Tag Archives: Westport Rotary Club

Roundup: Long Lots Parking, Supper & Soul, Homes With Hope Food Drive …

Posted on November 7, 2024 | 1 comment

The Long Lots School Building Committee presented 2 possible parking plans, at last night’s Town Hall meeting.

Both include 250 spaces, and about 23% coverage. There are very slight differences in the entrance and loop. The goal is to reduce traffic, and ease the flow in and out.

Here is one plan. Hyde Lane is at the bottom; parking is to the left of the approximate location of the new school. The lower athletic fields are at the right.

Ahead soon: a traffic study, and engineering plans. (Hat tip: Andrew Colabella)

One option … 

… and another.

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Supper & Soul returns to the Westport Library — and 12 downtown restaurants — this Saturday (November 9).

The always-popular event combines a 3-course dinner, rock/jam band concert at the Library, and happy hour prices for after-show drinks.

The band — Pajamas — are making their much-anticipated Connecticut debut. They have roots in the Grateful Dead, David Bowie, Phish and Goose.

This is the 11th dinner-and-concert event sponsored by the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce.

One ticket ($84) covers a 6 p.m. meal at participating restaurants, the 8 p.m. concert, and drinks at those restaurants afterward. Those sales end at noon today (Thursday).

Concert-only tickets are $32. They remain on sale through the show.

Participating restaurants are Arezzo, Basso, Capuli, Casa Me, Don Memo, Emmy Squared, Il Pastaficio, Mexicue, Nômade, Spotted Horse, Goji and Walrus Alley.

For more information and tickets, click here.

Pajamas headlines Saturday’s “Supper & Soul.”

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A food drive to replenish Homes with Hope’s food pantry is set for this Saturday (November 9, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Stop & Shop). It’s co-sponsored by Westport Sunrise Rotary and the Westport Police Department.

Items most needed include canned tuna, chicken and meat; pasta and pasta sauce; peanut butter and jelly; white rice and rice sides; condiments and salt; salad dressing; cooking oil; coffee; canned fruit; shelf-stable milk and almond milk; gluten-free options; mac & cheese; granola and snack bars; shampoo; single toothbrushes; toothpaste; deodorant, and body wash.

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The Westport Book Shop welcomes Michael Tomashefsky — a frequent “06880” Pic of the Day photographer — as exhibitor for November. He’s sharing images of local scenes.

A reception is set for November 13 (6 to 7:30 p.m.).

Meanwhile, the Book Shop’s Short Story Club meets November 21 (6 p.m.). They’ll discuss 2 short stories by Native American authors: “Shamengwa” by Pulitzer Prize winner Louise Erdrich, and “What You Pawn I Will Redeem” by National Book Award winner Sherman Alexie.

Space is limited; registration is required. Call 203-349-5141, or email  bookshop@westportbooksaleventures.org.

Michael Tomashefsky

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Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between October 30 and November 6.

A 29-year-old Westport man, who had previously been arrested for possession of child pornography 3rd degree, was also charged with possession of child pornography 1st degree, because of the number of images he possessed.

A 77-year-old Westport woman was arrested for criminal trespass, after refusing to vacate premises that were in foreclosure, during an eviction process. She posted a $20,000 bond, and will appear in Stamford Superior Court.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 10 citations
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 4
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 2
  • Larceny: 1
  • Conspiracy to commit larceny: 1
  • Conspiracy to commit criminal mischief: 1
  • Disorderly conduct: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
  • Failure to renew registration: 1
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
  • Failure to grant right of way: 1
  • Improper use of markers: 1

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Westport Country Playhouse artistic director Mark Shanahan described his long history with the theater — as actor, director, writer and curator — at Tuesday’s Westport Rotary Club meeting.

The Playhouse mission, he says, is to create community by giving people a place to come together, share common ground and tell stories.

He fulfills that mission with enhanced programming, covering a variety of formats and catering to a wide range of audiences. Those offerings are “the last non-downloadable thing to do,” Shanahan says.

Mark Shanahan, at the Westport Rotary Club. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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“Westport … Naturally” has recently featured fine fall foliage.

Here’s what happens after the leaves fall, on Turkey Hill Road South:

(Photo/Bob Weingarten)

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And finally … on this date in 1919, the first Palmer Raid was conducted on the second anniversary of the Russian Revolution. Over 10,000 suspected communists and anarchists were arrested, in 23 U.S. cities.

(If it happened, is happening or will happen in Westport, “06880” lets you know. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution to support our work. Thank you!) 

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Posted in Entertainment, Local business, Police, Restaurants, Westport Country Playhouse

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Roundup: Pickleball, Saugatuck Railroad Bridge, Blau House & Gardens …

Posted on October 23, 2024 | 14 comments

A reader wrote: “What is the status of capital improvements at Longshore?

“With pickleball one of the nation’s fastest growing sports, Westport is clearly behind the times. We have only 2 courts at the beach, 2 at Saugatuck Elementary School (which can only be used when school is out), and 4 courts that are not in good shape at Town Farms.”

I asked Rick Giunta, Westport Parks & Recreation Department deputy director, for an update. He says:

“We’re excited to begin the process of the Longshore Capital Improvement Plan.

“Late last week, an RFP was issued for architectural and engineering services for the design and permitting of a new parks maintenance facility within Longshore Club Park.

“Once the current maintenance facility has been relocated, it paves the way to tackle other projects within the Capital Improvement Plan, including the addition of pickleball courts.

“As this process may take several years, there have been discussions to investigate the possibility of adding 2 pickleball courts to Compo Beach in the near term. We’re looking at issuing an RFP soon for this purpose.

“Currently, in addition to the 2 pickleball courts at Compo Beach, 4 will be painted on the tennis courts at Doubleday as well as 4 currently painted on the courts at Town Farms.”

Pickleball courts at Compo Beach. (Photo/DinkinEsh Fotografix)

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The dog days of autumn continue (see yesterday’s Roundup for a leashed/ unleashed debate about Compo Beach).

