Janet Francis Filling — a longtime director of the American Red Cross Westport chapter, who went on to hold important positions at the state and national levels — died peacefully at her home on February 12. She was 91.
A New York native who cherished her Flag Day birthday, Janet graduated from Trinity College in Washington, DC.
She began her advertising career during Madison Avenue’s heyday. She married Jim Filling in 1963, and had a son, Greg. The family moved to Westport, which became Janet’s home for nearly 40 years.
Janet Filling
She built a wide circle of friends and professional relationships, through her work in education, publishing and advertising at organizations throughout Fairfield County, and her membership in the Weston Field Club.
Janet found her true calling when she joined the Westport-Weston Chapter of the American Red Cross, eventually serving as its executive director. She combined a deep commitment to community service with a great ability to bring people together through warmth, loyalty and positive energy.
She was a tireless advocate for the Westport-Weston community and took great pride in supporting its residents and institutions.
Janet was a devoted caregiver to Jim during his struggle with Parkinson’s disease, before his death in 1996.
She continued her Red Cross leadership for another decade, becoming involved at the state and national levels and participating in service trips to China and Honduras.
After retiring Janet returned to Manhattan for 7 years, embracing the city’s many offerings and remaining a constant, loving presence in her grandchildren’s early lives.
Janet moved back to Westport in 2013, and into memory care 10 years later. She remained deeply connected to and engaged, attending social, cultural and family events. She made frequent visits to friends in New York, Cape Cod and Italy, and continued to enjoy travel with her family throughout Europe, Central America and the Caribbean.
Despite the challenges of dementia in her final years, Janet maintained a spirit of gratitude and joy.
She is survived by her son Greg (Kristin), grandchildren Jessie and Ryan, sister Charlotte Lent, and niece Diane Lent-Tucker. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her sisters Barbara and Muriel Francis.
Balducci’s is leaving. Sprouts is arriving. Big Y is nearly 1 1/2 years old. Stop & Shop has been here a long time.
Before all those supermarkets and grocery stores — plus Trader Joe’s, Fresh Market and Wholes Foods, of course — Westporters’ shopping choices were different.
A&P, First National, Gristede’s — those were the go-to spots.
They were downtown, or close to it. The Westport Food Center was smack in the middle, on Main Street.
In 1948, Westport artist Stevan Dohanos painted this scene there.
Do you recognize anyone? Do you have any memories of the Westport Food Center — or any other long-gone grocery store?
If you were born long after: What seems different — and the same — about today’s shopping experience?
Click “Comments” below. (Hat tip: Anthony Dohanos)
(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!)
Unless — uh oh — there are any more cancellations between now and then.
Last night, the Board of Education approved superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice’s recommendations to adjust dates, based on recent weather-related closures.
The school year will now end on Thursday, June 18.
Friday, March 20 will now be a regular school day. It had been scheduled for professional development.
The student calendar will be reduced from 182 to 180 days.
Westport’s delegation in Hartford will look very different next year.
State Representative Jonathan Steinberg announced in January that he would not seek re-election this fall.
Yesterday, State Senator Ceci Maher said the same.
As first reported by “Good Morning Wilton,” the 26th District legislator — who represents Westport, Weston and 6 other towns — said her decision “reflects both personal priorities and a broader belief that public leadership should make space for the next generation.”
She said, “As a boomer, it’s time to get out of the way,” she said.
“I love the job, so it’s hard not to run again, not to legislate again, not to be out in the wider community again. But I really believe if we run just because we can, it keeps the stopper in the system. My belief is the next generation needs to be in it and needs to be learning how to do this.”
Maher is 72 years old. She has 2 grandchildren, with a third on the way. She looks forward to gardening, mentoring and more.
This is her 2nd term. She succeeded Will Haskell, a 2-term senator from Westport.
Alisyn Camerota — the former CNN anchor and Westport resident — is used to interviewing prominent political figures.
Joe Walsh — the Tea Party co-founder who is now an ardent anti-Trumper, and a Democrat — is one of those figures.
But when the pair got together — remotely — for Camerota’s Substack podcast, the topic was “grief.”
The journalist and politician spoke candidly and movingly about Camerota’s 19-month journey, after the death of her husband Tim Lewis to pancreatic cancer.
Walsh has a lot to say about the state of our nation, and Camerota has drawn him — and many others — out about it.
Speaking of track and field: The Joggers Club is warming up for spring.
Their Kid’s Run Club — for kindergarten through 8th grade — meets every Sunday from April 5 through June 7, from 4 to 5:15 p.m. at the Staples track.
