Two Westport icons combine in this 1980s-era 1967 photo: the Saugatuck train station, and revered Staples High School English teacher/noted photographer Karl Decker.
The image was reproduced widely, on posters and postcards. This version was sent by 1992 Staples graduate Tracy Stein Hinson.
(Photo/Karl Decker)
Posted in Friday Flashback, Staples HS, Transportation
Tagged Karl Decker, Westport train station
Train station sunset (Photo/Susan Thomsen)
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Posted in Pic of the Day, Transportation
Tagged Westport train station
Train station sunset (Photo/Gabriela Bockhaus)
Rainy Thursday at the train station (Photo/Jonathan Alloy)
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Posted in Pic of the Day, Transportation, Weather
Tagged Westport train station
It’s almost here: StoryFest, the Westport Library’s genre-spanning literary festival (and the largest one in the state). Plus: It’s free!
StoryFest celebrates all forms of stories, and storytellers from across all media.
Among the highlights:
Several authors authors are releasing new books early, for StoryFest. They include:
For the full StoryFest schedule, and more details, click here.
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It’s been nearly 30 months since the pandemic struck.
Westport — a town of commuters — changed immediately. Anyone who could work from home, did.
Metro-North slashed service. The railroad parking lots stayed empty. People who had waited for years for parking permits suddenly had them.
Offices re-opened slowly, often only 2 or 3 days a week. But many men and women — unwilling to sit next to others on trains where conductors did not enforce mask mandates — traded trains for cars.
Yesterday though, “06880” reader Ellen Bowen noticed something: The Westport train station’s eastbound lot was once again full. From Donut Crazy to the lower spots by Saugatuck Avenue, every spot was taken.
A sign that things are pretty much back to normal? A cause for celebration? Concern that the great experiment in working from home is ending?
Click “Comments,” to offer your take.
No spots — not even by Saugatuck Avenue. (Photo/Ellen Bowen)
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Aquarion has requested a revenue increase of $49.9 million — a 25% increase. If approved by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, it would add about $4.25 per month to the bill of a typical residential water customer using 72,000 gallons of water annually.
Public hearings will be held today (Thursday, September 8, 5:30 p.m., Town Hall), and Thursday, October 6 (via Zoom; click here) and Tuesday, October 25 (via Zoom; click here).
For more information, click here. (Hat tip: Mark Lemcke)
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The Porch @ Christie’s is going to the dogs.
This Sunday (September 11, 10 a.m. to noon), the popular Cross Highway spot will be overrun by puppies.
Westport animal Shelter Advocates will bring a litter of 11, and other furry friends, including older dogs — all available for adoption.
There is no on-site adoption. But for those who follow up through WASA, Earth Animal is donating pup packs. (They’ve already provided nutritious puppy food.)
WASA will also hold a silent auction at the Porch, to raise funds to assist and advocate for neglected and homeless dogs. Featured items include a certified signed Aaron Judge baseball, and four VIP Yankee Stadium Legends seats for the September 24 Yankees-Red Sox game.
For more information, call 203-557-0361. or email wasa1@optonline.net.
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It’s a paradox: There are so many utility wires, we often don’t really notice them.
But Michael Brennecke does.
The native Westporter thinks there are too many. He cites this “particularly egregious example of wire pollution,” where Hillspoint Road and Prospect Road meet:
(Photo/Michael Brennecke)
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As the weather cools, the Joggers Club heats up.
The all-runners-welcome group once again sponsors Saturday morning events, starting at the Greens Farms train station at 8 a.m. The $50 yearly fee includes all paces, 2 new routes each week, free Brooks Endurance running shirts for all new members, unlimited post-run coffee, along with track nights and the Joggers Club Jr., for youngsters in grades kindergarten through 8th.
For more information, click here, or go to Instagram (@TheJoggersClub.CT),
Facebook or Strava for weekly courses and local running chatter.
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Speaking of sports:
First Selectwoman Jen Tooker honored Westport’s 11U Little League district all-star state champion team yesterday. Each player received a commendation for their “hard work and perseverance.”