A reader writes: “I’m a long-time Westport resident in my early 70s, who enjoys lovely off-season walks at Compo Beach. Although reasonably spry, my replacement body parts makes me cognizant of potential obstacles.

“The boardwalk, pavilion and playground are now overrun with dogs, particularly on weekends. While attempting to negotiate the boardwalk 2 weekends ago, within 20 minutes, I took photos of 20 dogs on the walkway, on retractable leashes (fully extended), or entirely off leash.

“I had the dubious fortune to see a dog defecate at the entrance to the playground. I told the owners that was beyond inappropriate. They picked up most of the poop and said, ‘no big deal.'”

“The congestion caused by the massive disregard for civilian traffic makes the supposed off limits areas very difficult to navigate.

“I went to Parks & Rec, and was told ‘there’s no enforcement,’ with no staff or resource to provide guidance, warnings, or tickets. I was told ‘call the selectwoman’s office,’ which is humorous.

“Why have sane and reasonable guidelines to share the beach, without some effort to control the overreach of dog owners?

“I’ll end my diatribe by saying that we love dogs, enjoy babysitting for our son’s  beloved dog so, this is not a case of a disgruntled ‘get off my lawn’ crankpot. Just a resident who wishes safe access to our beloved beach.”

Dogs are not allowed on the boardwalk. (Photo/Carm Roda)

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As executive director of the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce and Representative Town Meeting from District 1, Matthew Mandell has followed closely the discussions about renovating the Saugatuck River railroad bridge — and the pedestrian walkway next to it.

He says: “On Monday night, the state Department of Transportation held a Zoom call regarding a second project to extend the lifespan of the Saugatuck River train bridge, prior to the full rebuild slated for 2035.

“On a call in April, they outlined work to be done on the mechanical lifts and electrical needed to run them. They said there might be sporadic closures of the walkway to bring in and stage the machinery, but nothing major. Their goal was not to impede the walkway.

“This new call was about work on the 2 towers on either side of the span. The ladders that go up, the platforms for rest climbing and staging, and the guy wires are in terrible shape and need to be replaced.

“This work will be done in 2025. They made it very clear, after stating it and then answering my question to confirm, that the walkway over the bridge will not be impacted. A scaffold will be placed at the end of Ferry Lane East to ensure safe pedestrian passage.

“Work will mostly be done at night. Lights will be trained on the work, and not disturb the neighborhood. Hat tip to RTM member Chris Tait for asking about the lighting.”

Saugatuck River railroad bridge — and the pedestrian walkway. (Photo/John Videler for Videler Photography)

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It’s a busy fall at Wakeman Town Farm.

And there’s something for everyone, from tots to retirees. Offerings include:

  • Learn to Compost with Alice Ely (October 28, 7:30 p.m.)
  • Fall Pumpkin Centerpiece Workshop (October 29, 6:30 p.m.)
  • Farm Sessions for Neuro-diverse Youth (November 2, 9, 16; ages 3-10, 9 to 9:45 a.m.; ages 11+, 10 to 10:45 a.m.)
  • Election  Day Camp (November 5, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
  • Dahlia Workshop (November 9, 12 p.m.)
  • Fall Cooking, Grades K-2 (Mondays, November 18 through December 16, 4:15 to 5:30 p.m.)
  • Fall Flavors with Laura Weinman (November 19, 6:30 to 9 p.m.; $110 per person, BYOB)
  • Autumn Bits & Delights Cooking. Grades 2-6 (Wednesdays, November 20 through December 18, 4:15 to 5:30 p.m.)
  • Appetizers and Book Signing with Chef Alison Milwe Grace (December 3, 7 to 8:30 p.m.; $75, includes cookbook).

Click here for more information, and registration.

Kids learn to cook at Wakeman Town Farm.

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Attention, non-profits looking for space in a community-focused co-op.

Blau House & Gardens — the dramatic mid-century home off Bayberry lane surrounded by lush gardens and nature — is seeking 1 to 3 non-profit tenants, in the arts, culture, horticulture or environmental sectors.

Flexible office, meeting and event spaces are available, including use of the gardens.

Rent is $9,700 a month, plus shared utilities. Other options are available.

Click here for details on the lease; click here for details on Blau House & Gardens. Questions? Contact Robert Cohen:  r@BlauHouseandGardens.org; 203-952 3335.

Blau House, designed by Ralph Alswang.

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What does the state treasurer do?

Erick Russell — who has the job — gave Westport Rotary Club members an overview of his office.

He also talked about his major goal: to lower costs and give opportunity, security and quality of life to all Connecticut residents.

To help narrow the large wealth gap, Connecticut Baby Bonds invests $3,200 in each low-income baby born in the state. It will be distributed to them when they are between 18 and 30, as capital to start building a secure financial future.

Russell also discussed the importance of investing in affordable housing.

State treasurer Erick Russell (Photo/Ellin Curley)

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Last weekend, the Head of the Charles Regatta — the Super Bowl of rowing, with 11,000 athletes and 400,000 spectators — hosted the first-ever race made up exclusively of cancer survivors.

Eleven boats from 17 clubs around the world raced.

Among them: the Saugatuck SurviveOARS, out of Saugatuck Rowing club. Theiri pink boat included coxswain Alison Reilly. The Westport resident has coxed the Head of the Charles over 30 times in her career.

The SRC Junior Rowing Program also had a strong showing Sunday at the regatta.

The Saugatuck SurviveOARS, at the Head of the Charls.

The Women’s Youth 8+ took second and fourth place in a category, competing against 90 boats from around the world.

The Junior Rowing Program brought 7 boats and 51 athletes to the regatta.

Fifteen Westport girls were among the 23 SRC medalists. Congratulations to Charlotte Seymour , Sofia Martin, Maddie Speller, Delaney Rose Lundberg, Clementine Kirt, Sophie Cochran, Rylie Cordella, Carolina Proctor, Kate Weitz, Alice Frascella, Mina Leon, Samantha Weitz, Emily Lust, Ashlyn Frey and Olivia Saw, plus Anne Studnicky and Hannah Makmale of Weston.

