When wildfires fires displaced thousands of Angelenos, WestportMoms swung into action.
Melissa Post and Megan Rutstein — the indefatigable overseers of our town’s mothers-and-more resource — put out the call for donations. Clothes, shoes, toiletries, makeup, diapers, formula, onesies, cribs, school supplies, sports equipment, bags, books, bedding — whatever anyone needs to rebuild their lives, Westporters were asked to give.
Fortunately, Melissa and Megan picked the perfect partner for dropoff and shipping.
The UPS Store at 606 Post Road East (opposite Fresh Market, next to Cava and Westport Hardware) never hesitated.
Don, the owner, said, Sure! We’d be happy to collect what people drop off. We’ll send it off. And if people need boxes, we’ll help them pack it.
Don, Nelson and WestportMoms, at the UPS Store.
They expected to send 4 pallets west.
In one day — just 24 hours — Westporters donated enough goods for 8 pallets.
That was double what was expected.
Don said Fine! We’ll cover the extra thousands of dollars. No problem.
Just like that, thousands of pounds of donations were on their way to the YMCA in Van Nuys, to be distributed to men, women and children who had lost everything.
There are plenty of Unsung Heroes in this story.
The hundreds of Westporters who donated so much. WestportMoms, who came up with the idea and, almost instantly, made it happen.
And Don, Nelson, and everyone else at the UPS Store. They went far beyond the final mile, ensuring that relatives, friends and strangers 3,000 miles away can have a little bit of their tremendous burdens eased.
That was not the only local effort to aid fire victims.
Corri Neckritz — owner of Groove, on Post Road West — organized her own effort. With donations from her store, and customers, 2 enormous trucks (one donated, one paid for by Corri) headed west last week.
She and her customers share our Unsung Heroes honors too.
Corri Neckritz (far right), her husband Seth (left), and the crew that helped haul Groove’s donations to California.
Long Lots Elementary School 2nd grader Austin Resnick wanted to help fire victims too.
With the help of his parents, Jen and Zach Resnick, they had an idea: a Hoops Challenge basketball fundraiser last Friday, after early dismissal before the holiday weekend.
They rallied Austin’s Recreation basketball team, the Golden State Warriors. It was last minute, but word spread.
Two other 2nd grade Rec teams joined in: the Portland Trail Blazers and New York Knicks.
The boys asked for pledges from family and friends. In return, they’d complete challenges including 1-minute layup and dribbling drills, plus trick shots.
The Resnicks thank PAL Basketball president Jordan Schur, and Staples High School basketball coaches Dave Goldshore and Chris Pickens, for their help.
Sixteen players attended — and raised $11,653.
All of the funds go to Baby2Baby, a non-profit providing emergency supplies for the most vulnerable children and families who lost everything in the LA fires.
sCongratulations to the boys, for making a difference!
2nd grader basketball heroes, at their fundraiser.
(Unsung Hero is a weekly “06880” feature. To nominate a hero, email 06880blog@gmail.com. To support our work, please click here. Thank you!)
The good news: This week’s donation drive to help victims of the Los Angeles fires is a huge success.
The bad news: It was so successful, it had to end early.
WestportMoms — the multi-platform community resource guide — reports:
In just one day, our incredible community — supported by the amazing UPS 606 Post Road team — came together to collect and fill eight pallets of donations to help those in LA.
That’s double our original goal of four.
A huge shoutout to Don, the generous owner of the UPS store, who stepped up and covered thousands of dollars in shipping costs for the additional pallets. We couldn’t have done this without his support and the kindness of everyone involved.
WestportMoms screenshot.
Unfortunately, due to limited funds, we have no choice but to pause collections for now. We know this will upset those who planned to drop off today (Thursday).
But we are completely overwhelmed (in the best way) by the outpouring of generosity.
If you’d still like to help, consider making a monetary donation to cover further shipping costs. Or click here to contact us to explore other ways to send your donations.
Thank you all for stepping up in such an extraordinary way. This initiative has already made such an impact. Together, we’re bringing light and hope to those who need it most.
