But this seems an appropriate time to give thanks for all we have in Westport.
For what seems like all of October, we’ve enjoyed an autumn out of a movie director’s dream.
Spectacular foliage, brilliant sunshine, warm temperatures — what’s not to love?
The beauty is so at odds with what many of us feel. A foreboding election, a polarized nation, perils across the globe, weather disasters everywhere but here, a planet on the brink of doom — all are never far from our minds.
Those worries are real.
But let’s all take a deep breath.
Let’s look around our town, and be grateful for all the wonderful ways in which we live life in Westport.
One of those wonders is Winslow Park. Just think: 32 acres — trees, grass, meadows, woods, walking paths, all just a few steps from downtown.
Mark Mathias is a Winslow regular. Yesterday, he photographed the world of Winslow.
There are many reasons to worry these days.
Yet — as these photos show — there are many reasons our hearts can soar, too.
It’s time for another installment of our “06880” Question Box.
This is the feature in which I try to answer readers’ questions.
I don’t have all the answers. But our readers — in their collective wisdom — might.
Please chime in with any additional information. Click “Comments” below.
This edition is short on quantity. But the quality of the questions is high.
As always: If you have a question for our box, email 06880blog@gmail.com.
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The large cylindrical hill not far from the small Winslow Park parking area on Compo Road North has always intrigued me.
It seems too perfectly symmetrical to be natural. And it looks so much different than the surrounding area. There are no other mounds like it anywhere. Is it man-made? If so, why? (Anonymous)
That’s a fantastic question. And — despite living a few yards away from Winslow Park, and walking there often (without a dog) — it’s one I’ve never even thought of.
Now that you mention it: You’re right. That hill (a longtime favorite spot for teenagers to drink, get high and hook up) definitely looks out of place.
Winslow Park mound/hill. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Could it have been built by indigenous people, long before Europeans arrived?
Perhaps it was constructed when the Winslow family owned a mansion — one of the most luxurious homes in town — at the corner of North Compo and the Post Road (State Street)?
Or maybe it was part of the Westport Sanitarium, which took over the estate?
I have no idea. But I’ll never again walk past without wondering what it is, and why it’s there.
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Why do they take the flags down after Labor Day? It’s kind of sad without them flapping in the breeze. (Deborah Baker)
“They” — aka town workers — remove the flags because of possible inclement weather. (Not just snow — possible hurricanes or nor’easters.)
It might also be a cost-saving measure, to extend the lives of the flags. They do look great. But there sure are a lot of them.
Here’s something to look forward to, though: October 24.
It’s UN Day. And, for one of 2 days each year (the other is jUNe Day), flags of dozens of nations will fly proudly on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.
Long may they wave. Or at least, every spring and summer. (Photo/Lauri Weiser)
What can a neighborhood or residents on a common street do about a neighbor that neglects the upkeep of their home and property?
The neighbor’s house needs to be painted. Their back yard (which can be seen from the street) is completely overgrown. Their side yard is a dump heap, and their bushes grow out into the road. It has a negative impact on all our properties.
Can the town enforce homeowner upkeep? How do we get this fixed? (KR)
The town of Westport has a Blight Prevention Board. It’s made up of private citizens and a Building Department official. They listen to residents’ concerns, and take their work very seriously. Click here to read an in-depth story on them, from the “06880” archives.
Sometimes, there is an underlying issue with a house in that condition. The Department of Human Services may be able to assist residents in need.
These dilapidated buildings on Post Road West have since been demolished.
Mimi Duvall-Sajda’s family lived through the pandemic in New York City. When their oldest child was on the cusp of middle school, with changes happening in their neighborhood and schools, they opted for a lifestyle change.
Westport offered proximity to the city, she says, “with beautiful surroundings, top-notch schools, and a tight-knit community.” They moved here in August 2022.
Mimi is a designer/artist and life coach. She is also a dog lover. She writes to “06880”:
As a still-new resident of Westport and a dedicated dog owner (we have 2 cavaliers), I realize our wonderful community is missing one crucial element: a dedicated, fully enclosed space for dogs to run and play off-leash.
It’s time for Westport to have a dog run.
I believe it would be a huge boon for several reasons.
Currently, many dog owners in Westport make do keeping our beloved canine companions on a leash, or traveling to neighboring towns with dog runs.
While some consider Winslow Park to be dog-friendly, the lack of an enclosed space for pups to run freely excludes a significant portion of the Westport canine population.
Fences have not prevented tragedies at Winslow Park. (Photo/Mark Mathias)
Dogs need to run for their health and well-being. It’s heartbreaking to see them confined to leash-walking, as owners try to avoid repeating tragedies on Compo North and Post Road ast.
