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Two of our town’s most powerful engines are business and the arts.
The Westport Library brings both together on Wednesday, March 9 (7 p.m., in-person and Zoom). The event is called “Exploring the Intersection of Arts and Business.”
First Selectwoman Jen Tooker leads a discussion with commercial developer David Waldman, architect Rick Hoag and business owner Andrea Pecoriello. Click here for details, and to register.

Bedford Square — built by David Waldman — is home to many businesses, including permanent and pop-up art galleries. This is Sorelle.
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Admit it: We’re all stressed. We’d love to go to Maine to relax — or even cherished local spots, like the beach.
We can’t always do that. But if you’ve got even a bit of free time, head over to Gordon Fine Arts (1701 Post Road East, across from Goodwill).
The gallery features “A Symphony of Sea and Sand,” Westport photographer Tom Kretsch’s soothing shots from here and Maine.
And if you can’t get there, click here for Tom’s equally soothing website.

(Photo/Tom Kretsch)
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The transfer station on the Sherwood Island Connector has a new recycling container.
It’s for glass — specifically beverage and condiment bottles, and juice and fruit jars. Glass should be rinsed, and lids removed.
Unacceptable items include mirrors, drinking glasses, ceramic cups and plates, clay flower pots, crystal, light bulbs, window glass and ovenware.

(Photo/Bob Weingarten)
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Howard Maynard died Sunday in Westport. He had lived here for 62 years.
After serving with the military in Korea for almost 2 years, Howard graduated from the University of California at Berkeley. He worked for Westinghouse in Bridgeport, then for 3 decades for Exxon in New York, in computer applications. He spent 4 years in London, where he developed an email system for the company.
After Exxon, he applied his knowledge and skills to Young & Rubicam in New York.
Howard was a skilled craftsman in his wood shop and darkroom. He loved chamber music and cars.
He served on many boards, including Human Services, the Westport Weston Health Department and Westport Library. He was proud of assisting with the library’s renovation.
His family says that Howard “lived a long and peaceful life. He was spare with his words and logical with his thinking. He fervently expressed gratitude for all he was given and obtained during his life — proud of his career and his post-retirement volunteer work for Westport.
“What really mattered to Howard, however, was his family, especially Mary, his wife of 65 years. They made the most of their time together, traveling often and widely.
Mary survives him, as do their children Douglass Maynard, Mallory McGrath and Allison deVaux and 7 grandchildren.
He donated his body to Yale Medical School. No services are planned. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Regional Hospice in Danbury.

Howard Maynard
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows a scene any cat owner knows well: Michael Catarevas’ Licorice stuck inside, watching a squirrel chipmunk race by outdoors.
“If only…!” the cat is thinking. The squirrel chipmunk, of course, is oblivious.

(Photo/Michael Catarevas)
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And finally … Gary Brooker died Saturday, at 76, after battling cancer.
He was Procol Harum’s singer, pianist and composerin . The British band’s “A Whiter Shade of Pale” is one of the most memorable from the 1967 Summer of Love. It’s #57 on Rolling Stones “500 Greatest Songs of All Time,” and is in the Grammy Hall of Fame.
But Procol Harum was much more than just that Bach-derived song with haunting, mystical lyrics. They played and toured for 50 years. And in 2003 — in recognition of his charitable service — Queen Elizabeth made Gary Brooker a Member of the Order of the British Empire. Click here for a wonderful obituary.
For those of you who still consider “A Whiter Shade Of Pale” to be one of the best pop songs ever written, here is Procol Harum with the Danish National Concert Orchestra, ‘live’ from 2006. Gary Brooker’s voice still magnificent, a full 39 years after he first sang this song.
R.I.P. Gary.
https://youtu.be/St6jyEFe5WM
And 73 million views. Wow!
My favorite Procol Harum song is “A Salty Dog” … Gary Brooker wrote the music and sings it. It always brings tears to my eyes. Incredibly evocative.
Here’s a live version from 2006. Complete with a choir. Enjoy.
Noting the absence of artists on the “Arts Intersects Business” panel…??
Thank you Steve Lunt and India van Vorhees for your musical selections. Both favorites. R.I.P. Gary Brooker
I can’t resist pointing out that squirrels don’t have stripes – it’s a chipmunk!
Hah! My bad. It’s been fixed. Thank you!
Love Tom Kretsch’s work! We have six of his pieces in our restaurant that highlight our beautiful beaches and waterways in Westport.
The concert from Denmark takes place at a castle very close to were both my grandparents live. Have listened to this version of “A white shade of pale” many times.
P.S Of course my sentence should read “grandparents” lived, they have been gone for many years.
Good move on separate glass recycling. But a question about the metal lids: Can they be recycled with metal or do we add them to “trash” pile?
Update: Metal lids CAN be put in the mixed recycling containers at the transfer station.
GODSPEED Gary Brooker, was fortunate to see Procol Harum twice in my time and to hear “Whiter Shade of Pale” live was tremendous ……