“06880” culture correspondent Robin Moyer Chung writes:
On Tuesday night, the Westport Library received a Mark Award. They’re one of only 3 Fairfield County arts institutions honored this year for excellence.
To be precise, the Mark was for VersoFest.
Douglas Laustsen, executive director of the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County — the group that awards the Marks — says, “I’m just in awe of what they’ve built here: showcasing international talent alongside local artists who are doing excellent work day in and day out throughout Fairfield County.”
Westport Library director Bill Harmer, accepting the Mark Award.
Why is this significant?
Because a program like VersoFest is unprecedented in US libraries.
Library executive director Bill Harmer says the Mark Award “recognizes not only a festival, but a vision for the future of public libraries.”
VersoFest, created and hosted by the Library, is a multi-day festival of renowned musicians, writers, filmmakers, technologists, students, local creators and more. It includes rock concerts, book readings, musical performances, lectures, and just about anything involving the arts.
This year’s VersoFest included Wyclef Jean — and a packed Trefz Forum. (Photo/Kerry Long)
The festival is 4 years old, but the idea dates back more than a quarter century. In the early 2000s Harmer created a Rock & Roll Library Tour, putting indie rock band The High Strung on the road performing in public libraries across the country.
Over several years, The High Strung played more than 250 concerts in libraries in 48 states (and Cuba).
Through the tour’s success, Harmer realized that libraries could go far beyond books, DVDs and quiet spaces. They could be active participants in creating and shaping cultural life.
He says, “Years later, after arriving in Westport and helping lead the Library’s transformation project, we suddenly had the infrastructure to explore that question.”
And they did, creating the Trefz Forum, Verso Studios and Verso Records.
They now had a world-class performance venue, professional production studios, and a community willing to embrace experimentation.
Throw in internationally recognized creative talent, business leaders and exceptional local artists and you’ve got VersoFest.
Laustsen sums it up: “They are bringing the best of the best in culture to Westport, and placing it alongside the best of the best.”
Missed the recent Staples Pops Concert at Levitt Pavilion?
Were you there, and want to hear — and see — every performance again?
The Music Department has just posted a full video of the superb show.
The choral, orchestral and jazz groups — and several small ensembles — are all there. They sound (and look) great.
Click here for the entire evening. And if you only want a few numbers, there’s a link for each.
But we recommend the whole thing.
A night to remember. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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Speaking of the Levitt Pavilion: Chris Pierce returned last night with his full band. It was a moving night of folk, blues and Americana songs and stories, celebrating Juneteenth.
The set included songs from his new album, Songs for the Heavy Hearted,” to be released this August. This fall he’ll also perform at FarmAid.
There are 2 shows this weekend: Lucius with Wild & Company tonight (Saturday, 6:30 p.m.), and Dark Star Orchestra tomorrow (Sunday, 5 p.m.).
Also last night: Another large crowd enjoyed great weather at the Yankee Doodle Fair.
The 100-plus-years annual event — a major fundraiser for the Westport Woman’s Club — continues at their Imperial Road headquarters today (Saturday, 1 to 10 p.m.) and tomorrow (Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.).
A Sensory Hour tomorrow (Sunday, noon to 1 p.m.) is reserved for people in the neurodiverse and special education communities. It’s an opportunity for reduced crowds, lower noise levels and a more comfortable atmosphere, with their families, caregivers and support networks.
An enthusiastic crowd recently celebrated the opening of “Between Universes,” at the University of Bridgeport’s Peter Schelfhaudt Gallery.
Westport artist Eric Chiang collaborated on the show. The theme is “connecting and integrating the universes we have — one in the outside that we all live in, and the other in the inside that we sometimes sense we have and is particularly our very own.”
A special string quintet piece from the Greater Bridgeport Symphony anchored the opening reception. The exhibit runs through August 31.
The 3rd annual Westport Country Playhouse Golf Tournament teed up at Birchwood Country Club this week.
The winning team included (photo below, from left) Westporters Justin Brunwasser and Jonathan Levy, Glenn Levinson of Fairfield and Stamford’s Hudson Fetzer.
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Back in the 1980s, Mort Sherman was an assistant superintendent of Westport Schools.
He became a superintendent in other districts, including Alexandria, Virginia.
Now retired, he and his daughter Sara have written a book.
But it’s not about education.
Called “Resonant Minds: The Transformative Power of Music, One Note at a Time,” Amazon says it “invites readers to reimagine music as a dynamic, interactive force that reshapes how we live, learn, and connect. By blending personal stories-recalling childhood car rides where ‘Ode to Joy’ was joyfully reinvented with animal noises and made-up words-with cutting-edge research and practical insights, the father/daughter writing team … help us understand how to use music intentionally.”
