Westport’s Memorial Day parade has been a town highlight for nearly a century.
But coincidentally, 2 parade photos from the same year — 1965 — popped into my inbox within a few days of each other last week.
One — posted by Paul Ehrismann on Facebook — shows a gaggle of kids and parents, turning the corner from the Post Road (State Street) onto Myrtle Avenue:
Their outfits — today, quite politically incorrect and culturally misappropriated — show they were part of the Westport YMCA’s “Indian Guide” program.
I was never an Indian Guide, so I don’t know whether they learned actual history or stereotypical myths about Machamux, the Pequots, and other people and tribes who lived here nearly 4 centuries ago.
But if I had to guess …
The other photo came from Adam Stolpen:
In 1965, Adam was a Staples High School student — and the one delivering a Memorial Day address. The site for the ceremony in those days was Jesup Green. (Today it’s at Veterans Green, across from Town Hall.)
Others in the photo include Westport resident and former Connecticut Governor John Davis Lodge (all in white, with a Navy cap); World War I veteran and grand marshal E.O. Nigel Cholmeley-Jones (to the right of Governor Lodge, with hands folded), and Temple Israel’s rabbi, Byron T. Rubenstein (seated at far left).
Adam thinks the man in uniform on the far right may be parade director Frank Cunningham.
The Memorial Day parade has endured for years. But over the past few years, attendance has been a bit down.
Yet it’s one of those things that makes Westport feel like a small town — and a very American one.
The parade begins Monday at 9 a.m., at Saugatuck Elementary School. The route takes it down Riverside Avenue, then onto the Post Road and Myrtle Avenue, ending at Town Hall.
A very inspiring ceremony — with brief speeches, patriotic music, a 21-gun salute and a tribute to grand marshal, 99-year-old World War II veteran Ben Pepper — follows, around 10:30 at Veterans Green.
Don’t miss it! And maybe 58 years from now — in 2083 — your picture will be part of a “Friday Flashback” too.
(“06880” is as “Westport” as the Memorial Day parade. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
The Super Duper Weenie Truck) fed over 100 attendees, at Longshore’s Evan Harding Point picnic area.
The group — part of Westport’s social organizations for adults with disabilities — enjoying dancing, dining, dessert, yard games, art with MOCA, and relaxing, all with great views of Long Island Sound.
Organizers give a shoutout too to their “super-duper volunteers.”
Club 203’s next event is June 15 (6:30 to 8 p.m.), at the Westport Library. Click here for details.
Club 203 fun at Longshore. (Photo/Jacqueline Lobdell)
Wakeman Town Farm is a fantastic resource for people of all ages and interests.
Now, it’s accessible to those with mobility issues.
The Westport Garden Club recently donated funds for a Fold & Go all-terrain electric wheelchair. It’s been delivered, just in time for the spring/summer season.
People with limited mobility, or their friends or relatives, should email education@wakemantownfarm.org before a visit. The Farm’s dducation coordinator will have the wheelchair waiting.
From left: Kelle Ruden, Joan Andrews and Ginger Donaher, with the all-terrain wheelchair at Wakeman Town Farm.
Visitors to yesterday’s Westport Farmers’ Market enjoyed great weather; the usual wide variety of food, herbs and more — and a “Ducks in Buckets” game.
The Westport Sunrise Rotary Club was there, promoting their annual Great Duck Race.
$10,000.00 in prize money will be given away; the grand prize winner gets $5,000 of it. All proceeds go to charities.
The annual fundraiser is Saturday, June 24 at Jesup Green. Attendance is free. Tickets to compete are available online; at the Farmers’ Market next Thursday (July 1); from any club member, and the day of the race.
Pitching in for the Great Duck Race, at the Farmers’ Market.
And they’re related. Environmental impacts cross borders. They affect every group of citizens.
On June 1 (7 p.m., Westport Library), Roosevelt Institute director of climate policy Rhiana Gunn-Wright will explore the connections between environmental justice and racial justice. Her talk is called “Just Transitions to Regional Sustainability.”
The event is part of a Saugatuck Congregational Church initiative to “embrace our coastal community” and is a partnership with the Library, TEAM Westport, and Sustainable Westport. Click here for more information.
Rhiana Gunn-Wright
================================================
“06880” usually bird dogs new businesses.
But we missed the arrival recently of Birddogs.