Eight coaches lead youngsters — of all abilities — in meets, games and relays. (There’s also an ice cream truck). The price is $199 until March 15; then $250. There is a maximum of 100 participants.
The Joggers Club’s run club of adults meets every Saturday at 8 a.m., at Compo Beach.
There are short runs, long runs, and everything in between. The post-run fun is catered by Village Bagels, with coffee from McDonalds. The cost is $50 — and new members get a free Lululemon shirt (value $58).
Speaking of running: For the second year, Westport’s Positive Directions has been selected as a charity partner for the New York Marathon.
Runners who are not drawn from the bib lottery can apply to run for Positive Directions (and pledge to raise a minimum of $3,500).
Last year, 3 PD runners raised over $19,000.
100% of funds support Positive Directions’ mission to support individuals and families in need, and to de-stigmatize and foster mental well being through individual and group therapy, community prevention, and recovery assistance
New York Road Runners CEO (and Westport resident) Rob Simmelkjaer (3rd from left) with Gianna Alfi, Brian McGarvey and Cam Gaylord. They ran the NY Marathon last year, for Positive Directions.
Brian McGarvey and former Staples High School track star Cam Gaylord — both Westport residents — and Gianna Affi
Speaking still of sports: Oscar Edelman — the Westport native and Greens Farms Academy graduate — has had an excellent season for the Wesleyan University basketball team.
The sophomore — a 6-8 starting center — helped lead the Cardinals to a #1 New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) ranking. They open NCAA Division III tournament play tonight (Friday, 6:15) at home vs. Lehman.
State comptroller Sean Scanlon gave an informative presentation yesterday, to business owners and others interested in Connecticut finances.
The event, at the Westport Library, was part of the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce “Your State – Your Business speaker series.
Scanlon discussed his role as the state’s primary financial watchdog, the rainy day fund, state pension obligations, and financial issues that impact business owners and residents (rising utilities costs, healthcare, taxes and more).
The comptroller noted his experience as CEO of Tweed New Haven, and as a legislator, in the context of transportation and commuting.
The “Your State – Your Business” series continues March 19th (Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas, 11 a.m.) and April 2 (Attorney General William Tong). Click here for more information.
State comptroller Sean Scanlon, and Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce director Matthew Mandell.
The Blondinit wishes “Chag Sameach” to its customers — and offers a special Passover menu.
Dishes range from matzo ball soup and salatim to Mediterranean chicken, brisket and pistachio-crusted black sea bass. Options include à la carte trays, or packages for 4–6 or 8–12 guests.
Orders must be placed by March 27. Kosher for Passover wines are available for pickup or delivery. A limited kosher menu is available to dine in, April 1-8.
To order: Click here, call 203-557-3277, or email catering@theblondinit.com.
The newest addition to the Levitt Pavilion’s 2026 lineup is Andy Frasco & the UN and Kitchen Dwellers.
They bring “a wildly eclectic approach (to) navigating funk, jazz, surf rock, blues, swing, gospel, reggae, exotica, and more with horn-blasted positivity and soulful power.”
The opening act is Magoo.
The show is August 23. Tickets go on sale today (Friday), at 10 a.m. Click here to purchase, and for more information.. $1 from every ticket sold will be donated to the artists’ partner charity, Backline Care (offering mental health and wellness resources for music industry professionals and their families).
By a wide margin, respondents to yesterday’s “06880” Cribari Bridge survey favor “adaptive rehabilitation” of the 143-year-old span. That means improving roadway safety and adding bike lanes, while preserving the 12′ 10″ height to continue blocking heavy truck traffic.
As of 6:45 this morning, 464 readers, or 75% — out of a total of 617 who answered the question — chose that option.
Another 98 (16%) selected “full replacement” (meeting all modern height, weight and flood-resilience standards).
The third option — “no change; leave it as it is” — was chosen by 55 (9%).
Cribari Bridge (Photo/Ferdinand Jahnel)
The survey was unscientific (and a few of the 627 participants did not answer every question). But it offers some insight, as Westport grapples with next steps in a decades-long debate over next step for one of the town’s 3 Saugatuck River crossings.
Readers were given 4 elements to rate as “very important to me,” “somewhat important to me” or “not important to me,” when considering the Cribari Bridge.
The most important, according to respondents, was “the potential for use by large trucks.” That was “very important” to 426 (70%), “somewhat important” to 100 (16%), and “not important” to 85 (14%).