The Saugatuck Women’s Youth 8+A team (from left): Phoebe Bryan, Sophie Cochran, Hannah Makmale, Clementine Kirt, Madeline Casano, Rose Lundberg, Maddie Speller,  Sofia Martin, Charlotte Seymour, Coach Mike O’Hara.

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Jimmy Pitaro has earned another big honor.

The ESPN chairman and Westport resident will receive the VOICES 2024 Leadership Award November 14, at the New York Athletic Club.

The annual Always Remember Gala is sponsored by Voices Center for Resilience.ESPN’s Mike Greenberg — a former Westporter — is the MC.

Voices Center for Resilience (VOICES) provides long-term support for thousands of people impacted by 9/11, and helps communities prepare for other tragedies.

Pitaro will be recognized for his leadership, devoting ESPN’s time and resources to produce the “Comeback Season” exhibit at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, and the television special hosted by Greenberg. Both show how sports united and helped heal the nation after the 2001 terrorist attacks.

Last year, Pitaro was named Innovator of the Year by StartUp Westport.

For more information and tickets, click here.

Jimmy Pitaro

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo features Riverside Park.

(Photo/Dan Vener)

Photographer Dan Vener says, “If your glass is half full, this shows someone enjoying a hammock in the park.

“If your glass is half empty, it’s a tree strangler!”

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And finally … on this date in 1864, the Battle of Westport — the last significant Civil War engagement west of the Mississippi River — ended in a Union victory.

The event — sometimes called “The Gettysburg of the West” — was fought in what is now Kansas City, Missouri. Over 30,000 troops were involved.

It was the turning point of Confederate Major General Sterling Price’s Missouri Expedition, forcing his army to retreat. For the rest of the war, the US Army maintained solid control over most of Missouri.

(“06880” is “where Westport meets the world.” That includes Westport, Missouri. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog — with its global touch — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Environment, Longshore, Sports, Transportation

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Remembering Tom Carey

Posted on October 17, 2024 | 1 comment

Longtime Westporter, former Conservation Committee chair and avid Rotary Club member Tom Carey died Monday at his home, after battling cancer. He was 68. His family sends this obituary:

He was surrounded by love.

A Newtown native, it was at Newtown High School where he met the love of his life and his wife of 47 years, Patricia Honan Carey.

They married on June 18, 1977, shortly after he proudly graduated from Williams College cum laude in economics. At Williams he made lifelong friends and cultivated his passion for learning.

He joined the Citibank training program upon graduation. He and Pat moved to the Bronx just in time for the 1977 New York City blackout. He had a 40-year career in finance and commercial real estate investing at Citigroup, Trian Group, Morgan Stanley and Apollo Global Real Estate.

Tom and Pat started their family in Norwalk, moved to Plano, Texas in 1983, and settled in Westport in 1985.

Tom and Pat traveled the world together. They especially loved frequent trips to Italy, where the entire family celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in a beautiful Tuscan village in 2017.

Tom Carey

Upon retirement in 2019, Tom became active in the local community, joining and later chairing the Conservation Committee. He was a proud member of Rotary, where he made great friends and served as treasurer.

His work with the Conservation Committee enhanced his lifelong love of gardening. He created beautiful native organic gardens at his home, bringing birds, butterflies, and bees to the yard.

Tom loved sports, and was a statistics nerd. At Williams he served as men’s basketball play-by-play announcer for the college radio station. He was a lifelong Yankees fan, and hoped to celebrate one more World Series.

He coached youth teams for all 3 children, and attended most of their sporting events, including Union College soccer games and track meets, and Williams College swim meets. He was a certified soccer referee and swimming official. He served as co-president of the Westport Weston YMCA Water Rats Parents’ Club.

He loved cooking, and prepared elaborate restaurant quality dinners each Sunday night for the family. Especially beloved was his paella, cooked over an open fire. He and Pat hosted an annual 4th of July party for  extended family. It included a very competitive pool basketball game, from which he retired only after becoming a grandfather.

He took his Beefeater martinis so dry that he preferred for the vermouth to remain in the bottle, his scotch Dewars on the rocks (always taken from his Waterford decanter), and his wine a robust Italian red.

His favorite role was that of Papi to his 5 grandchildren to whom he told elaborate stories with made up characters, just as he did for his own children when they were young.

He is survived by his wife Pat; daughter Meaghan Carey of New York City; sons Michael of Fairfield nd Brian of Westport; daughters-in-law whom he loved like his own children, Lapde and Abigail; grandchildren Liam, Louie, Eliza, Jude  and Maeve; siblings Sas, Jason (Carolyn), Carey (Andy Baron) and Julie Petro; sisters- and brothers-in-law, and nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, with whom he shared close and loving relationships.

The Carey family thanks the nursing and medical staff at Memorial Sloan Kettering for providing excellent, supportive care, and to the nurses and social workers from Regional Hospice for helping keep him comfortable in his last days.

Check www.thomasdcarey.com in the coming days for information concerning a Celebration of Life.

Donations in Tom’s name can be made to the Westport Rotary Club.

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Roundup: Absentee Ballots, Traffic Safety, Longshore Shed …

Posted on October 16, 2024 | 4 comments

“06880” has reported several times on early voting — used for the first time in Connecticut this fall for a presidential election. (Click here, then scroll down for details.)

Here’s info on absentee ballots:

Connecticut law allows you to receive an absentee ballot if you cannot appear at your assigned polling place on Election Day because of active service in the military, absence from the town in which you are eligible to vote, sickness, religious tenets that forbid secular activity on the day of the election, duties as an election official at a polling place other than your own during all of the hours of voting, or physical disability. To receive your absentee ballot, please complete, sign, and submit an application online.

Please provide your name, date of birth, and town as it appears in the voter record in order to look up and verify your voter information.

Click here to complete an absentee ballot request.

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The second Westport Safety Action Plan public meeting is tomorrow (Thursday, October 17, 7 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).

Officials will present results of the recent public survey, and offer safety analysis and information on project selection.

Click here to learn more about the Westport Safety Action Plan.

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Westport has begun the process to replace the maintenance building in Longshore.