An October 2022 petition made clear that at least 1,000 Westport dog owners are clamoring for a safe, enclosed dog run.
The absence of a safe, fully enclosed space not only inconveniences us as residents, but also limits our dogs’ opportunities for physical activity and socialization.
Enclosed dog run.
A dedicated dog run would provide a secure environment for exercise and socialization, ultimately contributing to the overall well-being of our community.
I believe now is the time for Westport to consider the numerous advantages a designated area would bring, and take the necessary steps to make this vision a reality.
Probably the easiest, no-brained placement would be Winslow Park along Compo Road North, where the sewer work and fencing was done. The Representative Town Meeting or Parks & Recreation Department may have other ideas, however.
Winslow Park (bottom half of photo).
From a community perspective, a well-designed dog run can have positive social and economic impacts. Dog owners are more likely to frequent local establishments and outdoor spaces when they have a safe and enjoyable place to take their pets for exercise and socialization.
This increased foot traffic can benefit local businesses, and contribute to a vibrant and active community.
Moreover, a dog run can foster a stronger sense of community among dog owners. It provides a shared space where individuals with a common interest in pet ownership can come together, share experiences and build connections.
This sense of community not only benefits the dog owners themselves but also contributes to the overall social fabric of the town.
This enclosed dog run includes amenities.
Local authorities and community leaders should consider the numerous advantages a dog run would bring to Westport, and take the necessary steps to make this vision a reality. It’s time for our 4-legged residents and their dedicated owners to see a well-maintained dog run.
By providing a secure space for dogs to exercise and socialize, complete with separate areas, essential amenities and vaccination requirements, a dog run (possibly named “Winnie’s Run,” after a dog that was killed on the road) would become a valuable asset that enhances the quality of life for both dogs and their human companions.
(“06880” frequently publishes opinion pieces by local residents. It’s part of our mission as Westport’s hyper-local blog. To support our work, please click here. Thank you!)
Gardeners, dog walkers and parents of schoolchildren — some of whom fit in more than one of those categories — await tonight’s Representative Town Meeting agenda item #7 (Tuesday, June 4, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).
Last month, the Board of Selectwomen approved a request by the Parks & Recreation Department to close all school grounds to anyone not a “student, staff member or invited guest” between 7:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m., whenever school is in session.
Tonight, the RTM will vote on a petition “to review, discuss and reject the new Parks & Recreation regulation, or modify it in order to preserve the gardening hours at the Westport Community Garden to their prior hours during school days (i.e. no gardening between 8-9 a.m. and 3-4 p.m.).”
The prohibition is currently in effect, though apparently it has not been enforced due to the pending petition.
Wakeman Field — adjacent to Bedford Middle School — is part of the ban. It was not included for an exemption in the petition before the RTM.
When a section of Winslow Park off Compo Road North was handed to contractors, as a staging area for sewer work nearby, many folks feared the worst.
Industrial fencing went up. Gravel covered the grass. Paradise wasn’t exactly paved over, but — despite promises to the contrary — it sure seemed like it would never be back the way it was.
A year later, that area is as good as new.
If not better.
The fencing is gone. Gravel was trucked away. Grass grew back quickly. You’d never know the difference.
Thanks to Westport’s Public Works Department, and all others who made sure the contractors lived up to their promise.
Let’s hope the new sewers are in equally good shape.
New grass at Winslow Park’s former staging area. (Photo/Dan Woog)
And speaking again of Winslow Park: A memorial service for Johnny Barnett — called by some its “mayor” — will be held there Sunday (June 9, 10 a.m.). See the map below for the exact location.
This Sunday is also Barnett’s birthday.
Guests should bring folding chairs. There will be acoustic music from the Barnett children, and an informal reception after the memorial.
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Staples Tuition Grants does 2 things very well.
It raises money. Then it gives it away.
STG celebrated its 81st year last night at the high school auditorium. The organization awarded $380,000 in scholarships to 104 graduating seniors and students already in college.
The money goes to students with demonstrated financial need. Over 400 people donated to the general fund this year, or to named or endowed awards that honor Staples’ history — and support its future.
To learn more about Staples Tuition Grants, click here.
Some of the STG recipients, in the Staples courtyard. (Photo/Pam Einarsen)
After 23 years as director of the Westport Weston Cooperative Nursery School — and 34 total years — Pat Rackliffe is retiring.
