Earlier today, Russian artillery killed 8 civilians and injured 13, in Westport’s sister city of Lyman, Ukraine.
Just 2 days ago, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Police Chief Foti Koskinas and CNN’s Alisyn Camerota drew a large crowd, for their discussion of the town officials’ recent trip to the Donetsk region.
Plenty of others could not make the 2 p.m. event.
Fortunately, the Westport Library and Y’s Men of Westport and Weston taped it all. Click below, for a very important hour.
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A little-publicized state law change may have big implications for Westport’s littlest residents.
And their parents.
Governor Lamont signed bill HB 06880 (a total coincidence; nothing to do with the name of this blog) into law on June 27.
It covers a variety of education topics. But one significant change is that beginning with the 2024-25 school year, the kindergarten age cutoff changes from December 31 that school year to September 1, so that any student entering kindergarten must already be 5 years old.
Because enrollment in private “5s” programs generally begins in early fall, families with students who will now be ineligible for kindergarten for the 2024-25 school year may need to think about private options.
Click here for the full bill. The relevant section begins on page 3. (Hat tip: Caroline Ferson)
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Ever wanted to go inside Paul Newman’s projection room?
Now you can. It will just cost you at least $700.
Liveauctioneers.com posted this listing for “The Projection Room, Westport, CT”:
“Simplex 35 mm Projectors PR-1003 with Kowa Company Ltd. and other lenses; Kni-tron Xenon Lamp Houses L-100-3 (5134, 5138) with Simplex Electric Changes Overs SA5 (188C, 182C) …” — and 8 other lines of similar technical stuff.
Then came the money shot: “The Newman’s [sic] Westport, CT barn housed a full projection room for screening movies. The above-listed equipment is being sold as-is, to be de-installed and picked up by the buyer in Westport, CT at their expense.” Click here for more information, and to bid. (Hundreds of other Newman items are listed too.)
The projection equipment’s estimated worth is $1,500 to $3,000. The cost of de-installing it yourself in the late actor’s barn: priceless. (Hat tip: Frank Rosen)
A small part of Paul Newman’s projection equipment.
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The teardown of 254 Hillspoint Road has been followed by demolition of a rock ledge.
The work has been followed closely, by the hundreds of people who walk daily between Compo and Old Mill Beach.
(Photo/Nathan Greenbaum)
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David Bigelow — who lived most of his life in Westport, and with his wife Eunice helped turn Fairfield-based Bigelow Tea company. and its “Constant Comment,” into a national leader in flavored tea — died last month. He was 96.
A celebration of his life is set for August 25 (11 a.m., Greenfield Hill Congregational Church, Fairfield). Memorial contributions to the David and Eunice Bigelow Foundation can be made online, or to 201 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield, CT 06825.
Click here for a full CT Insider story. Click here for the full obituary.
David and Eunice Bigelow
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Longtime Westporter Gerald “Jerry” Minsky died Thursday at Yale New Haven Hospital. He was 78.
A graduate of Abraham Lincoln High School of Coney Island, New York and the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, he earned an MBA from the University of Buffalo.
Jerry was an executive and mentor in the finance industry for many years. He was an innovator of computer leases and tax shelters, and was involved with the program that put the first camera on the moon.
His family says, “He was a world traveler, who always knew the best places to eat. He loved jazz and blues, and enjoyed cigars in the backyard. He played basketball, and was the first Ben Franklin Mascot.
“Jerry was also an avid tennis and pickleball player, and a late believer in the game of golf. He was an extremely intellectual person who loved reality TV, and family was the center of his world.”
Jerry is survived by his wife Lynne Minsky of Westport; sons Greg and Geoff; grandchildren Jack, Maddie and Sadie Minsky; nephews Richard (Som) Stein and Daniel (Wannarawee) Stein; great-nephew Tankhun Stein, and his cherished dog, Mickey. He was predeceased by his sister Arlene.
A memorial service will be held tomorrow (Sunday, July 9, 3 p.m., Temple). To join a live stream and share a condolence message, click here. Shiva will be observed at the Minsky residence on Sunday following the service, and on Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Mozaic Senior Life (formerly Jewish Senior Services), 4200 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604.
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Milkweed comes in many forms — all vital for monarch butterflies Here’s one, courtesy of Werner Liepolt, for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.
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And finally … on this date in 1889, the Wall Street Journal published its first edition.
(Hey, Mr. Businessman: “06880” is a great investment! If you appreciate what we do every day — and have done for 14 years — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Please click here. Thank you!
Most public comment was positive. One resident, Camilo Riano, wondered why students should have more rights than he does in addressing the board.
Marino emailed Tooker because, he says, “if such authority exists, it rests with the RTM or with you as First 
