaulting them and throwing their cellphone on the ground.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 5 citations
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 4
  • Operating a motor vehicle while under suspension: 3
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 2
  • Driving while texting: 2
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 1
  • Failure to grant right of way: 1
  • Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 1
  • Failure to insure a motor vehicle: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
  • Improper rear marker: 1
  • Failure to appear: 1

Stop signs are there for a reason.

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Elizabeth Levitt Hirsch — the daughter of Levitt Pavilion benefactors Mortimer and Mimi Levitt, who spent summers in Westport, and served for a decade as head of the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation, died in her Los Angeles home on May 26. She was 72, and suffered from ovarian cancer.

Liz studied music history at Scripps College. Following graduation in 1974 she was hired by Elektra/Asylum, Bearsville and ABC Records, where she worked with artists including Chaka Khan, Stephen Bishop and Tom Petty.

As a philanthropist she supported a wide range of nonprofits dedicated to music, the arts and social justice.

As president of the Levitt Foundation she championed its mission to strengthen the social fabric of communities and foster equity, diversity and inclusion, through free outdoor concerts attended by more than 800,000 people each year, in more than 50 cities across the US.

Liz also served on the boards of the Los Angeles Master Chorale, the Joffrey Ballet, Center Dance Arts, and My Friend’s Place.

In 2018, the Liberty Hill Foundation honored Liz with a lifetime achievement award alongside Congressman John Lewis. She gave a memorable speech about the power of music and performing arts in community-building. (

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation, or to the Westport Levitt Pavilion. Click here for a full obituary. Hat tip: Adam Starr)

Liz Levitt Hirsch

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Today, a dragonfly makes its first appearance as as “Westport … Naturally” subject.

Today’s subject is — unlike most subjects in this series — much larger than life.

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … speaking of the US Postal Service (story above):

(Sure, “06880” appreciates readers’ donations. But you don’t have to rely on the US mail. There’s Venmo, PayPal, Zelle too. Please click here for options. And thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Library, Longshore, Media, Obituaries, Police, religion

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Roundup: Club 203, IRS, Madelyn Spira …

Posted on April 13, 2024 | 2 comments

Club 203 doubles the fun at their next monthly get-together.

On tap for Westport’s social club for adults with disabilities: speed friending and karaoke. Both events are set for April 24 (6:30 to 8 p.m., Westport Library).

Speed friending is a fun, fast activity to build new friendships through similar passions, courtesy of Westport-based The Teen SLP.

Of course, everyone knows karaoke. Optional: Dress as your favorite musician, singer or rock star. Munchies are provided by The Porch at Christie’s and Sweet P Bakery.

Parents and guardians are welcome to stay at the Library.

Newcomers can click here to become Club 203 members. The Instagram is @club203_ct.

Last June’s Club 203 event, at the Westport Library. (Photo/Stacie Curran)

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I was surprised to see a long, Christmas-like line yesterday at the Westport post office.

(Photo/Dan Woog)

It was an ordinary Friday afternoon. In fact, today marks the start of our schools’ spring break, which means many folks already skedaddled a day or two earlier.

Then I realized: It’s almost April 15.

Tax day!

I wished all those standing line many happy returns.

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If you enjoyed Madelyn Spera singing last year as Sarah Brown in Staples Players’ “Guys & Dolls,” or Olivia in “Twelfth Night,” you should hear her now.

Actually, you can. Madelyn’s new single “Dying to Know” is out now. Click below to listen. Or check her out on your favorite streaming service.

PS: Madelyn is now a first-year student at New York University.

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Our “Westport … Naturally” feature usually highlights our town’s beauty and wonder.

Today, we’re showing nature at its most primal level.

Chuck Greenlee spotted this in his yard, off Wilton Road:

(Photo/Chuck Greenlee)

He contacted Carrie Gilbertie. The owner of Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden quickly responded: “What you have here is Gymnosporangium rust — aka cedar apple rust.

“Do you by chance have an apple tree in close proximity to your cedar? Or possibly a neighbor has one? That is usually the case.

“It is not recommended to have the Eastern cedar near an apple tree for this reason. It is more apt to harm if not kill the apple than cause harm to the cedar.

“Usually a fungicide is not recommended. It should clear up on its own. If it continues to harm the tree I would contact an arborist to see what they would recommend.”

Bingo!

Chuck replied: “The closest flowering crab floribunda is about 100 feet away. I had never seen this gooey rust before. It was all through the tree. But by this late windy afternoon, it was virtually all gone.”