The Co-op was founded in 1955 by parents to provide a strong, supportive environment for their children’s early education. Pat exemplified that mission, through a strong sense of community with the students, staff, and parents.
Meanwhile, new director of education Libby Gustafson began June 1. She knows The Co-op well, having served as a junior counselor at age 14.
She later returned as a teacher, parent, contributor to the parent education series, and accreditation consultant.
But that’s not all. Pat Racklifee is Libby Gustafson’s mother!
Pat will be honored for her contributions this Friday (June 7). Email info@westportwestoncoop.org), or call 203-227-9318 for details.
Westport educators Lauren Francese and Anthony Battaglia have been honored for their commitment to excellence in social studies.
The awards were given by the Connecticut Council for the Social Studies.
Francese — the Westport Public Schools’ social studies coordinator — welcomed attendees at the annual meeting. She and several colleagues received an award for helping develop Connecticut’s new social studies standards.
Battaglia won the Pre-Service Excellence in Social Studies Education award, for exceptional student teachers. A pre-service teacher from the University of Bridgeport, he recently completed his student teaching in 8th grade at Coleytown Middle School.
At Staples, from which she graduated in 2010, Caroline Goldstein was very active in the school paper Inklings.
Her sophomore and senior year English teacher Gus Young inspired her love for writing through an independent study, and encouraged her to apply to a summer program at Simon’s Rock.
That led to her study of creative writing as an undergrad at New York University, where she also earned a master’s of fine arts.
It all paid off. The writer — who now goes by Caroline Wolff — just published her first book.
Amazon says of “The Wayside”:
When Kate Cleary’s son, Jake, dies at his elite liberal arts college, she refuses to believe it was suicide. Something sinister is at play, and Kate becomes determined to retrace Jake’s steps during his final days. Descending into a spiral of obsession as she finds herself up against unknown forces at every turn, Kate falls further into a dangerous mystery that brings her closer to a terrifying truth even Jake himself wanted to keep hidden.
Combining elements of dark academia and domestic fiction with a modern twist, “The Wayside” is a sharply observed story of suspense, devotion, and the secrets we keep from those who love us most.
Click here for more information, and to order. (Hat tip: Jessica Isaacs)
The Westport Fire Department responded to an outdoor structure fire next to a Burnham Hill residence just before midnight..
There were no injuries. The incident is being investigated by the Westport Fire Marshal’s office. The WFD was assisted by Westport Police and Volunteer Emergency Medical Service.
Burnham Hill fire (Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)
Azerbaijan may not be the jazz capital of the world.
But Amina Figarova rose from her youth behind the Iron Curtain to become of the most celebrated pianists and composers on the international jazz scene.
This Thursday (June 6, 7:30 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7 p.m.; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399), she makes her debut Jazz at the Post appearance.
She’s joined by flutist Bart Platteau, bassist Will Goble, drummer Ryan Sands and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.
Tickets are $20 for the music; $15 for veterans and students. Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
Mary Lou Denke Rotella died last Wednesday, with her family by her side. She was 73.
The Saugatuck native and Staples High School graduate lived in Westport for most of her life.
She met her husband of 53 years, Angelo Rotella, through close friends.
She raised 3 children, while taking care of her parents and mother-in-law.
Mary Lee worked as a certified nursing assistant at a convalescent home, and in the Coleytown Elementary School cafeteria. In her spare time, she loved to bake, dance, fish and garden. Mary Lee was adamant about cutting her own grass and weed-whacking, and did her own lawn care until shortly before she died.
Her family says,, “Mary Lee’s favorite thing was to bring people together, and make others happy and feel cared for. We can only aspire to have a fraction of her energy, strength, and love for others.”
Mary Lee is survived by her children Dawn, Angelo Jr. (Natasha); and Lisa (Christian); grandchildren Brianna, Paddy, Darragh, Isabelle and Angelo III, and siblings Frank Denke Jr. and Pamela Fortner. She was predeceased by her husband, and brothers John, Merritt (Bobby) and Donald Denke.
Calling hours are at Harding Funeral Home on Thursday (June 6, 4 to 7 p.m.). Mass will be held Friday (June 7, 11 a.m., Assumption Church).
And finally … On this date in 1919, Congress approved the 19th Amendment to the Constitution. The measure — guaranteeing suffrage to women — went next to the 48 U.S. states for ratification.
(From the Community Gardens, Wakeman Field and Winslow Park to Broadway and Azerbaijan, “06880” is where Westport meets the world. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
In today’s “Westport … What’s Happening” podcast, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker covers a topic of great interest: the recently approved town operating budget. She describes what it involves, and explains the 1.8% increase over the current fiscal year.