The mens’ shorts/pants/polo shirts shop is open in Brooks Corner. It’s their 3rd brick-and-mortar store. The others are in New York City and Short Hills, New Jersey.
Click here for their minimalist website. Or check them out for yourself.
A reading of the comedy “Quick Service” as part of the New Works series (June 5, 7 p.m.; meet the playwright and director afterward). All tickets are $25. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
A “Script in Hand” play reading of Agatha Christie’s “The Murder Of Roger Ackroyd” (June 12, 7 p.m.). All tickets are $25. Click here to purchase, and for more information. ==================================================
A longtime tradition continued this morning.
A group of dads gathered at 5:30 a.m. to install a water slide for Kings Highway Elementary School’s field day.
At 100 feet long and 50 feet wide, that’s no easy task.
Even harder, no doubt, will be wrestling it — big and wet — back into its original packaging.
Sorelle Gallery on Church Lane showcases Daniel Pollera and Michele Poirier-Mozzone, from June 2 through 24.
He focuses on land and seascapes, while she paints soft, fragmented figures from underwater vantage points. Both explore themes of water and light, and the relationship between them.
Speaking of art: Around the corner from Sorelle, in Sconset Square, Vanessa Lewis’ recently relocated her Penfield Collective “retail concept” (I’m assuming that means “store”) from Fairfield.
Now there’s a new addition, right outside.
Donna Forma’s sculpture has been installed at the door. Made of laminated walnut, it has been treated to become weather resistant.
The new artwork is all in the family. Lewis is Forma’s daughter.
And finally … Rolf Harris, the Australian singer whose “Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport” was a huge novelty hit, but whose long career on British television ended when he was convicted of sexually abusing teenage girls — died earlier this month in England. He was 93.
A recent visit to Lyman, Ukraine gave Westport officials an up-close-and-personal look at the impact our town has made on our sister city.
First Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Police Chief Foti Koskinas saw how Westporters’ contributions of $252,000 helped rebuild apartments, kept police operations functioning, enabled electricity restoration, and assisted with garden planting.
They understood too the depth of gratitude in Lyman for strangers, who have now become friends.
Earlier this week, Westport 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Lyman Mayor Alexander Zhuravlov formalized our sister city partnership.
Now, the next phase in the Westport/Lyman sister city relationship begins.
Organizers of last winter’s fundraising have planned a special day of gratitude and celebration for Westport’s support and generosity.
Everyone in town: Mark your calendars for Sunday, July 9 (1 p.m. to dusk).
Ukraine Aid International hosts a unique (and free!) event. LymanAID (pronounced LEE-mon-aid, almost like the drink) is a day for food, fun and music; for showcasing the impact Westport has made — and to raise funds for more help.
Everyone is invited. It’s at the Ukrainian American Club, on the Post Road in Southport at the I-95 Exit 19 on-ramp.
Admission is free. But there will be plenty of opportunities to give, from VIP admission to a treasure sale, raffle, Yankee auction, coffee table book pull, plant sale, “LymanADE” stand and more. Lyman Mayor Alexander Zhuravlov will speak on a big screen.
Free admission includes light snacks, drinks and entertainment.
VIP tickets ($350) include reserved seating, a commemorative gift, open bar, homemade Ukrainian-inspired meal and more.
VIP Plus tickets ($1,000) receive all benefits above, plus signage with your family name or company logo, a message for the Ukrainian people, and a Ukraine flag signed by Mayor Zhuravlov.
Sponsorship opportunities are available too. For information, email connievonzwehl@gmail.com.
To RSVP, purchase VIP tickets and for more information, click here. To make a direction directly now, click here; under “”Designation,” click on “Westport-Lyman Sister City” in the dropdown menu.
NOTE: The entire event has been privately underwritten. No Ukrainian Aid International funds will be used. All money raised will go directly to Westport’s sister city.
A much-needed trash truck sports the Westport flag.
Ukrainian officials hold the Westport flag; Ukraine Aid International’s Marshall and Brian Mayer, and Liz Olegov, hoist the Lyman banner.
PS: Want an idea of how to help?
Seed packs ($140): Enable 10 families to replant their crops or gardens.
Electric generator ($450): Sponsor a 2.8kw electric generator to power a house or small business in Lyman.
Hydraulic jack ($1,900): Help construction crews by donating a hydraulic jack.