That’s the shed that, ever since the town bought the 188-acre property in 1960, has occupied prime real estate, between the Inn and tennis court/pool parking lots.

The new site may be where the brush dump is now located.

Click here for more information.

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This is the final week for Play With Your Food.

There was a performance yesterday of the staged reading, script-in-hand series (plus delicious lunch) that has entertained and delighted audiences at local venues for 20 years.

There have been 350 performances, with 200 professional actors and 135 playwrights.

Additional shows are today (Wednesday) at the Pequot Library in Southport, and tomorrow (Thursday) at Greenwich Arts Council.

“All good things must come to an end,” Carole Schweid, artistic director for the series’ organizer, JIB Productions, told “06880” in July.

She has had health issues, and executive producer Diana Muller is retiring.

Many local actors turned out to say farewell yesterday. The cast included several long-time favorites, including Weston’s James Naughton.

First Selectwoman Jen Tooker awarded Schweid honorary recognition for the 2-decade run of one-act plays.

“They have been theatrical jewels for Westport theater fans,” says Marcia Falk.

She’s volunteered with the crew for 7 years. “I loved being part of such an exceptional Westport tradition,” Marcia says.

Brava, Carole and Diana. Thank you for 20 years of inspiring, thought-provoking, and much-needed entertainment!

Of course, audiences at the final Westport “Play With Your Food” performance celebrated with cake. (Photo/Marcia Falk)

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Michael Chait is a Westport photographer, known for his fresh looks at familiar local images.

Now those photos will be on sale, at a pre-holiday discount of 30%.

The event is Sunday, November 10 (2 to 5 p.m.) at his studio — which, fittingly, is in one of Westport’s most historic buildings.

It’s on the second floor of 11 Riverside Avenue. The building — long owned by the Gault family — is where, in the 1800s, merchant ships tied up.

National Hall (Photo/Michael Chait)

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It’s been a big year for Dustin Lowman.

The 2011 Staples High School and 2015 Middlebury College graduate performed at his first music festival (Black Bear Americana Fest); began hosting a Bob Dylan series at Cafe Wha?; opened for prominent artists like Marcellus Hall, Will Dailey and Ira Wolf, and got his first radio airplay.

Now he’s released his first new music in 6 years.

“Invulnerable” — his album of original songs — is available now. It straddles 2 stylistic worlds: the discursive balladeering of archetypal folk, and the more impressionistic lyricism of post-Dylan folk.

Dustin — who performed at last summer’s Soundview Stroll at Compo Beach — is booking concerts for the coming months.

We look forward to his “bringing it all back home.” In the meantime, you can listen to “Invulnerable” below. (Be sure to click the three-stripe icon in the upper right.)

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Staples High School’s October Students of the Month are seniors Brianna Caporale and Henry Lobsenz, juniors Sarah Kalb and Grady McHugh, sophomores Jace Darby and Maya Stafford, and freshmen Derin Leon and Moni Mazaheri.

Those students “help make Staples a welcoming place for their peers and teachers alike,” says principal Stafford Thomas.

“They are the ‘glue’ of the Staples community: the type of kind, cheerful, hard-working, trustworthy students that keep the high school together.”

Nominations come from teachers, who select “all-around good citizens.”

October Students of the Month (from left): Grady McHugh, Henry Lobsenz, Derin Leon, Jace Darby, Sarah Kalb, Maya Stafford, Brianna Caporale. Missing: Moni Mazaheri.

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More Staples news: Kate Bulkeley, Olivia Cohn and Olivia Saw will represent the schools next months, at the 11th Normandy International Youth Leadership Summit in Le Havre, France.

Delegates are  high performing students interested in world affairs. At the event, the Westporters and other teens from 18 countries around the globe will develop action plans to address an issue affecting their community and the world — then implement them.

From left: Kate Bulkeley, Olivia Saw, Olivia Cohn.

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More Staples news: The cheer team hosts an Election Day clinic for grades 1-8 (November 5, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.).

It’s fun — and a fundraiser for the squad.

The fee of $75 before November 1, $85 after includes lunch and a t-shirt. Click here to register.

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Many drivers treat the stop sign at Bayberry Lane and Easton Road as a suggestion, not a command.

Perhaps this recent addition will make them put on the brakes, and pay attention:

(Photo/Sandy Rothenberg)

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Several readers sent photos of the Tsuchinshan-ATLAS comet that streaked over the area yesterday.

Unfortunately, it’s hard to photograph a comet. They’re far away, and they fly by fast.

Here’s one that shows a bit of the show, from Gabriela Hayes in Weston:

(Photo/Gabriela Hayes)

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Affordable housing — one of Westport’s hottest topics — was the subject of yesterday’s Westport Rotary Club luncheon talk.

David Newberg — chair of the Westport Housing Authority since 2004 — discussed the past, present and future of local affordable housing.

The WSA owns, manages and develops affordable housing in town. Their 221 units house 450 people, most of whom are from Westport. The WHA has spent $65 million dollars over the years restoring and developing these units.

Newberg said that the major obstacle to building more units to meet demand is the scarcity of buildable land. The major reason that land is so hard to come by, he noted, is that people generally do not want affordable housing in their neighborhoods. It can take years to get land allocated for this purpose.

David Newberg, at the Westport Rotary Club. (Photo/Ellin Curley)

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Nature is always on view at Sherwood Island State Park.

This week, Deb Krayson captured an Alfred Hitchcock-themed image for our daily “Westport … Naturally” feature:

(Photo/Deb Krayson)

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And finally … in honor of the Sherwood Island photo above:

(It is always the season to support “06880.” Please click here for a tax-deductible donation. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Local politics, Longshore, Politics, Staples HS, Transportation

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Unsung Heroes #354

Posted on October 9, 2024 | 10 comments

This week’s Unsung Heroes selection is a no-brainer.

Four Westport first responders — Deputy Fire Chief Matt Cohen, Firefighters Patrick Dailey and Michael Durette, and Police Officer Gregory Gunter — answered the call to bring aid to North Carolina communities devastated by Hurricane Helene.

They delivered food, water, essential supplies and a mobile cell unit by helicopter to isolated towns, and helped resolve a mobile communications problem at a field hospital.