Westport, you’ve done it again. Your compassion and generosity are unmatched. 💚
WestportMoms — the wide-ranging, multi-platform site for events, resources and more — is sponsoring 2 great holiday initiatives.
One makes a difference for our neighbors in need. The other helps local businesses.
For 3 years, WestportMoms has partnered with Cesar Batalla Elementary School in Bridgeport, so those students can experience holiday joy.
Those youngsters face unimaginable challenges. This year, school officials have asked for 3 times the number of gifts, to meet everyone’s needs.
By purchasing a gift from the school’s wish list, “06880” readers can directly brighten a child’s holiday. Items will be shipped directly to Cesar Batalla School.
Prices range from $8 to $35, with most in the $15-25 range.
WestportMoms say, “Let’s show them the magic of the season. Select a gift today and involve your kids in choosing!”
Questions? Email info@westportmoms.com.
WestportMoms’ second initiative is their first-ever Elf Scavenger Hunt.
From December today through next Sunday (December 8), you can shop local in Westport and Norwalk — and try to find hidden elves at over 50 stores, restaurants, fitness studios and more.
When you find an elf, you and your kids can “unlock” a special offer, provided by that business.
Click here to see all the participating merchants and more.
190 Main (a new restaurant, operated by Nômade, will open here)
2nd Street (second-hand clothes and accessories, Main Street, most recently The Loft)
Big Y Supermarket (Post Road East, where Barnes & Noble was, and Amazon Fresh never moved in)
The Bridge at Saugatuck (Riverside Avenue restaurant, in the old Parker Mansion space)
The Clubhouse (sports simulators, event space and more; Post Road East, site of the former Pane e Bene restaurant
Delamar Westport (on the site of the former Westport Inn; opening late 2024)
Faherty Clothing (Main Street, next to Timothy Oulton)
Henry Lehr Pop-up (Post Road East, next to Middlemarch — and yes, there was a Henry Lehr for many years on Main Street)
Just Salad (soon to replace Salsa Fresca, at the foot of Playhouse Square)
Lyfe Cafe (Pizza Lyfe’s new breakfast café, across Long Lots Road where Gallo Express used to be)
One Medical (Elm Street; an Amazon healthcare company)
Recess (gym by celebrity trainer Eric Johnson)
Riko’s Pizza (Charles Street, where Mystic Market was — and, long before that, where the Arrow made pizzas)
Saatva (custom mattress national company, owned by Westporter Ron Rudzin; next to Walgreens, in the old Citibank)
Spot On Vet (Post Road East, just east of Savvy Smoker and Christian Siriano’s The Collective West)
Sushi Jin (Main Street, just before Mexicue)
What have we missed?What do we need? What are you most looking forward to? Click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Bob Weingarten)
(“06880” is your place for business news: openings, closings, special events, and everything else. Please make it your business to click here, to support our work. Thank you!)
At 6 a.m., the first spots were already reserved for tonight’s fireworks.
(Photo/Pam Kesselman)
This was the scene at 6:30:
(Photo/Jonathan Alloy)
At 6:40, there was this:
(Photo/Susie Kowalsky)
Ghost encampments will continue to sprout all morning long.
Some will be normal, considerate-of-neighbor-sized. Others will be the Compo Beach equivalent of McMansions.
The upside: The trend of setting up for a party ahead of time has lessened the traffic trying to enter the beach the moment it opens to ticket-holders, at around 4:30 or 5.
NOTE: As of 7:30 a.m., only 15 tickets for tonight’s show remained. They’re being sold today at police headquarters on Jesup Road only.
Organic Krush — the property they were replacing — vociferously said “not true!”
It was. But it took 2 years for it to happen.
The sign is now up. The targeted opening date is the end of this month.
(Photo courtesy of WestportMoms)
As “06880” reported in early June — and WestportMoms alluded to yesterday, in the Sweetgreen announcement — Just Salad is likely to replace Salsa Fresca “before the end of the year.”
Brooks Corner — the 23,945-square foot retail and office complex in the heart of downtown Westport — has been sold.
ARC — a Concord, Massachusetts-based real estate acquisition, development and management firm — bought the property from Westfair Inc., the Brooks family company.