Radio units ($6,000): Supply 20 radio units for police and first responders.
Water filtration system ($15,000): Provide clean drinking water with a water filtration system for contaminated water sources.
Mobile children’s hospital ($22,000): Fund a mobile children’s hospital/medical truck to bring vital healthcare to Lyman’s youngest residents.
Bedford Middle School students sent 200 cards, letters and drawings to their Lyman counterparts.
Rev. Alison Patton — the Saugatuck Congregational Church pastor, and an outspoken advocate for social justice throughout the broader Westport community — will leave her pulpit this summer.
After more than a decade leading the historic downtown church, she has accepted a call to serve as the senior pastor of First Congregational Church, UCC in South Portland, Maine.
Her final worship service here will be July 30.
Rev. Patton came to Westport from First Church Simsbury in 2012. The congregation was reeling from a pre-Thanksgiving fire. Only a fire wall had saved the nearly 200-year-old building — the place where Westport was established as a town, in 1835 — from complete destruction.
For 2 years she was a pastor without a building. But she accepted that challenge — and many others — with grace, grit, and great good humor.
Though Rev. Patton was the first female senior minister in the long history of Saugatuck Church,, she seldom thought about it.
Her mother and godmother were ministers. So were other women in her life — and her father. “I’m just very used to it,” she told “06880” as she settled in. (For that April 2012 story on Rev. Patton’s arrival, click here.)
In a letter to church members and friends yesterday, Rev. Patton said:
“While I am excited about the life that awaits me and my family in Maine, this departure comes with an obvious mix of emotions: I will miss you.
“You and I have shared a rich and dynamic 11 years of ministry. We have been displaced by fire and pandemic, but never stopped worshiping or living out our mission to ‘love and serve God and neighbor.’
“With creativity and compassion, we have navigated the challenges. We have opened our doors to the wider community whenever possible. We have nurtured an all-ages culture enriched by the gifts and contributions of the young people in our midst. We have made bold public statements in pursuit of love and justice in and beyond Westport. We have played and prayed together, walked the labyrinth, gone on soul-feeding retreats, and gathered around countless tables.
“Throughout these 11 years, I have felt God’s Spirit at work among us, nudging, stretching, and cheering us on. I trust that God will continue to guide and enliven this Saugatuck community. There is so much ministry still waiting to unfold among you. Individually and collectively, you have gifts that this world needs….May God bless our goodbyes and our unfolding ministries.”
During Black Lives Matter protests, a large banner hung on the front of Saugatuck Church.
Asked if she had a message for the town, Rev. Patton told “06880”:
I have so appreciated being part of the Westport community. I am grateful for a fantastic and dedicated group of clergy colleagues, and for the many organizations and people with whom I and Saugatuck Church have cooperated over the years.
Our interfaith connections and the many inter-organizational collaborations are two of Westport’s strengths. It’s been a privilege to have been a part of so many rich conversations, deep learnings and meaningful actions. Thank you, Westport!
Saugatuck Church moderator Bruce Borner and vice moderator Nancy Wargo said:
“Alison, in her 11 years of service, has been there for our church literally through fire and disease. Her focus on equality in every sense has inspired us as members and human beings to rise above our embedded prejudices and make a difference, by example and through action. She’s served us with love, compassion and dedication.”
A search for a new pastor begins soon. In the meantime, plans are underway for a congregation-wide celebration of Rev. Patton’s new call, and her time at Saugatuck.
(God works in mysterious ways: Rev. Patton will be welcomed by some ex-Westport faces at her new Maine church. One is former resident Tim Honey. His wife chaired the search committee that called her to South Portland.)
(In November of 2021, I chatted with Rev. Patton for my “06880” podcast. Click below to see.)
STEM Journal features an intriguing and diverse array of science-related articles. Topics include the space station, Alzheimer’s, impulsivity, molecular medicine, Conway’s Game of Life, neuromodulation and gene therapy, spina bifida, the philosophical and psychological impacts of music in America, the water crisis and forever chemicals.
Impressive stuff.
Even more impressive: It’s the Staples STEM Journal.
Led by editor-in-chief Will Boberski, layout editor Sam Zwick-Lavinsky and faculty advisor Amy Parent, the publication is completely researched and written by students.
The spring issue is online. Click here to see the remarkable scope and breadth of these teenagers’ work.
But the Staples STEM Journal does not stop there.