Rear (from left):1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Nolan Walters, Wyatt Johnson, Justin Goldshore, Henry Ellis, Toby Slavin Jack McGrath, coach Jon Ellis, Dylan Burdeshaw, coach Marc Theisinger, manager Justin Walters Front: Torrey Rossetter, Chase Landgraf, Luke Moneyhon, Grant Theisinger, Miles Delorier, Christopher Lambert.
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is a bit different than most.
Maggie Boroujerdi writes: “Tuesday’s much-needed rain revived our dry stream along Morningside Drive North and Keenes Road.
“We’re relatively new to the neighborhood. At the bus stop the other morning, neighbors said this is the first year they’ve seen the little stream dry up completely, for weeks. I took this photo:
(Photo/Maggie Boroujerdi)
“I’m grateful to have the water running again.”
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And finally … in honor of Sunday’s dog adoption event at The Porch @ Christie’s:
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(How much is that doggie in the window? No clue. But you can click here to support “06880.” Any amount is appreciated!)
Westport Parks & Recreation Department seasonal employees do it all.
Lifeguards keep everyone safe at our beaches and pools, handle first aid and medical concerns, and answer countless questions (over and over again).
Guest Services staffers collect daily fees, organize parking, keep the beaches and lots clean, and answer countless questions (over and over again).
Tennis clerks greet customers, schedule reservations, collect fees, and maintain the courts and surroundings.
Dock attendants assist boaters n docking, sell gasoline and ice, and oversee the marinas at Compo and Longshore.
Those are thankless jobs. So of course, most of us never say “thanks.”
On August 8, Parks & Rec operations manager Carmen Roda and waterfront foreman Michael Giunta will.
They (and guest services supervisor Donny Christopher, and tennis supervisors Jamie Boone and Matthew Schwartz) are treating those employees — well, the ones who won’t be working, anyway — to a “thank you” picnic.
It’s a welcome gesture. These (mostly) young men and women help make our summers rock.
Meanwhile, the next time you see a lifeguard, beach or dock attendant, or tennis employee, say “thank you” too.
Westport Parks & Rec staff help the summer run smoothly.
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Over the past few years, the dingy pedestrian tunnel underneath the Westport railroad station tracks has been transformed into a much more welcoming space.
A partnership between the Westport Police Department — they’re in charge of railroad parking — and the Westport Arts Center, with gifts from Bill Scheffler and his wife Ann Sheffer, Robin Tauck, the late Gordon Joseloff and others, turned the sometimes-scary passageway into a stunning art gallery.
Westport native and noted artist Miggs Burroughs created 16 LED-lit lightboxes. Each continued a lenticular image that combined one from a 100-year-old postcard of Westport’s past, with a current shot of the same scene. Compo Beach, Longshore, the station itself — all are represented.
This spring, a new lightbox was added, on the station wall itself. You don’t have to descend into the tunnel to see another handsome lenticular, with scenes of the cannons and downtown. This one actually says “Welcome to Westport!”
Now there’s a new one, with a modern twist. It honors Olympic snowboarding silver medalist (and Westport native) Julia Marino.
It’s another great lenticular image by Miggs. Unveiled yesterday morning, it will be displayed for the next year.
One view of MIggs Burroughs’ lenticular image …
… and the other.
At the unveiling yesterday (from left): 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Police Chief Foti Koskinas, Julia Marino, Deputy Chief Sam Arciola, Julia’s father John (hidden), Miggs Burroughs.
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Twiddle fans are all a-flutter for this Friday and Saturday’s special Levitt Pavilion shows (click here for details, and tickets).
An added bonus (besides the Vermont-based jam band, plus Mihail and The Nth Power):
The White Light Foundation supports causes and organizations important to Twiddle and its fans. They receive $1 from every ticket sold, then donate it back into each community where the band plays.
For their Westport shows, White Light has selected Earthplace and Project Return.
Great choices! The science/conservation/education group, and the empowerment program for homeless young women, both do wonderful work.
No wonder this weekend’s headliners have such a devoted following. They — and their fans — truly care about others. And they walk the talk.
They don’t just sit around twiddling their thumbs.