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And finally … based on yesterday’s post office line (see above), this is an appropriate song for many people’s weekend:

(If you’re getting a refund: Please remember that donations to “06880” are tax-deductible. If not: Hey, what’s one more check to write? Please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thanks!)

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Posted in Entertainment, Library, Staples HS

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Unsung Hero #308

Posted on November 1, 2023 | 15 comments

If you’ve been to the Westport Post Office any time since the Reagan administration, you know Lou Kish.

You may not know his name. But you know his great smile, his friendly demeanor, and his solve-any-problem service.

Mary Lou Roels — one of his many grateful customers — writes:

“Do any of your articles contain anything liquid, fragile, perishable or hazardous like batteries, perfume or aerosol?”

Lou Kish, Westport postal clerk. hammers out those exact words no fewer than 50 times a day.

Yesterday — October 31 — was the last time he recited that line.

Lou is retiring after 39 years and 6 months, working for the Westport Postal Service.

He glances at the clock. “Five more hours.” he says. “Is it bad I keep looking at the clock?” He smiles, looks up. “Next?”

Lou Kish yesterday — his last day at work. 

I asked about the postal service, and what it meant to him to be in a job for over 39 years.

“I had a job,” he said. “But I applied anyway. I liked the idea of the benefits. In fact, it was a pay cut. But in the long run, the benefits outweighed that pay cut.

“There were several tests to take — clerk, truck driver, carrier. I took all of them. The first to call was the position of clerk, I guess I did the best on that test. Here I am, 39 years later. I started February 1984.”

The post office has changed considerably.  The Westport Postal Service used to be located at 154 Post Road. Built in 1935 with federal Treasury Department funds, it was designed by Lansing Holden, a World War I flying ace who won the Distinguished Service Cross.

In 2011 the post office building was sold to a real estate company. It housed a restaurant. Today it is Design within Reach.

Westport Post Office, on the Post Road.

“That was a beautiful building,” Lou says. “Soaring cathedral ceilings, but back then, there were 60 of us sorting mail. Today….” he turns to a co-clerk. “How many people are working here?”

Jay counts on his fingers while naming everyone: 10.  Lou turns to me, “10 of us. Soon to be 9, in 4 hours, 30 minutes,” he smiles again.

I pressed him to tell me stories of the things he’s seen in the past 39+ years.  He says, “ya know, funny story. Years ago, someone shipped crickets for their pet lizard or snake – well, they all got out. Chirp- chirp- chirp……oh my gosh. Crickets everywhere.  But when you turned the light on, there’d be silence……we must have heard chirping for months. It was something.”  “

Another story: “I wasn’t here when this package arrived on the weekend, but I came in on a Monday morning and it smelled so bad in the place. I mean awful. I thought a rodent died in here.

“It was definitely one of the packages- just didn’t know which one. So here I am going through each box, smelling each one — not that one, nope not that one.  I’m getting closer though!

“Finally, I find it – it was terrible! I open the door, put that package outside, call the recipient – it was a package from South Korea. Have you ever smelled kimchi?”  Kimchi is a mix of pickled and fermented vegetables, generally cabbage, carrots, radish, cucumber, scallions with garlic, ginger and fish sauce.  “Oh that was bad.”

I asked what he’ll miss. As he’s getting ready to tell me, one of his longtime peers, a carrier named Nancy, walks up to offer him a farewell congratulations.

She has been a carrier for the post office for 37 years. “You’re next,” Lou points out. There’s a camaraderie here we just don’t see in company culture any longer.

Lou looks up. “I’ve really loved my work, my job. The people. You know, people come here, they expect service. I like good service, I like to give good service.  t’s been so nice working here with everyone.”

As for his plans post-retirement: “My dad is still around. He lives in Florida and is 93. I’ll probably see him. Do some traveling. Go to St. John’s, St. Thomas. I’d like to cook more.”

He looks up to see two more people in line “Next? Anything liquid, fragile, perishable, hazardous?….”

He looks at me and smiles “4 more hours…..”

Happy retirement, Lou Kish! Thank you for your dedication and service. You will be missed!

There’s a job opening. To apply to the US Postal Service, click here. 

Do you know an Unsung Hero? Email 06880blog@gmail.com

(If you enjoy our Unsung Hero feature — or anything else “06880”-related — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Friday Flashback #367

Posted on September 29, 2023 | 11 comments

The other day, I mentioned Il Pastificio — the great new Italian restaurant — to someone.

“It’s near Capuli, Finalmente, Jeera Thai — you know, across from the old post office,” I described.

