Sunday, December 10, 2023

Sponsors

Howie Day Performs at Levitt

WestportNow.com Image
Singer Howie Day performed at the Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts tonight. The rain-plagued concert – the third successive night of rain at the Levitt – included his chart-topping hit “Collide” and new favorites from his latest album “Lanterns.”  (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

Father, Son Rescued at Sherwood Island

UPDATE A father and son natives of Yemen living in the Bronx were rescued from Long Island Sound waters off of Westport’s Sherwood Island State Park today, police said.

WestportNow.com Image
Rescuers converged on the sand at Sherwood Island State Park today. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Westport Police Chief Foti Koskinas said a precautionary search was launched for a third person following a report of an additional missing swimmer. But it was called off at 8 p.m.

The rescues were carried out by lifeguards and a Spanish-speaking visitor to the park, Koskinas said. A spokeswoman for the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, which runs the park, identified those rescued as Shuja Nagi, 31, and his son.

Westport EMS transported the two swimmers to Norwalk Hospital. One initially was reported as unresponsive but later was recovering, according to police.

At Oscar’s, Saying Goodbye to a Main Street Institution

By James Lomuscio

For the many who crowded Oscar’s Deli today, it was a celebration of 42 years on Main Street—and a chance to say goodbye.

WestportNow.com Image
Melissa Papageorge spreads out books mentioning Oscar’s on a table at the deli today. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

There were the last bagels. The last pastries. The final servings and savorings of lox, cream cheese and capers. And, of course, shared memories, handshakes and embraces.

For decades the narrow, snug, albeit cozy eatery with a distinctive touch of Manhattan and an artsy, bohemian flare has remained a popular Westport gathering spot, with al fresco get-togethers under the front awning.

Located at 159 Main St., Oscar’s has been iconic and ironic: a traditional Jewish style deli/restaurant shephered since 1974 by Greek-American Lee Papageorge.

Commentary: A Little Bit of Westport Died Today

By Gordon Joseloff

A little bit of Westport died today. Oscar’s was 42.

WestportNow.com Image
The familiar Oscar’s sign will go dark after today. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Lynn U. Miller for WestportNow.com

Unlike the loss of Klein’s, Max’s, the closing of the movie theaters, the moves of Westport Pizzeria, Liquor Locker, and Achorn’s from Main Street to elsewhere, this one really stung. It will hurt for a long time.

It wasn’t so much a deli. It was more — a place to call home. A survivor. Something that said no matter how much the world changed, this was the heart of our comfort bubble.

But the bubble now has finally burst. Maybe we all knew deep down it was only a matter of time. All good things must come to an end, etc.

Frank Scotti, 85

Frank Scotti ,a former Westport resident, died July 20 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in New Jersey. He was 85.

He was born Dec. 6, 1930 son of Emilio and Anna Scotti in Bronx, N.Y. He received his B.S. from The City College of New York, and his Ph.D from the University of Maryland. He served two years in the Air Force.

On Dece. 23, 1953 he married Joan C. Brennan of The Bronx, N.Y. They initially lived in Westport and then settled into Pines Lake, Wayne, N.J from 1967. He worked as a research chemist for American Cyanamid in Wayne, N.J, and then started his own business, Scott-Page, Inc, developing environmentally safe painting and caulking supplies. He has held several U.S patents.

After his wife’s death, he spent his time with Annie Pelligrini. He enjoyed walking, playing bridge with his many friends, and the Wayne Library’s political discussion group.

Robert B. Lamson, Sr. 67

Robert B. Lamson, Sr. of Palm Bay, Fla., a former Westport resident, died July 19. He was 67.

The son of the late George and Anne Lamson, he was born in Norwalk on July 20, 1948, He grew up in Westport until he was drafted into the army, where he served from 1968 to 1970.

He was a longtime employee of Stop & Shop in Trumbull and Stratford and retired from Winn Dixie in Florida. His passions were bowling and gardening.

He is survived by his children Stephanie O’Bar and her husband Dave, Lisa Vieira and her husband Rob and Robert Lamson, Jr. and his wife Lisa; his sisters Betty Warren, Pat LaPlace and Ann Lamson and his brother George and his wife Cathy; his grandchildren Natalie, Shane, Ethan, Patrick and Stella; many nieces and nephews; his companion Darlene DelVecchio and her children Stefanie and Michael as well as their grandson Anthony.

Donald J.Good, 86

Donald Joseph Good of Siesta Key, Fla. a former Westport resident, died July 13. He was 86.

He was born in New York, N.Y. on June 21, 1930 to Irving and Edna Good. He was a longtime resident of New York, also spending 14 years in Westport, and most recently lived in Siesta Key.

He attended Lawrence Senior High and the University of Georgia. He served in the Korean Conflict from 1951 to 1953. After that he had a long, successful career as a salesman.

He married his wife Dorothy in 1972. He loved to be active whether hiking, playing tennis, softball with the Boys of Summer or skiing.