The purchase price was $12,750,000.
Brooks Corner is anchored by Brooks Brothers (no relation to the family that built it), and Lux Bond & Green.
Brooks Corner
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There was no wind, rain or any other precipitating factor.
But a large tree fell just before 9 a.m. yesterday on Easton Road, near Coleytown Elementary School.
Branches hit a car driving past. The driver veered into a stone wall. There were no reported injuries.
More than 50 Eversource customers lost power.
(Photo/Mark Mathias)
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The Residence at Westport is a senior living community.
But they’ve adopted our town’s youngsters as a cause.
From now through August 31, they’re collecting backpacks and school supplies, to support students in need.
Items can be dropped off in the lobby. The Residence is at 1141 Post Road East, opposite Greens Farms Elementary School.
Westport Rotary Club outgoing president Kenny Epstein passed the gavel to new president Goldie James at the annual traditional dinner on Friday, at Ned Dimes Marina.
Over 70 members ate lobsters, watched the new board sworn in, and enjoyed awards and gifts, as Rotary rang in its 101st year.
Kenny Epstein passes the gavel to Goldie James. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
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Ewen Rainer grew up in New Jersey. Jennifer Leigh is from the Branford area. They now live in Charleston, South Carolina.
They planned a religious wedding in Italy. But they wanted a civil one in the US, before heading overseas.
What better place than Westport?
But where? And who would perform it?
They got a list of justices of the peace from Town Hall. They chose Andrew Colabella, based on his close associations with Westport.
In May, the Representative Town Meeting member performed the ceremony on Veterans Green. A dinner, with family members who could not travel overseas, followed at Saugatuck Rowing Club.
The couple is back in the States. They’ve got great memories of Italy — and Westport.
Justice of the peace Andrew Colabella (left), with Ewen Rainer and Jennifer Leigh.
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Wondering how space environments threaten exoplanet habitability?
Dr. Ofer Cohen — an associate professor at the University of Massaschusetts -Lowell Center for Space Science & Technology — answers that question July 16 (8 p.m.), in a free Westport Astronomical Society webinar.
Several big capital spending projects loom in Westport.
What are the rationales, goals and processes?
Town Hall and Westport Public Schools leaders share insights this Tuesday (March 26. 7 p.m., Westport Library), in a community conversation.
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice will present their capital spending strategies and rationales. A panel of experts will discuss possible funding strategies, capital planning best practices, and the approval process for achieving capital spending goals. An audience Q-and-A session follows.
The event is sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Westport, and the Westport Library’s Common Ground initiative.
Longshore is one of several large capital projects planned for the future.
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Two virtual meetings next week have implications for Riverside Avenue.
Oak trees on 2 properties host bald eagles that perch in the trees while fishing. The trees may be removed if development plans go through.
On Monday (March 25, 7 p.m.), the Planning & Zoning Commission continues with Text Amendment #841. That involves a 1756 house, at 125 Riverside. Click here for more information; click here for the Zoom link.
The next night (March 26, 7:30 p.m.), the RTM Environment Committee discusses development on the Saugatuck River at 79 and 125 Riverside Avenue, and its impact on wildlife. Click here for the Zoom link.
In the 6 years since the Parkland High School shooting, Fred Guttenberg has become one of America’s most prominent anti-gun violence advocates.
On May 21 (noon), he’s the guest speaker at CT Against Gun Violence’s spring benefit luncheon. He’ll discuss his — and his fellow activists’ — efforts to turn pain into purpose, as well his book “Find the Helpers: What 9/11 and Parkland Taught Me about Recovery, Purpose and Hope.”
Since its founding in 1993, CAGV has lobbied effectively for some of the strongest gun laws in the country.
They were behind Connecticut’s 1993 assault weapons ban, the 3rd in the nation. Since Sandy Hook, they’ve worked closely with the state legislature to enact universal background checks, an expanded assault weapons ban, and limits on large capacity magazines.
Joaquin Phoenix and Emma Stone are stars of a new film, “Eddington.”
They’ll be joined by a rising young star: Cameron Mann.