She looked at me blankly.

“I mean, Design Within Reach,” I said.

Ah, yes.

The post office has been gone from Post Road East — well, on it — for over a decade.

Hundreds of Westporters have moved in since 2012. They think that dinky little 2,700-square foot Playhouse Square hole in the wall, with poor parking and even less ambience, is what we deserve for a post office. (Fun fact: Before opening in 2012, it was Derma Clinic. Even earlier, it was Friendly’s.)

Once upon a time, we had a real, 7,000-square foot post office. A WPA project, it was dedicated in 1936.

And it looked just like a post office should:

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50 Years Ago This Week:

The Remarkable Book Shop ran a full-page ad promoting, in part, “our new garden courtyard and our version of the Left Bank Stalls of Paris!”

The ad featured a rendering of the new setup by local artist Arthur Cady, whose career included more than a decade as art director at Young & Rubicam. (Hat tip: Fred Cantor)

And what did those stalls look like a few years later?

Here are two views:

(Photo/Fred Cantor)

(Photo/Gail Comden)

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Pic Of The Day #2285

Posted on July 21, 2023 | Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #2285

Westport Post Office (Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

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Unsung Heroes #271

Posted on January 18, 2023 | 8 comments

When the post office moved from its big, handsome and very functional Post Road building — now Design Within Reach — in 2012, many Westporters predicted that the new space would be cramped, and service would suffer.

They were right about the first part.

And wrong about the second.

There’s not much space to move inside. Don’t get me started about the parking.

But our US Postal Service employees are as great as ever.

Patiently, they answer the same questions over and over.

Helpfully, they offer the least expensive solutions.

Magically, they find whatever supplies they need, to make your (okay, my) poor packing skills work safely and securely.

It can’t be easy working in the Westport post office today. There are constant lines. There’s little room to maneuver. Customers are not always — how can I say this politely? — polite.

But the men and women behind the counter never complain.

They do their job every day, through snow, rain, heat, and everything else. I’ve never seen them without a helpful smile, or kind word.

“06880” has given shout-outs to our mail carriers before. This week, our Unsung Heroes are all the people toiling at the Westport Post Office. Thank you all!

To nominate an Unsung Hero, email 06880blog@gmail.com.

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Roundup: Little League Champs, Maccabi Gold, Blind Rhino …

Posted on July 29, 2022 | 5 comments

Living in the condos behind the post office, I thought I’d seen ever conceivable kind of bad parking in the Playhouse Square lot.

The combination of poor design and poor drivers is deadly. (So far, thankfully, I don’t mean that literally.)

But this scene from yesterday could be the most jaw-dropping example yet of entitlement.

And I’ve seen hundreds of others.

(Photo/Pam Long)

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Westport’s 11U District All-Star baseball team defeated Glastonbury 14-8 on Wednesday night. That’s the second straight state championship for the team!

Congratulations to Dylan Burdeshaw, Miles Delorier, Henry Ellis, Justin Goldshore, Wyatt Johnson, Christopher Lambert, Chase Landgraf, Jack McGrath, Luke Moneyhon, Torrey Rossetter, Toby Slavin, Grant Theisinger.  Nolan Walters, plus manager Justin Walters and coaches Marc Theisinger and Jon Ellis.

Now it’s on to the regional championship, started Monday in Beverly, Massachusetts. Good luck, guys!

Westport, at the previous section tournament.

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Speaking of sports: Oscar Edelman is a gold medalist.

The rising Greens Farms Academy senior just returned from Israel. He represented the US in the Maccabi Games — and his U-18 basketball team finished first.

Over 60 countries compete in the Maccabi Games — sometimes called “the Jewish Olympics. More than 600 players, from across the US, tried out for the U-18 hoops team.

Oscar — who stands an imposing 6-7 — was the second youngest on the squad.

The Americans went undefeated. They faced the host Israeli team in the finals — and won, 91-79.

Click here for the full back story, courtesy of GFA.

Oscar Edelman, at the line. (Photo/Bonnie Edelman)

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The CT Challenge Bicycle Ride rolls through here tomorrow (Saturday, July 30). The shorter rides use Beachside Avenue; the longer routes are on Long Lots and surrounding roads.

The heaviest traffic is between 7 and 10 a.m. e of Westport and surrounding towns.

This is an important fundraiser, for a great organization that helps people battling cancer, and survivors. So when you see all those riders tomorrow, slow down! 

