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!)
Judy Collins — the singer/songwriter who has entertained and inspired fans since the 1960s — is coming to the Westport Country Playhouse.
She’ll be onstage April 12 (8 p.m.). Encore Club members can buy tickets now; public sale begins January 26 at noon. Click here for more information.
Also ahead at the Playhouse: “All Things Equal: The Life & Trials of Ruth Bader Ginsberg.” Written by Rupert Holmes, it’s a one-woman play in which the Supreme Court justice welcomes a friend of the family to her chambers to convey a sense of her career, and personal life.
The show is May 3 and 4 (8 p.m.), and May 5 (3 p.m.). Click here for more information.
And on July 25 the Bacon Brothers bring their unique mix of folk, rock, soul and country music to the Playhouse. Click here for more information.
Westporters — especially seniors and those with low to moderate incomes — can once again take advantage of the town’s no-cost full-service AARP/VITA/IRS Volunteer Tax Assistance Program.
On-site personal counseling is available by appointment at Town Hall (Mondays from 1 to 7 p.m.) and the Senior Center (Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.), starting January 22. Call 860-590-8910 for an appointment, or click here.
The “SimplyCT” counselor group that services Westport prepared and filed more than 7,000 returns last season – almost all electronically. Federal refunds of over $10 million were received by their clients..
The program is administered by Westport’s Department of Human Services.
An incident that began when 2 people illegally entered a home and attacked 3 others on Friday morning in Old Saybrook ended in Westport.
One, armed with a baseball bat, injured the homeowners. The suspect then removed an adult woman from the home against her will, and fled.
Old Saybrook police sent an alert to law enforcement agencies to be on the lookout for a car with New York license plates carrying the victim.
Westport police located the vehicle when it was getting gas. They arrested the suspects, seized the bat, and took the woman who had been taken from her home to Norwalk Hospital, with non-life threatening injuries.
(Click here for the full story. Hat tip: Betsy Pollak)
Remember the I-95 Saugatuck River bridge replacement project last fall?
Relive all the key moments — in a lot quicker time than it took (though of course, kudos to all who accomplished the work in just 2 weekends) — in this very cool video, from the Connecticut Department of Transportation:
Badass Bagels — the popular shop in the Sugar & Olives space just over the Norwalk line, owned by Westporter Jennifer Balin — has just opened a new location in Armonk, New York.
“It’s totally our brand,” she says.” The space is warm, cozy, and decked out with vintage furniture from Bridgeport’s Mongers Market (where they have another location).
Badass’ expanded sourdough bagel offerings include 10 varieties: everything, whole wheat everything, golden sesame, black sesame, Himalayan blue poppy, smoked sea salt, plain, cinny raisin, pumpernickel caraway everything, and naked whole wheat. (Ramp bagels are offered in May.)
There are plenty of spreads and butters too, like “sweet and lovely” with Westport honey.
Badass Bagels also sells coffee beans and whole espresso/coffee.
Stores hours in Norwalk and Armonk are Wednesdays through Sundays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. They sell at the Westport Farmers’ Market and Double L Market too.
The Senior Center Super Bowl “tailgate party” is a great one. And you don’t even have to hang out in the parking lot.
It’s indoors. This year’s event (February 11) includes a “final score contest,” and a Friends of the Westport Center for Senior Activities Service Award presentation to the wonderful Patty Kondub, who does so much in so many ways for the senior community.
The menu includes hot dogs, chips, spring rolls and dessert.
Staples High School state champion football and field hockey teams, and Staples and Westport PAL cheerleaders will be there too.
All ages are welcome. Lunch is at 12:30; the party begins at 1:30.
Thursday’s Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours event drew a large crowd to VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399.
VFW Auxiliary member Patty Kondub’s meatballs complemented the fun vibe, filled with networking opportunities and great music afterward (Jazz at the Post).
Enjoying Business After Hours (from left): Virginia Ferrari, Paul Liebowitz, Patty Kondub, Sal Liccione, Matthew Mandell.