Click below to listen, courtesy of the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston:
The Representative Town Committee Transit Committee meets next Monday (April 1, 7 p.m., Westport Library Room 216).
They’ll review, and make recommendations to the full RTM for its April 9 meeting, on a request by Public Works director Pete Ratkiewich to approve $630,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), for design and permitting of the redevelopment of Jesup Green and the Imperial Avenue parking lot.
This area of Jesup Green may be redeveloped for parking. Green space would then be added at the lower lot, closer to the Saugatuck River.
While Connecticut is not in the path of the April 8 total solar eclipse, we will experience 85% to 90% coverage.
The eclipse begins at 2:10 p.m., with peak coverage (the sun most hidden) at 3:26 p.m. The eclipse end around 4:35 PM.
The next total solar eclipse that can be seen from the contiguous United States will be August 23, 2044 (save the date!).
The Westport Public Schools have purchased solar eclipse glasses for all elementary school students and staff, including preschool.
Classroom teachers and science coaches will prepare students through age- appropriate lessons, practicing proper use of the glasses and sharing information on their morning news.
Some schools are making this a “Spirit Day,” asking youngsters to wear black to represent the moon (or yellow, for the sun). Teachers will take their students outside for a short period of time between 2:15 and 3:15, for observation.
The district asks parents to talk to their children about what to expect, and the importance of looking up at the sun only when wearing the solar eclipse glasses. Click here for more information on solar eclipse safety.
Parents who want to experience the event with their child away from school can have an excused absence for an “educational experience,” if requested in advance.
The Parks & Recreation Commission meets tomorrow (Wednesday, March 27, 7:30 p.m., Zoom). The agenda includes discussion of the Compo Beach playground renovation project.
Five days after taking part in a dramatic rescue of more than 2 dozen Saugatuck Rowing Club teenagers, the Westport Fire Department was back at Compo Beach.
This time, the event was planned: testing all hoses for leaks and pressure loss. It is a 2-day — and very important — process.
Double L Market — the Post Road spot beloved for sourcing clean, healthy food from local farms and artisans — has expanded. Double L now delivers fresh fruits and vegetables, artisanal food and gourmet products directly to Greenwich residents.
Double L was founded in 1985 by Lloyd Allen, as an outdoor farm stand. It’s now an indoor market next to Calise’s, run by Allen and his wife Gianna Bavido.
Click here for delivery options (in Westport too). The local store is open Monday through Saturday, for in-person shopping.
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For several years, Lorenza Arnal’s homemade salsas, matcha, guacamole and more — under the name of Alma’s Mexican Foods — have been one of the Westport Farmers’ Market’s most popular items.
For good reason: she was born and raised in Mexico.
One day, a WFM customer suggested she offer culinary tours there. Soon, Capitana Adventures was born.
Last year, Lorenza took her first group of foodie travelers to Mexico. Her guests were very impressed. One said that even if they had seen and done half of what was offered, she still would have been thrilled.
She is booking tours now for next fall and winter. Click here for more information. (Hat tip: Amy Ancel)
Trumpeter Michael Mossman has done it all — almost
After apprenticing as a youngster with jazz legends Lionel Hampton, Dizzy Gillespie, Art Blakey and others, he served as music director for Blue Note Records’ Out of the Blue, while still in his 20’s. He then forged a brilliant career as a soloist, arranger, music director and educator.
There is one thing left, after Mossman’s Jazz at the Post shows this Thursday (March 28, 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7 p.m. on; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; $20 music cover; $15 for veterans and students).
That is: marrying Westport’s own Nancy Kail. That takes place the next night!
Joining Mossman are guitarist Bob DeVos, bassist Boots Maleson, drummer Sylvia Cuencal and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi.”
Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
If the big crowds at VersoFest aren’t your thing, consider a quieter alternative on Saturday, April 6.
Voices Café at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport presents the Deep River Ramblers. The trio “roams between” the eclectic music of Doc Watson, Nanci Griffith, Levon Helm, Muddy Waters and John Prine, using instruments like fiddle, guitar, mandolin, dobro and bass.
Tickets are $25; click here to buy, and for more information. Proceeds benefit StreetSafe Bridgeport, a street-based, non-law enforcement program focused on reducing youth violence.
Guests can bring their own beverages and snacks; coffee and sweet treats are available for purchase. Groups of four or more can reserve table space.
And finally … in 1830, the Book of Mormon was published in Palmyra, New York.
(From Westport to the sun, “06880” has you covered. We also help you cover your eyes. If you appreciate our “coverage,” please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
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