“Safety issues — for example, increasing the width” — was “very important” to 356 (58%) and “somewhat important” to 175 (29%). It was “not important” to 80 (13%).
When considering its future, the Cribari Bridge’s history was deemed “very important” by 277 readers (45%), and “somewhat important” by 257 (42%). Another 79 (13%) called it “not important.”
The fourth consideration was “navigability of the Saugatuck River, including the ability of all marine craft to pass underneath.” 173 readers (28%) called it “very important; 276 (45%) said it was “somewhat important,” and 164 (27%) said it was “not important.”
The Cribari Bridge is the oldest swing span of its type in the nation. It is opened manually, to allow marine craft to pass underneath. (Photo/Mark Mathias)
“06880” readers’ preference for “adaptive rehabilitation” aligns with a sense of the meeting vote taken Tuesday night, by the Representative Town Meeting.
Twenty of 21 RTM members present and voting — 95% — said yes to a bridge that would be wide enough for pedestrian and bike lanes, yet low enough to prohibit 18 wheelers.
The lone “no” vote was cast to reflect a desire for restoration, not replacement in any form. Four members abstained.
The full “sense of the meeting” resolution is at the end of this story.*
The Cribari Bridge. (Photo/Patricia McMahon)
The survey asked 3 other questions.
On the issue of whether the town of Westport should buy the Cribari Bridge — which would mean being responsible for renovation and maintenance, without federal and state funding — the majority (369, or 61%) said no. 236 readers (39%) agreed with the idea.
Even more respondents opposed the idea of moving the bridge elsewhere in town, to serve as a footbridge and preserve its history. That idea was opposed by 392 (65%), supported by 210 (35%).
The final question asked: “If the town negotiates with the state Department of Transportation on the future of the Cribari Bridge, which of the following should NOT be up for discussion?”
The most important non-negotiable item — “allowing large truck traffic” — was chosen by 484 (43%).
“Losing the historic look” was deemed non-negotiable by 266 (24%), followed by “keeping height” (172, 15%), “creating a new alignment” (121, 11%) and adding width (7%).
* The RTM “sense of the meeting” resolution” said:
RESOLVED: It is the sense of the Westport Representative Town Meeting that the Town administration should engage with the Connecticut Department of Transportation to ensure that the Cribari Bridge across the Saugatuck river is restored, rehabilitated or replaced as soon as practicable.
Any upgrade should at a minimum maintain or evoke the historic design of the current structure. The finished structure should be wide enough to include pedestrian and bike lanes and a height restriction to ensure that it will not provide access for semi tractor trucks.
(“06880” reports regularly on the Cribari Bridge debate — and everything else in Westport too. If you appreciate our coverage, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Six years ago this month, COVID roared into Westport.
Schools closed. Social distancing sprouted. No aspect of daily life was spared.
Town Hall was closed to most staff. From their homes, officials struggled to manage the crisis.
Assistant town attorney Eileen Lavigne faced a barrage of executive orders, from Governor Ned Lamont.
Boards and commissions could now meet remotely. How would they do it? How could the public join in?
Outdoor dining rules were loosened. What did that mean for Westport? What rules had to change? Who would enforce the new ones? What was practical, doable, realistic — and what would the objections be?
Even notary publics — what they could do, where and how — were impacted.
Eileen Lavigne
“It was fascinating — like being back in law school,” Lavigne recalls.
“I had to do a lot of research into how each new regulation affected Westport.”
Fortunately, she loves the research aspect of her job.
Unfortunately for the town attorney’s office — and everyone in the rest of Town Hall — she won’t be doing it much longer.
Lavigne’s last day is June 5. She’s retiring, leaving big legal shoes to fill.
The Northampton, Massachusetts native majored in public accounting at the University of Nevada. She thought she’d be a tax attorney, but enjoyed her corporate law classes at Pepperdine Law School. After graduation she headed to Washington, for corporate and securities work.
A stint in New York as general counsel for a wine and liquor importer followed. In 2002 she, her husband and young children moved to Westport.
Like many families, they were attracted by the schools, Longshore, the Compo Beach playground, and the variety of things to do.
Lavigne stepped back from full-time work, to raise her children. But she jumped into civic volunteerism — first with the League of Women Voters, then in 2005 on the Representative Town Meeting (RTM). She served 6 terms, including 3 years as deputy moderator and 4 as moderator.
Eileen Lavigne (center, wearing flag cap) marches with fellow RTM members at a Memorial Day parade.