Westport Deputy Fire Chief Matt Cohen (right) delivers supplies via Chinook helicopter. (Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)

Meanwhile, the Westport Rotary and Sunrise Rotary Clubs quickly organized a collection drive for food and other essentials, tolls and equipment, and medical supplies.

Many Westporters responded yesterday to the Rotarians’ appeal. A very large truck, filled with contributed goods, are already in North Carolina.

Packing supplies yesterday at Stop & Shop. (Photo/Connie Belta)

But that’s not all. The Y’s Men of Westport and Weston very quickly raised enough money to buy 10 generators for North Carolina.

 

Our first responders, Rotarians and Y’s Men have made important — even life-saving — efforts.

They do it because it’s the right thing to do, not for thanks.

But all of Westport joins countless hurricane victims in saying: Thank you!

(Unsung Hero is a weekly “06880” feature. To nominate a hero, email 06880blog@gmail.com. To support our work, please click here. Thank you!)

 

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Posted in Police, Unsung Heroes

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Roundup: Hurricane Help Collection Today …

Posted on October 8, 2024 | 5 comments

Hours have been extended for dropping off donations for victims of Hurricane Helene today (Tuesday), at Stop & Shop.

Items will be accepted now through 2:30 p.m.

The drive is being conducted by the Westport Rotary Club and Westport Sunrise Rotary.

The list of desperately needed items is long. It includes food and other supplies; tools and equipment; other essentials, and medical supplies. Click here for a full list.

In other Helene news, the Y’s Men of Westport/Weston have raised enough money to buy 10 generators for North Carolina.

Money continues to pour in.

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Jaden Waldman is spending his fall afternoons playing freshman soccer at Staples High School. The team is great, but they don’t attract many fans — just a few parents and friends.

Jaden will be seen by exponentially more people this fall in another role: as the younger Dr. Oliver Wolf, Zachary Quinto’s character on NBC’s new series “Brilliant Minds.”

Based on Dr. Oliver Sacks — the exceptionally gifted neurologist who suffers from a rare condition that gives him a unique perspective on care — it airs Mondays at 10 p.m., then streams the following day on Peacock.

The teenager — who goes by Jaden Myles Waldman professionally — is equally at home on the soccer pitch and the stage. He debuted in 2021 (after a pandemic delay) in “Caroline, or Change.”

His other credits include “Ne Zha,” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “The Plot Against America,” “Give or Take,” “Confetti,” and as Peter Pinkerton in “Pinkalicious & Peterrific.”

Jaden may be best known for his voice role as TO-B1 in the Emmy-nominated “Star Wars: Visions,” and Kun in the Oscar and Golden Globe-nominated movie “Mirai.”

Next up: a guest role on “Law & Order: SVU” October 24.

Jaden Waldman, in “Brilliant Minds.”

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And on TV right now: Jeffrey Pogue.

The 2023 Staples High School graduate was featured on the premiere of the new “Scrabble” game show.

For good reason: He’s a national Scrabble champion.

Producers flew Jeffrey — now a Brown University sophomore — to London this summer, for one day of shooting.

How did he do? Click here to see for yourself.

But we will say this: His father, David Pogue — a noted TV personality himself — is proud.

Very proud.

Jeffrey Pogue (right) on Scrabble TV.
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Yesterday’s Roundup included an item about signs from Huntington Learning Center and the Patch Boys that marred Kings Highway Colonial Cemetery.

Brian Rivel, who owns Huntington with his wife, notes that he did not place or dispose of his sign there.

“I was dismayed to read that,” he says. “We would never put a sign in a cemetery.”

Huntington Learning Center on Post Road East.

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The Downtown Plan Implementation Committee will hold a public meeting this Thursday (October 10, 8:30 a.m., Town Hall Room 201/201A).

Agenda items include the Jesup Green, Imperial Avenue and police station parking lots, and the parking study and feasibility analysis.

Remote and in-person comments from the public will be received as time is available. Comments can also be emailed to DPIC-comments@westportct.gov.

The future of the police station is one key to the development of a new downtown parking plan.

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Speaking of local politics: The Board of Finance regularly votes on big appropriations — our tax dollars at work.

But they don’t just study spreadsheets and grill town officials. Sometimes, they take field trips to better understand funding requests.

This Friday (October 11, noon), BOF members head to Old Mill Beach. They’ll walk on the pedestrian bridges and examine the tidal gates. It’s part of a request for $5,580,000 from the Public Works Department director, to rehabilitate the walkway and structure.

One of the 2 Sherwood Mill Pond tidal gates. (Photo/Phil Delano)

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There are only 78 days until Christmas

And just one month — 28 days — till Election Day.

Early voting takes place Monday, October 21 through Sunday, November 3, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Town Hall auditorium.

On October 29 and 31, the hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Voting on Election Day (Tuesday, November 5), is from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., at regular polling places. Click here to view a district map.

Registrations done online, at the Department of Motor Vehicles or by mail must be completed (postmarked or received by the Westport Registrar of Voters by October 18.

All applications to register to vote after October 18 must be done in person at Town Hall, Room 107, in order to vote on November 5.

Citizens may also register and vote in person during the early voting period or on Election Day through same-day registration at Westport Town Hall, Room 107.

Meanwhile, the registrars of voters will begin memory card and tabulator testing this Thursday (October 10, 9:30 a.m., Town Hall, Room 212D.  The public is welcome to observe on Thursday, or until completion

Questions about any of the above? Email the registrars of voters: Deborah Greenberg (Democrats): dgreenberg@westportct.gov, 203-341-1116; Maria Signore (Republicans):  msignore@westportct.gov, 203-341-1117.

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Add this to your little kids’ Halloween activity list: a “fa-boo-lous”time at Wakeman Town Farm.

Youngsters ages 0-5 are invited — in costume — for a fun event October 25 (2 to 3 p.m.). Click here for tickets.

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Lynette Washington headlines this week’s Jazz at the Post (Thursday, October 10, VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner begins at 7 p.m.; $20 music cover, $15 for veterans and students).