Colleen Sadick is a beloved Coleytown Elementary School professional. The CES community has rallied around her as she battles bone marrow cancer.
As Colleen has had to step back from her 2 jobs (she is also a behavioral mentor), her income has been impacted. CES organized a GoFundMe page to help the family with medical expenses, transportation, post-treatment care and daily costs.
After a number of interviews, the Democratic Town Committee nominations committee will recommend Abby Gordon-Tolan for the Board of Education vacancy, and Joe Scordato for the Zoning Board of Appeal vacancy.
The full DTC will vote Monday on the recommendations.
Merrill Jay Forgotson – an accomplished community banker and fierce advocate for justice and equal opportunity – died peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, January 17, at his Westport home. He was 81.
The New York City native credited his mother and father, a World War II hero, for challenging him to lead a life of purpose, centered on education.
He earned a BS in finance from Northeastern University followed, by a JD from Boston University and an MBA from Western New England College.
Jay paid his way through college and law school by washing dishes, serving ice cream, and packaging newspapers and magazines overnight for early morning delivery.
Motivated by the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Gideon v. Wainright in 1963, which affirmed a constitutional right to legal counsel for anyone charged with committing a crime, Jay started his career as a defense attorney
He transitioned into finance, starting at Mass Mutual and advancing to become general counsel at Barclays Business Credit.
In 1990 Jay joined People’s Bank as senior vice [resident/chief credit administration officer. He also served as chair of the Connecticut Anti-Defamation League, where he shaped diversity programming to combat hate and discrimination in all their forms.
In 2000, Jay left People’s to run Cornerstone Bank in Stamford. Running the profitable mission-centered community depository was one of the joys of his professional life.
During a brief sabbatical, Jay served as dean of the business school at the University of Bridgeport. But community banking kept calling. Jay served as CEO of BNC Financial Group, and started the Bank of Fairfield and Stamford First Bank.
After retiring in 2013 he enjoyed family and friends in Connecticut and Sarasota, Florida; volunteered for non-profits; consumed current events and advocated for fairness, and photographed.
Jay is survived by his wife, Janis Reader-Forgotson; sons Nathaniel, Josh and Matthew; grandchildren Evan, Ianto, Floriana, Zachary and Benjamin, and dogs Lola and Cimba. He was predeceased by his younger sister Barbara Garavuso.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to ADL Connecticut. A Memorial Service will be held tomorrow (Sunday, January 21, 12:30 p.m., Temple Shalom. Norwalk).
And finally … Peter Schickele, a serious concert musician and also the genius behind madcap PDQ Bach, died Tuesday near Woodstock, New York. He was 88. Click here for a full obituary.
(How to amuse yourself on a cold winter weekend? Read about everything happening in town, now and in the future. If you like what we do, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Posted onJanuary 18, 2024|Comments Off on Roundup: De Tapas, Warming Centers, Trash Pickup …
De Tapas is closing.
The Spanish gastrobar on the Post Road next to Design Within Reach will serve its last meal on Sunday, January 28.
Owner Carlos Pia opened right after COVID, 2 winters ago. The restaurant was a leap of faith, after a career in corporate America. Click here for his compelling back story.
Then go say goodbye, and thank him for enhancing our dining scene.
Westport residents facing hardships due to the cold weather should contact Human Services for assistance: 203-341-1050 weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Just in time for the new year: Westport’s trash pickups begin again.
Representative Town Meeting member Andrew Colabella has organized the first 2024 session for Winslow Park. It’s this Sunday (January 21, 11 a.m.).
Volunteers will pick up garbage, and remove hazards from the walking paths. All are welcome. Dress warmly and appropriately!
A little snow should not deter Sunday’s trash pickup at Winslow Park.
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Westport Police made 3 custodial arrests between January 10 and 17.
A woman was arrested for larceny and identity theft, after a complaint that 9 checks had been stolen and fraudulently deposited into a bank account.
A man was arrested for identity theft and forgery, plus criminal attempts to commit larceny, identity theft and forgery, after a check for $249.65 was stolen, altered and deposited in the amount of $17,262.37.