Lavigne passed the Connecticut Bar in 2013, and worked part-time for Cohen & Wolf. When Gail Kelly retired as assistant town attorney nearly a decade ago, the job — focused on research, and touching all aspects of local government — seemed like a good fit.
“The town is my only client,” says Lavigne, who is officially employed by Berchem Moses, the law firm of town attorney Ira Bloom.
That client encompasses “all the elected and appointed officials,” says Lavigne.
Revising ordinances, reviewing contracts and easements, assisting with Freedom of Information Act requests — and much more — she provides “clear, consistent legal advice, so they can make informed decisions.”
Lavigne loves learning new things. A question about the laws governing trees on town property, for example, sends her digging into the history of a particular parcel of land.
“It’s a really fun job,” she says.
Also enjoyable: “the people at the firm, and Town Hall. We’re so lucky to have so many bright, dedicated teams working for Westport.”
As assistant town attorney, Eileen Lavigne has worked with 3 first selectmen. Jim Marpe (above) honored her son Alexander Flug with an Eagle Scout proclamation.
During her tenure, Lavigne has learned that “people really, really care about this place. There are so many people with great ideas and great energy. They’re problem solvers. They want to pitch in.”
There are, inevitably, misperceptions about her role as assistant town attorney. She is not, as some members of the public think, legal counsel for residents.
“I can’t help a problem one neighbor has with another,” she notes. “I’m the lawyer for departments.
“I get it. Lawyers are expensive. Some people think I’m here to give them advice.”
When those questions arise, she “points them in the right direction. I tell them who they need to talk to in a particular department to help.”
Lavigne will miss working with colleagues in Town Hall, and at Berchem Moses — Bloom, staff members, and of course the 3 first selectpersons she’s served.
She will not miss “having a full schedule.” Soon, Lavigne will have time to join a gym, go kayaking and to the Farmers’ Market, visit her father in Massachusetts, spent time with other family members, and go to car races.
That’s right. She remarried last June. Her husband Tim restores — and races — classic autos.
Eileen Lavigne and Tim Ritchie were married at Compo Beach last June. Her daughter Kat served as officiant. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
“I’ve loved it all,” Lavigne says. “I’m honored to have had the experiences I’ve had.”
Even the ones during COVID.
So the next time you log on to a Zoom town meeting or dine outdoors, think of Eileen Lavigne.
Her Town Hall office was closed. But the assistant town attorney was working harder than ever, on behalf of the town.
(“06880” often profiles women and men behind the scenes. If you enjoy stories like these — or anything else on “06880” — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
“06880” culture correspondent Robin Moyer Chung attended Tuesday’s opening of the Artist Collective of Westport’s newest pop-up show. She writes:
Where to begin about Artists Collective of Westport’s current exhibit featuring their 14 newest members, other than: Where have they all been hiding?
Well, they haven’t all been hiding. For instance, Butch Quick’s photos have appeared in numerous juried shows around Fairfield County.
Quick photographs people in their everyday lives with an immediacy and ease which, ironically, exaggerates their complexity. An excellent example of this is on view: “Santiago de Cuba.” A man sits on a dirty sidewalk with a cracked pail of root vegetables at his feet, dramatic in its mundanity.
“Santiago de Cuba” (Butch Quick)
Jodi Rabinowitz, however, has been hiding. She’d been making collages for friends, but didn’t think of it as “art” until a year or two ago.
Her large canvases are patterned with imperfect squares and circles cut from any item that interests her: produce bags, Spanish comic books, wallpaper, pieces of string. The incoherent materials produce textured and colorful visual rhythms.
Collage (Jodi Rabinowitz)
Then there’s Ira Hara, whose whimsical illustrative pieces evoke either “ancient landscapes” (if you ask his daughter), or “I just put my head on a pillow and draw what I see the next day” (if you ask Ira).
Regardless, the delicious details, such as the print of the woman’s gown in “Masters of Shadow,” incited one viewer to comment, “These are magical!”
“Masters of Shadow” (Ira Hara)
There are several landscape painters. I got a kick out of Julie Hicks’ vaguely ominous take on the genre, such as an impending tornado, and Rowene Weems’ gentle, nostalgic photos of small scene America, like the children sitting in a line on Compo Beach.
Untitled (Rowene Weems)
Peggy Dembicer’s intricate beadwork and weaving had us wondering if she’d let us descend upon her studio and see how in the world she does it. I especially loved her “Chutes and Ladders,” a glamorous send-up of a prosaic game.