Twiddle. ©Jay Blakesberg
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Speaking of the Levitt Pavilion: Sunday’s Sweet Remains concert was a smash. A full house loved the sweet-sounding group, an annual Levitt Pavilion favorite.
But you didn’t have to haul a lawn chair to the grass to enjoy the show.
Dylan Germishuys has a different idea. He writes:
“I line up Sunday concerts with higher tides, then get some people on our boat to go up the Saugatuck River and listen from the best seats ‘in’ the house.
“There was a perfect incoming tide for the Sweet Remains. We took a slow trip, found our spot, and had a picnic during the concert. The sound was great.
“At lower tides you have fewer options as to where you anchor, and have to be a little more cautious coming up this far. If the river was dredged, that might create more space.
“At higher tides , the Cribari (Bridge Street) bridge is a challenge for bigger boats. We only had a foot or two clearance on the way out.
“There’s enough room for quite a few more boats to do the same. You have to test your Bridge Street clearance at high tide before venturing up at low though, and being stuck for a tide cycle!”
Boating by the Levitt. (Photo/Dylan Germishuys)
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Yesterday’s “06880” Roundup noted the (aaaaargh!) holiday music at the Bridge Square Dunkin’ Donuts.
Halloween is a lot closer than Christmas: only 97 days away.
So hurry on down to HomeGoods, which has already stocked all your costume needs.
(Photo/Sandy Rothenberg)
That area of town is quickly cornering the Halloween market. Just moments after Sandy Rothenberg sent her (aaaaargh!) HomeGoods report, Jack Krayson noted that Spooky Town — across from Stop & Shop, by Bulkley Avenue North — is open for business too.
No sign of pumpkins yet though, at either store.
Slackers.
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Connecticut’s Democratic and Republican parties have primaries on Tuesday, August 9.
Unaffiliated voters cannot vote in primary elections — unless they change their registration to either party. Unaffiliated voters have until noon on August 8 to change, and register with either party. Click here for the link, to make the change online.
In other August 9 primary news: The town needs poll workers.
Poll workers must be registered voters in Connecticut. They must take part in a training session, for which they are paid $25.
Pay for the August 9 election day: A full day is $200, with a $40 food allowance; a half=day shift is $100, with a $20 for food allowance.
Election Day work starts at 5:45 a.m. (polls open at 6 a.m. sharp) and concludes at 8:15 p.m. (polls close at 8 p.m. sharp).
For more information, email dgreenberg@westportct.gov.
Voting machines and poll workers, at the Westport Library.
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From time to time, “auction” signs pop up around Westport. Recently, we’ve been overridden with these:
(Photo/Matt Murray)
Alert reader Matt Murray writes:
“I called this number. Just for laughs. I wanted to see where they were located. It had been disconnected. Gee, do you think you could have been a scam?”
I’m not a betting man, Matt. But I’d bet my Patek Philippe, Rolex or Lamborghini on it.
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Dream Spa & Salon is turning 22 years old.
To celebrate, they’ve hired an ice cream truck to treat their clients (and anyone else who wanders by).
It’s August 5, from 5 to 7 p.m. (1220 Post Road East — the funky house in front of Crate & Barrel).
Happy birthday, Dream!
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We head inside for today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo — a cool image of Dusty Smith’s colorful zinnias.
(Phoro/Dusty Smith)
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And finally … if you’re intrigued by Twiddle (see story above), but have never heard of the band (or even if you have), give a listen:
(“06880” is your blog. Please click here to help support this online community.)
The National Weather Service warned of flash flooding.
They were right.
This was the scene moments ago at the Westport railroad station, opposite the former Mystic Market:
It’s a good thing very few folks park at the station these days.
And here was the scene not far away, at Sylvan Road South near Gilbertie’s:
(All photos/Frank Rosen)
The flood warning has been extended until 6 p.m.
Posted in Saugatuck, Transportation, Weather
“06880” is not a big fan of political photo ops. They’re — well, political photo ops.
But we’re happy to announce one set for Monday. The reason for it is a great one.
