Tag Archives: Westport-Weston Chamber of Commerce

Roundup: Best Music Community, Dog Fest, Cajal Academy …

Posted on May 10, 2022 | Comments Off on Roundup: Best Music Community, Dog Fest, Cajal Academy …

How good a community for music is Westport?

One of the best.

That’s not “06880” talking. It’s the NAMM Foundation. They just named us one of their “Best Communities for Music Education.”

For the 10th year in a row.

Th honor comes for our public schools’ efforts to provide music access and education to all students. The application process included detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instructional time, facilities, music program support, and community programs.

Westport’s Music Department has benefited from partnerships with organizations like the Westport Library, Levitt Pavilion, PTA Cultural Arts, WestPAC and Westport Arts Advisory Committee.

Staples High School’s Candlelight Concert — involving hundreds of singers, and orchestra and band members — is one culmination of music programs at every school, and every level. (Photo/Danielle Dobin)

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The Asian American Pacific Island community — and allies — celebrate AAPI Heritage Month today (Tuesday, May 10), with a cash bar at MoCA Westport (19 Newtown Turnpike, 5 to 7 p.m.).

Mecha-Uma will be there with a food truck too. All are welcome!

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The Dog Festival returns to Winslow Park this Sunday (May 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) for its 6th run.

The event includes fun competitions (best tail wagger, best dressed, best kisser, best trick, best lap dog over 50 pounds, dog that most looks like its owner), demonstrations, Police K-9 presentations, an obstacle course, kids activities, information booths, food trucks and more.

Also on tap: over 60 pet-related vendors, caricaturists and giveaways.

Parking is available at the Westport Country Playhouse, and other nearby lots. The festival entrance fee is $10 per person, $30 for a family of 4. Proceeds benefit nonprofit organizations.

Dog owners can register for the competitions online or at the festival. To register for the competitions and for more information, click here.

The Dog Fest is sponsored by the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce, in association with TAILS.

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Yesterday’s “06880” lead story noted that Cajal Academy — a new school based on the latest neuroscientific research, for gifted students with special education needs — was going before the Planning & Zoning Commission last night.

In a unanimous vote, the board approved the application for 25 Sylvan Road South.

Stony Brook runs next to the 25 Sylvan Road South building.

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Sunday’s pro-choice rally was sponsored by DefenDemocracy.

This Saturday (May 14, 11 am to 1 p.m.), Planned Parenthood plans an event. It too is set for the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen downtown bridge.

Click here for details.

A sign held during Sunday’s pro-choice rally. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Among the winners of the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County’s Daniel E. Offutt III Arts & Culture Empowerment Awards: William Felton, former chair of the Westport Arts Center who led a long effort to find, secure and improve its new home as MoCA Westport, on Newtown Turnpike.

Honored posthumously: Alexandra Korry. The Westporter was a trailblazing lawyer, educator and civil rights advocate, and the guiding spirit behind converting a 1935 Norwalk church into a space to enhance educational opportunities for underserved students, promote underrepresented local artists, and provide a welcoming space to enjoy art and music. The Norwalk Art Space opened last June, just a few months after she died.

An awards breakfast is set for the Shore & Country Club in Norwalk on June 15, (7:30 a.m.). Click here for tickets. 

Norwalk students flock to the Art Space.

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Do “Cocktails & Clams” go together?

Sure! That’s the name of Earthplace and Harbor Watch’s fundraiser, set for Copps Island Oysters in Norwalk on June 11 (5 to 7 p.m.). There’s an unlimited raw bar, hors d’oeuvres from Harbor Harvest, and wine and beer from Black Bear — plus a silent auction, live music, and very cool views.

Click here for tickets.

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Mother Nature surprises us in many ways. This little flower blooms unexpectedly, but beautifully. Spring has sprung, here in “Westport … Naturally.”

(Photo/JD Dworkow)

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And finally … Spinal Tap was a fake band. But Ric Parnell was a real drummer.

He was perfect for the perfectly played satirical 1984 film, “This is Spinal Tap.” He had the looks, the chops, and he was in on the joke.

Including the fact that, somehow, Spinal Tap’s drummers kept dying in bizarre ways. He himself (as Mick Shrimpton) spontaneously combusted on stage. When the fake band went out on tour in the 1990s — life imitating art — Parnell was introduced as Mick’s twin brother Rick.

Ric Parnell died this month in Missouli, Montana, of organ failure. He was 70.