Her extensive career in jazz, R&B and gospel has taken her around the world.

Lynette will be joined by pianist Amina Figarova, bassist Will Goble, flutist Bart Platteau and drummer Vinton Hines, Jr. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Spice — a gift shop specializing in fashion, home, entertaining, and baby and child goods — will move into the Sconset Square space recently vacated by Bespoke Designs.

This is Spice’s second location. The first is in Delray Beach, Florida.

(Photo/Sal Liccione)

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A bit of needed rain came and left yesterday morning.

The sun quickly came out. But not before Celia Campbell-Mohn captured this scene, at the Westport Weston Family YMCA, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Celia Campbell-Mohn)

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And finally … in honor of the arrival of Spice, Westport’s newest store (story above):

(Whether you’re scary, sporty, baby, ginger or posh, you’re part of our great online “06880” community. And we rely on you — our readers — to support our work. Please click here to help. Thanks!)

5 Comments

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Rotarians Seek Help For Helene Victims

Posted on October 6, 2024 | 15 comments

Westport’s Rotary and Sunrise Rotary are joining other clubs in Connecticut to help another Rotary group in western North Carolina, as it aids victims of Hurricane Helen.

They’re asking “06880” readers to help too.

Two members of the East Hampton Rotary Club have donated a 50-foot semi-truck, and a 26-foot box truck, to transport collected materials.

The collection is set for Tuesday (October 8, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Westport Stop & Shop).

Items needed include:

  • Canned or packaged food with a long shelf life (especially cases of ramen, pasta and rice)
  • Paper products (toilet paper, paper towels and plates, plastic utensils, feminine hygiene products)
  • All types of batteries
  • Pet food and cat litter
  • Shelf-stable milk
  • Bug spray
  • Baby food, diapers, formula
  • Hand-held can openers
  • Disinfectant spray
  • Over-the-counter meds
  • First aid supplies
  • Sports drinks
  • Water (low priority)

Other items that are not available at Stop & Shop, but still needed, are:

Tools and equipment

  • Heavy-duty extension cords
  • Small generators
  • Gas & diesel fuel (many residents are using their own equipment to push through roads, and are running out)
  • Bar and chain oil for chainsaws
  • 2-cycle fuel mix for chainsaws
  • Chains and sharpeners

Other essentials

  •  Car batteries
  • Propane
  • Hay
  • Starlinks
  • Cots, tents, sleeping bags

Medical Supplies

  • Tourniquets
  • Medical scissors
  • First aid kits

Once items are collected Tuesday at Stop & Shop, the trucks will be driven directly to Asheville, then distributed by the Rotary Club there.

North Carolina needs help. Westport’s Rotary Clubs are answering the call — with help from the rest of the town.

15 Comments

Posted in Organizations

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Roundup: Mary Young P&Z, Halloween Painting & Parade, Bite & Dig …

Posted on October 3, 2024 | 9 comments

To the chagrin of many builders, homeowners, architects and others who have worked with her, Mary Young is stepping down as Planning & Zoning Department director. Her last day is Friday.

Mary tells “06880”:

It has been an immense honor and privilege to serve the residents of Westport since 2002. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the years. When you love what you do, it hardly feels like work, and I truly cherished my time here.

Land use decision-making is inherently a collaborative process, and Westport is fortunate to have residents who are dedicated to volunteering their time for the greater good and shaping a brighter future. I have been blessed to collaborate with countless unsung heroes who tirelessly advocate for transparency and meaningful change.

As I step aside, I sincerely hope that the residents of Westport will embrace my successor, who has truly earned this position. I believe my legacy will thrive in her continued success. Thank you all for your support and commitment to the Westport community.

I’d like to add my personal thanks to Mary. She has always treated the media with fairness and respect. She is quick to respond to questions, always forthright, and extremely knowledgeable. Thank you, Mary, for making my job easier — and for always having Westport’s best interests in mind.

Mary Young

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t’s b-a-a-a-a-c-k!

The annual Halloween window painting contest returns Saturday, October 26.

The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce is looking for painters for the popular 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. event.

Elementary and middle school children paint a store window they request, or that is assigned to them.

Elementary and middle schools winners in 3 categories — Scariest Art Work, Best Halloween Theme and Most Original — earn gift certificates. Click here to sign up.

That’s just the start. On October 29, the Parks & Recreation Department’s annual Halloween Parade begins at 3:30 p.m., at the Post Road East/Main Street intersection.

Costumed kids will walk to Avery Place, then enjoy festivities on Veterans Green across from Town Hall.

Scenes from last year’s window painting contest.

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Westport resident Dave Briggs films intriguing videos for Cheddar, the business, finance and tech website.

The other day he was at a New York location of Dig, the Northeast restaurant chain. Dave was shooting a story on Bite, whose AI-powered kiosks are found at quick-serve spots everywhere.

Chatting with Bite CEO Brandon Barton about the advantages of self-service — ease and comfort; more opportunities for add-sons; “friction-less and pressure-less,” and of course potential cost savings — Dave learned that Barton is also a Westporter.

But that’s not all. Turns out Dig founder Adam Eskin also lives here.

Sounds like Dig needs to open a location here. Then Dave can tape another video, without any of the principals leaving town.

Click here for the clip, on the Cheddar website.

Screenshot of Dave Briggs (left) with Brandon Barton.

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Last year’s Volunteer Fair was a great success.

This year’s event (Saturday, October 5, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m,, Westport Library), will be even bigger and better.

The adult and youth fairs are combined into one, presenting even more opportunities for volunteerism with many non-profits, organizations, and town boards and commissions. Education, housing, government, youth, seniors, the environment — those interests, and many others, are all represented.

Adult and teen attendees can speak with staff members, and sign up for volunteer opportunities. Click here for more information.

Last year’s Volunteer Fair, at the Westport Library.

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Got an old vehicle you’d like to get rid of, but refuse to donate it to 1-800-KarsForKids because they’ve tortured us with the most obnoxious jingle in the history of advertising for the past 20 years?

The Westport Fire Department wants you! (And yours.)