The Staples High School senior played the surprise killer in “Mare of Easttown.” He has been seen on “For Life,” Law & Order,” “New Amsterdam” and “Daredevil” — and had significant roles with Staples Players.
The film began production this month.
Cameron Mann (Photo/Michael Kushner)
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Today’s predicted rain has postponed WestportMoms’ Easter Egg hunt to this coming Friday (March 29, 11:45 a.m. for 2-5-year-olds, 12:30 p.m. for 6+ — schools are closed, for Good Friday).
Just a week remains in the Westport Transit District’s annual poetry contest.
This year’s theme is “acrostics.” That’s where the first letter of each line spells something special — in this case, “Wheels2U.” For example:
Why are you still driving? How about trying the bus? Easy, Efficicent, Lively conversation with fellow commuters. Simple to use 2 get to the train. U should give it a try.
Gift certificates to Westport restaurants of their choice — ranging from $100 to $25 — will be given to the top 7 poems.
The contest is open to all residents of Westport. Enter as often as you like.
Entries should be sent to pgold@westportct.gov no later than March 30. Put “Acrostic Contest” in the subject line; include your name, address and email. For more details, click here and scroll down.
“Bonfire from the Holy Spirit” –the first single from 1971 Staples High School graduate Brian Keane’s soundtrack from the new PBS “Dante” series — has been released.
From time to time, “06880” posts “entitled parking” photos.
This one — from the heart of Main Street — is equal parts entitled and thoughtless.
(Photo/Evan Chevrier)
What’s even more remarkable, says photographer Evan Chevrier, is that at the time he took the image, there were no other cars in front of or behind them.
“Rumors” — Neil Simon’s fast-paced farce — is on stage tonight (Saturday, March 23, 7 p.m.) and tomorrow (Sunday, March 24, 2 p.m.) at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport.
There’s a suggested donation of $25, for the UU Players’ performance.
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature combines something created by nature, and another by man.
(Photo/Richard Fogel)
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And finally … on this day in 1775, patriot Patrick Henry delivered his most famous line — “Give me liberty, or give me death!” – at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Richmond.
(Today — and every day — “06880” fills you in on what happened, is happening, and will happen in Westport. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
In a lightning-quick meeting last night, the Long Lots School Building Committee voted formally to do what it had previously discussed: send to 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker the recommendation to build “Concept C,” an entirely new elementary school next to the present one.
However, the LLSBC added another recommendation: that the Westport Community Gardens (which will be displaced by a new baseball field) be relocated to Baron’s South, the town-owned property between Compo Road South and Imperial Avenue.
Meeting later last night in a long session, the Board of Education agreed 5-1 that plans for the new school follow from the educational specifications they approved last April.
Member Robert Harrington offered an amendment that would keep the Gardens at their present location, just south of the school. That motion failed 4-2, with Dorie Hordon joining Harrington.
The majority said that the gardens’ future is up to other bodies in town. The Board of Ed’s focus, they said, is on the school only, and moving ahead is imperative.
The Long Lots project must still be approved by several town bodies, including the Board of Finance, Conservation Commission and Representative Town Meeting.
The Baron’s South property, recommended by the Long Lots School Building Committee as the new site for the Westport Community Gardens. (Photo/Morley Boyd)
That’s what WestportMoms banks on. Their twice-postponed 3rd annual Fall Festival is set for this Sunday (October 22), at the fields across from the Compo Beach playground.
Painters, sports, pumpkin decorating, hair tinsel, a magic show, bracelet making and more are all in store. All kids and families are welcome.
Bring layers, WestportMoms advise. It may be windy.
Town-wide curbside leaf collection begins November 6.
All leaves must be placed in biodegradable paper bags near the curb of a town street by December 4 to guarantee pick-up. Residents on private streets must place their leaves behind the curb of an intersecting town roadway. Leaves placed in plastic bags will not be picked up,
Crews will complete pick-ups as schedules allow. For further information, call the Department of Public Works 203-341-1120), or click here.
The 180 Bayberry Lane yard waste site (behind the Aspetuck Health District) will extend its Saturday hours, from October 28 through December 4.