But Spinal Tap lives on. Play the video below loud — all the way to 11! (Click here for a full obituary.)

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“Back From COVID” Supper & Soul Canceled — Due To COVID

Posted on May 6, 2022 | 1 comment

Tonight’s “Supper & Soul” dinner and concert has been postponed, due to a COVID outbreak in the Cris Jacobs band.

Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce director Matthew Mandell call it “quite the bummer. We were all set to go. This was supposed to be the back-from-COVID show. It just proves this virus has not gone anywhere.”

The last live Supper & Soul show was held in February 2020. The Chamber offered streaming shows and drive-in concerts during the pandemic.

The Chamber is looking at options to ensure all ticketholders either see the rescheduled show or receive a refund. Detailsl will be announced soon.

Ticketholders who will want to eat at their chosen venue should call and secure a table. This is independent of the Chamber; meals would be at diners’ expense. All restaurants have already been informed of this situation and would still like to be your host.

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Roundup: Salad Winners, Staples Fencers, SpongeBob …

Posted on April 4, 2022 | 3 comments

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Over 1,000 salad-eaters cast votes in the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce’s month-long Great Westport Salad Contest.

And the winners are …

  • Best Caesar Salad: Romanacci
  • Best Chef Salad: Joe’s Pizza
  • Best Cobb Salad: La Plage
  • Best Deli Salad: A&S Fine Foods
  • Best Greens Salad: The Porch
  • Best Make Your Own Salad: Parker Mansion
  • Best Mediterranean Salad: Manna Toast  
  • Best Unique Salad: Capuli.
  •  Honorable Mention (coming within 5 votes of the winner): Calise’s

Winners received plaques to hang. Each winner will also offer a free  salad to eight lucky voters who won the lottery in the category they voted for.

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Ruth Steinkraus Cohen was a remarkable woman.

A Juilliard-trained pianist and teacher; a singer, editor, radio host and activist; secretary to Eleanor Roosevelt at the World Federation of the United Nations Association; founder of the International Hospitality Committee of Fairfield County, and Westport’s jUNe Day celebration; publisher of the worldwide “United Nations Calendar for Peace”; music chair of the Friends of Music for almost 40 years; co-founder and/or noard member of the New York Chamber Soloists, Performers of Connecticut, the Opera Company of Boston, Opera New England, Young Audiences of Connecticut, and Westport’s Art Advisory Committee — it’s no wonder our town’s downtown bridge is named for her.

The Steinkraus name is in the news again — at least, the real estate news.

A trust owned by the Steinkraus family (including Ruth’s late brother Bill, a 1968 Olympic equestrian gold medalist) has listed their amazing “Grand Great Island” property — off the Darien coast — for sale.

Located on a 60-acre island, it includes a stable, riding rings and grand house (called a “villa”), plus a whiskey and wine cellar with contents dating back to Prohibition.

Called “the largest private island ever to be offered for sale on the East Coast,” it can be yours for just $100 million. Click here for details. (Hat tip: Wendy Crowther)

Great Island, now up for sale by the Steinkraus estate.

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Congratulations to the Staples High School fencing team — the state champion fencing team, that is.

What? You didn’t know Staples had a fencing team?!

That’s okay. This is their first year. Eight fencers, coached by Jim Roberts, competed against 9 schools in the state tournament last month, at North Haven High. The Wreckers edged Fairfield 5-4 for the title.

Congratulations to junior Gleb Syomichev, sophomores Max Piterbarg and PJ Loranger. Fencing club co-founder Anna Pan, a senior, helped out.

(From left): Gleb Syomichev, PJ Loranger, Anna Pan and Max Piterbarg,

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There’s lots of recycling in “The SpongeBob Musical.” When the curtain rises this weekend on Coleytown Company’s spring show, the middle schoolers will have incorporated it into their sets.

Working with art teacher Linda Kangro, students took Jordan Janota’s designs and built them all out of garbage and recycling donated by the community.

Kangro let the youngsters into the recycling and trash, and told them to use their imaginations. The result will be something to see. No word, though, on whether they’ll recycle the set to use in the next show.

(“The SpongeBob Musical” will be produced Friday, April 8 (7 p.m.); Saturday, April 9 (7 p.m.) and Sunday, April 10 (1 p.m.). Click here for tickets.

Eli Abrams (as Perch Perkins) with recycled “coral” on the proscenium.

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Play ball!

This year marks the 40th season for the Boss Boys’ Sunday morning softball game. They play at the field behind Town Hall, with stretching and batting practice from 9 to 9:30, and a game afterward.