TAP Strength founder Dr. EJ Zebro and Westporter Dr. Bena Kallick, founder of the Institute for Habits of Mind, recently used Sherman’s book as a springboard for a Psychology Today article called “Body Awareness: Listening for the Resonance.” Click here to read.
Sara Sherman and Dr. Morton Sherman
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is a great metaphor for … well, probably many things.
Feel free to interpret this scene at the Library Riverwalk however you wish.
Lavender, scarlet — and a slice of pizza — highlight this week’s online art gallery.
All are — as always — welcome. 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.
Untitled (Duane Cohen — Available for purchase — click here)
“Mad World” — multi-media 24″ x 18″ (V. Andriotis — Available for purchase; click here)
“Lovely Lavender Lupines” (Bonnie Scott Connolly)
“Scarlet Fracture” (Nancy Breakstone — Available for purchase; click here)
Untitled (Tom Doran — Available for purchase; click here)
Untitled (June Rose Whittaker — Available for purchase; click here)
Untitled (Holly Tashian)
“Time Has Come Today” (Patricia McMahon — Available for purchase; click here)
“Duck and Cluck” — crochet (Rebecca Stein Richards)
Untitled (Martin Ripchick — Available for purchase; click here)
“Great Blue Heron” — pencil and watercolor (Steve Stein)
“Break Dancer” (Lawrence Weisman)
(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!)
One commenter said, “These people aren’t Christian.”
Another wrote that reading rooms “promote dangerous medical misinformation.”
A third reader — citing “4 major measles outbreaks between 1985 and 1994” — said that the Christian Scientists who did not treat children “should have been charged with murder and executed.”
Those words shocked and upset one long-time reader. Asking for anonymity, due to the “nastiness” of the comments, the reader writes:
I spent my childhood in the Westport Christian Science branch church, although I no longer attend any church. I choose to stay out of all organized religion at this time in my life.
We were part of the Westport church before it became the large and beautiful building it is today. We were there when it was the old army barracks building, and I loved that building as a church. The Sunday school was beautiful. And the sanctuary cozy and loving.
Westport’s First Church of Christ, Scientist …
The members were some of the most loving, caring, successful members of the church and Westport society. We had famous artists, musicians, actors, broadcasters, Madison Avenue men, realtors, lawyers and beautiful families. It was a wonderful atmosphere to grow up in.
To paint this broad brush of all Christian Scientists as some of the comments did? And in such a way that isn’t totally accurate, especially about most Christian Scientists?
Most people I’ve stayed in touch with received the COVID vaccine, and most are willing to vaccinate their children. As I understand it, they desire to obey the laws of land. Most do.
And many members of the church will go to doctors if need be. I know many Christian Scientists who have had surgery and received medical care if necessary. It is an individual choice, and many choose medical help from time to time.
… and the new reading room.
What I’m addressing mostly is the hate and nastiness of the comments on this post. Anyone is entitled to their opinion, but the cruel and nasty comments aren’t true of most Christian Scientists. It is like commenting on a whole race of people, and saying that a whole race of people are like the actions of a few.
Never paint a whole group with the actions of a few of a group. And people grow, and churches grow and learn.
My experiences with the medical world have been excellent. We have found many doctors and nurses willing to pray with their patients. I’ve seen a circle of nurses holding hands and praying with a patient.
Healing prayer and medicine aren’t as separate as depicted by some of the commenters. The gap is closing. I’m sorry if that is offensive to some. But it is what I’ve witnessed personally, as I pray every day.
I could say a lot more but I felt I had to speak to the most unkind and un-Christian comments. I will not even debate the “not Christian: debate. I guess the Lutherans started by Martin Luther would have issues too, as their church was started by a man.
Mostly, we need to give each other some room and some grace in this world. I hope the commenters can reflect on the hatred and judgment that came across in their writing. Talking about executing people??
It’s very easy to explode behind a keyboard, and it’s not what we all need now to lift up our world.
(Our “06880” Opinion pages are open to all. Please send submissions to 06880blog@gmail.com. To support this hyper-local blog, please click here.)
But xince this weekend the Yankee Doodle Fair entertains thousands of kids of all ages (mostly kids) (and their parents) — as it has since 1907 — we figure it’s a good time to give it another ride.
Pam Ehrenburg — Pam Blackburn, as she was known in her Yankee Doodle-going days — unearthed several fascinating old photos. All were taken by her father, famed magazine photographer George Barkentin.
They show the fair on what appears to be Jesup Green — or perhaps the topography of the sponsoring Westport Woman’s Club was different 60-plus yeas ago. (Pam believes the images were taken in 1952.)
Some of the fashions are different. But in many ways, the Yankee Doodle Fair is timeless too.
This looks like Jesup Green — with National Hall (then Fairfield Furniture) in the background, across the river.
A classic merry-go-round.
This is noted writer Parke Cummings. He may have walked over from his home on the corner of South Compo and Bridge Street. He owned a tennis court — still there — that was open to anyone who wanted to play or learn.