The extended Saturday hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Westport residents with proof of residency may dump up to 6 30-gallon bags or containers full of leaves without a fee. Plastic bags are prohibited.
Any van, pickup or tag-along trailer exceeding the 6-bag limit will be charged $40 per load. Any vehicle or trailer larger than a conventional pickup with a 4-foot by 8-foot bed will be charged $90 per ton.
Any vehicles with a 9-foot body, or vehicles changed to significantly enlarge their factory design size, will be charged $90 per ton, estimated at 2 tons without weigh slip ($180).
Dump tickets must be purchased at Town Hall’s Public Works office weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or by writing the Department of Public Works, 110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport, CT 06880.
Yard waste at 180 Bayberry Lane.
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It’s pretty impressive for a high school golfer to shoot a 73.
It’s even more so when 2 do it.
Harrison Browne and Sawyer Dalzell tied for the individual title at yesterday’s FCIAC (Fairfield County Conference) championship, at Tashua Knolls in Trumbull.
Their 1-over-par rounds helped the Wreckers to a 1-stroke team title over Fairfield Warde.
Congratulations to them, teammates Gus Palmer (79), Philip Sullivan (82) and Chris Taylor (83), and coach Pete Caligiure. On to states!
FCIAC champion Staples High School boys golf team. (Hat tip and photo/The Ruden Report)
Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between October 11 and 18.
A woman was arrested for shoplifting at HomeGoods. A man was arrested for criminal trespass and disorderly conduct, after a domestic violence incident.
Police also issued these citations:
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 10 citations
Traveling unreasonably fast: 5
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 4
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 3
Speeding: 2
Passing a standing school bus: 1
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
Following too closely: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
Failure to insure a motor vehicle: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Improper use of marker plates: 1
Possession of a vicious/barking dog: 1
Permitting a dog to roam: 1
Failure to comply with dog ownership regulations: 1
A Westport woman was charged with 3 dog violations. This is not that dog.
“Commuting seems to have leveled off. Is there consideration to opening up some daily spaces in the railroad parking permit areas? Not to mention the boats parked there!”
Westport Police are in charge of railroad parking (among many other things). Chief Foti Koskinas notes that while Monday and Friday usage of lots is lower than pre-COVID, they are fairly full Tuesdays through Thursdays.
Deputy Chief Dave Farrell adds:
“The lot that stores the winterized boats is privately owned, and is not managed by the railroad parking division of the PD.
“Meanwhile, we constantly monito our lots and make changes as necessary. At this time, we will not be adding daily spots to permit lots.
“I encourage daily spot users to check out Lot 7 on Franklin Street. It’s a convenient lot that does not fill up, and has direct access to Riverside Avenue.
“Also, Lot 8 will soon be available for our daily spots as the I-95 project will wrap up within a month or so.”
Click on or hover over to enlarge this railroad station parking map.
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Still speaking of driving:
David Meth waited yesterday patiently, with other drivers, in the southbound lane of Compo Road North by Winslow Park. As everyone knows, it can take a while to get to the Post Road.
One person couldn’t wait. This driver attempted to jump the line — with predictable results.
But wait! There’s more!
This very same driver — after finally reaching the Post Road (along with everyone else), and making a right turn — zoomed into Playhouse Square.
And — feeling entitled after waiting all that time — promptly grabbed not one but two parking spots, in the always-crowded lot.
(Photos/David Meth)
“Driving in this town is out of control, supplanted by entitlement, arrogance, rudeness, and unrelenting stupidity,” David observes.
Where do you go if your dad writes a new will right before he dies, leaving a sizeable fortune to the dog walker he met 3 months ago?
Where do you go if you want a schizophrenic family member committed to a hospital for treatment, or put under conservatorship to protect him from himself?
The answer to both questions is “Probate Court.” At this week’s lunch meeting, the Westport Rotary Club heard Lisa Wexler, Probate Court judge for Westport and Weston, discuss how she deals with issues like those every day.
Wexler called Probate Court “Family Court without the divorce.” She decides over 3,300 matters a year, many involving family members at each other’s throats. She noted that if her life was made into a TV show, it would be “’Parks and Recreation’ meets ‘Blue Bloods.’”