A man was arrested for violation of a protective order and assault on an elderly victim, following a domestic disturbance.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 11 citations
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 6
Speeding: 3
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 3
For over a month last fall, an exhibition by 2 Westport artists enthralled visitors to the United Nations lobby.
Miggs Burroughs’ “Signs of Compassion” — 30 lenticular photos, showing local residents using sign language to recite Emily Dickinson’s poem of the same name, and Mark Yurkiw’s accompanying Braille “prayer wheel” mantra, based on those he saw in Bhutan (including a wheelchair-accessible element) — were displayed on a 102-foot curved wall.
On Tuesday, the two men described their accomplishment — the first-ever UN exhibit not sponsored by a member nation — at the Westport Rotary Club’s weekly lunch.
Their next project: sending the exhibit to venues around the world.
Mark Yurkiw and Miggs Burroughs, at the Rotary Club meeting. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
Speaking of art: Longtime Staples High School teacher and mixed media artist Camille Eskell is featured in a new exhibit — (Re) Work it!: Women Artists on Women’s Labor,” at the Mattatuck Museum in Waterbury.
The show explores the many types of labor that women are often expected to manage – caring for their family, participating in the labor force, negotiating beauty standards, handling emotional labor and more.
A reception for the 30 artists is set for January 21 (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.). The show runs through May 19. For more information, click here. To learn more about Eskell, click here.
Four of the 6 new members of the Westport Country Playhouse board of trustees are from Westport or Weston
Dave Altman is a principal for Bernstein Private Wealth Management.
Ben Frimmer is a theater arts educator with over 30 years’ experience, and the director of Coleytown Company. He produced the Playhouse fundraiser “An Evening with Justin Paul & Friends with Kelli O’Hara & James Naughton,” and will produce and direct “Voices for Volunteers of Fairfield County” on January 24.
Anne Keefe has served the Playhouse in many capacities since 1973, including associate and co-artistic director with Joanne Woodward. She initiated and curated the Script In Hand series. Formerly she stage managed at Long Wharf Theatre, McCarter Theatre in Princeton, New Jersey, and on Broadway, and served previously on the Playhouse board.
Jonathan Levy is a Westport native, and an attorney who built a venture capital business.
Speaking of the Playhouse: Nearly everyone knows the name Vince Lombardi. The Super Bowl trophy is named for the legendary football coach.
Now you can learn the story behind that name.
The Broadway play — based on the book “When Pride Still Mattered,” by David Maraniss — kicks off the Westport Country Playhouse’s Script in Hand series on February 5 (7 p.m.).
Click here for more information, and to purchase tickets ($30).
Following up on October’s Westport Library presentation on helping families and communities prepare for emergencies, Voices Center for Resilience offers a free webinar.
“The Ripple Effect of Trauma” (January 23, 7 p.m.) explores how children experience tragedy, including building resilience.
What do you want — or not want — in the Compo Beach playground renovation project?
All Westporters are invited to an open house this Saturday (January 20, noon to 1:30 p.m., Bedford Middle School cafeteria).
Play by Design, an offshoot of the original playground design company, is leading this project. Lisa Deshano will present the preliminary designs. A Q-and-A session and comments from key committee members follows.
The renovation is the centennial project of the Westport Rotary Club, which constructed the original playground in 1986 and subsequent renovation in 2006. Both were done in conjunction with the Westport Young Woman’s League.
The Compo Beach playground is quiet in winter. Soon — with community input — it will be hopping again. (Photo/Dave Dellinger)
Clarence Hayes saw this morning’s “06880” post by Scott Smith — about clear-cutting trees before building new, large homes — and immediately thought of Newtown Turnpike.
He sent this photo, calling it “a perfect picture to illustrate mindless cutting for the convenience of a developer.”
(Photo/Clarence Hayes)
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Each year, Milford‘s Foran High School wrestling team chooses a charity to support. This year they selected Rach’s Hope — the non-profit that honors the memory of the 2015 Staples High School graduate who died just before her senior year at Cornell University after a rare reaction to common medication.