They’re looking for new players. The cost is $30 for the season; it covers bats, balls, scoring books and “maybe a holiday barbecue.”

Interested? Email bryan.alix@gmail for details.

When this photo was taken in 1992, the Boss Boys’ softball game had already been going for 10 years. It’s lasted 30 more since.

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Former Westporter Jack Grogins — known for his quick wit and passion for tennis, jazz music and rare books — died last week. He was 91.

The Norwalk native and University of Connecticut graduate (undergraduate and law school) enlisted in the Navy in 1956. He went on to practice in the field of insurance defense at the Hartford Insurance Company in 1958.

Jack started his own law practice in 1961. He also served for many years as a part-time prosecutor for the Bridgeport Circuit Court.

As a young man, Jack taught tennis and competed in tournaments around Connecticut. He continued into his 60s, ranking among the top tennis players in the Connecticut Senior Olympics.

He realized his life-long dream with his appointment as a Superior Court judge in 1994. He remained in that position until 2001, when he became a judge trial Referee. Jack remained a highly respected jurist until his retirement in 2018.

Jack was predeceased by his wife Marilyn. He is survived by his daughter, Judge Auden Grogins (Ian), sister-in-law Arlene Glotzer, niece Helen Glotzer, and cousin Molly Passero and her 4 children.

Funeral services will be held tomorrow (Tuesday, April 5, 10 a.m., Abraham L. Green & Son Funeral Home, Fairfield). The family will receive visitors prior to the service, at 9 a.m. Shiva will be observed tomorrow from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the family residence.

Jack Grogins

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We can never get enough osprey photos. Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image was taken yesterday. Carolyn Doan writes: “The Fresh Market osprey is bringing nesting material, while she sits in the sun. It’s all part of the mating phase.”

(Photo/Carolyn Doan)

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And finally … on this date in 1964, the Beatles occupied the first 5 — five! — spots on Billboard’s Hot 100. They’re below, from #1 to #5.

But that’s not all. They Fab 4 had another 7 songs on the charts that week: “I Saw Her Standing There” (#31), “From Me to You” (#41), “Do You Want to Know a Secret” (#46), “All My Loving” (#58), “You Can’t Do That” (#65), “Roll Over Beethoven” #(68) and “Thank You Girl” (#79).

Yeah, Beatlemania was a thing.

PS: I don’t care how old — or young — you are. These songs put a smile on everyone’s face.

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Posted in Children, Education, Entertainment, Obituaries, Real estate, Restaurants, Sports, Staples HS

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Roundup: Lynsey & The Library, Supper & Soul, Fiscal Firecrackers …

Posted on March 4, 2022 | 1 comment

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Lynsey Addario has been in the news a lot lately. The 1991 Staples High School graduate and Pulitzer Prize winning/MacArthur fellow photojournalist has taken harrowing photos of Ukraine, for the New York Times. Earlier this week, she gave an insightful interview to Katie Couric.

Lynsey has been doing great work for years. And in January — several weeks before Russia invaded Ukraine — the Westport Library featured a special exhibit of her photos.

“Veiled Rebellion: Women of Afghanistan” began with a 2009 assignment from National Geographic.

Cultural and societal taboos make it extremely difficult to photograph women in that conservative country. But Lynsey persevered, gaining trust and shooting remarkable, intimate images. They cover home, work, religious and recreational life.

The exhibit is on display in the entrance gallery through June 15. They’re just part of the 34 photos that Lynsey donated to the Westport Public Art Collections.

Lynsey Addario’s “Veiled Rebellion” exhibit at the Westport Library.

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And speaking of Lynsey Addario: Here is a photo she took yesterday, at President Volodymyr Zelensky’s press conference in Kyiv.

A good picture tells 1,000 words. This one speaks volumes.

President Volodymyr Zelensky, at his press conference yesterday in Kyiv. (Photo/Lynsey Addario for The New York Times)

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Tyler Hicks — Lynsey’s New York Times colleague, and a 1988 Staples graduate — continues to capture compelling photos as well.

This was shot yesterday in Dachne, a village near Odessa. Bombs at midday killed one person there.

(Photo/Tyler Hicks for The New York Times)

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One more sign we’re emerging from the pandemic: The Westport-Weston Chamber of Commerce and Westport Library are bringing back “Supper & Soul.”