They recently hosted a series of presentations by scientific researchers throughout the state. Topics ranged from deer population management to quantum physics and genomic sequencing.
They’re always looking for interesting contacts. So, “06880” readers: If you work in STEM and want to speak with the Journal students this fall, email Will (wb1003566@students.westportps.org) or Amy at (aparent@westportps.org).
Speaking of Staples: Students Ryan Sunjka, Jack Schwartz, Jackson Tracey and Lucy Barney are members of the Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital junior board.
Last week, they organized a fundraising competition at Row House. Teams of 3 vied to row the farthest on erg machines, in 30 minutes. The goal was $10,000.
The teens blew past that mark. They raised $15,000 for Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital.
They thank all who helped. And “06880” thanks Ryan, Jack, Jackson and Lucy, for all they do to help others.
From left: Jackson Tracey, Jack Schwartz, Elijah de Brito (competitor), Ryan Sunjka, Henry Hoeffner (behind Ryan; Weston High School and board member); Blake O’Looney (Pierrepont School and board member); Lucy Barney.
Westport Police report 1 custodial arrest between May 17 and 24. A man was charged with disorderly conduct, violation of a standing criminal protective order, and threatening (2nd degree), following a domestic violence incident.
Police also gave the following citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 13 citations
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 11
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 3
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 2
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 2
Failure to obey stop sign: 1
Improper turn: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without tint inspection: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
Improper use of markers: 1
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
Failure to register commercial vehicle: 1.
Each window in Connecticut that has tint applied (other than factory- tinted) must have a certification label in the lower left corner. Who knew?
Westport’s downtown is about to get a bit more colorful.
The Board of Selectwomen voted 3-0 yesterday to approve a rainbow crosswalk at Taylor Place and Jesup Road, by Green & Tonic. Avisual celebration of LGBTQ Pride Month, it will be installed adjacent to Jesup Green, where Westport’s Pride celebration takes place June 4 (1 to 3 p.m.).
The design will incorporate the colors of the Pride flag. It’s planned to be in place all month. Public Works director Pete Ratkiewich will review it after the first week, to ensure the materials are holding up.
At the Board of Selectwomen meeting yesterday, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker expressed hope that the rainbow crosswalk could become permanent, as part of the refurbishment of downtown.
Westport joins a host of North American cities and towns with rainbow crosswalks, including Ames, Iowa; Athens, Georgia; Atlanta; Birmingham, Alabama; Bozeman, Montana; Colorado Springs; Covington, Kentuckyl Cupertino, California; Dallas; Great Barrington, Massachusetts; Juneau, Alaska; Key West, Florida; Lethbridge, Alberta; Long Beach, California; Memphis; Miami Beach; Minneapolis; Newport, Rhode Island; Ottawa; Philadelphia; Plymouth, Massachusetts; Portland, Maine; Provincetown, Massachusetts; Salmon Arm, British Columbia; San Diego; San Francisco; Seattle; Vancouver; Swift Current, Saskatchewan; West Hollywood, California; Westfield, New Jersey; Windsor, Ontario and Woburn, Massachusetts.
The Art Collective of Westport’s pop-up shows are always fun.
At the next one — in addition to food, wine, and great conversation with the 11 artists — you can also win an original painting by Kat Evans (value: $900).
Just leave your name and email at the opening reception (June 6, 6 to 8 p.m., Westport Country Playhouse barn), or from June 7-10 (6 to 10 p.m.). There is also an artists’ talk Sunday, June 10 at 4:30.
Besides Evans, artists participating in the show are Sue Benton, Zvi Goldman, MaryEllen Hendricks, Judy Katz, Niki Ketchman, Michael Ledner, Jane Lubin, Katherine Ross, Greg Ziebell and Florence Zolan.
===============================================
Update on the l-o-o-o-n-g odyssey of the Bayberry Lane bridge project.
Yesterday, Westport Department of Public Works engineer Keith Wilberg sent this email to “Bayberry Lane Bridge residents”:
“The contractor installing the guide rail has hit ledge when installing a few of the posts. We need approvals from the sttate Department of Transportation to revise the installation procedure of the few posts, as they are paying the bulk of the construction costs.
“I find this infuriating, as I have been promising you that the bridge and road will be opening up as of April. Needless to say, I am not happy with the contractor.