Probate Court Judge Lisa Wexler, at the Westport Rotary Club. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
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More than 6 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s. Next Friday (October 27 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.), the Westport Weston Family YMCA hosts a discussion by the Alzheimer’s Association’s Connecticut chapter.
The presentation will speak cover the Association’s resources, ways to get involved. healthy behaviors, Alzheimer’s impact on the workplace, its effects on caregivers, and more.
Say She She closed out the 2023 Levitt Pavilion concert season last night.
That’s a wrap: About 60 nights of free entertainment, under the stars.
The stars — well, the air — was a bit chilly last night. But it’s only a few months until the air will be warm again, and music will be back on the banks of the Saugatuck.
Say She She, at the Levitt Pavilion. (Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)
But the weather this week was pretty good. Tracy Porosoff was in her garden, photographing beautiful sights like this for our “Westport … Naturally” daily feature.
And finally … as the colors change, and the foliage blazes (though perhaps not this week), it’s time to remember Simon & Garfunkel’s classic tune:
Today, as always, “06880”‘s Roundup delivers a broad array of Westport-specific news and notes. If you rely on this coverage, please support our work. Click here — and thank you!)
Popup Bagels — the Westport-based company that has taken the tri-state area by storm (including several out-of-the-suburbs-and-into-the-city awards at Brooklyn BagelFest) — has some eye-popping news.
They just closed on a second round of (poppy) seed funding. Founder and CEO Adam Goldberg calls it “a few million dollars — more than a couple.” That’s on top of about $250,000 last year.
The most recent funding was led by film producer John Davis. Other investors include actors Patrick Schwarzenegger and Paul Rudd; swimmer Michael Phelps, and NFL players JJ and TJ Watt, and Michael Strahan.
The company will now hire a team to examine expansion ideas, including more locations in the New York area (and possibly adding Los Angeles). They’ll also add production capability.
Click here for the full story, from Restaurant Business.
Adam Goldberg, with his Brooklyn BagelFest awards.
“Spirited” — the Christmas-themed musical comedy retelling of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” — has opened to great reviews. It’s in theaters, and streaming on Apple TV.
The music-writing team includes 2003 Staples High School graduate Justin Paul, and his songwriting partner Benj Pasek (“Dear Evan Hansen,” “La La Land,” “The Greatest Showman”).
Justin — also credited as an executive producer — said he had “a blast” working on the score during the pandemic, on Zoom.
In this quick, intriguing interview below, he provides a bit of the back story:
Speaking of cinema: “Small Town Movie” is making its way to distribution.
And that “small town” is Westport.
Jarret Liotta — a Staples High School graduate, now a journalist and writer — filmed the dark satire that tries to make sense (“or non-sense”) of racism, gun violence and modern cancel culture in an “average, upper middle class, affluent Connecticut town.”
The timely script will make audiences laugh. “Or furious, depending on their mood that day,” Jarret says.
His goal is to “poke fun at everyone equally, regardless of their social or political views. Hopefully it provides a minor epiphany for everyone — about themselves and the comical world in which we live.
“If Westporters enjoyed my smarmy columns and editorial writing in the past, they’ll probably adore this flick,” Jarret — former editor of Westport Journal — adds.
“If they hated them, this will help them hate me even more.”
The film includes original music by Staples grads Tom Shaner and Margot Liotta.
Jarret plans a screening in Westport after the holidays. Then, he hopes, it will start getting attention from film festivals.
The Staples football team’s quest for a state tournament semifinal berth fell a few agonizing inches short last night.
The Wreckers — seeded 4th in the “LL” (extra large schools) division — dropped a 23-22 heartbreaker to #5 Fairfield Prep, at Paul Lane Field.
The game came down to the final seconds. With no timeouts left, Staples junior quarterback Caleb Smith brought his team 77 yards in the final 2:22. A pass into the end zone was broken up with 3 seconds to go. A final 29-yard field goal attempt was just wide.
Congratulations to coach Adam Behrends and his squad for an excellent 9-2 season. This was the Wreckers’ first playoff game in 7 years.