The first dinner and concert event in 2 years is set for Saturday, May 7. Cris Jacobs — a Blues Views & BBQ favorite — presents a concert in the Library Forum, following dinners at various restaurants throughout downtown.

Participating downtown restaurants are 190 Main, Amis, Arezzo, Basso, Capuli, De Tapas, Don Memo, Manna Toast, Spotted Horse, Wafu and Walrus Alley.

One ticket buys a 3-course meal at any of 11 participating restaurants, plus the concert — and happy hour-priced drinks afterwards, at any of those restaurants.

Tickets are $90 per person; concert-only tickets are $40. For more information and tickets, click here.

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Money. It’s what makes Westport (and the world) go round.

Want to be entertained, educated and empowered about it?

Check out Galia Gichon’s new podcast: “The Fiscal Firecrackers.” The 20-year finance industry veteran, with an MBA in finance — and a Westport mom — has teamed up with comedic actress Susan Yeagley (Jessica Wicks on “Parks and Recreation”) and Jill Leiderman (a producer with Jon Stewart, David Letterman and Jimmy Kimmel).

It’s available wherever you get your podcasts.

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Punk is coming to MoCA.

In fact, “Punk Coming” is the name of the local museum’s next exhibition. A diverse group of photographers, filmmakers and artists whose work defined the punk era in 1976 New York City, as well as contemporary works heavily influenced by the movement, kicks off with an opening reception on March 26 (6 p.m.)

The show runs through June 5. It features over 30 artists with additional programming, events and concerts throughout the spring.

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Suzanne Sheridan grew up on protest music.

On Saturday, March 12 her Westport-based Suzanne Sheridan Band performs at the Unitarian Church’s Voices Café (and via livestream), . They’re dedicating the concert to “the freedom-loving people of Ukraine.”

On the bill: favorite songs from the likes of Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen and others.

All proceeds will go to Save the Children, to provide food, water, clothing, medical supplies, emergency assistance and toys to Ukrainian refugees entering Poland, Romania and Lithuania. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Suzanne Sheridan

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Artist/author/naturalist James Prosek spent years trespassing on the Aspetuck Reservoir.

On April 6 (7 p.m., Westport Library), he turns that experience into this year’s Aspetuck Land Trust Caryl and Edna Haskins Lecture. In “Trespassing and Conservation,” Prosek will talk about how growing up near the reservoir shaped his appreciation of the natural work, his career, and his art. Click here for tickets, and more information.

James Prosek

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Tomorrow’s rally in support of Ukraine (Saturday, March 5, 11 a.m. Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge), includes a silent auction of 3 native hand-embroidered shirts.

Proceeds will go to 2 aid organizations: Save the Children, and the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America. A QR code will be available to help with the bidding.

One of the 3 Ukrainian shirts.

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There’s nothing like a comedy/drama about midlife crises and aging parents.

Westport Country Playhouse’s next Script in Hand play reading tackles those subjects. “Dot” is set for Monday, March 14 (7 p.m., live) and on-demand streaming (March 17 through 20).

Script in Hand shows offer intimate storytelling. Professional actors bring words to life, without sets or costumes.

The Playhouse describes “Dot”:

In their West Philadelphia home the Shealy family, headed by proud, lovable matriarch Dot, is ready to celebrate the Christmas holiday. But the family must grapple with more than exchanging presents as Dot’s memory is beginning to slip.

While her 3 grown children reunite, each with their own personal challenges to attend to, they must also struggle with how to best care for their mom as she faces the difficulties ahead.

For tickets and more information click here, call 203-227-4177 or email boxoffice@westportplayhouse.org.

“Dot” playwright Colman Domingo

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Longtime Westporter Elizabeth Izzo Petretta died peacefully at home on Monday. She was 85.

Born in Caserta, Italy to Luigi and Maria Izzo, she and her family moved to Westport in the 1950’s. That’s where she married her beloved husband, Rocco Petretta.

With Elizabeth’s support, Rocco’s Restaurant was established in 1975 on the Post Road. She worked there for many years.

She enjoyed cooking for her family and friends, sewing and crocheting. She especially loved spending time in her garden. She loved to take care of others, always with a smile. She was her happiest when she was with her family.

Her faith was extremely important to her. She was a lifelong parishioner and volunteer at Assumption Church.