Rach’s Hope provides nutritious food, lodging, transportation and encouragement to family members when a child is in intensive care
The Foran wrestlers helped at the annual Walk for Rach’s Hope at Compo Beach in October. They sold t-shirts with the tagline “We Choose Hope,” which they designed.
Last week, they dedicated their home opening match to Rach’s Hope. The gym was filled with supporters.
Team captains eloquently shared the story and mission of Rach’s Hope — and then presented Rachel’s parents, Alan and Lisa, with a $5,000 check.
“The love and support in the gym from spectators and the team were palpable,” says Lisa.
“The wrestlers wore Rach’s Hope singlets with pride. It was an extraordinary event.
“What an incredibly warm group of high school students. They are not only dedicated and empathic to both their sport and our cause, but the effort they put into raising funds for Rach’s Hope was over the top.”
Next up for Rach’s Hope: the 5th annual PJ Gala (FTC in Fairfield). Click here for tickets. Click here to learn more about Rach’s Hope.
The Foran High School wrestling team. The backs of their shirts say, “We Choose Hope.”
COQODAQ — a new fried chicken “concept” — opened recently in the heart of New York’s Flatiron district. Mayor Eric Adams cut the ribbon, and Busta Rhymes delivered a surprise performance.
The “06880” connection: Staples High School graduate and returned-to-Westport resident Jacqueline Broder Hensel is a partner in Gracious Hospitality Management, which developed COQODAQ.
turned the space that once housed Rocco DiSpirito’s reality-TV restaurant into a glittering room dedicated to the veneration of this humble bird: A series of luminescent golden arches form a nave under which two banks of booths scallop out, and the walls are covered in a dermis of subtly textured golden panels.
“We wanted to create a cathedral of fried chicken,” (award-winning restaurateur Simon) Kim says.
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Westport Writers’ Workshop picked the perfect spot for their 3rd annual Pitch & Publish Conference (March 16): the Westport Library.
The event is aimed at anyone seeking a literary agent, hoping to be educated about the industry at large, or looking to meet and be inspired by authors, agents and editors. T
Keynote speaker Leigh Stein is a fiction writer, poet and memoirist.
The conference begins Friday, March 15 with a welcome party at WWW (25 Sylvan Lane), followed by Saturday’s panels, one-on-one pitches, and a wrap party.
New this year: Each agent will read 5 pages of a writer’s work (in addition to their query letter); a mini “practice your pitch” session, and a catered lunch.
The after-party is at Basso.
Individual tickets for the conference only are $350 each (walk-ins accepted); tickets for the conference plus 2 one-on-one pitches with literary agents are $600 each before February 9, $675 each thereafter. Click here to register, and for more information.
Longtime Westport resident Nancy Wilder died peacefully on January 6. She was 95.
A 1949 Mt. Holyoke College graduate, she remained active throughout her life keeping alumnae connected with each other, and the school.
Nancy was married to Milo Wilder for over 50 years. They had 2 sons, Sandy and Scott (“Hoover”). Scott died in 2008, after becoming a quadriplegic in 1974. They joyfully cared for him all those years until Milo’s death 2000. She then selflessly cared for him alone for the rest of his life. Sandy now lives in the St. Louis area. Nancy lived in Westport for the last 67 years.
Nancy is survived by her grandchildren and step-grandchildren: Duncan Wilder, Holly Wilder, Katharine Burgdorff Tyler, Lauren Burgdorff Frederick, and Douglas James Burgdorff.
Nancy was very active in her boys’ education, serving on many PTA boards and traveling often to watch their sports events from childhood through college. She was primarily a stay-at-home mom, although she did bookkeping for her husband’s company for many years.
Nancy adored her many golden retrievers and cats, was an active boater with her husband, and played tennis weekly with many good friends for much of her adult life. She loved watching tennis, golf, the New York Yankees and University of Connecticut women’s basketball.