Marjorie Teuscher and her son Phil. Her husband — a doctor — owned real estate downtown, including the building that is now Nômade. Phil — all grown up — still lives in Westport. And he still owns that Main Street property.
Pam Blackburn — who sent these photos from her father, George — is shown here with her sister Perii and their mom, Jessica Patton Barkentin.
(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!)
For 100 years, the Yankee Doodle Fair has marked the beginning of summer for Westport kids (and parents).
The event — a fundraiser for the Westport Woman’s Club’s grants and scholarships — opened last night, on their Imperial Avenue grounds.
“06880” photographer Quinn Fitts was there, from early evening through dark, capturing the sights. Close your eyes, and you can smell the cotton candy and hear the shrieks.
The Yankee Doodle Fair continues today (Friday, 6 to 10 p.m.), tomorrow (Saturday, 1 to 10 p.m.) and Sunday (1 to 5 p.m.).
(All photos/Quinn Fitts)
(If it happens in Westport, you’ll read about it — and see photos — on “06880.” But we can’t do it without readers’ support. If you enjoy our work, please make a tax-deductible donation here. Thank you!)
Hey, Westport: Show your patriotic spirit! The Patriotic Home Décor Contest — a community celebration in honor of America’s 250th anniversary — is here.
Decorate your home with red, white and blue — flags, bunting, lights, flowers, window displays, lawn décor, or any other creative expression of patriotic pride.
The contest is open to all Westport residents. Displays should be completed before the Independence Day holiday.
An annual rite of early summer — Westport’s jUNe Day celebration — is set for Saturday, June 27.
For the 61st year in a row, the United Nations Association of Southwestern Connecticut and the town will host up to 300 UN guests.
They’ll be greeted by flags of many of the 193 UN member countries, on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.
The public is invited to meet our guests at the 10:30 a.m. opening ceremony on Jesup Green.
A special message from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will be delivered, and several dignitaries will speak briefly. Then the fun begins.
Once again, jUNe Day is partnering with the Sunrise Rotary Club’s Duck Race fundraising event, taking place on Jesup Green at 1 p.m.
Other events for guests include a soccer match, tennis and golf at Longshore; nature walk and visit to Earthplace; tour of Wakeman Town Farm, and free access to Compo Beach and Longshore.
They’re also invited to visit the Westport Museum of History & Culture’s exhibit on the 250th anniversary of the U.S., and restaurants and shops.
jUNe Day was established in 1965 by Ruth Steinkraus-Cohen, founder of the UN Association of Southwestern Connecticut, in observance of the signing of the UN Charter on June 26th, 1945. Her goal was to honor the work of the United Nations, and promote world peace and international friendship through educational programs and hospitality.
To volunteer, contact MsAndrea Dostal (203-526-3275; Andreasusa@yahoo.com). For more information on the event, call Bill Hass: (203-454-7685.
The summer’s nerdiest evening gala — hey that’s what the sponsors, Earthplace, say! — is set for next Friday (June 26, 8 to 11 p.m.).
Moth Ball — their 4th annual celebration of nature at night — includes crafts, drinks, trivia, vendors, an expert-led moth observation, and more.
Nature picture book author John Himmelman will be there too, for a book signing and special giveaway.
Every Moth Ball ticket purchased before noon on June 25th is eligible to win a signed copy of Himmelman’s new adult book, “Discovering Moths.” Click here for tickets, and more information.
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of Agatha Christie’s “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd” — which is the Westport Country Playhouse’s upcoming show — the Westport Library and Playhouse invite readers on “a one-of-a-kind journey from page to stage.”
You can pick up artistic director Mark Shanahan’s adaptation of the classic murder mystery, then discuss the script with fellow theater lovers (and Shanahan himself) at the Library on July 1 (7 p.m., Room 210).
Next: Watch it live at the Playhouse, from July 14 through August 1.
“06880” does not promote tag sales — unless they’re big.
This one is.
Tomorrow (Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.), residents of Pine Tree Drive and Diamond Hill Lane (off Roseville Road, near Cross Highway) are combining on a giant one.
A number of families are offering the usual tag sale stuff — and unusual items too.
Plus lemonade and cookies.
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The Westport Library has elected 5 new members to its board of trustees.
Brett Adams brings more than 2 decades of leadership in fintech and AI strategy, with senior roles at Mastercard and Accenture and head-of-product experience at 3 fintech startups. A Westport resident and Staples High School parent, he has been active in educational and AI advisory initiatives across Fairfield County.
Galen Blumenthal is Managing Principal at SEI – New York, a management and technology consulting firm, where he guides organizations through complex transformations and leads practice expansion and talent development. A Staples High School and University of Texas at Austin graduate, he previously served on the board of Staples Tuition Grants. His first library card came from a Kings Highway Elementary School field trip.