She is survived by her husband Rocco and their daughters Emily (Vinny) Engongoro and Michelle Hankey; grandchildren Christopher Engongoro, Chloe and Olivia Hankey; siblings: Angelina (Joseph) Carusone of Verona, Italy, Josephine Bertoldo of Meriden, Antonia Prentice of Monroe, Anthony (Margie) Izzo, of Tar Heel, North Carolina, Jospeh Izzo and Ann Izzo of Westport, and her many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated this Saturday (March 5, 10 a.m. at Assumption Church. Interment will follow in Assumption Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society. Condolences for the family may be left online.

Elzabeth Petretta

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On Tuesday, a flock of robins visited Elisabeth Keane’s yard, off South Compo.

“They did not faze the woodpecker who is here every day,” she reports, as she sends along today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo.

(Photo/Elisabeth Keane)

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And finally … on this day in 1837, the city of Chicago was incorporated.

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Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Library, Obituaries, Restaurants, Westport Country Playhouse

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Salad Days

Posted on February 26, 2022 | 6 comments

We’ve voted for Westport’s best hamburgers, pizzas, soups, sandwiches and avocado toast*.

Next up, for the health-conscious: The Great Westport Salad Contest.

The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce and Berchem Moses sponsors the event next month. There are 8 categories, and (so far) 22 participating restaurants, delis and markets.

The categories are:

  • Best Chef Salad
  • Best Cobb Salad
  • Best Caesar Salad
  • Best Deli Salad (tuna, egg, chicken)
  • Best Mediterranean Salad (antipasto, Greek, bruschetta)
  • Best Make Your Own Salad
  • Best Unique Salad
  • Best Greens Salad (kale, arugula, chard)

  • Tutti’s Caprese salad. I’m not favoring them This was just the only salad photo in my archives from a participating restaurant. On the other hand, it IS very good.

Participating restaurants (so far) are:

  • A & S Fine Foods
  • Calise’s
  • Capuli
  • Boathouse
  • Don Memo
  • Granola Bar
  • Joe’s Pizza
  • Kawa Ni
  • La Plage
  • Manna Toast
  • Match Burger Lobster
  • Mystic Market
  • Organic Krush
  • Parker Mansion
  • Planet Pizza
  • Rizzuto’s
  • Spotted Horse
  • The Whelk
  • Tutti’s
  • Winfield Street Deli.

The contest kicks off March 1 (noon, The Granola Bar). Online voting begins then, and runs all month.

All voters are entered into a lottery to win a salad from the winning location for that category.

Winning restaurants receive a plaque. No one restaurant can win in more than 2 categories.

March 1 is around the corner. Lettuce begin!

*Just kidding. I think.

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Roundup: Snow Shoveling, Restaurant Takeout, Pickles & Pastrami …

Posted on January 30, 2022 | 5 comments

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Luke Garvey is a frequent commenter on “06880.” I hope he doesn’t mind that I’m stealing this comment, which he posted on Facebook yesterday:

“Today I will hold a FREE snow shoveling class in my driveway. Join the class and learn about the proper ways to shovel.

“Techniques will include the scoop and throw method, the down and push method (aka the plow technique), as well as the upside down scraping technique.

“Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to enhance your snow lifting techniques without throwing your back out! I will provide the driveway and multiple walkways to ensure your training is conducted in real-life situations.

“I only ask that you bring your own shovel (ergonomic designs suggested). Spaces are limited, and on a first-come, first-served basis.”

Earlier this month, Harris Falk showed off his own snow shoveling style.

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Matthew Mandell may have started a movement.

The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce director heard that local restaurants were getting gouged by 3rd-party delivery apps like Uber Eats, Grubhub and Door Dash.

So he started a campaign, encouraging diners to order takeout instead — or at least call directly through a restaurant’s own phone line.

The idea has spread statewide.

The Hartford Courant reports that our Chamber’s “Order Direct/Pick It Up” initiative has been “picked up” by the Central Connecticut Chambers of Commerce. They represent businesses in Farmington, Bristol, Burlington, Wolcott, Plainville and Plymouth.

Click here for the full story — including quotes from Viva Zapata owner Bob O’Mahoney.

(Graphic courtesy of Miggs Burroughs)

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Speaking of food, here’s this morsel from Temple Israel:

On Wednesday (February 2, 7 p.m., Zoom), they’re sponsoring a tasty talk: “Deli Revival: American Judaism and the Return of Pickles and Pastrami.”

The promo says: “There has been a nostalgic resurgence of interest in the Jewish deli menu. In her book Beyond the Synagogue: Jewish Nostalgia as Religious Practice — a National Jewish Book Award finalist — Jewish studies Professor Rachel B. Gross examines how some restaurateurs are deliberately making American Jewish food fit for the 21st century.”