“In the meantime the contractor, having little work to do to complete the project, has not scheduled or sent any workers to the site, as there is little (short of the guiderail) left to do. So you are correct that there has been no activity on site for far too many days.
“The town has proposed a solution to the contractor whereby they will install concrete jersey barriers behind the guiderail in the areas where they are having problems with the posts, thus enabling us to open the road to traffic by Friday afternoon. They have agreed to this.
There will be some small amount of incidental clean up to do, but in short, this should get the road open by Friday and finalize the project.
“I appreciate your patience with all of this, and please know that no one wants this bridge open more than I do.”
Bayberry Lane bridge, last November. (Photo/Sandy Rothenberg)
Run — don’t walk — to Weston’s 29th annual Memorial Day Weekend 5K.
Sponsored by the Weston High School PTO, it’s the only USATF-certified road race course in the town.
Runners of every category are joined by joggers, walkers and baby strollers. There are trophies, a Kids’ Fun Run, obstacle course, food truck and more.
Longtime Westport resident Janice Dean died yesterday. She was 88.
She and her husband Evan Dean moved from Alton, Illinois to Rochester, New York, and then Westport while raising 8 children.
At age 46, Janice decided to pursue higher education at Sacred Heart University. She earned a bachelor of science in business administration, graduating magna cum laude in 1983.
She obtained her real estate license, and managed Scott Associates in Darien for many years. She proudly led them in the transition to computerization.
In retirement, Janice and Evan traveled extensively, frequented New York City, and played golf and bridge. Janice achieved Bronze Life Master in the American Contract Bridge League in 2016.
At 85 Janice took up chess. She displayed her competitive spirit by effortlessly defeating her children and grandchildren.
Janice Dean was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Evan, and her daughter Jennifer Dean Burke. She is survived by her childrenMark (Jaime), Christopher (Carline), Jayne (Gaetano Albani), Eric, Mary Ann (Mark Lindwall), David and Thomas (Andrea), 19 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday (May 26, 10 a.m., Assumption Church). Interment will follow in Assumption Cemetery on Greens Farms Road. Click here to leave condolences.
And finally … Tina Turner died yesterday, at her home in Switzerland. She was 83, and had suffered from complications of a stroke and kidney disease.
But in her prime, she was amazing. The New York Times — not a source for hyperbole — called her “the earthshaking soul singer whose rasping vocals, sexual magnetism and explosive energy made her an unforgettable live performer and one of the most successful recording artists of all time.” (Click here for a full obituary.)
That was all on display one spring weekend, when I saw her at Brown University. She was still with Ike (she left her abusive, cocaine-addicted husband in 1976 with, the Times says,”36 cents and a Mobil gasoline card in her pocket”). I have never forgotten that night.
(It’s hard to keep up with everything in town. But “06880” tries. If you like what we do, please support us with a contribution. Click here — and thank you!)
Ashlee Grieb and her husband Fred live in the same Westport home he grew up in.
But they didn’t buy it from his parents. Another family did; the Griebs purchased it from them, when it randomly came on the market after they’d been looking all over town for 6 months.
That’s not what this story is about, however. What Ashlee has done since then is even more interesting.
Ashlee Grieb
Soon after relocating here from New York, she joined the Westport Weston Family YMCA. “My son was 7 months old. I didn’t know anyone. The new Y had just opened. Their childcare was great. And I really got into group fitness,” Ashlee recalls.
In 2019 she decided to get certified as a trainer. She studied, passed a test — and then COVID hit.
Ashlee spent pandemic time in her basement, choreographing a class she hoped to some day teach.
When director of health and wellness Judy Klein called, she was ready.
The first class Ashlee taught was “Dancing to the Oldies.” It was great, for a handful of people.
When she changed it to “Cardio Dance Jam” in 2021, things really rocked.
Her Monday and Thursday classes are filled with 20-something au pairs, 70-something retirees, and all ages in between. Most — but not all — are women.
Music ranges from Kesha and K-pop to Meghan Trainor, Christina Aguilera, Ed Sheeran and Rihanna.
“If you like music and dancing, this is for you,” Ashlee says. “We laugh a lot. We have so much fun.
Newcomers are welcomed in. “Not everyone feels comfortable dancing in front of others,” she acknowledges. “But it doesn’t matter. We foster a community of acceptance.
“This is a place to have fun. There are not a lot of adult dance groups. I’m glad I can provide that space.”