Tanya Kaur Guleria is a strategy and operations leader, with more than 15 years of experience across corporate and nonprofit sectors. Her nonprofit work with Read Ahead and the Make a Difference Leadership Foundation has focused on educational access and mentorship. She is a commissioner on the Westport Fair Rent Commission.
Stacey Babson Kaplan is a retired C-suite executive, board director and attorney with deep experience in governance, risk oversight, and organizational strategy. She served as senior vice president, chief sustainability and compliance officer at Terex Corporation. .
Paul Quinsee is a managing director at JPMorgan Asset Management, with more than 40 years in finance. Born in the UK and a Connecticut resident for 3 decades, he serves on the boards of the Financial Accounting Foundation, the Egmont Foundation USA, and The Southport School, where he chairs the Finance Committee.
Then last night, he was inducted into the FCIAC (Fairfield County League) Hall of Fame.
The all-time winningest baseball coach in school history was joined by fellow Staples coaches and administrators, some of his players, and longtime friend and baseball supporter Dylan Curran.
Jack McFarland (right) with Staples athletic director VJ Sarullo. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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We’ve featured some gorgeous creatures, in our daily “Westport … Naturally” series.
But this glossy ibis — spotted at Burying Hill Beach — is particularly stunning.
At least, photographer Ed Simek thinks that what it is. He’d never seen one, so he went searching online.
And finally … in honor of the upcoming Westport Country Playhouse show (and its related event at the Library) — item above:
(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. We’re here for you, 24/7/365. If you enjoy these Roundups — or anything else — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
A long meeting about a review of Westport’s special education program — with plenty of public comment — ended last night with a resolution, and a delay.
Despite strong support from residents for a special steering committee, with parental input, into the selection of a vendor to conduct the review, members voted unanimously to continue with their previous requests for proposals and quotes.
However, the BOE will extend the request process for quotes by 2 weeks, to allow more applications. They will then review the responses in a public meeting, where they will decide which vendors will be invited to submit proposals.
The vendor who is chosen will submit results directly to the Board of Education — not to the superintendent or other district officials.
Meeting last night in the Staples High School cafeteria (clockwise from left): Board of Education members Stephen Shackelford, Andy Frankel, Abby Tolan, Jill Dillon, Neil Phillips and Lee Goldstein; superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice, CFO Elio Longo, and assistant superintendents Anna Mahon, Michael Rizzo and John Bayers. BOE member Dorie Hordon is hidden between Phillips and Goldstein. (Photo/Catie Campagnino)
The Board, and members of the public, grappled with questions about the independence of the review process, and the extent of community members’ input — whether by committee, emails, focus groups or surveys.
There was debate too about whether the review would be “holistic” and include individual cases, along with the district’s compliance with legal mandates, or more narrow in scope.
Some members of the public — including students — spoke about their own experiences. Board members urged that the focus be on program effectiveness.
The BOE discussed the timing of the review, balancing the need for completion with the desire for thoroughness. Members also talked about the degree of oversight the Board would maintain throughout the process.
According to the BOE calendar, last night’s meeting was to be its final one of the school year. A date for the next one — to review the request for quotes — has not yet been set.
They don’t run a nursery school, sponsor a youth group or host outside meetings. In fact, the only time their handsome South Compo Road building a few yards from the Post Road is used is on Sundays (services and Sunday school) and Wednesdays (testimony meeting).
First Church of Christ, Scientist on Compo Road South.
That may change soon.
The congregation — known as Christian Scientists — has nearly completed construction of a meeting room.
Like others run by the denomination, it’s a space where anyone can find books and publications, speak with staff members, and bring questions about their spiritual journeys.
This is not the first Christian Science reading room in Westport. For many years there was one on Post Road East, opposite what was then the post office (now Design Within Reach). A later location was further east, opposite Stop & Shop.
More recently, the Westport church operated a reading room in Stratford.
But now they’re building one as an addition to their own building.
The reading room will be on the left, next to the tower.
Project leaders — headed by Albert Jensen-Moulton, a church member whose profession is building sustainable, efficient homes — sought input from architect and developer Bill Shaffer. Early in his career he worked with Kris Barthelmess, a former Sunday School student who designed the Compo Road church in 1980, as part of his architectural thesis.
The glass-fronted reading room will face the parking lot. Flled with light, it will be “a very comfortable place to sit,” Jensen-Moulton says. It will be open 4 to 6 hours a day, 3 to 4 days a week.
Artist’s rendering of the reading room.
Also ahead: new landscaping, a permeable patio, and a garden and sitting area.
“We want to be inviting to walkers and bikers” on Compo Road, Jensen-Moulton says.
The church plans a soft launch next month, with an “official” opening in September.
(“06880” regularly reports on Westport’s religious institutions — and much more. If you appreciate coverage like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
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