State Senators Will Haskell and Stephanie Thomas, State Representative Jonathan Steinberg, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Department of Transportation senior advisor Carlo Leone will gather at 10 a.m. at the “Westport Plaza” (known to normal people as the Home Goods/Panera Bread shopping center near the Southport line) to celebrate $11.7 million in funding for Post Road safety and traffic improvements.
The work will add left-turn lanes at Bulkley Avenue and Roseville Road, and the Fresh Market light.
Work will begin this fall, and is expected to take a year.
Left-hand turning lanes are planned for the Post Road near here.
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The Westport Country Playhouse curtain rises May 24 on “Straight White Men.”
The cast of the comic satire — which ran on Broadway in 2018 — includes Richard Kline (Larry Dallas on “Three’s Company”). He’ll be directed by his Northwestern University classmate, WCP artistic director Mark Lamos.
Lamos calls it a “bold, exuberant, very funny comedy. Near the end it builds up to a surprising dramatic punch.”
The show takes place on Christmas Eve. Ed (played by Kline) has invited his 3 grown sons back home for pranks, Chinese takeout, and gossip. In between the male bonding rituals and conversations about money, work and love, they are forced to face their own identities.
Click here for tickets, and more information.
“Straight White Men” ensemble (from left): Devin Milord, Nick Westrate, Richard Kline, Bill Army. (Photo/Cynthia Astmann)
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Spots are going fast for Wakeman Town Farm’s summer camps. They include:
Little Farmers (4-6-year-olds): Children dabble in every farm experience from planting and harvesting fresh veggies to feeding the animals. Youngsters learn how to spot squash bugs, collect eggs from the coop, and where to look for monarch caterpillars.
Junior Farmer Camp (7-10 year-olds): Great for kids who want to get their hands dirty. They learn about sustainable farming by planning, planting and caring for a garden, feeding animals, and raising a successful garden using both modern and time-honored technologies.
Green Teen (6th-8th graders): The focus is on planting, watering and harvesting vegetables that will be donated to local food pantries. Representatives from receiving agencies visit the Farm, talking about food insecurity and how community volunteering changes lives. Students will also learn about rabbits, ducks, chicken, sheep, goats and alpacas. Environmental topics include composting, creating a pollinator garden, and the Zero Waste initiative.
Click here for more information, and to register.
Learning by doing, at Wakeman Town. (Photo/Inklings)
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Riverside Avenue between Charles Street (Tutti’s) and Railroad Place (Steam Coffee) will be closed to traffic Monday and Wednesday, for paving.
New York-bound passengers can be dropped off by driving through the eastbound (Ferry Lane) parking lot, and continuing under the railroad bridge. Passengers can also be dropped off in the Charles Street lot, and walk up the stairs to the platform.
This stretch of Riverside Avenue will be closed Monday and Wednesday.
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Deb Robicheau is the Westport Book Shop’s guest artist for May.
She’s showing sculptural mixed media boxes, created during the pandemic. They incorporate comic book art from the 1930s through the ’80s. All works are available for purchase.
Robicheau — a visual artist, sculptor, painter, writer and screenwriter — has lived in Westport since 2010.
Deb Robicheau
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Westport Pride and MoCA Westport invite everyone to “All 4 Drag and Drag For All.”
The drag show (June 4; 5:30 p.m. cocktail hour, 6:30 p.m. performance, followed by a Q-and-A with the performers, at MoCA) is “an epic family-friendly experience.”
The headliner is 15-year-old Desmond Napoles, a New York City model, public speaker, fashion designer and voguer. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Desmond Napoles’ stage name is “Desmond is Amazing.”
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The weather was great when Charlie Stebbins led Thursday’s Aspetuck Land Trust nature walk at Smith Richardson Preserve.
Wendy Levy was there. She snapped this shot of a blooming crabapple tree, for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.
(Photo/Wendy Levy)
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And finally … in honor of Wendy Levy’s photo above:
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Posted in Arts, Children, Environment, Local business, Transportation, Westport Country Playhouse
Tagged Fresh Market, MoCA Westport, Post Road, Roseville Road, Wakeman Town Farm, Westport Book Shop, Westport Pride, Westport train station
Popup Bagels made the New York Times. That means they’ll be harder to snag than ever.
