After nearly 600 of these Photo Challenges you’d think I’d know which ones are tough, and which are easy.
Nope.
I thought no one would guess last week’s image: Jerry Kuyper’s criss-crossing blue pattern.
Very quickly, 14 readers responded correctly.
There were various descriptions, but all nailed it: one of the 2 “Mobi-mats” at Compo Beach, that allow easy access to the sand and water for wheelchair users.
As many pointed out, the mats are also great for folks using walkers and canes, parents with strollers, and just about anyone else who needs a little help at the beach.
Congratulations to Elaine Marino, Katie Carmody, Debra Levin, Seth Schachter, Lynn Untermeyer Miller, Matt Murray, Michelle Garvey, Richard Hyman, Nathan Greenbaum, Clark Thiemann, Andrew Colabella, Amy Schneider, Linda Vita Velez and Matt McGrath.
See you at the shore!
Now it’s on to this week’s Photo Challenge. If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Colleen Coffey)
(Every Sunday, “06880” hosts this Photo Challenge. We challenge you too to support your hyper-local blog. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
A reader near Clinton Avenue has safety concerns. He writes:
“Drivers routinely exceed the speed limit, with the 2 existing speed humps proving far too low to serve as an effective deterrent. Motorists fail to stop at the stop sign further down the street.
“There are no sidewalks, forcing children, walkers, cyclists and pet owners to share the road with speeding traffic. Clinton Avenue’s proximity to Exit 21 off the Merritt Parkway makes it a commuter cut-through, compounding the problem
“The other day, a school bus stopped to pick up children during morning rush hour. Kids were crossing the street to board, but drivers still tried to squeeze around the bus. The only thing between those children and a tragedy was luck.
“We are asking the town to demolish and rebuild the existing speed humps to a greater height, introduce additional traffic calming measures, and increase enforcement on Clinton Avenue, at no cost to taxpayers. The response is clear: Residents want action.” Click here for the Change.org petition.
Clinton Avenue speed hump. A resident calls the height ineffective.
Over 150 people enjoyed great dinners and a powerful show, at last night’s “Supper & Soul.”
Vanessa Collier — who played the second-ever “S&S” event in 2018 — returned as the headliner. The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce-sponsored “Supper & Soul” includes a pre-concert meal, a high-energy performance at the Westport Library, and drinks afterward.
The next show, featuring the Grateful Dead tribute act Spadastics, is set for November.
Last night’s Vanessa Collier show, on the Library stage and big screen. (Photo/DinkinESH Fotografix)
Speaking of the Library: The Read to Grow Bookmobile will be in the back lot on Thursday (May 7, 3 to 5 p.m., back lot).
Families can hop in, and let their children choose a book to take home and keep.
Read to Grow is a non-profit, Their mission is to “support families as their babies’ first teachers.” The goal is for every child in Connecticut to have books of their own — from birth on.
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Just hours after she was born 9 weeks early, in June of 2022, Shea Greenfield’s heart stopped beating.
Doctors saved her life. But she was diagnosed with Long QT Syndrome. Her heart’s electrical system takes longer than usual to recharge between beats. She is at risk of fainting, seizures, cardiac arrest and sudden death.
There is no cure for the condition. And Shea’s condition is one of the most severe her doctors have ever seen.
Shea’s parents, Mark and Kira, had moved to Westport a year earlier. In addition to educating themselves about LQTS, they began helping the Mayo Clinic, where Dr. Michael Ackerman’s team does cutting-edge research.
In 2023, the Greenfields organized a fundraiser. Since then, they’ve raised over $1.7 million.
The 4th annual Shake It For Shea gala is May 14 (7:30 p.m., The Knowlton, Bridgeport). There’s live entertainment, delicious food and drinks, a night of dancing, and much more.
“06880” is “Where Westport meets the world.” And Chocolatieree is where Westport meets “The Devil Wears Prada 2.”
The downtown chocolate-and-more shop has just cooked up The Runway Edit. The limited collection of hand-painted chocolate bags comes straight from Miranda Priestly’s desk.
The first one featured — “The Miranda. That’s All” — comes in deep red, with black pyramid hardware and a gold Prada plaque. Every detail is rendered by hand in, chocolate.
Owner Laureen Hayes says, “It’s the kind of thing Miranda would leave on your desk, without explanation.”