“Chutes and Ladders” (Peggy Dembicer)
I’m always looking for humor in art, whether intentional or not. I found it in a few places, including Shelley Lowenstein’s “Berry Picking,” a small painting of a mother and 2 children standing in a field, each holding a box brimming with fruit, looking around aimlessly. It was an “Okay, our fun is over. Now what are we supposed to do with this?” moment.
“Berry Picking” (Shelley Lowenstein)
Prices range from around $175 to $4,000. I’m not entirely sure if some will fetch their price tag. But many of the works, I imagine, will be snapped up before the exhibit closes on March 8.
(The Artists Collective of Westport exhibit runs through March 8. Hours are 1 to 4 p.m., at the Westport Country Playhouse Sheffer Barn. An artists’ talkback is set for 4 p.m. on March 8. Click here for more information.)
(Robin Moyer Chung reports regular on Westport’s visual and performing arts scenes. If you enjoy her coverage — or anything else on “06880” — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
The undefeated Staples boys basketball team was tested by Ridgefield last night.
But the #1-seeded Wreckers — talented, tough, defensive-minded and driven — pulled away late. Their 62-48 win over #3 Ridgefield at Fairfield University earned them their second straight FCIAC (league) championship.
It cements their spot in the school’s storied sports history. Before last year, Staples’ previous FCIAC title was in 1963.
Sam Clachko — the senior and one of the Wreckers’ best basketball players ever — was named Most Valuable Player. It was a fitting FCIAC finish, after missing last year’s championship with a broken wrist.
Clachko finished with 13 points. Mason Tobias had 14, Austin Heyer 12, Matty Corrigan 11 and Dhilan Lowman 7.
The blue-and-whites — now 23-0 — head to the state tournament. They’ll chase their first title there since 1937.
The Westport Fire Department is filled with heroes.
But 5 are official “Hero to Heroes.”
They’re graduates of “Hero to Hero,” a non-profit that help highly qualified military members transition to first responder careers. It’s a win-win-win — for the servicemembers, their employers, and the entire community.
On March 28 (5:30 p.m., Saugatuck Rowing Club), a special event will raise awareness of “Hero to Hero” — and raise funds for an independent film, which will raise even more funds for the organization.
The “Blue Bunny” film project is led by Rita Marcocci, a Westport resident and award-winning producer.
It’s a moving story of sacrifice and friendship, weaving between Operation Iraqi Freedom, and the present-day bond between a former commander and his soldier.
The Westport Conservation Department, Shellfish Commission and Sustainable Westport are hosting a community conversation about PFAS — the synthetics known as “forever chemicals” — in Connecticut’s coastal waters, and their effect on pollution and climate change.
The free event is March 18 (7 p.m., Westport Library). Marine environmentalist Dick Harris will examine the persistence of PFAS chemicals in aquatic environments, their movement through waterways, and emerging challenges facing coastal communities.
The search is on for a new Westport Transit District co-director.
In the upcoming 4-year term, the Transit District co-director will be expected to:
Maintain safe and dependable daily operations
Strengthen financial management and long-term planning
Pursue state and federal funding opportunities
Enhance community engagement and rider experience
Advance sustainability and environmental initiatives
The Representative Town Meeting (RTM) will conduct a comprehensive process to identify qualified candidates. A background in strategic planning, budgeting and regulatory compliance is highly desirable. Eligible candidates must be registered voters in Westport.
Applications will be accepted through March. The 4-year term will begin in May.
Interested candidates for this volunteer position should email a resume and/or statement of interest, including contact information, to mlevy@westportct.gov. For more information about Westport Transit services, click here.
The Westport Swim Club does a great job preparing youngsters for the Staples High School swim team.
But the Wreckers also sponsor a dive team. To stock that pipeline, the WSC has created a new Westport Dive Club.
It’s the first — and only — springboard diving program in town.
Coach Grace Slama — who also serves as Staples’ boys and girls dive coach — is a former Taiwanese national diver, and NCAA Division I All-America.
No experience is necessary. Diving is a great activity for any child who loves gymnastics, parkour, trampolining, skateboarding, snowboarding — or any other sport!
Meanwhile, Westport Swim Club continues to grow. Over 76 boys and girls are on the roster.
They now call themselves the WSC Whale Sharks. Here’s the great back story:
Staples co-captain Charlotte Roberts began with WSC. At a recent team event, the coaches held a backstroke rock-painting contest.
Charlotte’s whale shark design won. WSC has adopted it as their new identity. It symbolizes a swimmer’s journey from youth program to high school leadership.