They train for life-saving rescues by using donated cars and trucks.

Any make, model or condition is fine. It can be damaged, even non-working.

Like NPR, they’ll even tow it for free.

For more information — or to cut right to the chase, and schedule a pickup — call 203-341-5003, or email jkronenberger@westportct.gov.

Westport firefighters practice on a donated vehicle. (Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)

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This Sunday (October 6, 11 a.m., meeting at the Westport Country Playhouse parking lot), the Westport chapter of RunForTheirLives commemorates the first anniversary of Hamas’ October 7 massacre in Israel with a “peaceful and apolitical march through town.”

Marchers will carry signs to remember the 101 hostages who remain in captivity. They’ll be joined by local clergy from different denominations, and community leaders.

Every Sunday for a year, residents have marched through town, in all kinds of weather.

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1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker’s newest “In Focus” newsletter has been posted to the town website.

Among the items: an update on the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee’s work, and a reminder about illegal clear-cutting, filling and dumping in and near wetlands and watercourses.

Click here for the full newsletter.

40% of Westport properties are on or close to wetlands or watercourses. This pond is near Partrick Wetlands. (Photo/Scott Smith)

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The Westport Police Department’s “Coffee with a Cop” yesterday morning, at McDonald’s, was a great success.

Many patrons stopped for a chat with our officers. There were smiles all around.

And no tickets.

One “06880” reader appreciates the outreach, but offers a suggestion for next time: Choose a locally owned coffee shop, rather than one of the biggest chains in the world.

Coffee and conversation. (Photo courtesy of Westport Police Department)

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Speaking of cops: Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between September 25 and October 2.

A 40-year-old man from Nutley, New Jersey and a 32-year-old man from Paterson, New Jersey were charged with larceny, and criminal attempt to commit larceny, following a shoplifting at Ulta Beauty. Officer stopped the suspects’ vehicle on Post Road East, near the Fairfield line. A female suspect has been identified, and is being investigated.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 10 citations
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 6
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 6
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 5
  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulation: 5
  • Failure to drive in the proper lane: 4
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 4
  • Traveling too fast for conditions: 2
  • Following too closely: 2
  • Failure to insure a motor vehicle: 2
  • Improper use of marker plates: 2
  • Reckless endangerment: 1
  • Transporting a child 5-8 years old, 40-60 pounds without restraints: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 1
  • Failure to renew registration: 1
  • Unreadable plates: 1
  • Failure to cancel registration: 1
  • Illegal operation by a motor carrier: 1

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Over the last 15 years, the Push Against Cancer fundraiser has grown from a small community fundraiser to a giant push-up festival raising funds to support The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, aiding children with serious illnesses.

Hundreds of Westporters will join the push-up marathon on Sunday, October 20 (8 a.m., Staples High School).

Registration starts at $40 per participant. It includes Push Against Cancer gear, and a fundraising web page to engage friends and family. Click here to sign up, and for more information.

Participants at last year’s Push Against Cancer.

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Unite the World With Africa Foundation‘s Westport supporters are collecting medical supplies for Kitanga, a small Tanzanian village that is accessible only by water.

Items needed include stethoscopes; blood pressure machines; pulse oximeters;  green, dark blue or black scrubs (small); glucometers and hemoglobinometers.

Odds are, you don’t have any of those lying around your house.

No problem!

Click here; the select the “Unite Medical” address at checkout to have the items shipped directly.

If you actually have them on hand — or want them shipped to you — you can drop them off at Village Pediatrics, 323 Riverside Avenue.

Residents of Kitanga, Tanzania need medical supplies.

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“Moms in Security” — a Westport-based nonprofit focused on ending human trafficking and child exploitation — hosts a fundraising 5K walk at Compo Beach Saturday (8 a.m.).

All ages are invited. Click here to register or donate. All proceeds support Moms in Security’s programs and initiatives.

Questions? Email tiffany@momsinsecurity.com.

 

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Jaime Hastings, executive director of the Arthur Miller Foundation, spoke Tuesday to the Westport Rotary Club.

For the past 10 years, the Arthur Miller Foundation has been increasing equitable access to quality theater education for public school students by certifying and supporting teachers to build sustainable in-school theater programs.

They currently support theater teachers in New York City, Bridgeport, and Norwalk Public Schools.

Jaime Hastings (Hat tip and photo/Dave Matlow)

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Sure, we posted a great bee photo on Monday, right here in “Westport … Naturally.”

But this one is equally cool. Photographer Jen Greely says: “This early fall scene in my garden shows 3 bees nectaring from a single dahlia. I guess it’s more fun with friends.”

(Photo/Jen Greely)

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And finally … between Tanzania, Israel, schools in Bridgeport and Norwalk, and stories in our own back yard, today’s Roundup proves once again that “06880” is truly “where Westport meets the world.” So …

(If you enjoy learning about Westport — and the world — through “06880,” please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Children, Police

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It Was A Real Nice LobsterFest

Posted on September 22, 2024 | 5 comments

In just a dozen years, LobsterFest has become one of the biggest, most beloved and fun parties in town.

Yesterday, 1,500 folks of all ages celebrated at Compo Beach.

They ate lobster and steak (plus a lot more). They drank beer and soda. They danced to a great band (Silver Steel). Their kids climbed on a fire truck, went inside an ambulance, blew giant bubbles, and had all the kind of fun we remember from our childhoods.

Let’s dance!

And — thanks to the year-round work of the Westport Rotary Club, and volunteers from many other town groups — LobsterFest raised hundreds of thousands of dollars, for dozens of good causes.

Richard Epstein, Rick “Mr. Lobster” Benson and former 1st Selectman Jim Marpe took in the festivities.

In a few months, the Rotarians will distribute large grants, to all those groups.

It’s a feel-good ceremony. Those funds will — literally — change lives.

But none of it would be possible with everyone who made LobsterFest happen yesterday.

Former 2nd Selectwoman Betty Lou Cummings, and her son Matt. He’s the branch manager of M&T Bank — one of LobsterFest’s many volunteer providers.

And all those who enjoyed themselves, at one of the best Westport days of the year.