The Runway Edit is available at Chocolatieree (66 Church Lane). Reservations are required: 203-939-7339.
“The Miranda,” at Chocolatieree.
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We’ve mentioned Westporter Nile Rodgers’ recent inclusion in the New York Times’ list of 30 Greatest Living Among Songwriters.
But he’s not the only artist with local ties.
Valerie Simpson and husband Nick Ashford co-wrote “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Hand)” and “I’m Every Woman,” among many others.
The couple lived for many years on Cross Highway. They were frequently seen around town.
And their 4th of July parties — with some of the Biggest Names in Entertainment — were legendary.
May is AAPI Heritage Month. To celebrate, the Westport Library hosts Scott Kurashige.
On Tuesday (May 5, 7 p.m.), the historian discusses his new book, American Peril: The Violent History of Anti-Asian Racismwith Jason O Chang, director of the Asian and Asian American Studies Institute at the University of Connecticut.
The event is co-sponsored by AAPI Westport. Click here for more information.
Speaking of the Library: On May 19 (7 p.m.), they celebrate the theatrical release of the original “Shrek” film.
Roger Schulman, Oscar-nominated co-writer of the film, will be in conversation with Professor Todd Barnes, artistic director of the graduate film program at Sacred Heart University. Schulman is an artist in residence there. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Westporter Sandra Krenzer visited her daughter Alexis the other day, at Northwestern University.
She also went to a Chicago Cubs game. It was fun enough to sit next to Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt (aka Ted Lasso and Coach Beard).
But then they all appeared on the jumbo screen.
Sandra is to the right of Lasso. Hey: Why didn’t they include her name too?! (Hat tip: Dave Briggs)
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Longtime Westport resident Eve Clifford died peacefully at home on Thursday. She was 83.
A native of Tallinn, Estonia, she emigrated in 1944 to Malmö, Sweden following the Soviet occupation during World War II.
She and her family later settled in St. Catharines, Ontario. She was a 1965 graduate of the University of Toronto with a degree in nursing, and was a clinical nursing instructor and visiting nurse.
After the death of her husband Robert, Eve became a sales specialist for Macy’s in Stamford.
She is survived by her sons Michael and Christopher, of Westport.
A graveside memorial service will be held Monday (May 4, 11 a.m., Willowbrook Cemetery).
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 38 Richards Ave, Norwalk, CT 06854.
Eve Clifford
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Another spring day, another colorful “Westport … Naturally” image.
This one shows Celia Campbell-Mohn’s Timber Lane yard, in full bloom.
Connecticut native Kelly Johnston loves Westport. She works and volunteers here, soaking up the walkable, vibrant community that she calls “key to my health journey.”
When she isn’t catching a show or hanging out with her nieces, Kelly can be found diving into a book or podcast. A lifelong learner with a heart for mental health, physical wellness and neurodiversity, she writes:
A year ago, I found myself at a difficult crossroads.
I had spent years focused solely on work, slogging through toxic corporate environments. The stress and anxiety took a toll on my health.
Kelly Johnston
When I was laid off, I suddenly had a lot of time on my hands — and very little direction. I spent a lot of time in my apartment, feeling disconnected and unsure of how to rewrite my future.
I decided to start with something small: spring cleaning. I had a stack of gently used books, and looked for a place to donate them where they might do some good.
I went to the donation center just to drop off my books to support the Westport Book Shop’s mission, one close to my heart. But seeing the operation — the rows of stories waiting for new homes, and the hum of activity — sparked my interest.
I didn’t just want to leave my books; I wanted to see where they were going.
I started volunteering there, sorting through donations. As I learned more about them, and they learned more about me, I found myself among the greater non-profit, composed of the Big Book Sale Eventsand the Westport Book Shop.
Westport Book Shop, across Jesup Green from the Library.
It wasn’t a magic cure for my stress, but it was a much-needed change of pace. It got me out of my apartment, and into a room with like-minded, wonderful people.
For the first time in a long while I found myself excited about being creative, applying my marketing background to help share their mission. It felt good to get back to basics, and find joy in a shared project.
A recent New York Times article really resonated with my experience. It noted that our mindset regarding purpose and community connection can significantly impact our longevity, and how we age.
Research suggests that staying socially engaged and having a reason to get out the door isn’t just a “nice to do” — it’s a vital part of staying healthy.