The temple has partnered with Gold’s, Westport’s classic deli. Catered boxes celebrating the best of the Jewish deli scene will be available for pickup from Temple Israel on the afternoon of the event.

Click here to register. (Hattip: Peter Blau)

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I usually don’t list events outside Westport, unless they involve a speaker from here. It would open the door to too many other requests.

But in light of the recent kerfuffle over racism — and the definition of it — in our town, a few events through Fairfield University’s Quick Center Open Visions Forum might be worth checking out. They include:

Tuesday, March 8 (7 p.m.): Michael Eric Dyson, Ph.D. and John H. McWhorter, Ph.D.: “Race, Liberty & Justice: Diverging Perspectives with Eyes on the Prize.” Click here for tickets and more information.

Wednesday, March 23 (7:30 p.m.): David Brooks: “Democracy: Choices and Challenges.” Click here for tickets and more information.

Thursday, April 28 (8 p.m.): Isabel Wilkerson: “CASTE: Examining Race, Culture, and Consequences.” Click here for tickets and more information.

(Hat tip: Danielle Teplica)

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows one of our most natural features (Gray’s Creek) from a less natural one (Longshore golf course). (Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)

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And finally … if you watched “Get Back” on Disney+, you know that on this date in 1969, the Beatles gave their last public performance, on the roof of Apple Records in London. The concert was broken up by the police.

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Halloween Window Painting Artists: Take A Bow!

Posted on October 28, 2021 | 2 comments

It’s a record!

On Saturday., 131 children painted 65 windows throughout town, for the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce’s annual Halloween Window Painting Contest.

They looked great — for 3 days. Then the nor’easter washed most of the artwork away. Only a few remain.

Luckily, judging was done last weekend. Winners receive a certificate, and $25 gift card to Cold Fusion.

Who won? Scroll down to see.

Best Halloween Theme (Elementary School):Calvin Carreas (2nd grade., Long Lots) and his helper- brother Julian (kindergarten ); Fleet Feet in Sconset Square.

Scariest Theme (Elemenary): Scarlett Nelson (3rd grade, Saugatuck); Franny’s Farmacy on Church Lane.

Most Original Theme (Elementary): Jonah Milgrom (3rd grade, Long Lots); HSBC on Elm Street. (His work washed away in the storm, but he holds the photo of himself and his window.)

Best Halloween Theme (Middle School): Hailey Kipperman (7th grade, The Southport School); Bella Bridesmaids, Post Road West.

Scariest Theme (Middle School): Milo Milgrom (6th grade, Bedford); Cycleogy Bike & Ski, Post Road East.

Most Original Theme (Middle School): Sophie Jacques (7th grade, private school); Brown Harris Stevens, with BHS executive director John DiCenzo.

Scariest Theme (High School): Ella Scheweizer (10th grade, Staples); Greens Farms Spirits, with owner Jim Broyer.

NOTE: The “Most Original Theme” high school artist was Camille Mergenthaler (9th grade, Staples). Her work — at Local to Market on Main Street — washed away in the storm. Here’s what it looked like:

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Roundup: Slice & Dog Fest, Khaliq Sanda, Gabi Conti …

Posted on October 26, 2021 | 1 comment

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A few folks grumble about paying admission to the Slice of Saugatuck or Westport Dog Festival.

Quit bitching. Held this fall after a COVID hiatus, they helped fund donations of more than $10,000 to non-profit organizations. The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce sponsors both events, and announced the grants.

The traditional recipient of the Slice of Saugatuck is Homes with Hope’s Gillespie Food Pantry. This year’s donation of $4,500 brings the grand total since the Slice began to over $30,000. The giant neighborhood food tasting tagline is: “Food for those who can afford it, and food for those who can’t.”

Donations to local non-profits from the Dog Festival total $6,000 this year: $4,000 to co-producer TAILS; $1,000 to the Westport Police Department (split between the K9 unit and Animal Control via Westport Animal Shelter Advocates); $500 to Fidelco Guide Dogs; $250 to the Connecticut Humane Society, and $250 to Adopt-a-Dog.

The Dog Festival returns this spring to its usual date. Slice of Saugatuck will be held right after Labor Day.

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For years, Richelle Evarts has been a familiar, friendly face at Organic Market.

She’s been diagnosed with colon and liver cancer. Her husband William is reaching out for help.