Quarterback Caleb Smith. (Photo/John Nash courtesy of The Ruden Report)
WestportMoms’ Holiday Shopping Event always draws a huge crowd to the Westport Country Playhouse. Vendors offer nearly everything shoppers need to complete their gift list.
This year, it’s moving inside, to the Playhouse barn. (Some tables will be outside too). It’s set for this Friday (December 2, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.).
Warm drinks will be provided. Those WestportMoms think of everything.
Westporters raveled to Guatemala this month to help expand a local English academy, and also create healthy cooking stoves for local families.
Led by Howard Greene, chair of the non-profit Friends of BEA, the group spent a week building 2 middle school classrooms, painting the exterior, erecting a fence, and working in homes to build energy-efficient and properly ventilated cooking stoves. They also met students, and observed classes.
Among the volunteers: Howard and Joyce Greene, Jeff and Nancy Plotkin, Dan and Ivy Guetta, Robert and Heidi Flicker, Tony and Amy Riggio, Steve and julie Lewine, and Mark Mathias.
The Guatemala group.
Balanya English Academy provides high quality, English-based education, and supportive services to students, their families and the local community. The goal is to prepare graduates to work in an increasingly globalized world.
Longtime Westport resident Dr. Paul Schulman died peacefully in his sleep last month, doing what he and his late wife Susan loved: traveling overseas. He was 89 years old.
He was the highly respected chief of hematology and oncology at Norwalk Hospital. He also served at both Yale New Haven Hospital and Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York.
Paul was born in New York, graduated from Columbia College and SUNY Medical School, and served in the US Air Force.
After he and Susan married in 1965 they moved to Westport, and purchased a home on Twin Oaks Lane in 1968 in anticipation of a family. They raised Heidi and Bruce, both of whom graduated from Staples High School.
Paul coached Little League baseball and softball. He played tennis with friends, enjoyed Westport Pizzeria, and dropped in at Harvey’s Liquor Locker and Klein’s (to purchase action thrillers). Paul and Susan spent many weekend nights dining at Mario’s.
He and Susan shared a passion for art and antiques, especially clocks, which he collected and wound every Sunday. Their collections were fueled by their intrepid travel. Paul and Susan were among early visitors to Antarctica, Burma (now Myanmar), China, and New Guinea, among many other destinations.
After spending nearly 40 years in Westport, Paul and Susan retired to South Carolina and Marbella, Spain. After Susan died in 2016 Paul moved into Fox Hill Residences in Bethesda, Maryland, near where his son lives with his family.
Paul was an active member of the Fox Hill community, participating in the quarterly “radio show,” passing evenings at his end stool at the bar, and watching his grandsons in sports and school activities. He became dear friends with the late Rhoda Herman. Together they enjoyed weekends at her country home in Leesburg, Virginia.
Paul is survived by his children Bruce (Frazier) and Heidi Greenwald (Brad), and 5 grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family has set up a memorial page at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
A service to celebrate his life will be held in Bethesda in January. Email Bruce (bschulman@hotmail.com) for details.
And finally … Louise Tobin died Saturday in Texas. She was 104.
In 1939, the vocalist with Benny Goodman’s orchestra was ready for national fame. But her husband — bandleader/trumpeter Harry James — had her put her career on hold, to further his own career.
They divorced 4 years later. She raised 2 sons, and was forgotten. But her career was jump started years later in New Orleans, when Al Hirt recognized her and invited her on stage.
WestportMoms is our town’s go-to multi-platform destination for upcoming family and kid events, merchants and helping professional news, and and school and camp advice.
The head moms — Megan Rutstein and Melissa Post — always have every child in mind. They know “it takes a village,” and they always support ours.
The other day, they posted this advice. It comes from Dr. Ali Griffith, and is worth repeating for the (few) folks who don’t follow WestportMoms:
An “06880” reader was intrigued by an item in yesterday’s “Roundup.” It previewed a November 1 discussion at the Westport Library on“How Public Policy is Putting Our Children at Risk.” The session will be led by CD Media’s chief investigative correspondent and senior editor Christine Dolan.