But they’re not the only local bagel-maker that’s gone Big Time. Sugar & Olives is badass too.
Their Badass Bagels line — that’s the name — just signed a deal with Goldbelly. The website showcases the best eats in the country, and ships overnight. The page isn’t live yet, but it will soon show a variety of offerings.
They’ll also sell 3,000 bagels at the Smorgasburg every Sunday in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, starting in early June. It’s one of the best — and most selective — food markets in the country.
But you don’t have to schlep all the way out there. Plenty of happy clients — corporate and personal — right here rave about the 100% sourdough recipe. (Okay, technically Sugar & Olives is a few feet over the border, in Norwalk. So sue me.)
They also sell at the Westport Farmers’ Market and Double L Market. Outside of Westport, they’re at the Kitchen Table in Pound Ridge, a few other farmers’ Markets, the Granola Bar in Greenwich and the Old Yew in the West Village.
The bagel business has taken over much of Sugar & Olives. There’s no more in-person dining. But Jennifer Balin and her wonderful crew do offer seasonal prepared items, which can be picked up by customers along with their bagels. Click here for details.
Some Badass Bagels.
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Like many Westporter, Joey Kaempfer was appalled at the clear-cutting that took place recently at the Westport train station. It was a safety project, Eversource and Metro-North say.
“We need to raise money to replace them,” Kaempfer — a Staples High School Class of 1966 graduate, who is building a home nearby — says.
He’s ready to donate $5,000 for seed money. But, he says, “some serious group has to raise the balance — probably $95,000.” They have to get permission to plant the new trees too, of course.
Is it doable? Are any groups or individuals interested? Click “Comments” below.
Recent tree removal (and overhead wires) at the Westport train station. (Photo/Matthew Mandell)
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Plenty of great books (and vinyl, CDs, DVDs, etc.) are still available at the Westport Library Book Sale.
Plus one that is absolutely, positively a hell of a book.
(Photo/Frank Bruce)
Today (Sunday, May 1, noon to 5 p.m.), all items are half price. Tomorrow (Monday, May 2, 9 a.m. to noon), you can fill a bag for $5, or purchase individual items for half-price.
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Wakeman Town Farm’s “Old-Time Pancake Breakfast” fundraiser is not until Saturday, June 18 (9 a.m. to noon). But folks are already signing up for a time slot.
The menu includes flapjacks and sausages with all the fixin’s, plus coffee and OJ. It’s outdoors, so the kids can wander over to say hi to the alpacas, sheep and goats.
The price is $13 for adult, $5 per child 2 and up. Money raised will help renovate the aging red barn, providing space for classes and programs. Click here to register.
Wakeman Town Farm barn. (Photo/Amy Schneider)
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Want to know more about the little-known but amazing gem known as the Smith Richardson Wildlife Preserve?
Aspetuck Land Trust’s partner, Connecticut Audubon’s land steward Charlie Stebbins, will host a “Walk and Talk” this Thursday (May 5, 10 a.m.), at the site off Sasco Creek Road on the Southport border.
He’ll describe the remarkable transformation, from an overgrown weed nest to a paradise for nesting birds (and bees). All are welcome — and like the preserve, it’s free.
Charlie Stebbins
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This swan in a swirling pool is perfect for a spring Sunday — and for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.
(Photo/Becky Keeler)
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And finally … today is the 1st of May — aka “May Day.” It’s a traditional holiday in many European cultures, with dancing, singing and cake.
“Mayday” — one word — is an international signal of distress. It has nothing to do with the month, though. It’s an Anglicized version of “m’aidez” — French for “help me!”
There’s another way to summon aid: “SOS!” It stands for “Save Our Souls.” It became popular when Morse code was new: 3 dots, 3 dashes, 3 dots.
Which, in a roundabout fashion, leads us to today’s song:
Waiting for a train (Photo/Chuck Greenlee)
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Posted in Pic of the Day, Transportation
Tagged Westport train station
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