Aging well isn’t about a gym membership. For me, it was about getting out of my own head and into my community. I needed to get back to basics. I needed to find what brought me joy.
Sorting books may seem simple. But the sense of joyful giving it sparked in me helped fill my heart and spirit at a time when I really needed it.
Kelly Johnston, sorting books.
Our biggest event of the year — the Big Spring Book Sale — is right around the corner (May 15 to 18).
We would love for you to be a part of it. Whether you’re looking for a way to reconnect with the community or just want to spend a few hours surrounded by books and great people, there’s a spot for you.
We need volunteers to help with:
Set-up (Wednesday & Thursday, May 13-14): Helping prep the library.
During the Sale: Assisting our neighbors in finding their next great read.
Pack-up (Monday, May 18, late afternoon): Closing out another successful chapter.
Meanwhile, if you have books that need a new home, there is always time to donate. Bring them to our book donation center in the Westport Library’s upper parking lot Mondays through Saturdays, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Volunteering changed the direction of my life. It gave me a community, a creative outlet, and a healthier mindset. This May, I hope you’ll join us – to shop, donate or volunteer.
Two milling and paving projects begin soon. All work will be done from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Milling of a mile of Post Road East, between South Compo Road and the Sherwood Island Connector, is scheduled to begin the night of May 10, and end the morning of May 13.
Paving is slated to start the night of May 17, and end the morning of May 22.
Milling of 1.34 miles of Route 57, between Main Street and the Weston town line, is scheduled to begin the night of May 26, and end the morning of May 29.
Paving is slated to start the night of May 31, and end the morning of June 4.
Inclement weather could affect dates and times of the work.
Post Road East milling and paving work will be done at night. But until it’s finished, the road is likely to be bumpy all day.
Click here to learn how he takes inspiration from New York’s club scene, creates his signature guitar style, and writes his iconic songs.
Screen shot from Nile Rodgers’ New York Times video.
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A long-time Westporter reports: “Since early April, I’ve watched a major infrastructure project underway at my favorite place, Sherwood Island State Park.
“I’m certain the state would describe it as a betterment, but it has a huge impact on people using the parking in the interim.
“It’s now one month since work began. They’ll be lucky to finish in time for Memorial Day weekend.
“I don’t want to sound like an alarmist — the pavement was in poor shape and could use repaving — and I suppose installing new drains and catch basins improves rain water disbursement.
“But I am concerned that the end product may be a drastic change — too ‘modern’ and ‘citified.’ You should take a look.
MoCA\CT’s current exhibit — “Art, Jazz + the Blues” — continues its popular run through June 7.
But the Newtown Turnpike arts center is already looking ahead.
“Looking for History” — 3 solo presentations that examine how personal, local and national histories are pictured, preserved and contested — opens June 25.
As the US marks its 250th anniversary, the exhibitions invite visitors into conversations about the narratives and forces that have shaped the nation.
Rick Shaefer’s “Colossi” anchors the full season. Ellen Harvey’s “The Disappointed Tourist” is featured June 25 to August 2, followed by Michael Borders’ “Connecticut Industry” (August 13 through November 15).
As with all MoCA\CT exhibits, related programming will enhance the experience. The opening reception is 6 p.m. on June 25. Click here for much more information.
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Speaking of MoCA\CT: Executive director Robin Jaffee Frank was the guest speaker at yesterday’s Sunrise Rotary Club meeting.
She gave an informative, colorful presentation on all that’s happening at the contemporary arts (and much more) museum.
Robin Jaffee Frank, at the Sunrise Rotary Club.
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Congratulations to Fire Marshal Terrence Dunn!
Governor Lamont has appointed him to serve on the Connecticut Commission on Fire Prevention and Control.
Members help shape statewide fire service policy, training standards, and fire prevention initiatives.
Dandelion — the Delamar Westport’s restaurant — has become one of the town’s hottest spots since opening last fall.
Now, the patio will add to the buzz.
The first community event there was Wednesday. The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce sponsored an education and networking event, on the impact of AI on search for small and medium businesses.
ThoughtPartnr — the Westport company that helps local businesses find AI solutions — offered demonstrations to nearly 80 attendees. They represented a variety of firms, from beauty salons and architecture to non-profits.
Jay Norris (with microphone) and “06880”‘s Dan Woog discuss AI for local businesses. Norris’ ThoughtPartnr developed a widget for the hyper-local blog.