He writes: “After exploring many options, she decided to take an integrated holistic medical path to recovery.

“Unfortunately, insurance doesn’t cover such a path. We found a facility in Mesa, Arizona, with an extensive 6 week-stay.

“I’m reaching out to all who know Richelle and what a beautiful, wonderful and giving person she is, I’m asking you to help us reach our goal for her to live many more healthy and active years. Any donation is greatly appreciated.”

Click here for Richelle’s GoFundMe page. (Hat tip: Sarah Gross)

Richelle Evarts

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Often, the state Department of Transportation works slowly.

This time, they got the job done quickly. And right.

Earlier this month, the Hillspoint Road bridge over I-95 was named for Khaliq Sanda. He’s the smart, energetic, dynamic and popular 2013 Staples High School graduate (and A Better Chance of Westport scholar) who was diagnosed with brain cancer while majoring in pre-med at Duke University. His death in March devastated Westport.

Today, signs went up on the span. They’ll serve as a constant reminder of all that we lost.

(Photo/Ben Joseloff)

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Speaking of bridges: Sunday was UN Day. As always, flags of member nations flew proudly on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.

(Photo/Tracy Porosoff)

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A few days ago, our “06880” Roundup previewed Todd Suchotliff’s upcoming New York Marathon — which he would run entirely in Westport. A recent arrival in town, he invited his friends (and strangers) to run a bit with him, or cheer along the route.

It happened Sunday. Todd reports:

“It was a great day, made all the better with help from the amazing community here in my new hometown, from start to finish.

“My neighbors came out to cheer me on. Three people from the Joggers Club ran with me — one for the first 20 miles (!), the others to run the last 6.2 home. Plus my family chased me all around Westport, holding up signs and cheering for me.

Thank you fall. And we raised close to $8,500 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, in my mom’s memory.”

Todd Suchotliff and friend.

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In June 2020, I started an “06880” story on Gabi Conti this way:

“The guy who got away. The guy who’s hotter than you. The guy you always go back to. The guy who’s much older. The guy who’s toxic. The guy you can’t remember.

“Gabi Conti knows them all. She’s dated them all.”

The hook was that Gabi — a 2005 Staples High School graduate — had just written a book. Called “20 Guys You Date in Your 20s,” it was a compilation of her greatest hits — and misses.

Gabi is now 34. As of earlier this month, she’s also married.

This past weekend, the New York Times featured her Greens Farms Church wedding. Click here for the whole story.

Spoiler alert: The 31st date was a charm.

Gabi Conti and Daren Johnson (Photo courtesy of Robert Norman Photography)

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The Town Clerk’s office (Town Hall, 110 Myrtle Avenue) will be open this Saturday (October 30, 9 a.m. to noon) to issue absentee ballots for the November 2 election.

Absentee ballots will continue to be available on Monday, November 1, until 4:30 p.m. All ballots must be returned to the Town Clerk’s office no later than 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Questions? Click here; email tclerk@westportct.gov, or call 203-341-1110.

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With all our recent focus on animals, “Westport … Naturally” has neglected a no-brainer: fall foliage.

This wonderful shot is from Gray’s Creek.

(Photo/Patricia McMahon)

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And finally … Jay Black, the 2nd “Jay” of Jay and the Americans, died Friday in Queens, of cardiac arrest. He was 82, and suffered from pneumonia and dementia. (Click here for the full obituary.)

The first Jay (Traynor) had a great voice, on songs like “She Cried.” But Jay Black’s baritone made his predecessor sound like a wannabe. Consider these classics:

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Pic Of The Day #1650

Posted on October 24, 2021 | 3 comments

Today marks the middle of Restaurant Week. Rowene Weems had “a lovely dinner outside on a beautiful night at Harvest. The atmosphere was magical, with lights and a full moon. There is also something cool about being next to the train station.”

For more on the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce event, click here.

(Photo/Rowene Weems)

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Roundup: Halloween, Holiday Trees, Movies …

Posted on October 22, 2021 | Comments Off on Roundup: Halloween, Holiday Trees, Movies …

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Once upon a time, trick-or-treaters (yes, there was a “trick” part besides the “treat”) soaped up windows.

Now they paint them.

The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce’s annual Halloween Window Painting Contest takes place this Saturday (October 23, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

A record number of kids (105) will paint 65 different windows, all around town. They’re vying to win in 3 categories (Scariest, Most Original, and Best Halloween Themed) in 3 divisions (Elementary, Middle and High School). Victors earn rewards, and $25 gift cards from Cold Fusion.