Ashlee’s class, after a New Year’s Eve Cardio Dance Jam.
Ashlee also leads a weekly class for Parkinson’s patients. The music is older: Elvis, the Beach Boys, Neil Diamond, Pat Benatar, disco.
The Parkinson’s class members — who named themselves “The Parkettes” — are mostly men. “They’re totally into it. They sing right along,” Ashlee says.
“It’s good for them to exercise their voices as well as their bodies. I’m glad it’s so helpful.”
One member calls it “the highlight of my week.”
In addition to leading classes, Ashlee is a self-taught video producer. After recording one to promote her class, she was asked to film others. She enjoys using her talents to show off the wide variety of classes.
Ashlee is all in at the Y. She serves on the Employee Engagement Committee, and is helping plan next fall’s Sneaker Ball.
In her spare time, she volunteers at her son’s Long Lots School library.
When librarians learned she’s a fitness dance instructor, they asked for their own session. So one day before school, Ashlee led the Long Lots staff in a special Cardio Dance Jam.
With a song blasting out, and in her heart.
(For more information on Cardio Dance Jam, and other fitness classes, click here.)
(“Y” not click here to support “06880”?! Thank you!)
It’s quite an accomplishment to start a business. It’s even more remarkable to keep it going for over 30 years.
Fitness Works is the Westport gym that Jo Rasmussen started in 1993. It was a tiny workout space she opened with a partner behind Albe Furs.
A few years later she moved across the Post Road to another small space on the lower level of Playhouse Square, below what was Silver Ribbon (now The Granola Bar).
She enlarged the gym over the years, making it into a large bright space. She has provided dance (and belly dance) classes, yoga, Pilates and many other programs, along with personal training by herself and others.
Jo brings her own personality and passion to what she does. I am one of many people who have benefited from her keen attention, and determination to get everyone to be physically fit.
Jo is a fascinating person with an amazing personal story.
She is also an exceptional golfer, with shelves of trophies. She coaches the Ridgefield High School teams.
On April 15, Fitness Works celebrated 30 years in business. Congratulations, Jo!
Congratulations for sure! Quietly but with passion and professionalism, Jo Rasmussen has changed many lives. She is this week’s Unsung Hero.
(Do you know an Unsung Hero? Email 06880blog@gmail.com)
(“Unsung Hero” runs every Wednesday on “06880.” To support this and all other features, please click here. Thank you!)
One of Westport’s newest — but quick-selling-out — traditions is the Westport Public Schools’ Pops Concert.
The Levitt Pavilion event — featuring the Staples High School Symphonic Orchestra and Band, Jazz Ensemble, Choralaires and other small ensembles — returns Friday, June 9 (7 p.m.). The host is Westport’s own music and media maestro, David Pogue.
Tickets will be available at staplesmusic.org beginning at 9 a.m. on May 31. They’re first-come, first-served — and free! (A donation of $15 per ticket is suggested, to help offset the concert’s production costs.)
The Levitt lawn opens at 5:30 p.m. BYO chair — but food trucks will be there for picnickers.
The use of automated cameras to enforce speed limit and red light violations in Connecticut moved closer to reality yesterday.
The House voted 104-46 in favor. The bill now goes to the Senate.
Enforcement would be limited to school zones, pedestrian safety zones and other locations approved by the Office of State Traffic Administration. Speeders would have to go at least 10 miles per hour over the limit to get an automated ticket.
Fines would not surpass $50 for a first offense, $75 for a second offense. Revenues would go to municipalities, to be used for traffic-related expenses.
Click here for the full story, on Connecticut Mirror.
Red light traffic camera.
=================================================
Pulitzer Prize finalist Nicholas Dawidoff is the main attraction tomorrow night at the Westport Library
He’ll join former Assistant US Attorney Althea Seaborn to talk about his book The Other Side of Prospect: A Story of Violence, Injustice, and the American City (Thursday, May 25, 7 p.m.).
He will be in conversation with Norwalk Community College Professor and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Althea Seaborn.
Dawidoff spent 8 years researching and writing in his hometown of New Haven. Urban decay, white flight and redlining helped contribute to the transformation of Newhallville. Dawidoff makes these symptoms of “racist neglect” vividly clear.
But Pink Aid — the organization offering support and financial assistance to patients during treatment, and their families — will benefit from a night of comedy next month.