Speaking of the Chamber of Commerce: They’re proud to announce that 4 Westporters have been honored by Westfair Business Journal, at their 26th annual “40 Under 40” event.
Cited as outstanding entrepreneurs under the age of 40 were Luke Andriuk, director of investments at Saugatuck Financial; Bianca Bazante, owner and creative director of The Artist Loft; Paul Lutsky, commercial lender at Fairfield County Bank, and Lindsay Tanne Howe, founder and CEO of LogicPrep.
From left: 40 Under 40 entrepreneurs Luke Andriuk, Bianca Bazante, Paul Lutsky, Lindsay Tanne Howe, and Matthew Mandell, Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce director.
And finally … to get you in the mood for today’s Kentucky Derby:
(Who will win the Run for the Roses? We have no idea. But here’s a sure bet: Please click here to support “06880.” It’s where Westport meets the world — including Kentucky. Thank you!)
Each week, some art in our online gallery is for sale.
Some is not.
But this week, for the first time, an artist makes an offer.
Miggs Burroughs — the Westport native and longtime graphic designer who has created (among many others ) a US postage stamp, Time magazine cover and the Westport town flag — invites anyone to download his submission today.
You can save it to your desktop, share it with others, post on social media … whatever works for you. It’s his gift to our readers — and it leads this week’s gallery offerings.
Meanwhile: No matter your age; the style or subject you choose — and whether you’re a first-timer or old-timer — we want your submissions. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, mixed media, digital, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — we want whatever you’ve got.
Just email a JPG to 06880blog@gmail.com. And please include the medium you’re working in.
Artist Miggs Burroughs says, “I took some liberties with the new passport design to take effect this summer. Anyone can download this for free, drag it onto their desktop, and share as they see fit.”
“My Big Brother Playing ‘Wipeout'” (Eric Bosch)
“Another Juicy Fruit” (Lucy Johnson)
“Red Outbuildings Down the Hill at the Audubon” (Kathleen Burke — Available for purchase; click here)
“2 Thoroughbreds” — ballpoint ink on paper (Bill Fellah)
“Metamorphosis” — impasto metallic acrylic on canvas board (Dorothy Robertshaw — Available for purchase; click here)
Untitled (Tom Doran — Available for purchase; click here)
“Fray and Function” (Nancy Breakstone — Available for purchase; click here)
Untitled (Patricia McMahon — Available for purchase; click here)
“My Medications Are a Thing of Beauty” (Steve Stein)
“Come on, Slowpoke! I Told You to Pack Light. But You Brought Evrything Including the Kitchen Sink in Your Backpack!” (Mike Hibbard)
Untitled (Martin Ripchick — Available for purchase; click here)
“Feeding the Birds” (Lawrence Weisman)
(Mark Yurkiw — Available for purchase; click here)
(Entrance is free to our online art gallery –as it has been for 6 years. But please consider an anniversary donation! Just click here — and thank you!)
But today marks the 80th anniversary of one of our town’s worst tragedies.
On May 2, 1946 a tire on a truck filled with vulcanizing cement blew on Post Road West, near Sylvan Road.
The driver swerved into a tree. The truck exploded. A huge fire quickly erupted.
First on the scene were ambulance driver Arthur Audley, and his daughter Edna. They helped the trucker and others.
But the driver died the next morning. Also killed were Fire Chief Frank Dennert, former fire chief Francis Dunnigan, and firefighters John H. Gallagher. Dominick Zeoli died later.
Eight others were injured.
A plaque honoring the firefighters, 50 years after the tragedy.
Westporters responded quickly — including more than 2 dozen blood donors, who headed to Norwalk Hospital.
The Westporter-Herald printed an extra edition the next morning (so readers did not have to wait for the afternoon paper), and solicited contributions to the Firemen’s Fund. A benefit baseball game raised more money.
Four people seriously injured in the explosion — Zeoli, George and Jimmy Powers, and 13-year-old John Saviano — were still in the hospital more than 7 weeks later, on June 23.
Their spirits were lifted when they received a surprise visit (and autographed baseballs) from Babe Ruth. He was a frequent golfer at Birchwood Country Club, and Saviano was often his caddy.
Babe Ruth autographs a baseball for George “Nookie” Powers. His soon-to-be wife Virginia “Jinx” Closson looks on.