Her (and her family’s) favorite place is Southwest Harbor, Maine. She went there every summer of her life. She met her husband-to-be there, and has ancestors in the region dating to the 1600s. She felt especially grateful that she got to spend all of July and August there last summer. Her favorite activity was visiting with family on the deck, looking out at Norwood Cove, the Causeway Club, and the mountains of Acadia National Park.
Nancy loved to do jigsaw puzzles, read, and visit with family She had a special knack for helping people feel deeply valued and appreciated independent of their age, like a cheerleader of the soul.
She had many friends she kept in touch with. After Scott’s death, many of his friends adopted her as their “second mom.”
A celebration of Nancy’s life will be held March 2 (2 p.m., Saugatuck Congregational Church).
As winter weather finally sets in this week, Pam Docters captured this “Westport … Naturally” image.
It shows the Saugatuck River downtown, looking toward Gorham Island. For the first time in a while: brrrrrr. (With apologies to our friends in Buffalo, where it actually is cold.)
And finally … it’s a short hop from COCODAQ (story above) to “06880.” Welcome to Westport (or at least, our hyper-local blog), Busta Rhymes!
(To honor Busta Rhymes’ first appearance in our “06880” pages, please click here. You can donate in honor of anyone else on earth there too. Thank you!)
Katerina Medina is the mother of 3 young girls. She writes:
When we moved to Westport in the summer of 2022, I could no longer withstand my daughters’ pressure to get a dog.
Our beloved Mishka is now a 1-year-old German shepherd. He is growing into his name, which means “Little Bear.”
A few short months back though, Mishka looked more like a fluffball who all humans wanted to pet — and some not very friendly dogs aggressively wanted to show him his place in the dogs’ hierarchy.
So with Mishka came not only joy, but also worries and responsibilities. After enjoying the local beaches last winter, we were forced to search for a new venue to walk Mishka in spring.
Mishka enjoys a Compo Beach sunset.
That is how we discovered Winslow Park. From the first glance it struck me as an underdeveloped gem in the middle of Westport.
While some may prefer to see Winslow the way it is now, underutilized and not well maintained, I could not help but think how this park would benefit from having an enclosed dog space where young puppies, small breeds, fragile old dogs with health issues or dogs still learning to come back on recall, would run and play safely.
There would be well-paved roads, and beautifully landscaped native shrubs and flowers; maybe even a playground in a corner field at the Post Road and Compo Road North, while leaving most of the park and its trails to the hikers and responsible dog owners who may stroll the park instead of having their pets play in a confined space.
This vision was reinforced by an aggressive dog, who bit Mishka.
While most dog owners and their pets were friendly and happy to provide dog training advice, a very few did not belong in an open play area.
Having fun at Winslow Park. (Photo/Mark Mathias)
I did not feel safe having curious young Mishka attempting to interact with their aggressive, imposing dogs. After seeing another puppy injured by the same dog that attacked Mishka, we stopped visiting Winslow Park until recently.
And while dog bullies are less likely to pick on Mishka now, I still think an option to separate vulnerable dogs from all others would be a great addition to Winslow Park.
If the above is not a convincing argument, think of public safety. There are no barriers at Winslow Park to prevent dogs from running away. It is not surprising to read about runaway dogs, or those saved from traffic by good Samaritans.
While we are lucky to live in such a caring community, safety measures must be in place.
An accident last month prompted me to share my concerns with the community.
My mother was visiting. She was driving home from Trader Joe’s when a dog running away from Winslow jumped on Compo Road North, right in front of her.
She swerved to avoid hitting the dog. She hit the curb instead, getting a flat tire.
While she was shaken by the experience, I thought of how this event ended in the least bad scenario of all possible ones.
What if she jumped a curb and hurt someone else, or damaged someone’s property? What if she ended up injured? What if a dog was killed?
Winslow Park (Photo/Laura Robinson)
It is my opinion that the town should apply all efforts to prevent these sorts of situations in the future. With the growing human population, the dog population grows too. While most dog owners are responsible and caring, we as a public cannot count on their pets always acting as directed.
Local authorities should consider putting an enclosed dog play area at Winslow Park, or redeveloping it altogether to accommodate a wider public while still allowing our beloved pets their space.
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