Hoping to learn more about Dolan the reader found a piece she wrote last year.
Headlined “Idyllic Westport, CT Is Ground Zero for CRT Infiltration by America’s Bolsheviks,” it begins:
The yellow and red leaves are drifting down quietly as they have for millennia in Westport , CT as the historic New England town sleeps towards a tipping point, one it may never recover from if the coming elections go the wrong way and vote in a continuation of its current path.
The Minuteman statue guards at Compo Beach where a ragtag group of American rebels fought the global tyranny of the once monolithic British empire, but Westport residents seem to want to forget this honorable history and welcome with open arms global tyranny of a different name — the Maoist doctrine of Critical Race Theory, or CRT.
Essentially, the agenda of the CRT movement is to teach young children their country is evil, that they themselves are racists and bad if they are white. The ideology is racist, it is divisive, and is on purpose. The doctrine is just a gateway drug to a more pernicious evil, re-imagining Westport schools. In the CRT future, gone will be AP classes, music excellence. Gone will be the gateway to Ivy league schools, replaced with a dumbed-down redistribution of educational wealth and excellence.
Along with this educational decline, property values will plummet as zoning laws are also changed to forever alter the nature of the community. Physical safety will disappear. Crime will increase.
If you like to dine out — and, this being Westport, that means everyone — then CTbites is essential reading. Published by our town’s Stephanie Webster, it’s a weekly guide to new restaurants, special culinary events, food trucks, catering and more.
I always learn something from the site. But — until yesterday — I’d never actually laughed while reading it.
“Connecticut Restaurant Confidential: Strange Stories, Odd Orders & Twisted Tales in the Industry” is a collection of jaw-dropping tales, from owners, chefs, bartenders and wait staff.
It’s an insider’s look at what gets told after hours — about diners (hopefully un)like you and me.
They come from all over the state. Including our own Winfield Deli. Click here to read.
Texas blues/New Orleans funk band Otis & the Hurricanes headlines the next “Blue Sunday” at the Westport Library (October 23, 2:30 p.m., Trefz Forum).
The free event is curated by Mark Naftalin. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame keyboardist will be there of course, with his Blue Sunday Band of all-stars: Westport/internationally known saxophonist Crispin Cioe, guitarists JD Seem and Paul Gabriel, and special guest Chance Browne.
Lat month’s Blue Sunday — the first in the series — drew a large crowd, and plenty of raves.
And this one could make that seem like just a warmup.
This week week’s “Jazz at the Post” features pianist Michael Cochrane, drummer to the stars Steve Johns, and fiery young bassist Jason Clotter in concert with the Jazz Rabbi, Greg Wall.
There are 2 shows — 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. — on Thursday (October 6) at VFW Post 399 (465 Riverside Avenue). There’s a $10 cover. Food service starts at 6:30.
Reservations are strongly suggested. Email JazzatThePost@gmail.com.
This is an active weekend in Westport. Among the highlights: Westport Moms’ 2nd annual Fall Family Festival. It’s Saturday, October 15 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Greens Farms Academy; $20 per family).
The event includes food, crafts, games and fun (bouncy houses, ninja course, music, art projects, DJ, pumpkin and cookie decorating, face painting, hair extensions, glitter tattoos, magic, STEM activities and more).
Many businesses will show off their products and services — all with activities for kids.
Organizers Megan Rutstein and Melissa Post ask attendees to bring gently worn jackets, for donations to a local non-profit.
Sunday’s Westport Weston Family YMCA Fall Festival drew a large crowd.
There was music, gymnastics exhibitions, bounces houses and s’mores. The weather was perfect for an outdoor event.
Best of all: You didn’t have to be a kid to have a great time.
Westport Board of Assessment Appeals member Ifeseyi Gaylel (left) and Westport Weston Family YMCA CEO Anjali McCormick take a break during the Y’s Family Festival.
The Norwalk Symphony Orchestra takes center stage at the Y’s Women’s October 24 meeting (Green’s Farms Church, 10:45 a.m.). Jonathan Yates and Sandra Miklave will talk about the group’s long history, and share visions for the future.
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