The fire was seared into the memories of all who were in Westport, 80 years ago today.
And now, much closer to home, a Staples High School senior — born more than 6 decades after the tragedy — has ensured that their sacrifice will never be forgotten.
For his Eagle Scout project, Seamus designed and built a custom cabinet to house the helmets of Chief Frank Dennert, former Chief Dunnigan, and Gallagher and Zeoli.
Seamus Brannigan (3rd from left) in front of his cabinet with, from left, Chief Nicholas Marsan, Assistant Chief Jeason Kronenberger, and Deputy Chief Matthew Cohen. In addition to being an Eagle Scout, Brannigan is a member of Staples Players, a choral and rock group singer, and captain of the 2026 wrestling team.
There are helmets too for George Cardozo and Turker Aksoy, who died in the line of duty in 2000 and 2019, respectively.
The Westport Fire Department says that Seamus’ work “ensures their legacy is never forgotten, while creating a meaningful space for reflection for our members and visitors.”
Yesterday, 1st Selectman Kevin Christie led a solemn ceremony at fire headquarters, honoring all those who gave their lives serving our community.
“Their sacrifice remains a significant part of Westport’s history, and continues to shape the values and traditions of the fire service today,” he said.
Today, let’s all take a moment to reflect on May 2, 1946; on those 4 firefighters, and on all that our Fire Department has done for all of us, every day since then.
Memorial at Westport Fire Department Headquarters. (Photo courtesy of Town of Westport)
But the Parks & Recreation Department has chosen a new concessionaire for the Compo Beach pavilion, as well as the Longshore pavilion and golf course halfway house.
NG Entertainment/Nikki Glekas Collective of Westport must still be approved by the Board of Finance, Planning & Zoning Commission and Board of Selectpersons.
Nikki Glekas
The Westport-based group got the nod over Braxtons Hospitality Group of Bridgeport. A third vendor went to the walk-through, but did not bid.
Glekas was the choice of a special committee created by Parks & Rec director Erik Barbieri. It included members of the Parks & Rec Commission, Board of Finance and Representative Town Meeting.
The town bought out the contract of previous concessionaire Hook’d earlier this year.
Glekas’ website describes her as “a restauranteur, caterer, and entertaining expert with over 2 decades of professional experience in the tri-state area.”
She began her career as the owner of EOS, an award-winning Greek restaurant in Stamford. She expanded into events and catering when she opened Bank Street Events, in Stamford. Partnerships with Chelsea Piers Connecticut and Noroton Yacht Club followed..
Glekas also hosts Nikki’s Modern Mediterranean, a YouTube show featuring her family’s Greek recipes, and entertaining tips.
The contract between the town and NG — not yet finalized — is on the Board of Finance agenda for next Wednesday (7:30 p.m., Zoom).
It then goes to the Planning & Zoning Commission — because the lease involves public property — on May 13 (6 p.m., livestream). The Board of Selectpersons has the final say.
Before Hook’d, the Compo Beach concession was run by Joey Romeo, and called Joey’s by the Shore. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)
“Everyone feels good about putting her forward,” Barbieri tells “06880.”
If the 3 boards approve the recommendation, the director hopes Glekas can be operating by Memorial Day.
“It’s tight,” he admits. “But we’ll work with her as best we can. We’re optimistic, and she’s excited. She wants to hit the ground running.”
(“06880” covers the Westport waterfront — in every way possible. if you enjoy our reporting — including breaking stories like this — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
What better Friday Flashback than a photo with 2 Westport icons: Ships, and Bill Cribari.
(Photo courtesy of Regina Kiska)
The downtown restaurant — now Tiffany — was a favorite meeting place. Lunch, dinner, before or after the movies (a few steps away) — Ships was where parents took kids, teenagers took dates, and everyone celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, graduations and everything else.
Officer Cribari is best known for his wizard-like hand gestures, and ballet-like footwork, as he kept traffic moving near and over the Saugatuck bridge that now bears his name.
But he was equally adept at the Post Road/Main Street intersection, as this image shows.
He was always smiling. He knew everyone.
And everyone knew — and loved — both Bill Cribari, and Ships.
(Friday Flashback is one of “06880”‘s many regular features. If you enjoy this — or anything else on our website — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: dwoog@optonline.net. Thanks!)
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