Windows of retailers, offices, the Library and Senior Center answered the call, ensuring that every child who signed up has a window to paint. They’ll work on their own or in teams.

Windows will remain painted through Halloween, so residents can enjoy the artistry. For more information,  click here.

Halloween painting, 2013.

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Also downtown: The Westport Downtown Association hopes Westporters can help them make this holiday season special. They’re installing a dozen colorful tees throughout the area. Each will be decorated by professional designers, and will be themed to a different local non-profit. The aim is to support their missions during the season of giving.

The WDA seeks donations to help cover the cost of the trees, lights and decorations. Click here for the GoFundMe page, to help reach the $10,000 goal.

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Usually, the only tents at Sherwood Island are on the sand.

Yesterday, visitors saw a ginormous tent, in the parking area. There were a couple dozen tractor-trailer dressing and production rooms too.

It was part of a movie being filmed there. Donald Sutherland and Jaeden Martell star in “Mr. Harrigan’s Phone,” an adaptation of a Stephen King short story.

Despite all the activity, no one spotted the main actors.

(Photo and hat tip: Werner Liepolt)

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Speaking of cinema: The Remarkable Theater ends its second remarkable drive-in season with films that celebrate Halloween and Election Day (plus one classic music movie).

  • “Pink Floyd: The Wall” (Saturday, October 23, 6:30 p.m.)
  • “Hotel Transylvania” (Sunday, October 24, 6 p.m.)
  • “Corpse Bride” (Monday, October 25, 6:30 p.m.)
  • “The Candidate” (Tuesday, October 26, 6:30 p.m.)
  • “Beetlejuice” (Friday, October 29, 6:30 p.m.)
  • “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” (Saturday, October 30, 8:30 p.m.).

Click here for tickets and more information.

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Speaking still of movies: After a great opening night, the Westport Library’s Short Cuts Film Festival continues Thursday, November 4 (7 p.m.), with 5 short films curated from the 2021 Tribeca Film Festival. The lineup includes narrative and animated films.

Six Nights follows a restaurant dishwasher facing a dilemma; in The Angler, things are not always what they seem; a baby owl struggles in the animated Try to Fly; challenges face a Syrian immigrant in No Longer Suitable for Use; and 3 young children seek a boyfriend for their bus driver in Cupids.

Cupid director and humanitarian aid worker Zoey Martinson will be an in-person guest in the Forum for a discussion after the screenings. At-home viewers can access the talkback via Zoom, and ask questions as well.

An all-documentary program follows on November 18.

All films will be screened on the Forum’s large, hi-def screen.

To buy tickets for November 4, click here. For November 18, click here.

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Coming soon at Wakeman Town Farm:

“Bicycling with Butterflies” (November 1, 6:30 p.m., Zoom). On behalf of Westport’s Pollinator Pathway, and in honor of Mexico’s Dia de los Muertos — the day the monarchs traditionally return to their winter sanctuary in Michoacán — Sara Dykman talks about her solo experience biking the 10,000-mile Monarch Butterfly Migration  . Click here for more information.

“Don’t Blow It! A Panel Discussion About Leaf Blowers” (November 8, 7 p.m., Wakeman Town Farm). Clear the air about the impact of gas leaf blowers on our bodies and the environment – including the gas leaf blower ordinance being presented to the RTM Click here for more information.

“Holiday Wreath Making” (November 15, 6:30 p.m., Wakeman Town Farm). Chyrse Terill and Ellen Goldman will show how to create wonderful Thanksgiving wreaths, with materials collected from WTF. At the end of the class, take home your work. Click here for more information.

Monarch butterfly in Westport. (Photo/Tammy Barry)

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Compo Cove was frothy yesterday.

“Wash day?” wonders Les Dinkin.

(Photo/Les Dinkin)

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo combines a special local custom (dogs at the beach) with an iconic site (Compo cannons). The result:

(Photo/Cathy Malkin)

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And finally … on this date in 1934, FBI agents in East Liverpool, Ohio shot and killed Pretty Boy Floyd.

Woody Guthrie noted the generous side of the notorious Depression-era bank robber:

Yes, as through this world I’ve wandered
I’ve seen lots of funny men;
Some will rob you with a six-gun,
And some with a fountain pen.

And as through your life you travel,
Yes, as through your life you roam,
You won’t never see an outlaw
Drive a family from their home.

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