PS: Tickets for LobsterFest ’25 go one sale next summer. As usual, they’ll sell out in minutes.

Before …

… and after.

Friends met old friends — and others made new ones.

Friends like these 2 Vivis — Wolf and Swersky — hung out too. (Photo/Jim Wolf)

We’re not sure why the lost & found was located at the Wine Wall. But it worked.

The band played everything from A (Abba) to Z (Led Zeppelin). And they got folks of all ages dancing.

Kids enjoyed face painting …

… and pin making …

… and fire truck sitting.

RTM members at an informal get-together.

There was a great emphasis on sustainability …

… and teen volunteers worked hard sorting the recyclables.

See you next year! (All photos/Dan Woog unless otherwise noted)

5 Comments

Posted in Beach, Children, Westport life

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Roundup: Sigrid Schultz, Charley Rochlin, Rachel Doran …

Posted on September 18, 2024 | 2 comments

Sigrid Schultz has been remembered — belatedly — in her longtime hometown of Westport, with a parking lot named in her honor.

But there is a lot more to her story than that.

Serving as the Chicago Tribune’s Berlin bureau chief from 1926 to 1941, Schultz masked her intense loathing for the Nazis in order to cultivate contacts at the highest level of the Third Reich. Among her many accomplishments, Schultz interviewed Adolf Hitler several times. She also fearlessly cast a barb at Hermann Göring for his failed attempt to have her arrested.

She boldly covered the persecution of Jews, was one of the first to report on abuses at the German concentration camps, and was once called “Hitler’s greatest enemy.”

Yet for all her accomplishments, Schultz’s story is largely untold.

Vanessa Johnston is working on a documentary film about her. It will explore her extraordinary career, from her heady days as a young reporter covering the Weimar Republic, to her writing in secret under an alias to avoid Nazi censors, on through her anguish at seeing the Buchenwald concentration camp, then her relatively obscure life in Westport. 

Tomorrow (Thursday, September 19, 7 p.m., Westport Museum for History & Culture), Johnston will preview her unfinished film. There’s a talkback with the producer, and a look at a one-night-only display of artifacts owned by Schultz.

Click here for tickets ($5 for members, $10 for non-members). Proceeds support the museum’s exhibitions, programs and research.

Sigrid Schultz

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It’s almost one year since Hamas assaulted Israeli villages, and took hundreds of people hostage.

A group of Westporters will remember them on Sunday October 6 (12 to 3 p.m., Compo Beach).

The event will include words, songs, and 101 chairs — one for each of the remaining hostages.

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Veterans of Foreign Wars Joseph J. Clinton Post 399’s 51st straight monthly Red Cross Blood Drive honors lance corporal Charles Rochlin, of the Marine Corps.

The 2003 Staples High School graduate spent 7 months in Iraq. He was on leave in Westport when he died in an automobile accident.

The blood drive is this Friday (September 20, noon to 5 p.m.).

Click here for an appointment; use sponsor code VFWWESTPORT. You can also call 800-733-2767.

LCPL Charley Rochlin

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CraftWestport returns to the Staples High School fieldhouse November 2-3. Over 175 vendors kick off the holiday shopping season, with thousands of products in mediums like ceramics, textiles, woodworking, jewelry, glass art and more.

Plus food items like bourbon-barrel aged maple syrup, hand-painted chocolates, teas, honey, cheese spreads, curds, baked goods, and skincare products, soaps, candles, etc.

All-weekend admission is $11; seniors $10, children 12-18 $5, children under 12 are free. Click here for more details. CraftWestport is presented by the Westport Young Woman’s League.

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The one good thing that has come out of the death of Rachel Doran — the 2015 Staples High School graduate who died just before her senior year at Cornell University after a rare reaction to common medication — is Rach’s Hope.

The non-profit provides nutritious food, lodging, transportation and encouragement to family members when a child is in intensive care.

Well, there’s one other good thing: community participating in “Walk the Extra Mile … for Rach’s Hope.”

The 4th annual event is Sunday, October 6 (Compo Beach Ned Dimes Marina, 3 p.m.).

The day includes community spirit, fresh air, a fun beach walk, live music by Ellis Island Acoustic, the Pizza Pie Wagon truck, wine and beer courtesy of Greens Farms Spirit Shop, and Rach’s signature black and white cookies.

All are welcome. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Rachel Doran

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A clarification on yesterday’s Roundup post about CLASP’s “Music Through the Decades” benefit (October 18, Fairfield Theatre Company).

Band Central — the great entertainment — is not “the CLASP house group.”

Band Central is made up of very talented professional  musicians. At different times, members have played with very high-powered groups — including the Rolling Stones.

Band Central was created to unite a community of non-profits, musicians, donors, and audience members through themed music concerts. They’ve raised $6 million for over 60 Fairfield County organizations, and produced more than 150 events.

The October 18 show will raise funds to support CLASP’s clients, with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

A 6:30 p.m. pre-party includes light bites from Blue + Berries and Little Pub. The main event kicks off at 7:30.

Guests are encouraged to dress in the fashion of their favorite decade.

Tickets are $45 in person at the FTC office, $54 online or by phone (203-319-1404).

Band Central

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Yesterday’s Westport Rotary Club lunch speaker was Amit Oren.

A clinical psychiatrist at the Yale Department of Psychology with a private practice, she spoke about her work as lead psychologist at Mountain Seed Foundation. It provides healing camps in places like the Austrian Alps for veterans of foreign wars who are suffering from trauma or war loss, and their families.

The week-long program includes physical activities like mountain climbing, zip lining, nature walks and art therapy.

Amit Oren (Photo/Ellin Curley)

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On Sunday night, Alex Sherman was walking his dog near Compo Road South.

Alex got to hear Peter Frampton’s concert (for free).

Plus, he spotted this cool-looking owl on Baker Street. It’s a great image, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Alex Sherman)

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And finally … in the midst of one of the most polarized times in American history, today is National Respect Day.

(If you respect “06880” — or even just like it a little bit — please consider a tax-deductible contribution to support our work. Just click here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Beach, Entertainment, History, Politics

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