Congratulations to Eileen Lavigne!
Westport’s assistant town attorney married Tim Ritchie on June 14, at Compo Beach.
They met “bravely” on Match, she says, in June 2020 — at the height of the pandemic.
The wedding took place in front of both partners’ immediate families. The officiant was very familiar: Eileen’s daughter Kat.
Eileen Lavigne and Tim Ritchie (Photo/Dave Matlow)
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Cathy Talmadge’s family and friends gathered yesterday at Wakeman Town Farm.
A memorial garden was dedicated to WTF’s co-founder, committee member and treasurer. It honored her legacy of preservation, environmentalism and community involvement
Cathy — who was also a longtime Representative Town Meeting (RTM) member, civic volunteer and environmental advocate — died in January 2023.
It took over 2 years and hundreds of hours for volunteers, interns and farmers to amend the soil, eliminate weeds, and turn a fallowo piece of propety across the street from the Farm into a thriving cut-flower garden.
First Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Westport poet laureate Donna Disch, and friends Amy Ancel and Tony McDowell were among the speakers.
Cathy’s daughter Callie said her mother’s “happy place was always in her garden, under the sun, srrounded by the wild beauty she helped nurture.
“She had an incredible eye for plants, and the kind of green thumb that could bring anything back to life.
“She didn’t just garden; she communed with the plants. She was usually covered head to toe in dirt, with the biggest grin on her face.
“And usually, yes, a solid case of posion ivy.”
Cathy Talmadge Memorial Garden. (Photo/Andrew Colabella)
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Alisyn Camerota and Dave Briggs have done it again.
On Friday, the television journalists recorded a riveting “Sanity” podcast with Joe Walsh.
The former Tea Party co-founder-turned-Democrat (as of last week) spoke candidly about the state of his former Republican Party, his differences with Democrats, and the importance of a “big tent” that covers a variety of views.
Alisyn and Dave both worked at Fox News. Their questions about Joe’s appearances there — including interviews with Alisyn — are particularly fascinating.
Click here or below to view their podcast. It’s a half hour well worth watching.
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A demolition notice has been placed on the porch of 21 Norwalk Avenue, a few steps from Compo Beach.
(Photo/Dan Woog)
The 4-bedroom, 2 1/2-bathroom, 2,155-square foot home was built in 1920.
Well, it was a great 105-year run.
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Did you miss yesterday’s Great Duck Race?
Were you there, and want to see it again? (With the chance this time to pause for the highlights — even though you still have no idea which duck is yours.)
Sunrise Rotary Club member Mark Mathias taped the entire 8 minute-plus race. Click here or below to see.
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There was a lot of music in Westport Friday — and only a few yards apart.
Mystic Bowie brought his high energy “Talking Dreads” show to the Westport Library. Across the way, the Tom Petty Project rocked the Levitt Pavilion.
In the parking lot between the venues, Jerry Kuyper met 2 couples who had agreed to meet at “the concert.”
At that moment, they realized the one pair had tickets for Mystic. The other had them for Tom Petty.
Jerry offered great advice: Meet halfway through, and switch arm bands.
Yeah, that was a first world problem. But maybe Jerry should offer his problem-solving skills to the Middle East.
There were 2 concerts Friday: one outdoors, one inside. (Photo/Jerry Kuyper)
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“06880” readers love Claudia Sherwood Servidio’s. A relative newcomer to Westport, the professional photographer captures the beauty and natural wonder of our town with a discerning and special eye.
Claudia spends most summer on the Greek island of Lemnos, in the Aegean Sea.
On Friday she had a show there of her underwater photos. Here’s one:
(Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)
Looks like a great show. How about another project: “Underwater Westport”?
There’s no telling what she might find.
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Astele — which has sold tables, seating, lighting, accessories and more on Riverside Avenue near Post Road West since 1996 — is closing next week.
Her focus has changed, says owner Natalie Dunagan. She’s selling mostly online now, to the hospitality industry here and abroad.
Her lighting, barstools and other items will now be available at New England Antique Lumber in Mt. Kisco, New York.
Residential (left) and commercial offerings, from Astele.
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On Thursday, the Jazz Society of Fairfield County awarded 2 $5,000 scholarships, to graduating high school seniors who will pursue a career in jazz performance, composition and/or jazz education.
They grants honor longtime saxophonist, educator and supporter of the non-profit’s Thursday night “Jazz at the Post” series.
Liana Nash (Kolbe Cathedral High School) studies music with the KEYS (Kids Empowered by Your Support) program in Bridgeport, which provides free lessons to students whose families cannot afford them. She sings in the KEYS choir, plays cello in its orchestra, and is a vocalist and pianist in its jazz band.
This summer she will intern at KEYS Summer Camp. In the fall she will study music education at Western Connecticut State University.
Maxwell Crook is a saxophonist from Ridgefield. He earned the Outstanding Soloist award at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Essentially Ellington competition, and participated in the Western Connecticut State University Honors Festival.
He will double major in jazz performance and music production/composition at Loyola University in New Orleans.
In addition to their scholarships, Liana and Maxwell performed with a quartet of renowned musicians at last Thursday’s Jazz at the Post.
Liana Nash and Maxwell Crooks, at Thursday’s Jazz at the Post.
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Sure, today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature shows milkweed at Sherwood Island State Park.
But, photographer Marcia Falk wonders: Can you spot the bee?
(Photo/Marcia Falk)
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And finally … in honor of Claudia Sherwood Servidio’s underwater photo exhibit (story above):
(What a weekend! And it’s only half over. If you’re enjoying it — and our coverage of it — please click here to support our work. Thank you. Now enjoy the rest of the day.)
What’s wrong with beautiful old beach house, 21 Norwalk Avenue.? Can’t someone save it and remodel? Different world I suppose.
Depressing negative persona and commentary on that podcast. Awful ear noise.
Cathy Talmadge was a wonderful member of the Westport community. This garden is a fitting tribute to a passionate and tireless volunteer.