Registration for the Westport Swim Club and Westport Dive Club opens March 11, on the Parks & Recreation Department website.
But here’s a screenshot of a harrowing one, sent by Susan Garment.
Huge sheets of ice are falling from a Morningside Drive roof. Just moments earlier, a woman — shown walking gingerly on her driveway — walked underneath that roof.
Saugatuck Congregational Church’s Sunday Afternoon Concert Series continues this weekend (March 8, 3 p.m.). Pianist/composer Dr. Hayk Arsenyan will perform Chopin’s “24 Preludes,” and selections from Rachmaninoff’s “Op. 32 Preludes.”
Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between February 25 and March 3.
A 50-year-old Pleasantville, New York woman was charged with 2 counts of assault of an elderly person, 2 counts of 2nd degree assault, failure to appear and failure to comply with fingerprinting requirements, following an investigation into a July incident in a Westport home.
Police and Emergency Medical Services found 3 patients experiencing the same symptoms. They were transported to a hospital, and all recovered. A relative was found to be linked to prescription medication, which was present in a communal water container.
The woman was held on a $1.01 million bond.
A 21-year-old Westport man was charged with assault of a pregnant woman, criminal attempt at strangulation, threatening and disorderly conduct, following a domestic argument that turned physical. He was released on a $100,000 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Texting while driving: 12 citations
Traveling unreasonably fast: 6
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 4
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 4
Speeding: 3
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
Unsafe passing: 2
Failure to renew registration: 2
Passing a standing school bus: 1
Failure to remove snow/ice: 1
Distracted driving: 1
Articles obstructing view: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
It’s illegal to drive with an obstructed view — front or rear.
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Longtime Westporter, noted writer and civic volunteer Gloria Stashower died peacefully on Monday, surrounded by her family. She was 96.
She graduated from Case Western Reserve University in 1950, the year she married Mike Stashower, her husband of 72 years.
While raising 3 children she earned a master’s degree in English from Hunter College, pursued various civic endeavors and began work as a freelance writer.
The Stashowers settled in Westport in 1970. Gloria embarked on a career in corporate communications, working for CIT Financial Corporation and IBM.
After retirement she continued to take freelance assignments, and immersed herself in community activities. They ranged from the League of Women Voters and Democratic Town Committee to the boards of the Westport Arts Center, Senior Center, Westport Library and Y’s Women (serving as president of the last 2).
She loved books, theater, movies, politics and travel.
Gloria was predeceased by her husband. She is survived by her children, Susan (Paul), Debby (Michael) and Jon (Allison); grandsons Jordan, Scott and Matthew, and great-granddaughter Greer.
A private graveside service will be held, followed by shiva for family and friends at Gloria’s home on Friday (March 6, 2 to 6 p.m.). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Westport Library.
Gloria Stashower
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Lynn Flint offers today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo — and a back story.
(Photo/Lynn Flint)
This swan plopped itself down on Canal Street, in Saugatuck Shores. Lynn blocked the road, until Animal Control arrived.
Lynn’s neighbor Glenn Ferrari got there first. He got out of the car, and said that the swan always sleeps in the road.
Glenn clapped his hands, and said “Get out of here!”
The swan stood up, walked down to the edge of the water, jumped in and swam away.
Animal Control came a few minutes later. They thanked Lynn for helping out.
And said they’d just responded to a similar call near the Library: another swan, not budging, in the middle of the road.
And finally … on this day in 1963, country music stars Patsy Cline, Hawkshaw Hawkins, Cowboy Copas and their pilot were killed in a plane crash in Tennessee.
(Another day, another “06880” Roundup chock full o’ stuff. If you appreciate this feature — or anything else we offer — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Save it at all costs! Renovate it for safety and river navigation! Don’t allow trucks! Don’t worry, they can’t get through Saugatuck anyway!
As the March 19 community meeting (6 p.m., Town Hall) with the state Department of Transportation looms, the jury remains out on what Westport — residents, and town officials — really want for the span’s future.
A decade after discussions began on a renovation or replacement of the 143-year-old bridge, no one seems to have an idea of what to say to DOT.
That might be because no one has clearly asked.
Today, “06880” does just that.
We’ve created an 8-question survey. It’s not scientific — we’re not Gallup or Quinnipiac — but it could give some sense of residents’ feelings. Results will be posted on Friday.
The survey is below. NOTE: This is for current Westport residents only. Thanks!
Cribari Bridge (Photo courtesy of Library of Congress)
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