Don’t honk. But show your support with a hearty thumbs-up! (Hat tip: Gloria Gouveia)

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Twiddle plays 2 special shows — with Mihali and the Nth Power — today and tomorrow (Friday and Saturday) at the Levitt Pavilion.

Also on the menu: Blind Rhino’s new food truck.

Former Staples High School baseball player/2003 graduate Casey 2 popular restaurants, in Black Rock and SoNo.

Now he’s got a truck too. It will be parked in the Levitt lot, serving wings and more.

Don’t just Twiddle your thumbs. Dig in!

Partners Casey Dohme (left) and Jamie Pantella with their Blind Rhino truck.

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Westport’s latest teardown is 12 Godfrey Lane.

The home off Bulkley Avenue North was more than 50 years old. The Westport Historic District Commission waived the waiting period, and the Conservation Department okayed a new larger build.

All that remains are the Bilco doors.

12 Godfrey Lane.

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It’s been a while since we ran a cat photo, for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

Michael Catarevas says: “At Costco, we get free cardboard boxes to carry stuff. We put them on the floor the other day before taking them to the car to reuse, but they were taken over.”

Smart cats, for sure!

(Photo/Michael Catarevas)

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And finally … in honor of Michael “Cat”arevas’ photo (above):

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Remembering Sheila Murphy Foster — And Her Post Office

Posted on July 15, 2022 | 8 comments

In 2011, the post office moved from its spacious, classical and long-time home downtown (now Design Within Reach, for all who have moved here since).

Just before relocating to cramped, parking-impaired Playhouse Square, I wrote: 

When the post office moves into its new Playhouse Square digs a few months from now, it will likely be without fanfare.

They’re downsizing, after all; you don’t cut a ribbon at some spare, utilitarian space.

It’s a far cry from 1936, when Westport’s shining “new” post office opened on (appropriately) the Post Road.

Sheila Murphy Foster remembers that ceremony like it was yesterday. She should: She cut the ribbon.

Sheila Murphy Foster

Sheila was back in town the other day. She’s lived in Florida since graduating from Staples in 1948 — but she’s 82 years young, and still loves Westport.

Her roots are deep. Her own mother Mary is a Staples grad — in fact, Sheila says, Mary helped develop the school lunch program, and came up with the name “Inklings” for the school newspaper.

Sheila’s father John commuted to New York City for his job as an accountant with American Standard. He had 3 children, and when his wife got sick he needed a job closer to Westport.

John Murphy was active in Democratic politics — locally and nationally — and knew Postmaster General James Farley. Soon, President Roosevelt appointed Murphy as Westport’s postmaster.

“It was a plum job,” Sheila says.

The job was even better because a new post office was about to be dedicated. The WPA project replaced what Sheila calls a “ratty building” across the street.

“It was the middle of the Depression,” she recalls. “Things were bad. Having the government build a new building was good. Thank heaven for the WPA.”

So one day in 1936, 7-year-old Sheila stood on the broad steps of the “magnificent edifice” and cut the ceremonial ribbon. Well, she tried to — the oversized scissors were too big, so her father the postmaster finished the job.

Sheila Murphy and her father, cutting the post office ribbon.

He had a lot to do besides pose for photos. Mail was delivered twice a day back then. Westporters — many of whom did not have telephones —  communicated with friends by mailing postcards back and forth, one delivery following the next.

The Westport Post Office, in 2011. Trees now obscure the front of the WPA-era building.

John lived only a couple of more years. He died very young — as did his wife.  From age 9 on, Sheila was raised by her aunt.

Sheila remembers her Imperial Avenue home — near the intersection with Bridge Street — as a wonderful former onion barn. There was sledding in winter, and playing on a nearby 10-acre estate. Owner Rose O’Neill had already earned fame as the creator of the Kewpie doll.

In town, Sheila took dance lessons at what is now Toquet Hall.

Though she stayed in Florida after college, Sheila returned regularly to Westport — with her 3 sons.

Sheila Murphy Foster outside the Postmaster’s office. It probably looked the same when her father had the job.

On her most recent visit, she stopped by the post office she dedicated 75 years ago.

How did she feel when she heard the building has been sold — taking with it three-quarters of a century of Westport history?

“I felt bad,” she says. “It still looks like a beautiful building.

“But it’s old,” she admits. “Maybe it’s too expensive to renovate.”

The clerks — and postmaster — may move to Playhouse Square. But one thing will never change, Sheila Murphy insists.

“It’s always been my post office.”

Sheila Murphy Foster died peacefully Monday evening at her Miami home, surrounded by her family. She was 92 years old.

Sheila Murphy Foster

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