The event is June 1 (7 p.m., Chabad of Westport). Featured comedians include Cody Marino, Beau McDowell, Andrew Ginsburg and Nick Scopoletti. Tickets ($75 each) include 2 drinks, popcorn and candy. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
Twenty soon-to-graduate high school rowers were honored for their hard work, persistence and commitment Monday, by the Saugatuck Rowing Club. Nine live in Westport.
Saugatuck Rowing Club seniors from Staples High School (from left): Elisabeth Chadwick, Janna Moore, Dylan Halky, Wyatt Dodge, Jesse Herman, Luke Miller, Cooper Weyers, and Vincent Penna all attend Staples. Andrew Bacro (not pictured) attends the Pierrepont School,
The seniors and other teammates competed last weekend to qualify for Young Nationals in Sarasota, Florida in June.
Robin Tauck returned to the University of Vermont on Sunday. This time, the 1977 graduate gave the commencement address at graduation ceremonies for the Grossman School of Business.
Robin is a longtime Westporter. She is a 3rd-generation oo-owner and former president and CEO of Tauck Inc., the luxury travel company started by her grandfather in 1925, and headquartered for many years here.
She is a business graduate of UVM, Stanford University’s Executive Business Program, and the University of Cambridge Leaders Sustainability Program.
She was recently honored at the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame in Hartford, for her career in “Global Impact.”
But with so many local connections, it might as well be.
For example, Westporter Coke Anne Wilcox is president of the board of trustees. Caroline Calder serves as vice president, while Belinda Shepard and Richard “Deej” Webb are both trustees.
Westport poet laureate/Westport Writers’ Workshop instructor Jessie McEntee handles marketing and communications at Pequot.
Alex Heekin works in development. Jane Manners is the beloved children’s Librarian. Leslie Mahtani, also a librarian, works at the circulation desk.
Though the Pequot Library receives 20% of its annual funding from the town of Fairfield, it must raise the other 80% on its own.
One method: an annual Southport Garden Stroll. This year’s event — a behind-closed-gates peek at 8 stunning outdoor space — is June 2. Click here for tickets, and more information.
One more Westport tie-in: TV host/author/lifestyle expert/realtor Mar Jennings hosts the June 1 Champagne & Canapé kickoff party.
Pequot Library.
=================================================
A new farm dinner — an “intimate, bourbon-inspired” event — has been added to the Wakeman Town Farm menu.
It’s July 12. But, WTF notes, it makes a great Fathers Day gift.
Chef Lamour Workman promises that each course will be paired with a specialty bourbon, created by Bridgeport’s Fifth State Distillery.
Tickets are $125 each. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
Longtime Westporter Sophia Makowski, most recently of Wallingford, died peacefully on Saturday.
The 9th child of 10, and a “second mother” to several family members, Sophie is remembered for her “incredible endurance, priceless humor, sharp wit, and unending support of her loved ones.” Loved by all who met her.
Sophia’s funeral is tomorrow (Thursday, May 25, 11 a.m., Assumption Church). Interment will follow in Assumption Cemetery, Greens Farms Road.
And finally … Linda Lewis died earlier this month, near London. She was 72.
I never heard of her. But the New York Times took note. She was “a critically acclaimed soul singer and songwriter whose pyrotechnic voice propelled four Top 10 singles as a solo artist in her native Britain and led to work as a backup vocalist on acclaimed albums by stars like David Bowie, Cat Stevens and Rod Stewart.”
The newspaper added: “Ms. Lewis drew raves for her soaring five-octave vocal range and impressed listeners with her genre-hopping instincts, drawing from folk, R&B, rock, reggae, pop and — with more than a nudge from label executives — disco.”
Click here for the full obituary. And enjoy (as I did) this sampling of her work:
(If you get a ticket to the Westport Pops Concert, thank “06880.” You can say thanks with a contribution, too — 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!)
GET THE “06880” APP
The “06880” app (search for it on the Apple or Android store) is the easiest way to get “06880.” Choose notifications: whenever a new post is published, or once or twice a day. Click here for details.
Rev. Patton came to Westport from First Church Simsbury in 2012. The congregation was reeling from a pre-Thanksgiving fire. Only a fire wall had saved the nearly 200-year-old building — the place where Westport was established as a town, in 1835 — from complete destruction.
Jo is a fascinating person with an amazing personal story.
